13 Nostalgic Console Games Now Playable on iPhone
One of my fondest memories of growing up in the 1990s was always being in the know when the latest, must-have game consoles were about to drop. From unforgettable classics like the Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems, to SEGA, Nintendo 64, and even more modern offerings like PlayStation and XBOX — I’ve enjoyed playing them all, and some of the most iconic games of all-time. I was enlightened to learn that some of my favorite games have been reimagined and brought to life for iPhone and iPad owners. We have combed the App Store's existing offerings in search of the best classic console games reinvented for iOS.
13 Sonic The Hedgehog
The same blue hedgehog who started it all is now back on iOS devices as a launch title in SEGA’s new ‘Forever Collection’. Sonic has been remastered for optimal game-play on iPhone and iPad. You’ll run, spin, hop, skip, jump and twirl your way through various courses at lightning speeds, collecting rings and defeating your enemies to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman. Boasting a graphically-immerse UI and customizable modes of game-play, the classic Sonic The Hedgehog can be downloaded now for FREE from the App Store.
12 Street Fighter IV Champion Edition
What started out as a popular fighting game among arcade-goers, CAPCOM’s Street Fighter has been remastered for iPhone and iPad with all the same characters, attacks, and design themes carried over from the original game. You’ll fight your way through 25 iconic ‘Street Fight characters’ using a variety of kicks, punches, and strategic attacks, ranking up along your journey to become a victorious Street Fighter. Download the full game now for just $4.99 from the App Store.
11 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Rockstar Games has brought the classic Grand Theft Auto: Vice City title to iOS, offering players a host of new features such as advanced graphics, new shooting and driving controls, updated characters and lighting effects with maximization for Retina displays, iCloud storage options and more. Vice City is a sprawling metropolis that’s full of trouble, surprises, challenges, and rewarding endeavors, and you can roam the streets now on your iPhone or iPad by downloading GTA: Vice City for just $4.99 from the App Store.
10 DOOM Classic
Released in 1993 for MS-DOS and later ported to multiple other platforms, DOOM was a pioneer and trail-blazer of the now ubiquitous first-person shooter (FPS) style games, which have over the years become increasingly popular among PC and console gamers. Now, players can relive the thrill of the original DOOM — all four episodes spread out over “36 levels of non-stop carnage and action” — on their iPhone or iPad. Explore the surface of Mars and engage with a variety of weapons to defend yourself from the demonic forces stacked against you. DOOM can be downloaded now for just $4.99 from the App Store.
9 Crazy Taxi
One of the latest titles in SEGA’s recently announced ‘Forever Collection’ is a remastered version of the Dreamcast smash-hit, Crazy Taxi. Barrel through traffic-packed streets and rack up as much cab fare as you can in this riveting remake of the classic. Fully reimagined for iOS, the new Crazy Taxi allows players to choose from multiple time limits and modes of game-play, as well as how they play using onscreen controls and gestures. Download Crazy Taxi now for FREE from the App Store.
8 Final Fantasy VII13
Arguably among the most iconic and best-selling role playing games (RPGs) of all-time, the SQUARE ENIX smash-hit, Final Fantasy VII, has finally made its debut on iOS. Join Cloud, Barrett, and all the other Final Fantasy VII characters in this immersive RPG that defined a generation of gamers when it was released 20 years ago. Final Fantasy VII was the first RPG to feature 3D backgrounds and movie scenes, and has captivated the hearts of over 11,000,000 fans from around the globe. Download and relive this magical storyline in stunning graphic detail (on compatible iOS devices) for just $15.99.
7 Atari’s Greatest Hits
Long before the dawn of Nintendo and PlayStation came Atari, which has for ages been regarded as the ‘Golden Age’ of gaming, garnering a massive cult-following in the 1970s and 1980s. Atari was a collection of console systems capable of running an extensive catalog of retro arcade-style games. Now, after nearly 30 years of evolution in gaming as we know it, Atari is back with its entire collection of over 100 classic games from the Atari 2600, as well as arcade classics like Asteroids and Centipede. Relive the nostalgia of your youth by downloading Atari’s Greatest Hits for FREE from the App Store.
6 Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger, the timeless Final Fantasy spin-off popularized by the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, has officially been ported to iOS for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Chrono Trigger captured the hearts of a generation of gamers with its simple yet immersive storyline, based on a tale of epic adventure and time-travel. Relive the fantasy, the fun, and help save the planet from an uncertain future with this $9.99 download from the App Store.
5 MEGA MAN X
Boasting over 80 levels and multiple modes of increasingly challenging game-play, advanced graphics, and multiple modes to help you advance in the ranks, Mega Man X for iOS is a modernized, touchscreen-friendly incarnation of the arcade classic. With the support of your fully-customizable armor and weapons, you’ll be able to rise through the ranks of this action- and adventure-filled masterpiece; yet another classic arcade title from CAPCOM, which is now available to download for just $4.99 from the App Store.
4 Secret of Mana
Released in 1993, Secret of Mana took the gaming world by storm with its innovative, real-time battle system and advanced graphics. Unlike most RPGs, however, Secret of Mana has remained popular throughout the years due to its simplistic yet aesthetically pleasing modes of game-play. And that's at least in part why the folks at SQUARE ENIX decided to port this legendary RPG onto iOS. Enjoy the same characters, challenges, and all the familiar actions and modes of game-play in this remastered smash-hit. Download Secret of Mana now from the App Store for just $7.99.
3 Grand Theft Auto III
Arguably among the most iconic titles of all-time, responsible for shaping the concept of open-world gaming into what it is today, Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto III has been made available to iPhone and iPad players for just $4.99. Jump into this graphically-intense, critically-acclaimed title and let loose on the streets of Liberty City, where you’ll be able to explore, experience, and even exploit the world around you just to stay alive. Now with tons of new game-play modes and impressive graphics, GTA 3 brings a riveting yet familiar storyline to iOS like never before.
2 Fire Emblem Heroes
Nintendo’s classic, smash-hit RPG, Fire Emblem Heroes, has been reimagined to work like never before on touchscreen devices. Fight battles, engage in single- or multi-player fights, and summon characters from across the Fire Emblem universe, who you’ll be able to train and teach new skills so that they may become stronger and more helpful in your defense. Download this immersive ‘tale of two worlds’ for FREE from the App Store and start conquering your kingdom today.
1 Super Mario Run
While far from an “old classic,” Nintendo’s Super Mario Run game captures the essence of console gaming with Mario and his pals and reimagines it for the 21st century iOS gamer. You’ll run continuously through various stages of increasing difficulty — collecting coins and clearing levels along the way. For die-hard fans of the pot-bellied Italian character and his friends, Super Mario Run combines a familiar interface with the advanced capabilities of iPhone and iPad as a FREE download from the App Store.