Step into a nostalgic world of charm and timeless gameplay with our curated selection of the best retro games for Android. From iconic classics to hidden gems, this collection transports you back to the golden era of gaming right on your mobile device. Relive the excitement of 8-bit adventures, adrenaline-fueled arcade action, and strategic challenges that define a generation. Whether you're a seasoned retro gamer or new to the pixelated playground, these titles offer endless hours of entertainment and a glimpse into gaming history. Join us as we explore the top picks that capture the beauty of retro gaming and bring joy to your Android device.
1. Sid Meier's Railroads
Sid Meier's Railroads is one of the more well-known tycoon games of the late 1990s and early 2000s, but it hasn't received the same attention as Rollercoaster Tycoon. Feral Interactive, however, has made this RTS/tycoon game playable on mobile devices.
Compete with well-known industrialists in Sid Meier's Railroads to build train connections between towns and resources. You must carefully consider your approach because there aren't enough funds. To quickly connect two villages, will you construct a costly tunnel? Is it more cautious to build a railway around the mountain that is longer but less expensive? Enemies are always something to watch since they can stop you from establishing that vital connection. The AI offers lots of competition, but sadly, there isn't multiplayer.
2. Crazy Taxi Classic
You may now play one of Hitmaker's most well-known arcade-style vintage games on your smartphone. It’s one of the best retro games for android. Grab a seat as you pretend to be a taxi driver, your main objective being to transport customers throughout the city. Here, players can drive safely or recklessly to perform daring stunts and possibly earn additional tips as a bonus. At first glance, the objective of maximizing profits and playing the game looks straightforward. The learning curve is harsh, though, since you have to quickly become proficient with your car's controls to maximize your earnings. With the game's progression, Sega Crazy Taxi will increase in difficulty, so there's always room for improvement.
3. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
A 1997 PlayStation title that gained popularity has been ported as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. With a few contemporary additions, the game accurately recites the original classic. These consist of six language supports, several achievements, complete controller compatibility, on-screen controls, and a new continuous option. The gameplay is reminiscent of vintage Castlevania. It's an arcade platformer with elements of horror and hack-and-slash. It's simply $2.99 with no extra in-app purchases or advertisements, and the translation is superb overall.
4. Dragon Quest 1
Dragon Quest is an enduring franchise among the first to popularise the role-playing game genre. It’s among the best retro games for Android devices. Fortunately, there's good news if you want to replay or play the original game for the first time. The Play Store offers the original Dragon Quest.
The game's original developer, Square Enix, re-released it after completely rebuilding it for mobile devices. To control the characters and engage in combat, utilize the buttons and on-screen joystick. If you're not used to playing the previously released version, it will take some time to get used to it.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog
SEGA is the creator and owner of the Japanese video game franchise Sonic the Hedgehog. The blue hedgehog Sonic, the protagonist of the series, fights the wicked Doctor Eggman and the insane scientist. In 1991, the first Sonic game was published. They developed their mascot to compete with Mario, the mascot of Nintendo. The Sonic franchise is among the greatest game collections of the 1990s because of SEGA's success.
6. Samurai Shodown II
This is one of the best retro games for Android. Samurai Shodown II is among the most well-known of all the fantastic ACA NEOGEO games that have been transferred to Android. The gameplay of this timeless arcade fighting game was improved upon from the original Samurai Shodown II, resulting in a well-balanced game with a diverse roster.
This game is excellent if you've never played a Samurai Shodown game. As the touch controls aren't accurate enough to handle inputs, we advise pairing it with a controller. We recommend lowering the difficulty if you're not using a controller because the AI is ruthless. Try it out if you want to enjoy the pinnacle of one of the most well-known fighting game franchises.
7. Tomb of the Mask
Players control a yellow tomb raider in this classic endless runner with a Pac-Man feel and must lead him across an unending vertical maze. You must escape moving hazards and lethal traps to gather stars, pellets, and cash. It's important to note that the stage graphics strongly echo the original Pac-Man. You can use the coins to alter your default tomb raider into a more fascinating one or to upgrade your characters with new abilities.
8. Crossy Road
Crossy Road is a well-known old-school mobile game. It's the Frogger of this generation and one of the best retro games for Android. You bounce a chicken across bridges and through waterways. You also need to use good timing and stay clear of obstructions. It's a straightforward arcade game that's enjoyable for the whole family. In addition, numerous characters may be unlocked and supported for Android TV. It features gameplay reminiscent of a vintage retro game and hits all the right buttons. The free-to-play components are purely decorative. Money is not a requirement for playing or winning this game.
9. Game Dev Story
What if you wanted to create games instead of just playing them? This is precisely what you'll do in Game Dev Story. Game Dev Story isn't precisely a 90s game, even though the game is quite ancient. But the limited motions and pixelated graphics give you the vibe of an old-school game. It brings back memories of 16-bit games played on the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.
You will establish your game development studio and begin producing your games in this game. The first step in starting a project is to select the platform or console to work on, along with the genre, game type, and aspects to concentrate on. You will then select the game's writer, composer, and artist. Finally, you'll end by naming the game and resolving bugs.
You will concentrate on other facets of managing a game studio. To increase your income, you'll hire and train employees, attend conventions, monitor which gaming platforms are still in demand, and take on side jobs. You'll also advance to larger gaming studios as you play.
10. Minecraft
Most people have played Minecraft at some point. It’s one of the best retro games for Android. Construction is the main focus of this game. You can design any type of residence, from opulent castles to modest houses. Numerous game options are available, including creative and survival modes. Up to ten buddies can play this multiplayer game with you.
11. Carmaggedon
Carmaggedon, a destruction-derby racer that prioritized running over civilians, was prohibited or outlawed in several nations when it was first released in 1997. The amount of pixelated gore in the game may help you appreciate why it caused uproar in the 1990s, even though it may seem cheesy in 2023. We now experience the carnage of Carmaggedon in its original splendor, thanks to the uncensored Android port.
Few racing games on Android can rival Carmaggedon's visceral pleasure, even if most of our favorites have better graphics and more realistic driving. Try it to play one of the greatest and most graphic games from the nineties.
12. Metal Slug X
Metal Slug X is a mild “remake” of Metal Slug 2 with a few tweaks here and there. It’s one of the best retro games for Android. You get to play as Marco, Eri, Fio, or Tarma to thwart the Rebel Army's goal to rule the globe. Many of the most advanced combat vehicles used by the Rebel Army are encountered along the route; these include an amphibious battleship, a Godzilla-themed excavating machine, a Leichter Panzerspahwagen (Iron Nokana), and many more. The action is quite intense; you must avoid flying projectiles, explosives, and shells coming at you from every angle. Either obtain weapon power-ups (such as the recognizable heavy machine gun) to blast through stages or use vehicles.
In order to earn the best score possible, players can attempt to flawlessly finish each level, save every POWS, and search the stage for hidden treasures. This adds to Metal Slug X's excellent replay value. Meanwhile, the controls are a flaw in the game; they can be clumsy at times, ruining the experience.
13. Evoland 1 and 2
Evoland 1 and 2 are contemporary mobile games, including aspects of classic gaming. It’s one of the best retro games for Android. Their genre is hard to describe. Both games have many different gameplay mechanics, styles, and graphic designs. This comprises platformers, top-down shooters, RPGs, fighters, trading card games, and hack-and-slash games. These are fantastic titles for those who simply enjoy vintage gaming but aren't committed to any one kind or genre. The first one is reasonably priced. Comparatively speaking, Evoland 2 is more costly because it is newer. They're both perfect games. Another fantastic original JRPG in the classic style is Doom & Destiny Advanced. You can also get Evoland 2 for free with a Google Play Pass.
14. Pocket Trains
The days of classic 8-bit graphics are still very much with us. You take charge of your railway empire in the entertaining and soothing game Pocket Trains. The game's 8-bit graphics will appeal if you enjoy vintage visuals. Despite being 8-bit, they nevertheless have a great appearance.
This game aims to expand your railway empire by shipping goods to various global locations. In the beginning, there will be a few trains in the center of Europe. You'll utilize those trains to transport packages to their correct spots. When you succeed, you will receive cash, but—the in-game currency—or crates, which you will open to obtain parts for constructing and maintaining trains.
You can grow your empire and unlock more tracks as you play. You will also build more trains that you may name and personalize. It's an enjoyable and soothing game to kill time with.
15. Doodle Jump
Like its title, this game is intriguing. It’s also one of the best retro games for android. The editors of Google Play voted it the best game of 2015. This is a simple and captivating mobile game that is suitable for people of all ages. In this game, you climb a graph paper sheet while dodging black holes, hopping from platform to platform, grabbing jet packs, and destroying enemies with your nose.
16. Metal Slug 3
Though the Play Store is full of amazing Neo Geo games, few are as well-known as the Metal Slug series. Although there are more Metal Slug games for Android, Metal Slug 3 is the best since it adds more features and refined graphics to the run-and-gun gameplay first introduced in Metal Slug 1.
We suggest playing the previous Metal Slug games after you've finished Metal Slug 3. They all have the same touch-screen controls and are all priced the same.
17. Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius
Final Fantasy is one of the best retro games for android. The characters and attack animations in this endearing presentation have a timeless 8-bit retro aesthetic that transports players back to the nostalgic era of Final Fantasy 1. Five people make up your team, which you guide through dungeons and into battles with hordes. By combining and matching various characters, players may personalize their teams. Each character has a distinct set of skills that are activated via easy-to-use controls.
The ability to freely explore the overworld is a noteworthy feature. You can search for valuables and missions by exploring towns or go on an exhilarating exploration journey in one of the many dungeons around the world map. You can search for valuables and missions by exploring towns or go on an exhilarating exploration journey in one of the many dungeons around the world map. This also implies that grinding—a popular gacha gaming trend in which players must repeatedly play a stage to obtain the desired treasure or level up their characters—is unavoidable. Many helpful quality-of-life tools, like Auto Battle and Repeat to bypass the tedious parts of the game, are included with Final Fantasy XE.
18. Old School RuneScape
Considering that this game was first released in 2001, it is considered retro by modern standards. It's the complete game with no alterations. All that, including in-person events and subscription prices, is the same as the web version. A lot of activities are available in the free version. That world, however, is nearly three times larger with additional talents, missions, and bank slots thanks to the subscription. It's also one of the few massively multiplayer online role-playing games that doesn't rely on freemium business models. You may also play the official RuneScape game on Google Play. It also belongs in the retro category, given that the game is already twenty years old.
19. Stardew Valley
This fascinating title is the creation of independent developer Eric Barone, who will appeal to fans of the classic Harvest Moon trilogy. It's a love letter to the original Harvest Moon series in every way. It’s also among the best retro games for Android. This old Android game provides a portal to a magical realm that also functions as a farming simulator. Slaying naturally occurring creatures in dungeons is part of the experience. Other activities include farming various crops, mining minerals, interacting with the charming NPCs of Pelican Town, courting bachelors and bachelorettes, and exploring the overworld with care. The abundance of antiquities, including scepters and artifacts, makes Stardew Valley an ideal collector destination. Do the best farming you can to honor your late grandfather. It also features an integrated multiplayer component to connect individuals. For a successful farm, team together with friends and family.
20. Tetris
Tetris is as classic as it gets. This has been re-released almost a thousand times, and the mobile industry is no exception. You may currently get the official Tetris game from the Google Play Store. Though it remains a classic game, it has been updated with fresher visuals and a few new features.
Although there is no need to introduce this game, here is a brief overview. Blocks will gradually descend to the bottom of an empty column, as you will see. They will pile up as they descend to the bottom.
They will pile up as they drop to the bottom. You need to make sure that you arrange the blocks in full rows. Those rows will vanish as soon as that occurs. Before the blocks reach the top, you must create the same number of full rows. The gameplay remains the same even after over 40 years.
21. Dan the Man: Action Platformer
Last on this list of the best retro games for Android is Dan the Man. You really should play this game because it's another gem. This is an action game with an enormous weaponry. You can improve your fighting abilities in the game as well. The game features numerous modes to add to its intrigue. This covers campaign, multiplayer, and adventure modes.
Conclusion
The enduring appeal of the best retro games for Android lies in their ability to seamlessly blend nostalgia with modern convenience, offering gamers an unforgettable journey through beloved classics right in the palm of their hand.
