Retro Games You Can Play On Your Smartphone
With mobile graphics processing units (GPUs) and graphics cards becoming more advanced than ever before, and both AR and VR making regular appearances in the mobile gaming world, mobile gaming is bigger than ever.
But even with all of this cutting-edge gaming tech built into the latest devices, sometimes there's nothing quite like playing an old-school game on your smartphone.
Luckily, there are loads of classic games available for Android and iPhone. Take a look at some of our favourite retro games, that are ready and waiting to be downloaded, below.
Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
Price: Free
Download on: Android or iPhone
Everyone's favourite hedgehog, Sonic can now be found on mobile. You'll have the chance to play Sonic the Hedgehog Classic - the original game now optimised for smartphones - on both Android or iPhone, just head to the Google Play Store or the App Store.
Produced by SEGA, this game is sure to take you back. Your mission is simple: collect rings, defeat enemies and save the world from Dr. Eggman. You'll have to race through all seven zones to win, and if you really fancy putting yourself under pressure, make sure you enable Time-Attack mode and play against the clock.
You can now select which character to play as too. Go for classic Sonic or choose his friends Tails or Knuckles - each have unique abilities that'll test your gaming style.
PAC-MAN
Price: Free
Download on: Android or iPhone
PAC-MAN is a true arcade classic, and it's brought to you for free by Japanese gaming developers BANDAI NAMCO. This smartphone version looks and sounds exactly how it did in the 80s, and you'll have to navigate your way around the screen and collect pac-dots to gain points. Watch out though, the ghosts will be on your tail. Avoid them at all costs to make sure you don't lose all three lives.
To keep the mobile version super exciting, you'll also find all-new mazes and daily missions to complete too.
Crazy Taxi Classic
Price: Free
Download on: Android or iPhone
Get ready to hop into the driving seat with another SEGA classic - Crazy Taxi. Time is money for taxi drivers in this game, and to come out on top you're going to need speed, determination and some crazy driving skills.
Gloriously 90s in its graphics, get ready to hurtle through the streets with complete disregard. You need to deliver your passengers on time, and frantic driving is encouraged. You'll get to pick between 3, 5 and 10-minute games, and there are 16 mini games to master. Crazy Taxi is free, from both the Google Play Store and the App Store.
Tetris
Price: Free
Download on: Android or iPhone
Tetris is iconic all around the world, so it's no surprise you can get it on your mobile. Available for Android and iPhone, it’s down to you to move those shapes into clear lines to earn points. Don't panic as the pieces begin to stack up - the key is to keep your head in the game and stay cool.
Tons of new features have been added to the mobile app. Marathon Mode has no time limit - you'll keep going until you achieve a certain number of lines, while Explorers Mode will enable you to go head-to-head with other players in the ultimate Tetris battle. There's also Galaxy Mode, where you'll be challenged to use as few pieces as possible to complete set tasks.
Rayman Adventures
Price: Free
Download on: Android or iPhone
The first ever Rayman game was released back in 1995, and to this day remains popular with people of all ages. We recommend Rayman Adventures, brought to you by the minds at Ubisoft, for smartphone gamers.
Rayman Adventures is free to play, and begins with enemies known as Lividstones stealing Ancient Eggs that sustain the Scared Tree. You'll be tasked with rescuing all the eggs, and the game is split into different adventures - each with 3 to 4 levels. As you complete a level, you'll earn an egg that will either be added to the Sacred Tree or reward you with a special gift.
Super Mario Run
Price: Free
Download on: Android or iPhone
Last but not least, Super Mario Run. Retro sounds and graphics are all over this Nintendo smartphone game, and hours of fun is guaranteed. An auto-runner game, you can control Mario with one hand, tapping with your finger to help him jump, run faster and tackle any obstacles in his way.
You'll collect coins as you play, and there's four different modes to try out - each with a different mission. World Tour mode asks you to save Princess Peach from Bowser, while Toad Rally is all about challenging your friends and players from all over the world. The aim of Kingdom Builder is to collect as many coins and toads as possible to create your own, unique Kingdom, while Remix 10 is ideal when you want short bursts of Mario. With Remix 10 mode, you have to complete 10 small courses which change every time you play. The goal is to find Princess Daisy - the more courses you complete, the higher your chance of finding her.
Need a new smartphone to play your favourite old-school games? Take a look at the great contract, upgrade and SIM-free deals available today at Mobiles.co.uk.