We’ve come a long way since the Nintendo days and 16-bit computer games. Now we have more engaging games than ever.

In fact most games are designed to be addicting. Electronic games have had the bad reputation. They seem to be time thieves that we all should avoid. Surprisingly, there are some benefit to playing video games.

Playing video games be it on your PC, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone can give you the following benefits:

Improved Coordination - Unlike watching TV, where you are passively entertained, you have to be active mentally when playing games. A video game player must coordinate his eyes, hands, and ears to be able to perform well.

This helps in the development of coordination, which is useful in real life. Driving, for example, requires excellent coordination.

Sharper Problem-Solving Skills - Video games test a players problem solving skills in a fun way. You won’t even notice that you’re exercising those neurons in your brain. Because of the way games are leveled, you have to think of ways to advance while making very fast decisions on the fly.

Memory Enhancement - Computer games are becoming more and more complicated as new games are developed. You have to have a good memory if you want to win.

Brain cells are like muscles. The more you use them, the stronger they get. When you play computer games, your brain cells are exercised and your ability to remember things improve.

Increased Concentration - In this world that we live in, paying attention is something we rarely often do. We are bombarded by thousands of messages daily and our ability to concentrate has dwindled. Computer games allow us to focus and develop our attention.

Games are Educational - Some gamers will swear that they learned more about history and culture by playing Sid Meier’s Civilization VI compared to going to school.

Game elements are often well-researched and players can learn new things by playing computer games.

Improved Thinking Speeds - When you play computer games, you have to make split-second decisions. Games help you develop fast thinking. And like other benefits mentioned above, this is important in real life scenarios.

Games also improve your multi-tasking skill, although some researchers argue that multi-tasking isn’t something you really want to do.

Playing online games can also improve your social skills. A lot of gamers who are shy often makes friends online.

Those are just some of the benefits of playing games. Now, let’s talk about some of the games that I recommend.

Now it may take some time to install but after the initial installation, you can download and install as many games as you like and those subsequent games will install very quickly.

The Battle Cats

If you love tower defense games and you like cute cats, then you will enjoy The Battle Cats. It’s a free strategy game that’s originally for iOS and for Android.

It was released in Japan in November 2011 and was called “Battle Nekos”. Then was released in for Android in December 2011. The English versions was released in 2012 but was soon removed.

PONOS Corporation ported it for the PC but stopped support in 2018. However, you can still it on your PC by downloading it from https://thebattlecats.io/.

This game is rated 4.5 stars in the Apple App Store and the Google App Store.

Dota Auto Chess Legends

World of Warcraft has spawned numerous games, thanks to its World Editor. Now don’t be confused. Auto Chess is based on the DoTA 2 but it’s not really related. I know, now you’re probably more confused.

Dota Auto Chess is not chess nor is it Dota. But it’s an addictive game nonetheless. Auto Chess is actually based on Mahjong. The idea is you gather “chess pieces” first. These chess pieces will have different abilities.

Once you are done gathering, the battle will start. Interestingly, you don’t have to do anything while the battle is ongoing. The actual challenge is to assemble the pieces and combine them well.

Dota Auto Chess was developed by Drodo Studio and can be played on Windows and OS X as well as Linux.

Head Soccer

Head Soccer by D&D Dream is a very competitive game. New players complain that once you reach a certain point, you’ll be matched with other players that are simply too good.

It’s a fun game but it can be difficult to unlock new characters as you get to higher levels. The fight mode can also be very frustrating.

Plants VS Zombies 2

Plant VS Zombies 2 is the latest version of the beloved franchise from EA. The zombies are back and the plants are still here to defend your home.

You can download it on Google Play for android, Apple Store for iOS, and here if you want to play it on your PC or Mac.

Happy Glass

The idea of Happy Glass game is simple. The glass is sad because it’s empty. Your goal is to fill the glass. You do this by making the water flow in the right direction. It’s an arcade game that you can play online. You can also download Happy Glass on your PC.

Happy Glass is published by Lion Studios.

Hay Day

Hay Day is a highly popular farming game from Supercell - makers of Clash of Clans. It’s primarily designed for mobiles and tablets but you can play it on your PC or Mac, too. It’s available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Plague Inc.

You are indirectly controlling patient zero and your goal is to infect as man people as you can. Can you infect the entire world? That’s the unique premise of Plague Inc. Created by Ndemic Creations, you can download the game from Apple or Google.

The game requires strategic thinking and the simulation is scary because it’s realistic. It’s available in several different platforms.

Jetpack Joyride

Remember Fruit Ninja? Yep, the same guys that created that fun game also created Jetpack Joyride, Halfbrick Studios. The feel of the game is very similar to Flappy Bird but on steroids! You can choose from various jetpacks and there’s a story line.

It’s available in Apple’s App Store and in Google Play Store.

Real Racing 3

Electronic Arts really has it going when it comes to racing games. The game is called Real Racing 3 because you’ll simulating real cars in real race tracks. RR3 is rated 4.5 in Google Play and 4.8 in Apple’s App Store.

It has 250 realistically rendered cars from manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Audi, and Bugatti just to name a few. It also features 19 real tracks.

Just remember that this game is resource intensive. It requires 2.5GB of space. You can also play on it on your PC.

Sonic Forces

The beloved hedgehog is back with his friends. Sonic Forces is published by Sega. The plot is that Dr. Eggman has already conquered the world and Sonic is building an army to take the world back.

You can play it on the PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Download it on Google Play or Apple App Store.

There you have it. Those are just some android games you might enjoy playing in your PC or Mac desktop or laptop.

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