Using Tablet Features

Android games can go beyond simply porting a game from a computer and converting it to use touch controls. Tablets often have hardware that computers do not. For instance, the Labyrinth Lite game from Illusion Labs mimics a 3D marble labyrinth game (see Figure 22–2). The motion sensors in tablets allow you to play this game by holding and tilting the tablet, and the graphics move and change as you play. This combination of tilting and moving your tablet to move the marble greatly enhances the illusion of 3D depth.

Figure 22–2. Labyrinth Lite by Illusion Labs

Racing games are another area where motion sensors work well. Many racing games allow you to hold your tablet out like it’s a steering wheel and use the tilting motion to steer the car. In some cases, you can control the acceleration by using a thumb on one side of the screen. Figure 22–3 shows the free Drag Racing app by Creative Mobile.

Figure 22–3. Drag Racing by Creative Mobile