8 Of The Best Retro Games to Play on Android Mobile Devices Today

Android has become one of the premier gaming platforms for playing retro console games. More developers, such as Square, Feral, and Bethesda, have ported an increasing number of classic console and PC games to mobile phones and tablets. Retro game ports have turned Android devices into portable time machines on which you can play some of the most influential titles from the 8-bit to 32-bit console eras. These are some of the best retro games you can play on Android mobile devices today.

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger for the Super NES was one of the finest RPGs of the 1990s, with strategic combat, alternative endings, and a great soundtrack that revolutionized its genre. This RPG is a story of time travel in which past actions have direct implications on future eras. Chrono Trigger’s renowned, team-oriented combat has stood the test of time. It is also credited as being one of the first games to popularize the New Game+ mode with variable alternative endings.

The Android Chrono Trigger generally preserves the graphics of the original. However, Square has updated the graphics to a higher resolution for mobile devices. This game also includes the Lost Sanctum and Dimensional Vortex endgame version from the DS Chrono Trigger version.

Doom

If you want a real ‘blast from the past,’ check out the 1993 Doom first-person shooter game for Android mobiles. Doom is one of the best retro games you can play on mobiles because of its intense demon-slaying action, intricately designed levels, and inherently fun gameplay loop. This Android port also includes the Thy Flesh Consumed Doom expansion and supports community-created level content.

Final Fantasy VI

For many players, Final Fantasy VI was the best 2D game in the FF series because of its innovative gameplay system, ensemble storytelling, and world-class soundtrack. The remodelled Android mobile port takes on this classic RPG, reviving the beautiful, timeless art style from the original game. It also includes a breathtaking rearranged soundtrack for the mobile Final Fantasy VI game.

Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII was the PlayStation game that propelled the FF franchise into the third dimension with groundbreaking 3D visuals for its time. This was the first FF game with 3D character models, which made it a technical marvel during its era. Aside from the 3D factor, players fell in love with Final Fantasy VII because of its compelling narrative, iconic characters, and deep Mataria combat system.

So, Final Fantasy VII is another RPG marvel that’s certainly worth playing on Android mobiles. The Android port includes an option to turn off random enemy encounters on maps. Plus, you can select a Max Stats option to make the game easy if preferred.

Rome: Total War

Feral has ported numerous TW games to Android, but Rome: Total War is the most definitive game of its series. Rome: Total War is one of the best retro games to play on Android mobiles because of its epic 3D battles, atmospheric music, and great replay value. This faithful Rome: TW port retains the same sandbox campaign from the original game, with 19 playable factions for empire-building across Europe. It also incorporates a redesigned touchscreen user interface for more intuitive mobile device control.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was one of SEGA’s greatest games, and one you can play on Android mobiles today. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 introduced a game-changing Spin Dash mechanic and the iconic Tails sidekick to play as for co-operative multiplayer. The vibrant, fast-paced level design and iconic soundtrack of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 made it a classic many players still cherish today.

Unlike many of the other best retro games ported to mobile, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is freely available with a purchase option to remove ads. The Android Sonic the Hedgehog 2 incorporates a handy save feature for saving game progress anywhere. The global score leaderboards are another unique feature within this Android version of the game.

Company of Heroes

Company of Heroes was the game that redefined the RTS (real-time strategy) genre with its innovative squad-based cover tactics for intense World War II battles in Western Europe. Players have always loved Company of Heroes because of its destructive, cover-based combat, deep strategy, cinematic presentation, and asymmetrical factions. You can play out the full Normandy solo campaign in the Android Company on Heroes, which is well optimized for mobile devices.

Secret of Mana

Secret of Mana is another classic RPG from the SNES era that Square has ported to Android mobiles. This was a great 16-bit game because of its co-operative gameplay, exciting real-time action combat, immersive world, vibrant art style, and cool Mode 7 graphical effects. It also features an intuitive ring-command menu system for quick item access that was quite revolutionary for its time. Secret of Mana has lost none of its original charm and is a great alternative to turn-based RPGs to play on Android mobiles today.

The best retro games for Android mobile devices above prove that quality is permanent. Although they are mostly premium apps, Company of Heroes, Secret of Mana, and Rome: Total War, Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VI, Doom, and Chrono Trigger offer experiences that many free-to-play mobile games cannot match. So, check them out to add some great slices of gaming history to your phone or tablet.