The Best Retro Android Games As of Yet
There’s just something about retro games that make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. From pixelated graphics to old-school battle systems, retro games offer diverse and engaging gameplay that isn’t always found in today’s AAA titles. A swarm of retro-style games plagues the Google Play Store. Luckily here at Hardcore Droid, we’ve compiled a list of the best retro Android games.
15. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is a classic Metroidvania RPG. First released in the 90s, the game centers around Alucard, son of Dracula, as he searches Castlevania for missing man, Richter Belmont. Part platformer, part role-playing game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night offers a compelling plot and a variety of monsters to battle. Players can shapeshift into a bat to get to out-of-reach platforms or turn into mist to pass through barriers. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is an excellent retro Android title with tons of weapons, challenging battles, and old-school charm.
Available on the Google Play Store
14. Titan Quest: Legendary Edition
From HandyGames, Titan Quest: Legendary Edition is a fantastic retro RPG. Players will explore ancient civilizations such as Babylon and ancient Greece, battling mythic creatures like Gorgons and Minotaurs along the way. Gameplay is reminiscent of the Diablo franchise, with engaging hack-n-slash combat. Players must aid the Olympians in defeating the Titans in this mythos-based title that’s sure to appeal to fans of retro games.
Available on the Google Play Store
13. Crazy Taxi Classic
First released as an arcade game before making its way to Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 consoles, Crazy Taxi is an absolute classic. Now available for mobile, SEGA’s Crazy Taxi Classic places players in the role of a taxi driver. The driver must earn enough fare from completing rides within the time limit. Players will drive like maniacs, racking up combos. A hilariously fun game for fans of racing games, Crazy Taxi Classic is easily among the best retro Android games to date.
Available on the Google Play Store
12. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Classic
The term’ retro games’ conjures up images of classic characters like a certain blue hedgehog. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Classic is an epic retro arcade title. A port of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, this title offers smooth controls and classic Sonic gameplay. Run, jump and spin your way through perilous courses as you attempt to thwart Dr. Eggman’s evil plan. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic is a perfect retro Android title for any Sonic fan.
Available on the Google Play Store
11. RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
If you build it, they will come, roller-coaster enthusiasts, that is. RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic combines the best features from RollerCoaster Tycoon and RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 to create a stellar amusement-park-building experience for Android devices. Players design and build roller coasters and rides and manage the park’s money and employees in this nostalgic title that will appeal to fans of city builders and tycoon games alike.
Available on the Google Play Store
10. 9th Dawn III RPG
A newer game with a retro feel, 9th Dawn III is an old-school-inspired RPG. From Valorware, 9th Dawn III is an engaging 2D RPG featuring many intriguing quests. Spirits have mysteriously shown up at Lake Elmson and it’s up to the player to discover why. The game offers simplistic controls yet manages to keep combat challenging. Like many old-school RPGs, 9th Dawn II features an in-depth level-up system. With lovely graphics and compelling combat, 9th Dawn III is one retro Android game you don’t want to miss.
Available on the Google Play Store
9. Simon the Sorcerer
Fans of the point-and-click adventure will love Simon the Sorcerer. Initially released in 1993, the game has since been ported to mobile by MojoTouch. Players control the titular character as he attempts to rescue the wizard Calypso from the evil sorcerer Sordid. Interact with the environment to solve puzzles and progress through the game in true point-and-click fashion. A challenging retro title, Simon the Sorcerer is a must-play for fans of the bygone era of point-and-click adventure titles.
Available on the Google Play Store
8. Old School Runescape
Fans of retro titles and classic MMOs shouldn’t overlook Old School Runescape. Players can partake in 100s of quests and socialize with other players while becoming the hero they wish to be. Rather than choosing a class, players can level up any of the game’s 20+ skills. Whether you want to wield magic or brush up on your fishing skills, Old School RuneScape has something for just about everyone. With cute low-poly graphics and fun quests, this old-school MMO is more than worthy of its spot on our list.
Available on the Google Play Store
7. Stardew Valley
Create the farm of your dreams in this adorable RPG from Chucklefish Limited. You’ve just inherited your grandfather’s run-down far, and now it’s time to fix it up. Raise livestock, grow crops and produce goods as you expand your farm. Players can also explore dangerous caverns where formidable creatures dwell. Battle monsters or settle down and raise a family in this adorable farm-fueled retro RPG.
Available on the Google Play Store
6. Star Wars: KOTOR
Become the Jedi you were born to be in Aspyr Media’s mobile port of the iconic Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Arguably the best Star Wars game to date, Star Wars: KOTOR takes place 4000 years before the advent of the Galactic Empire. Make your choices, embrace the force and take down Darth Malak in this epic game. Build and wield your lightsaber, visit various planets and choose which side of the force to embrace in this epic old-school RPG.
Available on the Google Play Store
5. Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap
Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a remake of the 1989 title Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap. In this classic title, players must break the curse which has turned them into a half-human, half-lizard creature. You’ll need to find the Salamander Cross to become fully human again. Each time you slay a dragon, your curse intensifies, changing you into different man-animal monstrosities. With gorgeous hand-drawn graphics, an ever-changing main character and a fun storyline, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is one of the best retro Android games around.
Available on the Google Play Store
4. Chrono Trigger
An engaging classic from Square Enix, Chrono Trigger offers an entertaining adventure through time. Play as Crono and travel to prehistoric times, the Middle Ages and more as you try to stop Lavos from destroying the world. Chrono Trigger features an excellent plot and even offers multiple endings. The game utilizes an active-time battle system—players must wait for their character’s speed bar to fill before attacking. Overall, Chrono Trigger is an excellent retro RPG well worth a download.
Available on the Google Play Store
3. Evoland 1 and 2
Ever wanted to see the evolution of video games? With Evoland and its successor, Evoland 2 from Playdigious, players can experience the various graphic styles and game mechanics from throughout gaming history. Each game begins in monotone 8-bit graphics. However, the look of the games evolves to 16-bit and eventually 3D graphics. Players will travel through time, solving puzzles, battling enemies and even, at times, using stealth tactics. The games’ combat styles even progress from classic turn-based to real-time. Experience classic platformer, stealth and fighting game mechanics in these unique retro RPGs for Android.
Available on the Google Play Store
2.Beamdog/Bioware
No retro RPGs come close to the majesty of Bioware’s Dungeons & Dragons-based titles. From Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition to Neverwinter Nights to Icewind Dale, each classic title offers an in-depth plot, compelling combat and tons of hours of gameplay. Also included in the Bioware/Beamdog catalog are Baldur’s Gate 2 and Planescape Torment. Brough to mobile courtesy of Beamdog, these games are the reigning Kings of old-school RPGs.
Available on the Google Play Store
1. Doom
Doom is the original first-person shooter. Players take on the role of a space marine known as The Doom Guy. The only survivor on a space station crawling with the minions of hell, you must slay the demons in your way if you’re going to escape. Bethesda’s mobile port of this iconic game features nine extra levels and all the demon-slaying weapons from the original. Take part in intense FPS combat and escape from Mars in this fantastic retro Android game.
Available on the Google Play Store
Do you agree with our list? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if your wifi is spotty, you may want to check out our lists of the Best Android Games Offline and the Best Offline Android RPGs.