Paradise Island: A Highly Addictive Free Android Market Game

I'll be completely honest - when I initially got the Droid Global I didn't think there would be many mind-gripping games. I, personally, enjoy games that keep me coming back. Progression to me is key. I enjoy building up in my game, whether it be a character's job-type like in games such as Final Fantasy XI, cities in one of the Sim City games, or just leveling up in one of the highly addictive Call of Duty games.

Paradise Island, although not as in-depth as console games, is highly addictive - to the point that I am constantly logging in on my Droid Global just to collect money, upgrade my facilities and expand my territories.

In Paradise Island there's an abundant amount of facilities. Strategy, just like in many other simulation games, is key. Although the game is rather simplistic in nature, it can become time-consuming and does become more complex as the game progresses.

First off, like in any other simulation game, there is some sort of currency. In this game there are two different currencies: the regular dollar and the "Piastre." The Piastre is much more difficult to obtain, and it is used to purchase special buildings, can help expand territories if you don't feel like laying out cash, and much more. However, you'll mostly be burning through cash in this game.

Tip: It is imperative that you save money early on in this game, but you must also spend it - balance yourself. You may want to just drop all of your money one expensive building, but sometimes it's better to get two cheaper buildings. This may help you get money and experience at a more stable rate. This rule doesn't always apply - look at the stats on each building prior to purchase and come up with a strategy.

Second, there are many facilities. The most important facility, which you also start with, is the Administrative building. This building will not bring in any money; Rather, it allows you hire workers, allowing you to expand and create more buildings. Another essential aspect, building-wise, are facilities that create energy - windmills, generators, solar power plants. Energy is needed to run the park, which can be seen at the top right of the screen.

Tip: Energy is easy to find in the beginning. Buy as many windmills as you can, as they're only $750 each, and upgrade them to their maximum level. This will hold you over, energy-wise, for a long time. After that, when energy starts getting low, buy generators and upgrade them. Your last resort is the Solar power plant, as it's bulky, has expensive overhead and it expensive to upgrade.

Third, you must expand! You only have so much room to initially build your facilities. Although expanding is very expensive, it's necessary. Players can also expand their water-area, too, as there are facilities that can be purchased and built out there.

Overall, I cannot stop playing this game. And beware, cheaters! The company has built-in safeguards to help ensure that players don't cheat. Even changing your phones internal clock can ruin your gameplay, as the company will eventually start restricting you from making certain purchases.

Paradise Island is free on the Android Market, and is highly recommended. Just beware, it takes time and dedication to get the ball rolling in this game.

Final Tip: Money and experience points are hard to come by initially. On the right side of the screen there is a ribbon icon that shows achievements. Complete these achievements to earn some easy (and some not so easy) currency and experience points.