A new app called Starboard has been launched for Android, providing an unofficial port of the PortMaster app that many Linux handheld users love. Now, Android users can access a treasure trove of ported Linux games with ease.
Starboard was made available on GitHub last month, allowing gamers to install and play a wide range of community-ported titles through a Debian-based Linux runtime. The games are categorized into two types: "ready to run," which can be played immediately after installation, and "setup required," which necessitates the original game files. Some notable "ready to run" titles include 2048, Celeste, Doom, and Diablo, while games like Balatro, Doom 3, and Morrowind fall under the "setup required" category.
The compatibility of games in Starboard is quite varied; approximately 30% have been confirmed to run well, while about 63% of the library remains untested. To help users determine the playability of a game, Starboard incorporates a community-driven review system inspired by GameNative. This allows users to rate games based on several criteria, including performance and controls, while also providing device model details.
In my personal experience using Starboard on a Retroid Pocket G2 for two weeks, the app was overall user-friendly. Games were organized in straightforward categories, and installing a game was as simple as tapping the install button. Games that required additional setup involved copying files to the right location, but many performed well with only a few exceptions having graphical issues. Starboard includes features like GPU acceleration and the option to save known good settings for troubleshooting. It also supports installing games to microSD cards for users with limited internal storage.
I found myself engrossed in games like Apotris and nKaruga, enjoying the intuitive control mapping offered by the app. Moreover, Starboard provides a virtual gamepad for users who play on mobile devices without external controllers.
For those interested, Starboard can be downloaded through GitHub or Obtainium, and it’s a must-try for anyone with an Android handheld or interested in a large collection of free games.
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