Need an old-school fix? There are tons of great, classic mobile games you can download on your mobile phone right now. Most of them work for both Android and iOS devices. Some are even available for your tablet.
Not all classic games are available on modern-day phones and tablets, but many are. We listed some of our favorites.
Best Classic Puzzle Game: Tetris
There are several Tetris games available for Android and iPhone, but this is the only official one currently available. While it mostly retains the classic feel of the original, it also adds a battle royale mode for up to 100 players. And since it’s available offline, you can enjoy it on the go even if you don’t have reliable data or internet.
Has the appeal of the classic game.
Playable offline.
100 player Tetris Royale mode.
Intrusive ads.
Small play area.
Repetitive music.
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Best for Fans of Classic Board Games: Battleship
Battleship is a smooth, fun adaptation of the board game classic. You and your opponent set up ships on your own sides of the game, and then both of you try to sink the other player’s ships by guessing where they’re at on the grid.
Has both Classic Mode and Commander Mode.
Online multiplayer capability.
Classic mode is faithful to the original board game.
Online multiplayer mode is a little glitchy.
Two players can’t play face-to-face on the same device.
It’s a paid app, but in-app purchases are required to reach higher levels.
You can get Battleship: Official Edition from Marmalade Game Studio on Google Play and iOS. However, there are alternatives too, from developers like Smuttlewerk Interactive.
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Best for Adventure Game Fans: Dragon’s Lair
Dragon’s Lair is a carbon copy of the beautiful arcade classic, and it’s just as frustrating as you remember. You play Dirk the Daring, a knight trying to rescue Princess Daphne from Singe the dragon. Doing this requires quick reflexes and wise decision-making as you traverse a dangerous world full of quick-time events.
Fully animated game includes original scenes.
High-definition graphics.
Full-watch features lets you experience the gorgeous animation.
Many crash and freeze complaints.
Not for people who dislike quick-time events.
Difficulty might be a turnoff to some.
You can also grab Dragon’s Lair 2: Time Warp on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Best Frogger-Like: Froodie - Road Crossing Frog Frogger
Froodie is a Frogger-like mobile game that retains the gameplay of the early eighties arcade classic. Try to get your frog across the street or river, avoiding obstacles along the way. There are multiple worlds to unlock, and you can customize how your Froodie looks.
Classic Frogger game with HD graphics and arcade sounds.
Game includes new special powers.
Easy game quickly grows difficult.
Free version doesn’t launch in iOS 12.
Reports of glitches in paid version with iOS 11 and later.
Needs more levels.
For Strategy Fans: Civilization Revolution 2
Civilization Revolution 2 takes the traditionally long-lasting strategy game and crams all the fun into a phone or tablet. This is the first game in Electronic Arts’ popular Civilization franchise to come to mobile devices. While others have gotten ports since then, it’s still worth a download if you’re willing to pay $5.
A more animated version of the original.
Gameplay is much like its popular predecessor.
Scenario mode lets you experience historic battles.
No Android update since 2014.
Priced on the high side.
Steep learning curve.
Best Connect Four Clone: Connect Fun
Connect Fun is a solid version of the classic board game. While its graphics are basic, it includes some modern-day mobile game features like difficulty levels, Google Play achievements, and multiple themes. You can play by yourself or with others online. Younger people who don’t have nostalgia for the original game might find it a bit boring.
Strongly reminiscent of original board game.
Difficulty levels are well-spaced.
Much more challenging than it looks.
Many users claim the computer cheats.
Intrusive advertising.
Some new users find the game boring.
If You Love Word Games: Scrabble GO
If you’re a fan of word games and you’re the competitive type, give Scrabble Go a shot. This updated version of the classic game includes a Scrabble dictionary, a 1-on-1 Duel mode, a Scrabble League, and more. But, be warned that its ads can be a bit aggressive.
Play against friends online
Built-in official Scrabble dictionary.
Scrabble League for the super-competitive.
Excessive ads.
Confusing UI.
Best Game for Amateur Detectives: Clue
Mr. Boddy has been murdered. Who did it? With what object? In which room? Mystery fans will be glad to know the classic board game Clue is available as a mobile game for Android and iOS devices. It’s less a mobile board game, though, and more about solving crimes solo—which is fun in itself.
Great streamlined version of the classic board game.
Multiplayer mode to play with friends online.
Fun animations and beautiful graphics.
Paid game comes with only one (of eight) boards.
Game pushes pricy in-app purchases.
No local multiplayer mode.
Most Iconic Arcade Game: Pac-Man
Pac-Man is just what you remember—no frills, no gimmicks. You’re a yellow circle with a mouth gobbling up pellets while avoiding a quartet of colorful ghosts. This free version of the arcade classic includes new, mobile-exclusive mazes, weekly tournaments, and more. For more exciting graphics, you can get the championship edition from the same developers.
Pixel-by-pixel recreation of original mazes plus new ones.
Three difficulty levels.
Fun tournaments and Pac-Missions.
Requests too much personal info and access to contacts and camera.
People under 12 not allowed to play even though game is rated 4+.
Best Bubble Shooter Match-3 Game: Bust-A-Move Journey
Bust-A-Move Journey brings enough new twists to keep the addictive bubble shooter series fresh. It’s a match-3 puzzle game where you pop bubbles of the same color to rack up points and clear stages. It includes over 270 levels,
Fun game is faithful to the original’s feel.
Free game has 270+ stages.
A must-have for Bust-a-Move fans.
Requires an internet connection.
Unlocking new characters costs too many coins.
Paid game has in-app purchases.
This game goes by the name Bust-A-Move Journey in North America but is actually called Puzzle Bobble. It’s based on Bubble Bobble, an even older arcade game.
Best Classic Fighting Game: Street Fighter IV Champion Edition
Though the controls aren’t ideal, Street Fighter IV is a surprisingly faithful translation of the classic fighting game. It has 32 fighters, including an Android exclusive character. It also features Bluetooth controller support, both single-player and multiplayer modes, and four difficulty levels.
Awesome gameplay with 32 street fighters.
Intuitive virtual control pad.
Four levels of difficulty.
No offline multiplayer games.
Needs more animation frames for smooth transitions.
No free sparring mode.
While Street Fighter IV is free to download, you need to pay to unlock the full game.
Best Air Hockey Mobile Game: Glow Hockey
Glow Hockey is a solid version of air hockey. As the name suggests, it features a glowing table, ball, and handles. Two players can play on the same device. There are three colorful themes to choose from, along with four selectable paddles and pucks.
Simple and addictive game.
Two-player mode on same device.
Colorful glow graphics.
Intrusive ads cover the goals.
No online multiplayer mode.
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