Gaming has gone mobile, accounting for nearly 50% of global revenues in the industry. Incidentally, the average gamer is now playing on a smartphone.
While hyper-casual games and relaxing puzzlers dominate the charts on iOS and Android, vintage titles are going just as strong, taking advantage of this new gaming venue to expand their player base beyond mere retrogamers.
So, if you’re seeking a trip down memory lane, here are some timeless classics readily available on the go.
Sonic the Hedgehog™ Classic
Sonic came into existence as a competitor to Nintendo’s iconic plumber, Mario. SEGA’s gamble paid off in the 1990s, as the adventures of the supersonic hedgehog gained immense popularity. Sonic didn’t stay the course over the decades.
Yet, the franchise has experienced a recent resurgence, fuelled in no small part by the success of its cinematic universe. Scheduled for release in late 2024, a third chapter will see Sonic returning to the silver screen, with Jim Carrey reprising his role as Dr. Robotnik.
In the meantime, longtime fans and newcomers can revisit the original Sonic adventures as part of the SEGA Forever Collection. Launched by the Japanese publisher, this service includes a string of oldies but goldies optimised for mobile devices.
Coming straight from 1991, the first Sonic game is available for free with in-app purchases. Also remastered for mobile, its action-packed arcade sequel introduces yet more gameplay elements and level designs to explore.
Pac-Man
Next up is another gaming icon holding a candle to Super Mario and his gang. Originally developed as an antidote to violent arcade games, Pac-Man quickly took over the world, changing game history for good.
This ghost-eating hero, shaped after a pizza missing a slice according to his creator, has appeared in roughly 30 spin-offs and sequels over its 40-year-long history. Some of these retro games have made their way onto mobile, including the original action game millions of fans have known and loved since 1980.
Developed by Pac-Man’s original publisher, Bandai Namco, this free version brings a fresh perspective to this classic game while honouring its legacy. Players can explore various game modes, journeying through exclusive mazes in story mode or competing in tournament mode. Those craving an even more nostalgic experience may play the classic 8-bit arcade mode.
Tetris
Tetris started as a side project developed by a Soviet software engineer testing a new computer system. Little did his creator know this humble puzzler would evolve into a global sensation ported over 65 different platforms, an incredible feat that earned this game of wits a Guinness World Record. Surely, Tetris never gets old.
It seemed only fitting, then, that mobile users should take a stab at a game their parents or their younger selves played back in the day. Even non-gamers can join in on the fun thanks to intuitive one-touch gameplay.
Solo players can enjoy a swift round during their daily commute or challenge themselves in the endless marathon mode. A 100-player battle royale further ups the ante for competitive gamers. Regrettably, this mobile version is saturated with advertisements unless players opt for in-app purchases.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
The Grand Theft Auto series left an enduring mark on generations of gamers. Released in 2004, GTA: San Andreas received universal acclaim for its captivating storyline, immersive open-world environment, and memorable soundtrack.
This action blockbuster spawned countless memes that became part of internet culture before Rockstar Games brought it on mobile. If somewhat glitchy, this mobile port packs as much content as its console predecessor.
Players get to roam around freely, committing drive-by shootings on the streets of Los Santos or shooting their shots at the gambling venues down the Old Venturas Strip.
A staple of the GTA experience, casino minigames are likely to return in GTA VI, which shall drop sometime in 2025. Meanwhile, card sharks can visit real-money casinos to play the waiting game online. Specialized websites publish in-depth reviews of top casino sites to help first-timers get started.
Industry experts delve into every aspect of the user experience, from a platform’s customer support to its bonus policy. Safety being a key metric, all recommended casinos comply with strict regulations and offer comprehensive tools for responsible gambling.
With the rise of mobile gaming, there is no need to own a vintage console to go back in time. Even better, many more era-defining classics are now mobile-friendly, from brutal run-and-guns like Ghosts ‘n Goblins to legendary action-platformers like Mega Man X.
