The 6 Best Google Maps Games

Last week we looked at 5 Amazing Google Maps Driving Games that have been created with the Google Maps API. This week we are looking at some of the other genres of games that use the Maps API.

1. GeoGuessr

GeoGuesser has quickly become one of the most popular Google Maps games, combining Google's stunning Street Views with some captivating game-play.

GeoGuessr is a Street View geography quiz that sets you the challenge of guessing the locations of a series of random Street View images. Using visual clues, such as the fauna, landscape and street furniture you have to place a pin on a global Google Map indicating where you think each Street View image was taken.

The closer your guess to the actual location then the more points you win.

2. Map Dive

If you are a dedicated follower of Google Maps you probably saw pictures or videos of the game Map Dive on a panoramic Liquid Galaxy system at Google I/O. The good news is that you can now play the game on your desktop computer.

In Map Dive you get to free fall on Google Maps and land on famous monuments around the world. During your free fall you have to steer Pegman through a series of hoops, collect stars and land successfully. It's even trickier than it sounds.

3. Geo Guns

There haven't been many shooting games created with the Google Maps API. Of the few that have been created Geo Guns is one of the best.

Geo Guns is an impressive tank fighting game that takes full advantage of Google Maps' 45° (Bird's Eye) satellite view. You can choose from a number of pre-set battlefield locations for your tank fight. After you have selected the location the four tanks in your army are displayed at the bottom of a Google Map. The enemy tanks attack in waves from the top of the screen.

4. Build
 
This online LEGO building game will appeal to those of a more creative nature. Instead of getting to blow stuff up you can actually construct your own building on a Google Map. Build, created in partnership with LEGO, is a Chrome application that allows you to play with the world's largest LEGO set.

The application features a LEGO styled map of Australia. Users can choose plots on the Google Map and then use the LEGO set to create their own 3d buildings. Once you have selected a plot you can start building using a wide selection of LEGO bricks.

5. Google Maps Cube

Google Maps Cube involves navigating a ball on a 3d Google Maps cube, avoiding the 3d buildings and other obstructions, by rotating the cube.

The object of the game is to roll a small ball through a city on Google Maps and reach the indicated destination. If you manage to steer the ball to the correct destination your time is displayed and you can proceed to the next level.

The game has a few nice features. For example, in London you can use the Underground subway lines to move from one part of the map to another. The game also becomes a bit more interesting as you progress through the game, the later levels feature some indoor maps and the final level involves some tricky maps created by mixing up the map tiles from different cities.

6. MapsTD

Who doesn't like a good tower defense game? Combine Tower Defense with Google Maps and the result is something special.

MapsTD is an amazing tower defense game built using the Google Maps API. In the game you can choose from a number of location around the world. When you have selected a location you then have to defend it from attackers by strategically placing your defense towers. If you've ever played a Tower Defense game you should know what to expect.