The 8 Best Games on Google Play Pass in 2023

From action and adventure to role-play and card games

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on February 18, 2023

Google's subscription gaming service offers an impressive selection of classic and original games for Android. The best games on Google Play Pass include console ports, spin-offs of popular franchises, and many mobile exclusives.

The following games are available for the Android platform. Note the system requirements in the Google Play Store.

The Best Games on Google Play Pass

Similar to Apple Arcade, Google Play Pass provides players a way to enjoy hundreds of games ad-free for a monthly subscription fee. While you won't find new titles like Mario Kart Tour or Pokemon Masters, there are plenty of solid options.

01
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Classic Console RPG: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: KOTOR for Android
What We Like

  • An original story based on Star Wars lore.

  • A near perfect port of the Xbox original.

What We Don't Like

  • Huge game file may be too big for some devices.

  • Touch controls for pod racing and space battles are tricky.

Star Wars: KOTOR is a must-play for fans of Star Wars and RPGs. In this faithful port of the Xbox classic, you'll explore familiar environments and meet memorable characters from the franchise, but you'll also encounter new planets and alien races. The controls and interface have been optimized for touch screens, but you can use an external Bluetooth controller if you prefer a more authentic Xbox experience. The Android port also features new achievements.

02
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Biggest Sandbox: Terraria

Terraria for Android
What We Like

  • Developers listen to feedback and release frequent updates to improve the game.

  • Hours and hours of playtime.

What We Don't Like

  • Cluttered interface isn't ideal for small screens.

  • Occasional buggy performance.

Similar to Minecraft, Terraria is all about exploration, collecting resources, and building things. The Android version of Terraria doesn't include the latest features available in the PC edition, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's scaled down. The environments are just as big, and a new expert mode amps up the challenge for experienced players. The mobile version also supports online multiplayer with up to eight players.

03
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Best Looking Mobile Game: Lumino City

Lumino City for Android
What We Like

  • An immersive world that is both photo-realistic and surreal.

  • Creative art style and level designs.

What We Don't Like

  • Some of the text is too tiny to read comfortably.

  • Sometimes the game gives too much direction, and at other times not enough.

Lumino City has won multiple awards for it's stunning visuals, and it's easy to see why: The game's world was painstakingly crafted with real paper, lights, and tiny motors. Some puzzles will push the limits of you creativity, but the charming level design keeps things from ever feeling frustrating. Beautiful artwork combined with a touching story makes Lumino City an enjoyable 8-10 hour experience.

04
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Greatest Graphic Adventure Game: Sorcery! 3

Sorcery! 3 for Android
What We Like

  • Improves upon previous entries in the Sorcery! series of games.

  • The story is a faithful adaptation of the books.

What We Don't Like

  • The combat system is creative but lacks depth.

  • Confusing game mechanics take time to figure out.

The Sorcery! games are inspired by a series of choose-your-own-adventure novels by Steve Jackson. The books translate remarkably well as mobile games, and Sorcery! 3 is the best in the franchise. You'll make thousands of decisions before you reach the end of this interactive high fantasy story complimented by original artwork and music. If you like Sorcery! 3, you're in luck: All of the other Sorcery! titles are also available for Google Play Pass.

05
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Hardest Puzzle Game: Bridge Constructor Portal

Bridge Constructor Portal for Android
What We Like

  • Successfully captures the humorous tone of the Portal series.

  • Clever and challenging puzzles.

What We Don't Like

  • Not enough GLaDOS.

  • Levels provide little replayability.

Bridge Constructor Portal combines the basic mechanics of Bridge Constructor with the style and charm of Portal. Fans of both games will appreciate the witty writing and complex puzzles. You'll have to make it past laser turrets and pools of acid by making creative use of portals, repulsion gel, and other familiar power-ups. Best of all, Ellen McLain returns as GLaDOS, one of the most memorable characters of all time.

06
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Most Stylish Sims Spin-off: Fallout Shelter

Fallout Shelter for Android
What We Like

  • Intricate simulation and real-time strategy mechanics.

  • Polished presentation.

What We Don't Like

  • Little connection to the other Fallout games.

  • Tedious touch controls.

This mobile exclusive received a warmer reception from fans and critics than Fallout 76 for PS4 and Xbox One. Perhaps it's not fair to compare the games since expectations are generally higher for console titles, but Fallout Shelter is not a soulless spin-off of the popular franchise; it's a deep simulation game that combines elements of The Sims and Civilization series. To survive the nuclear apocalypse, you must carefully manage your resources as well as the relationships between your vault's inhabitants.

07
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Best Hack-and-Slash Game: Titan Quest

Titan Quest for Android

Titan Quest first came out for PC in 2006, and the Android version offers a significant upgrade with better graphics, new skills, and adjustable difficulty. Mythology and history buffs will enjoy exploring locales like ancient Greece, Egypt, and Babylon. The fast-paced combat makes Titan Quest a must-play for fans of classic hack-and-slash games like Gauntlet.

08
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Coolest Card Game: Reigns: Game of Thrones

Reigns: Game of Thrones for Android
What We Like

  • Multiple story paths featuring characters from the books.

  • Features the soundtrack from the television show.

What We Don't Like

  • Looks exactly like all of the other Reigns games.

  • The art style doesn't quite capture the atmosphere of Westeros.

If you haven't played the other Reigns games, they are interactive choose-your-own-adventure experiences that incorporate elements of card-based RPGs. Naturally, this format is a perfect fit for the Game of Thrones universe. Reigns: GOT allows you to rewrite the history of Westeros and essentially create your own GOT fanfic by playing all sides of the war between the seven kingdoms.

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