First Tegra-optimized Android game, Sumurai II, goes live

Of the dozens and dozens of Android device on the market, Samurai II: Vengeance was built for just two of them. So far. The game is believed to be the first major title developed independently for optimization on mobile devices running a dual-core processor.

That is to say, it’s the first game that wasn’t approached by a mobile manufacturer to make a device look good. This is a title developed for the sole purpose of being on the bleeding edge of technology, and it looks pretty impressive.

According to its Android Market description, Samurai II: Vengeance only runs at its best on Tegra-based devices, which at this point includes only the Motorola Xoom and the Atrix 4G. Both were released this month.

The game has been available for iPhone gamers for some time now, but never like this. “Samurai II for Tegra based Android phones and tablets delivers even more visual stunning graphics and polished gameplay,” says the game’s developer.

It uses a 3D rendering engine called Unity 3D, which is widely considered the most advanced engine of its kind for mobile games.

This is just the beginning of what is poised to be an entire year of huge advancements in mobile gaming. By the end of 2011, tech experts say games running on your Android phone could be as powerful as those running on your PS3.

Vengeance is one of the first steps on that path. Take a look for yourself: