Video games have made tremendous strides in recent years, from immersive storytelling to improved gameplay mechanics. Recent entries have even pushed the boundaries of immersion with visually stunning graphics that allow players to explore as many incredibly detailed realistic environments as eerie fantasy settings.
But while modern titles are all fun and games, they owe a lot to the pioneers who paved the way decades ago. Incidentally, quite a few have survived the test of time so sustainably that they still captivate nostalgic players and younger generations alike. And the good news is that many vintage classics have been ported to mobile devices. So here are four retro games available on iOS that are worth revisiting or delving into.
Pac Man
If non-gamers spontaneously named a video game character, Pac-Man would likely come in second only to Mario. The yellow, ghost-eating icon started out as an arcade staple before taking the world by storm via multiple spin-offs. Since its inception by game designer Toru Iwatani in 1980, Pac-Man has starred in over 30 games.
And mobile gamers can now hunt down any flashy ghosts they want with a free iOS port with in-app purchases. Developed by Bandai Namco, this official mobile game evokes all the fun of the original. Long-time players can even enjoy a nostalgic classic 8-bit arcade mode before munching through hundreds of exclusive mazes in story mode.
Grim Fandango Remastered
Perhaps one of the greatest point-and-click adventure games of all time, Grim Fandango was a commercial flop upon release. Yet this clever blend of film noir and dark comedy set in an Aztec setting has stubbornly refused to die since the late ’90s. And that might only fit a game about the dead.
Grim Fandango puts players in control of an underworld travel agent named Manny Calavera, whose job is to sell newly deceased souls tickets to their final destination. But the arrival of a virtuous soul who is denied immediate access to the coveted Ninth Underworld shakes up his routine and takes him on an adventure across the land of the dead. An extraordinary feat of interactive storytelling, Grim Fandango benefits from a revamped port that mobile players can enjoy on iOS for $4.99.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The Sonic franchise helped popularize SEGA in the 1990s. While the supersonic hedgehog has gradually faded into the background from his all-too-famous Nintendo rival Mario, Sonic is still a crowd pleaser. SEAG’s flagship character even took center stage in May 2022, when Sonic the Hedgehog 2 became the highest-grossing video game adaptation in history.
Funnily enough, Sonic 2 is still a fan favorite. This acclaimed sequel to the original introduced revolutionary 3D stages and takes running and jumping to the next level. And both newcomers and veterans alike can enjoy this cult classic for free on their Apple devices, although the game is riddled with ads.
Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia has inspired countless spiritual successors like Assassin’s Creed. But many retro gamers keep coming back to the 1989 original to relive this epic journey through medieval Iran. And a free-to-play port developed by Ketchapp is now available for iOS. The Sands of Time reboot has also been ported to the App Store for iPad. Gamblers with a knack for gambling could even try some mobile-friendly Prince of Persia slots.
However, despite their Middle Eastern vibe, there are no brick-and-mortar casinos in the entire MENA region where such slot machines can be played. Still, local gamblers can find handy Arabic mobile betting casinos to spoil them. The best online casinos offer an extensive catalog with thousands of slots, tabletop classics and live games. Loyalty rewards and big bonuses like free spins and VIP packages are also just a click away. Plus, players can access safety tips and unbiased reviews to get the most out of the experience risk-free.
If you didn’t keep your old console and don’t feel comfortable around an emulator, many vintage classics are now widely accessible on iOS. And the gift continues, as we have only given you a small taste, leaving out dozens of exciting titles of the likes of Mortal Kombat, Doom or Super Mario Run. Add a bunch of modern entries with a retro feel to these cult games and you probably won’t run out of fun titles to explore on your mobile devices.
