Sometimes, you just can't beat a good classic. Mobile gaming has allowed some of the industry's most iconic titles to be played from one's fingertips. What used to require a visit to the local arcade is now easier than ever to experience.
Google Play and the Apple Store don't lack options when it comes to video games. Players looking for a little blast from the past in the form of retro arcade games won't be disappointed when browsing their selections. Whether it's longtime veterans looking to shake the rust off or new players looking for a challenge, these nostalgic oldies should please any fan of the medium.
10 Pac-Man
It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that one of the most popular video games of all time is available to play on mobile devices. Pac-Man first hit arcades in 1980, and became nearly an instant sensation. Playing the game today is now easier than ever.
Fans can brush up on their high scores by navigating the familiar, ghost-infested maze as they try to collect as many dots as possible. It's a simple premise, yet one that's still highly addictive even after four decades. When looking to kill some time, start with the best!
9 Q*bert
Video gaming enthusiasts can no doubt conjure images of iconic characters of the industry in their minds. Lovers of all things retro most likely remember Q*bert, an orange blob with legs and a snout whose mission in life is to conquer pyramids.
Q*bert is a puzzle-oriented platformer. Fans take the reins of the eponymous hero as he makes his way from one end of the pyramid to the other. Players must also avoid enemies who seek to frustrate Q*bert's progress throughout the cube-filled journey.
8 Tetris
Originally developed in the Soviet Union in 1984, it's hard to overemphasize the enduring popularity of Tetris. Over the course of three decades, Tetris has sold hundreds of millions of copies and counting across a wide array of platforms.
The mobile platform is no exception. It's perhaps the most convenient way to experience this legendary piece of video game history. The premise is satisfyingly simple: create as many horizontal lines as possible with a collection of falling geometric shapes. It's hard to imagine Tetris ever going out of style.
7 Space Invaders
Space Invaders is one of the earliest "shooter" video games to achieve considerable prominence. Released in North America in 1978 by Midway, the object of Space Invaders is to defeat an alien invasion by controlling a small cannon.
The more successful the player is in staving off the alien threat, the more difficult the game becomes, testing players' skills. Players can compete for a higher score by seeing who survives longer against the endless waves of pixellated foes.
6 Pinball
No collection of classic arcade games would be complete without pinball. The game of pinball itself has a storied history, but suffice to say that pinball machines and arcades have practically become synonymous with each other by now.
Despite its analog origins, the digital age has only reinforced the prevalence of pinball in the world of video games. There are many varieties available to download, but one of the best is Williams Pinball. This version offers a diverse array of retro aesthetics that attempts to capture that old-timey immersion of being in a physical arcade.
5 Dragon's Lair
Nowadays, most AAA video games are expected to possess a high degree of cinematic flair. In 1983, that certainly wasn't the norm by any stretch; however, Dragon's Lair took a different approach. In this game, players have only minimal control over the protagonist, Dirk the Daring.
The gameplay of Dragon's Lair is essentially a collection of "quick-time events." Players simply watch the often humorous scenes unfold until they are called upon to perform a specific action. Failing to do so promptly results in an unfortunate death for the inept Dirk. When in the mood for something light and fun, consider Dragon's Lair.
4 Crazy Taxi
Racing games come in all different shapes and sizes, but certainly one of the wackier examples is Crazy Taxi. Published by Sega in 1999, Crazy Taxi first hit the arcades before eventually being ported to home consoles.
The object of the game isn't complicated. Controlling a taxi, players drive customers to their destinations in the fastest time possible. Traffic laws are of little consequence here, though — instead, causing mayhem and pulling off stunts along the way is part of the game's charm. Spending some time with this zany throwback is well worth it.
3 Galaga
For those craving more retro sci-fi action, fans can't go wrong with Galaga. Released in 1981 and developed by Namco, players take control of a spaceship whose mission is to destroy enemy forces known as the Galaga.
Requiring more tactical thinking than in Space Invaders, players in Galaga must shoot down alien ships while avoiding incoming projectiles. When trying to decide on which classic shooter to try out next, Galaga is still one of the best, especially for those who want to explore the genre's origins.
2 R-Type
R-Type should strike fans of Nintendo sidescrollers as familiar. Players move their ship in a horizontal direction while battling enemy spacecraft. At the end of each level is a monstrous alien boss that must be overcome to progress to the next stage. Fans have a few options when it comes to weaponry to defeat their foes, and must employ some strategy along the way.
Like many sidescrollers of this nature, R-Type can represent quite a challenge, especially for those who find themselves a bit rusty. Nevertheless, stalwarts of the genre are cheating themselves by not experiencing R-Type at least once.
1 Ms. Pac-Man
Finally, players looking to round out their arcade experience would be remiss by ignoring Ms. Pac-Man. Released in 1982 as the sequel to the critically-acclaimed original, Ms. Pac-Man brought with her some minor improvements that spiced up the familiar gameplay.
Aesthetically, the mazes possess different color schemes and locations for the warp tunnels. The ghosts also operate a bit differently, making the game more difficult. If Pac-Man ever becomes too boring, try playing as his girlfriend to keep things interesting.