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Some modern mobile games are great, but are seldom true replacements for the classics of yesteryear. Android has a surprisingly decent amount of retro games ported from consoles, PCs, and arcade platforms, and we’ve rounded up some of the best that have been released over the years. These games are true to their original shapes, with existing graphics (as in, they are not up to date to look and play as newer games) but if you are looking for an overview of classic games that have received a modern makeover, we have it covered in a separate post. Many of these games are one that you and I grew up playing, and I have handpicked the cream of the crop. So if you are an old player like me or a new player who would like to see some retro classics, I have prepared this summary just for you. For convenience, I have listed all games by price for ease of discovery. So dig and enjoy!
NetHack
NetHack It is an open source game that is probably one of the few titles that has been in development since its original release (1987). It started as an ASCII graphic roguelike, and has since updated its design with a range of new tile sets that look much more attractive. This particular version on Android has 6 tiles included with the download, plus it supports plenty of USB control options for those of you who aren’t satisfied with the default touchscreen inputs.
Monetization: free / without ads / without IAP
1942 MOBILE
1942 Mobile is an old-school top-down arcade shooting game from Capcom, and although the game has been updated to support the game on Android devices, the pixel-based graphics remain the same. You’ll be able to fly through the skies as you take down anything that gets in your way, and the controls are solid, though there’s no HID support, which means they’re all limited to touchscreen controls. There are two modes to choose from, so no matter your skill level, you will be able to enjoy this version.
Monetization: $ 0.99 / no ads / no IAP
Ghosts’n Goblins MOBILE
Capcom has released quite a few classic games in recent years on the Play Store. Ghost ‘n Goblins Mobile it is probably one of the most recognizable titles in the group. It’s definitely an improvement over previous Mega Man ports, so you shouldn’t have to worry about any frame rate issues. Just be aware that this is a very difficult game and that the touch controls may not be precise enough for some players. Oh, and if you liked this one, you’ll also want to see its sequel Ghouls’n Ghosts MOBILE.
Monetization: $ 0.99 / no ads / no IAP
BURNING STAR
SNK’s Blazing Star was one of the best 2D side-scrolling shooters for the Neo Geo game system for its time. It is a direct sequel to Pulstar, who was a close cousin of R-Type. There are a few animated cinematics scattered throughout your game, and their use of pre-rendered backgrounds allows for highly detailed gameplay that still looks great today. So if you’re looking for one of the best shoot ’em ups ever made, this is definitely the best contender.
Monetization: $ 0.99 / no ads / no IAP
Karateka Classic
Waaaay, one of my first experiences playing a video game with a friend was with Kung-Fu on the NES, and Karateka Classic reminds me of that game even though it’s an Apple II title from the creator of Prince of Persia. Still, the games are very similar, so it will be your job to fight through a horde of annoying guards, all so that you can save your girlfriend from the evil clutches of warlord Akuma. So if you are looking for a classic beat ’em up, this is as classic as possible.
Monetization: $ 0.99 / no ads / no IAP
TYPE R
Type R it is probably one of the best known 2D side scrolling space shooters ever made. For my part, I played for many years in my original ’89 Gameboy thanks to a cart that I marked while living in Japan. The level design is not only fantastic, but each stage has a great boss fight at the end that takes a lot of practice before recognizing all of its patterns. Plus, there’s something to be said for the versatile weapon system that lets you connect your weapons on the go in two different directions.
Monetization: $ 1.99 / no ads / no IAP
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Konami’s classic Metroidvania title, was recently released on the Play Store to everyone’s surprise, especially since it’s available for $ 2.99, which is a great deal. If you haven’t played SotN yet, it’s a beautiful 2D platformer offering non-linear gameplay, so exploring is definitely recommended. The main campaign should take about eight to nine hours to complete, so it will take much more than one session to complete this launch. Of course, the reason the game is featured in today’s retro recap is that the Android version is a port from the PSP release, which itself was a port from the PS1 version. So even though there is new dialogue and voice work, the pixel-based graphics have remained the same, allowing the game to retain its retro look.
Monetization: $ 2.99 / no ads / no IAP
SAMURAI SHODOWN II
Samurai Showdown II It is without a doubt my favorite arcade fighting game. When we were kids, a friend and I wanted one of our mothers to take us 40 minutes to a mall that had the game playable on a large-screen monitor. This was a special treat for us since our closest mall had a horrible game room. That is why I still love playing a few rounds on this day. Samurai Showdown II. For me, he is one of the best fighters ever created, and now you can play it on your phone with ease. The only problem I have with this port is that it doesn’t support online gaming, which is a bit of a pain.
Monetization: $ 2.99 / no ads / no IAP
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath
Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath was the fourth game released in the Oddworld video game series, and unlike the first two titles, this is a third and first person shooter. Since Stranger’s Wrath was originally an Xbox game, its graphics have not been touched for the Android port, making it a great launch to stand out as a retro classic since it was originally released fifteen years ago. Of course, this is a demanding game, too, so performance may fail, depending on your device. Of course, if you own high-end hardware, then you should be able to enjoy this quirky shooting game to its fullest.
Monetization: $ 2.99 / no ads / no IAP
The bard’s tale
It is not only The bard’s tale A former 2004 console game, it’s also one of the previous high-end Android RPGs dating back to 2012. So if you’ve never heard of this before, you’ve been missing out. It is a classic 3D action role-playing game developed by inXile Entertainment, a studio that knows how to make a solid role-playing game. But what really makes him stand out is his sarcastic dialogue, which certainly keeps the game entertaining during the 14-hour campaign.
Monetization: $ 2.99 / no ads / IAP from $ 0.99 – $ 4.99
METAL SLUG X
Metal Slug X it exists in a strange place in the Metal Slug series. It is a new version of Metal Slug 2 that improves some problems that the original had with the slowdown. It’s probably my favorite game in the series thanks to this extra polish. Imagine if you were to take Contra’s side-scrolling 2D run-and-shoot game and add on top of it some of the most detailed pixel art graphics ever created, and that’s what you get here. It is a sight to behold, even after 19 years. And if you want to see some of the other titles in the series, they’re available for Android here and here.
Monetization: $ 2.99 / no ads / no IAP
Ms. PAC-MAN by Namco
Bandai Namco’s Mrs. PAC-MAN It is much better than the original. First of all, there is an arch at the top of the head of the main characters, which may not make sense, but adds a level of charm that is difficult to discuss. The second big difference will be clear when you start to notice that the stages change color one after another. Also, most mazes have two escape tunnels, instead of just one. So while these may be just a few small tweaks, when the extra layer of detail is added, for me it puts this sequel above the original.
Monetization: $ 2.99 / no ads / no IAP
Double Dragon Trilogy
I imagine that most people are familiar with the Double Dragon franchise. He was the king of arcade fighters for a time, and he also received some solid ports on the NES. the Double Dragon Trilogy It picks up all three arcade titles (so if you expected NES ports, you’re out of luck). Each of the three games stays true to its original graphics and gameplay, though the new touchscreen controls may be a little shaky. Your best bet is to play this with a controller, which shouldn’t be a problem as it supports a wide range.
Monetization: $ 3.49 / no ads / no IAP
Simon the sorcerer
Simon The Sorcerer was originally released in 1993, looking at the titular Simon as a fish out of water tasked with discovering magic in a hidden Narnia-style world. The game controls have been adapted to touch screens and work well. The game offers the original graphics, but you can also choose to play in HD, thanks to a new graphics mode for modern devices. All in all, this is a quality port that also brings some new things to the table, so if you enjoy classic point-and-click adventure games, Simon the Sorcerer is a quality option.
Monetization: $ 3.99 / no ads / no IAP
GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES
It is not often that we see traditional fighters on Android, with the exception of those of SNK, like Garou: Mark of the Wolves. This is a lesser-known fighter from the Samurai Showdown days, and is a sequel to Fatal Fury. The Android port includes support for local multiplayer via bluetooth, and external controllers are supported for a suitable button combination. So if you’re looking for a classic fighting game that can easily fend off some of the bigger titles, you can’t go wrong with this release.
Monetization: $ 3.99 / no ads / no IAP
XCOM®: internal enemy
2K’s XCOM: internal enemy It may be one of the new “classics” listed in this roundup, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t earned its place. It’s probably one of the best strategy games ever made for PC, and its Android port doesn’t stray too far from that experience. You can expect to find all the content of the original Internal enemy, with performance to match. The touchscreen controls can be a bit finicky, though they’re still good enough to get you through the entire game without too much trouble.
Monetization: $ 4.99 / contains ads / without IAP
DRAGON QUEST II
Of all the Dragon Quest titles on the Play Store, II is my intention to install on all my phones. Pixel-based graphics are as sharp as ever, and while this is a game that requires a lot of work, I’ve never felt hampered by the balance of this title. This is as classic as possible when it comes to JRPG, and as a portrait game it works beautifully for one-handed play. While I feel that later games suffer from portrait orientation, II is simple enough that that one-handed game is almost ideal.
Monetization: $ 4.99 / no ads / no IAP
Raiden’s Legacy
Raiden Legacy brings together Raiden, Raiden Fighters, Raiden Fighters 2 and Raiden Fighters Jet in one title, all thanks to Dotemu, a quality port house. You can choose to play these shooters from top to bottom in full screen or in their original aspect ratio, which should appeal to both hardcore and casual. There are also two separate difficulty modes, and video filtering is included for those who want to recreate the game room experience.
Monetization: $ 5.49 / no ads / no IAP
SPACE INVADERS
Space Invaders is a game that needs no introduction. It is as retro as possible and, fortunately, Taito has considered it convenient to bring the title to Android. Since this cover trigger is so simple, the touchscreen controls work phenomenally, so you can reach the highest levels in this version without the worry of slowdown or inaccuracy. Sure, the sale price may be too high for such an old game, but at least it’s a solid port, so you know you won’t waste your money on lazy mobile playing.
Monetization: $ 5.49 / no ads / no IAP
Ys Chronicles 1
It’s always nice to see a classic Japanese RPG that didn’t come from Square Enix. Ys Chronicles I is a remastered version of Ancient Ys Vanished: Omen, with new graphics, anime-style scenes, and full touch controls. This action RPG series may not be considered a blockbuster outside of Japan, though it’s definitely worth the price for players who don’t enjoy turn-based battles but still want that old-school feel. .
Monetization: $ 5.49 / no ads / no IAP
RollerCoaster Tycoon® Classic
Atari may have completely dropped out of the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise, but that doesn’t mean that previous games aren’t worth playing. As a matter of fact, RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic It is still advertised as the best of the group, and it has an available mobile port on Android. Sure, the graphics may not look as good compared to the newer games, but that just means you have to run a wide range of devices, which is a really good thing.
Monetization: $ 5.99 / ad-free / IAP from $ 1.99 – $ 5.99
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Of all the Grand Theft Auto games on Android, Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas it is the one that offers the deepest experience. For the uninitiated, this release lets you traverse a fictional Southern California as you try to traverse a vast open world to earn your place at the top of the food chain by any means necessary. Also, if you want to purchase GTA III, Liberty City Stories, Vice City or Chinatown Wars, they are also available on the Play Store.
Monetization: $ 6.99 / no ads / no IAP
Bully: Anniversary Edition
Bully: Anniversary Edition It’s another popular Rockstar Games title, but unlike the GTA series, this one focuses more on story and gameplay, in an open-world, open environment that’s often better when looking for a large playground. It tells the story of a schoolyard bully who must navigate the social hierarchy of the corrupt and crumbling high school, Bullworth Academy.
Monetization: $ 6.99 / no ads / no IAP
Mana Secret
Square Enix has transported a ton of classic RPGs from the 80s and 90s to the Play Store. Mana Secret it is one of those games, and it is surely one of the best ever released. Unlike many of its titles, this is an action RPG that plays similarly to the Zelda franchise. This means that touch screen controls can be a problem if you are not used to playing action games with them. Fortunately, there is also support for physical gamepads, so no matter how you prefer to play, there is a control option for you. And if you want to see the first title in this series, Adventure of Mana is also available on the Play Store.
Monetization: $ 7.99 / no ads / no IAP
Titan quest
DotEmu’s Titan Quest port offers a top-down action RPG that was first released on PC in 2006. For me, 13 years on the shelf is definitely long enough for a game to be called a retro classic. Essentially, Titan Quest is a hack-and-slash game that revolves around ancient Greek mythology and therefore offers a unique theme. Of course, loot is the name of the game, so there are over 1200 items to discover, which should keep people busy for quite some time.
Monetization: $ 7.99 / no ads / no IAP
DARIUSBURST -SP-
Dariusburst -SP- Originally it was a little-known side-scrolling shooter series on PlayStation Portable. The Android port features all the bullet hell action you’d expect from this type of shooter. The graphics are very demanding, so you’ll want to make sure you meet the required specifications. And if you don’t like to play shooting with touch controls, you’ll be happy to know that Bluetooth controllers are supported.
Monetization: $ 9.99 / no ads / no IAP
Star Wars ™: KOTOR
Fifteen years ago, the best Star Wars themed RPG for Xbox was released. Eleven years later, Bioware’s Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic It was ported to Android by Aspyr Media. So now you can play this classic from the comfort of your phone or tablet. It plays great using the default touch screen controls, plus it also supports external controllers for those of you who require something more touch.
Monetization: $ 9.99 / no ads / no IAP
CHRONO TRIGGER (Upgrade Ver.)
Square Enix’s chrono trigger It is considered by many to be the best turn-based JRPG of the 90s, and perhaps of all time. The Android port has had a bit of a checkered past, with Square Enix leaving it completely broken for over a year. Fortunately, it seems that developers have changed a new corner, as a major update was recently released that improves controls, graphics, sound, and adds support for saving in the cloud. Plus, there are a couple of new areas to explore with the additions of the Dimensional Vortex and Lost Sanctum dungeons, which should give old players something new to try out.
Monetization: $ 9.99 / no ads / no IAP
RAYSTORM
During the PS1 years, Raystorm was my favorite shoot ’em up on the platform, and luckily it works very well on Android. Physical controller support is included, and the touchscreen controls work well enough to complete the full version. Of course, this is just the second title in the RAY trilogy, so if you’re looking for Rayforce or Raycrisis they’re also available on the Play Store, all thanks to Taito.
Monetization: $ 10.99 / no ads / no IAP
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS: WotL
Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions It’s another high-profile Square Enix release, but this one is a little different than most of its titles. You see, it’s mainly a tactical game with some RPG elements. It is played like a chess game, where you move your heroes in certain directions and use special powers that depend on their class and race. So think of this more as a “cult classic” when compared to the developer’s most popular offerings. Oh, and if you want to play another Final Fantasy port that isn’t part of a series of ramifications, you should see FF VII.
Monetization: $ 11.99 / no ads / no IAP
The world ends with you
Square Enix’s successes keep coming, but I promise, this is the last one for today. The world ends with you It was originally released for the Nintendo DS handheld, and at the time its quirky action RPG offered something new but familiar to the genre. There is no denying that art design is very unique, and its fashion-based gameplay is still as original as ever. If you’ve never played this one before, be sure to add it to your must-have list because you’re definitely missing out.
Monetization: $ 17.99 / ad-free / IAP $ 0.99 per piece
VALKYRIE PROFILE: LENNETH
Valkyrie’s Profile: Lenneth launched on the Play Store in 2018, and honestly, the title was a pleasant surprise at the time. This is one of Square’s weirdest RPGs as it plays mostly as a side-scrolling platformer, although you can still expect a lot of classic turn-based RPG fighting too. Like most Square Enix premium games, this is an expensive launch, and yes, there are a few in-app purchases included, too. Fortunately, they are only useful for optional tricks, so you can easily ignore them. It’s also worth noting that touchscreen controls can be tricky, but luckily physical controllers are supported, making it a much better way to play this classic.
Monetization: $ 17.99 / ad-free / IAP from $ 3.99 – $ 8.99
Carmageddon
Carmageddon is a vehicular combat game that was released for the PC in 1997. This is immediately evident once the graphics are well observed. But despite an art direction that hasn’t aged well, there is still a lot of fun here. Unlike most arcade racers, you can run over pedestrians while doing your best to eliminate your opponents. Destruction is the name of the game, and Carmageddon surrender unwaveringly on that front.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAPs $ 0.99 per piece
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Classic
From sega Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Classic It was released as part of its SEGA Forever program, which for a time was how Sega published its classic games on Android for free. They were able to do this by adding a ton of ads in these games. Fortunately, they included a way for users to remove them. All you have to do is spend $ 1.99 for a one-time in-app purchase, and the ads will disappear.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAP $ 1.99 per piece
Beyond Oasis Classic
Beyond Oasis Classic is another SEGA Forever release. The nice action RPG hasn’t changed a bit, though the touch controls will take a while to get used to. Now don’t get me wrong, this is still a solid port, but obviously it was originally created with physical drivers in mind. Not that I let that stop me from re-experiencing the wonderful story after all these years. It is a classic after all.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAP $ 1.99 per piece
Streets of classic wrath
Streets of Rage Classic is just that, a classic Sega arcade fighting game. A couple of years ago, Sega was busy publishing a lot of classic games on the Play Store, and thankfully Streets of Rage made the cut. Of course, since this was a game based on physical controls, I would recommend playing with a bluetooth controller instead of the built-in touch controls, as the game can be difficult so precision is required. Fortunately, there is support for the local cooperative via wifi if you get stuck with a boss. Stakeholders can play for free, thanks to the title’s ad support, and if you find these ads annoying, you can remove them through a single in-app purchase.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAP $ 1.99 per piece
Gunstar Heroes Classic
Gunstar Heroes Classic is another classic in SEGA forever group on the Play Store. If you haven’t played yet Gunstar heroes, you are definitely in luck. It is, without a doubt, one of the best running and shooting platform shooting games out there, and this port stays true to its excellent gameplay. Fortunately, bluetooth controllers are supported from the get-go because the touchscreen controls don’t do the game justice. Fast movements and fast shots are very necessary to overcome this. Of course, if you’re having a hard time, it’s good to know that multiplatform multiplayer mode supports local wifi if you’re looking for a game that you can play locally with a friend.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAP $ 1.99 per piece
Crazy Taxi Classic
Crazy Taxi Classic It is another Sega port relaunched under the SEGA Forever program. It’s a taxi racing game that assigns the player to deliver passengers within a specific time limit, which generally causes you to drive madly through the city. It has a stunning soundtrack, and the timed arcade mode is perfect for when you only have a few minutes to spare but want to go for a quick lap.
Monetization: free / contains ads / IAP $ 1.99 per piece
Phantasy Star Classics
Phantasy Star Classics was originally released as Phantasy Star II under the name of Sega Forever, but the game was eventually updated to add in the third and fourth iterations of the series. This means that you can play all three RPG series titles for free with ad support, and you can even remove ads from each game through individual in-app purchases. Like many of the Sega ports, the touchscreen controls are a little tough, but luckily there is bluetooth controller support for those who really want to dig deeper.
Monetization: Free / Contains Ads / IAPs from $ 1.99 – $ 4.99
Shining Force Classics
Shining Force Classics is another SEGA Forever release, and like the Phantasy Star collection, this is a title picked up by Shining in the Darkness, Shining Force, and Shining Force II. The original title is a first-person dungeon tracker, and the other two titles are RPGs. Like most Sega Forever releases, you can pay to remove ads in every game, which definitely makes the experience that much better. The touchscreen controls work well, as these are all turn-based games, so you won’t have to worry about awkward touchscreen controls, though bluetooth drivers are supported if you prefer something more tactile.
Monetization: Free / Contains Ads / IAPs from $ 1.99 – $ 4.99
And that’s the end of the list. Obviously, these are not the only retro ports currently available on Android, they are simply some of the most notable classics. If there are games you would have liked to see in this list, go ahead and mention in the comments below. In this way, everyone can have fun.
