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Screenshot from 'Old Man's Journey.' Broken Rules/Press

Enumerating the best Android games of 2017 is a daunting task, considering the number of titles that grabbed everyone’s attention this year. Indeed, mobile gaming is still on the rise. Whereas the likes of “Pokemon Go” enjoys the unwavering support of its fanbase and “Super Mario Run” has achieved millions of downloads, plenty of deserving titles are left out of the spotlight.

So instead of the best or most popular Android games of 2017, here’s a list of those you may have missed. Some of these titles are also available on other platforms, but as mobile gamers swear by, nothing beats the feel of being able to carry your games anywhere.

‘Super Samurai Rampage’ – Developer: Brackish Games

The campy title should provide enough hint as to what to expect. “Super Samurai Rampage” is, hands down, one of the most action-packed Android games this year. You play as a samurai warrior fighting his way through hordes of enemies. Set against beautifully drawn backdrops, the game is a rip-roaring adventure that progressively gets more challenging as your progress.

‘Shadowmatic’ – Developer: Triada Studio Games

Now for something relaxing. “Shadowmatic” is a game that involves rotating seemingly random objects to manipulate the shape of their shadows into recognisable silhouettes. It doesn’t pressure you in any way—no timer, no jarring music. Only more than a hundred levels to enjoy. It’s a game that you play if you simply want to rest after a tiring day.

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Screenshot from 'Shadowmatic.' Triada Studio Games/Press

‘Old Man’s Journey’ – Developer: Broken Rules

The game was nominated for The Game Awards recently (it lost to "Monument Valley 2"), but it’s safe to say that it deserves more recognition than it’s getting now. “Old Man’s Journey” is a story of losing and recovering. The titular journey isn’t filled with monsters and dangerous traps. Here, the biggest obstacle is the self and its capacity to grieve. Play it for the narrative, or play it for the captivating music and the gorgeous art style. Plenty of reasons to experience this one.

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Screenshot from 'Old Man's Journey.' Broken Rules/Press

‘Causality’ – Developer: Loju

In “Causality,” players are tasked with helping astronauts escape from a dire fate by manipulating time. What begins as simple point-A-to-point-B soon turns into a test of strategic skills. Time travel is not without hiccups, as you create paradoxes and generate multiple versions of yourself. The only way to move forward is to look at the past and work with it in the present. There are around 60 levels to complete.

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Screenshot from 'Causality.' Loju/Press

‘After the End: Forsaken Destiny’ – Developer: NEXON M Inc.

This game isn’t a walk in the park. The puzzles get more challenging, the stakes getting higher and higher. “After the End: Forsaken Destiny” will test your wits as you assist the father-and-son duo on their adventure. Switches may open a door or help eliminate an obstacle. True, the game’s world holds plenty of secrets, so it’s good news that it has a forgiving checkpoint system.

Know of other Android games that should have been mentioned? Recommend them in the comments section below.

You might want to check out the best 2017 indie RPGs you might have missed, as well as the best horror games. Also, don't miss out on the best 2017 Nintendo Switch games you might have missed.