Old School Games People Used to Play on Their Phones

Do you have a desire for something from the past? There are a plethora of excellent, classic games available for download right now. The majority of them are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Even as new video games become more advanced, many of us yearn for the oldies we loved as children.

Week after week, the app stores are flooded with bright new mobile games that offer in-app purchases like there’s no tomorrow. But, despite their striking aesthetics and precisely designed addictiveness, nothing beats the old classics when it comes to warming our hearts. You know, the simple button-mashers that kept you engrossed for hours with nothing more than blocky graphics and a bunch of beeps? Here’s the good news: a good number of these arcade oldies are still playable. So here are the best old school mobile phone games we can’t seem to forget.

Pac Man

The other half of the retro-arcade power duo, Pac-Man, is a blast on iPads, iPhones, and Android smartphones, with unique content honouring Pac-Man‘s 40th birthday. Enjoy new elements such as Pac-Man meeting the NBA, new mazes and quests, and more, in addition to the original coin-op gameplay. In-app purchases are available on the iPhone, iPad, and Android versions, all free to download.

Tetris

Tetris is still one of the most popular video games of all time, regardless of platform. The current mobile version is a joy to play, whether you stick with the original block-building engine or try one of the several modes that offer bonuses and new challenges. You can also use the score tracker to keep track of your progress over time. Furthermore, the original graphics have been improved in this adaption: It may not look exactly like the Tetris you remember, but it looks fantastic on mobile devices.

Snake

Everyone who had a Nokia phone back then – which, let’s face it, was the vast majority of us – would have spent at least some time hopelessly addicted to this 90s classic, trying to beat their high scores while avoiding their tail. Snake was so compelling that it’s a marvel we ever made it to 4K visuals given how simple the basics were. You have two options if you miss those carefree days; either to purchase a new Nokia brick or to download the simulator on your smartphone. It even comes with a variety of Nokia phone backgrounds to choose from.

Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga is a fun and addictive game of candy switching and matching released in 2012. It proved extremely popular among people of all ages and is still enjoyable to play years after its release, with the game spawning a number of various spinoff games. Players swipe to make candy combinations and progress to the next level; each level has a distinctive aim, and there are hundreds of levels to complete. It’s a vibrant game with vibrant colours and graphics that are sure to provide a sugar rush to gamers.

Frogger

Frogger Nostalgic Time for iOS and Frogger Arcade Retro for Android bring the simple classic Frogger back in all its retro splendour. While you’ll miss the joystick, you’ll quickly adapt and be directing your frog through traffic to the safety of the lily pads in no time. All versions are available for download for free and include in-app purchases.

Space Invaders 

While its aesthetics may not match those of today’s blockbuster games, Space Invaders‘ nostalgic charm—as well as addictive, ageless gameplay—keeps fans coming back. Even down to the joystick and buttons that show at the bottom of the screen, developer Taito has managed to recreate the authentic arcade experience for smartphones. The game lasts as long as you can keep firing, as it always does.

Puzzle Bubble

Step aside, Candy Crush; this match-three classic with the dinosaur mascot was the first. All of the original levels are present in the mobile edition, as are the original music and sound effects from memory. While you must still match three or more identical-coloured bubbles to make them evaporate before time and space run out, the game also includes additional modes and features, such as boss levels that require you to use your bubble launcher as an offensive weapon. But we’re probably going to stick to blowing bubbles.

Cut the Rope

Cut the Rope was first released in 2010, and in 2011 it was awarded the BAFTA Games Award for Best Handheld Game. It revolves around Om Nom, a cartoon character, and the player’s quest to nourish Om Nom. Logic puzzles involve the motions of cutting a rope, pumping air, and blowing bubbles in this game. The candy will swing or fall into Om Nom’s mouth if chopped correctly. For those who can’t get enough, the game features a series of themed sequels.

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