Here are just a few of the vintage video-game experiences you can enjoy on Android and iOS devices today, ranging from platformers and shooters to slot machines and beyond.

Sega Forever Collection

It may have ducked out of the home console market almost two decades ago, but Sega is still a major presence on the development and publishing scene. If you want to relive some of its genre-defining games from the era of the Master System and Mega Drive, then you need to check out the Forever Collection.

This anthology of games includes everything from well known titles like Sonic The Hedgehog 2 to more obscure options like Comix Zone. And best of all is the fact that every one is free to play. You can pay a small fee to get rid of the in-app ads if you want, but there’s no obligation if you’re happy to sit through the occasional onscreen promotion.

Final Fantasy II

Fans of Square Enix and its historic series of JRPGs will appreciate the ability to play earlier games while out and about. And if you’ve yet to delve into the world of Final Fantasy, the second entry is a good place to start.

Its mobile adaption includes upgraded graphics, new dungeons and an immersive, sprawling storyline that will keep you playing for hours. If you like strategic, turn-based combat and deep characters, it is an excellent choice to add to your collection, even with its premium price point.

Alternatively why not check out the well-received mobile version of Final Fantasy XV to see how the series has progressed.

DOOM Classic

In the mid-90s the first person shooter genre was brought kicking and screaming into existence by the young team at ID Software. Today DOOM is still alive and well, with its most recent incarnation on PC and consoles managing to go back to what made the original so great.

To experience the claustrophobic corridors and squealing demons of the first game, all you need to do is install DOOM Classic on your iPhone. It comes with all of the levels and features you’d expect, along with the option to listen to the rocking soundtrack separately and take advantage of touchscreen controls to stay involved with the gameplay.

The app itself is getting on for 10 years old, but regular updates are still released to ensure that it is compatible with the newest versions of iOS.

Double Triple Chance

Mobile slots have improved massively over the years, bringing the experience of playing a casino to portable platforms in incredibly inventive ways. But if all the bells and whistles are getting you down, why not play Double Triple Chance at Casumo?

With three reels, five paylines and plenty of fruity icons, it is every inch the classic slot machine experience. And because you can play for free in the trial mode, you don’t have to risk any cash to go back in time and enjoy retro gaming excitement wherever you are.

Tetris

It seems like Tetris has been re-imagined in thousands of different forms over the years. But if you want a back to basics experience which is playable in the palm of your hand, the mobile edition published by EA is your best bet.

Sure, there are different game modes to try out, and the colourful graphics look quite a bit different from the green and grey of the Game Boy original. But the core mechanics remain the same and this is a game that can be enjoyed in short bursts or over longer sessions, which gives it plenty of flexibility.

Pac-Man Championship Edition

Tetris may be iconic, but Pac-Man is a mascot for the entire industry. The arcade style of this game is perfectly suited to mobile play, as are the simplicity of the controls, which avoid a lot of the complications that modern titles can suffer.

The graphics combine retro charm with contemporary effects, and this Championship Edition is arguably the definitive Pac-Man experience.

The Secret of Monkey Island – Special Edition

Often seen as the funniest, most enjoyable point and click adventure game of all time, this 1990 game was given a makeover a few years ago, with enhanced graphics and added voice acting. It is a natural fit for mobile play, with an interface that works well with your fingertips rather than a mouse.

You can even switch back to the classic graphics and audio effects if you do not want the remastered experience, which is a nice touch that many other developers have since copied. So get downloading and try these retro classics today.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to preface this article by telling you all how wonderful it’s been doing the NRW Gaming thing. I started out reviewing albums here at NewRetroWave, a duty I enjoyed well enough, trust me… as fate would have it, assorted conversations and brainstorming bouts (not to mention the calm, collected guidance of our fearless leader) launched me from synthwave reviews to the rambling, manic diatribes you now see me publish about 20-30 year old console titles. Ever since small times, I have loved the classics, so getting to hurl homages to them across the Web has been a true “busman’s holiday.” Now and again, though, I get taken aback by a modern title or two… an artful, elegant blend of today’s do-anything design and the 8-16 Bit Era’s timeless aesthetic. The phenomenon has grown steadily in popularity over the past decade, and venues like Steam have provided these games with something of a podium. I am pleased to finally discuss a few of these titles – the cream of 2016’s crop – in the form of a “top ten” list.

Without further ado… let’s bite into it!

#10 Halloween Forever

Definitely cute… but far from friendly!

Let’s start with this classic-style 8 bit platformer. In the game, you play as a dude with a jack o lantern head who can spit candy corn as his weapon. You jump and struggle your way though chainsaw maniacs, undead monsters, A LOT of bats, and even skeletal wizards. The effort is truly authentic to the original style, and you can even play with a game pad if you have one. The visuals are fantastic, with twinges of Castlevania here and there. The game also features a custom chiptune soundtrack that really delivers. Halloween Forever did very well on Steam, and has established Imaginary Monsters as a firm worth watching.

#9 Cursed Castilla

nudity->death.”/> You get a life meter instead of just armor->nudity->death.

Upon seeing this, my first thought was, “oh, another Ghosts & Goblins clone, they should put this developer in prison.” I was very wrong. It’s like someone took that dubious title from decades ago and forged it into precious steel. It’s almost entirely different; it’s just got the same basic theme. What I liked the most about Cursed Castilla is that you can customize how the screen looks, giving it scanlines like an old TV, etc. There’s tons of different monsters, lots of power ups, and even multiple endings. Definitely worth checking out if you like a challenge and were actually a fan of G&G.

#8 Stardew Valley

It’s a farm game, and people certainly seem to love it.

Okay, this is one of the titles I haven’t played, but I had the resource of both friends and online game footage to supplement what I already knew. Apparently it’s one of those survival/crafting games, with a heavy focus on agriculture. It also has a lot of RPG elements (I’m told you can even start a family in it). It’s very SNES-looking, and there *is* a lot of detail to the game play, so I’m not surprised this game did extremely well on Steam and elsewhere in 2016. This general style of game is certainly a trend these past few years, and Stardew Valley has really capitalized on it. Daily life includes not only farm work, but mail, interaction with other characters, and mercantile ventures. Reviews from most players were glowing.

#7 Owlboy

People ask you a lot of questions even though you can’t talk.

I gave this one a spin. For a game that was in development for so long, they really used that time to create and perfect a detailed world. Owlboy is an action-adventure type game, with very lush graphics and a lot of story. The controls are nice, I like the way combat works a lot, but my only major knock for this one is THERE IS A LOT OF TEXT AND DIALOG FOR A MAIN CHARACTER WHO IS BORN MUTE. Other than that, definitely worth checking out if you like a good tale interwoven with your gameplay. Parting thought: the background graphics remind me a lot of those Sierra point/click story games from the mid 90s… except nicer.

#6 Enter the Gungeon

KA-POW!!!

Ever wanted to get into a knock-down, drag-out, pixelated gunfight? Enter the Gungeon allows you to do just that, plus it satisfies your dungeon-crawling needs as well! Pick a character and guide them down into the depths to find the treasure they all seek: a gun that can kill the past. A staggering array of monsters await you, in case you though this would be easy. Some of them are kind of cute. Some of them are a little disturbing. All of them are dangerous enough to warrant blowing away. There is, of course, an in-game economy (like any good dungeon!) in the form of merchants who’ve made the dubious decision of setting up shop in the Gungeon, so you’re not without allies. They’ll hook you up with the best they’ve got… for a fee. There’s also good stuff laying around just waiting to be found, as well! The graphics are not only retro but adorable as well, and this one’s got a playability built into it that’ll keep you coming back. In fact, the coolest thing about Enter the Gungeon is how the difficulty reactively adjusts to your skill in addition to scaling as you progress. In other words, the better you’re doing, the more the game considers really kicking your ass. Lots of homages to fantasy in pop culture, including old school D&D. Definitely worth a look!

#5 Neon Drive

This “Future 80s” themed title isn’t so much a driving or racing game… it’s more like a dodging game. Not to say that this makes it any less addictive. The visuals are absolutely breathtaking, and the soundtrack fits perfectly into the whole thing like a puzzle piece. I won’t sully this one with too many words, I’ll let some video speak for me.

#4 Starbound

“But Bryan, Starbound has been out forever.”

Correction. Starbound was in open beta forever. 2016 has finally given us the final release! Now it’s implemented all the delicious changes they kept testing in the unstable build, and the game is actually a game. For those of you who got tired waiting for this, COME BACK! There’s actually a story (that you can pursue more or less at your leisure), certain craft/achievement trees have been restructured in a sane fashion, and the graphics and sound are still wonderful. Explore planet after planet in pixelated glory! One of the most popular titles in its class on Steam even before it was finalized, Starbound continues to get rave reviews. Consider me one of them.

#3 Bit Blaster XL

NUCLEAR CHAOS!!!

I’ve expressed before my love of shoot-em-ups. I don’t review many of them because they tend to be linear, heavily focused on gameplay instead of any plot, and hard to summon up words for. Not so for this title. Bit Blaster XL is a homage to the old school titans of the genre, with plenty to offer on its own. In its basic format, the game is Asteroids. You zoom around busting things up. That’s where the similarity ends. All kinds of power ups pop out to grab, way more stuff shows up, and it’s madness for as long as you can take it. The old school graphics are perfectly complemented by a nice hybrid of new and old-style sound. Definitely worth it if you like your little spaceship shooters, and it’s not expensive at all on any platform I’ve seen offering it.

#2 Devil Daggers

You’re a badass if you even get this far within the first couple weeks of playing.

Oh man… THIS GAME… I got this the week it was released, and I was hooked. It’s incredibly simple: the game plays like an extremely confined first-person shooter. You fire little magical “daggers” out of your hands at creatures who approach you from the darkness and gradually begin to overwhelm you. It’s not about beating the game… it’s about how long you can survive. Graphics are simple but beautiful, and really capture the desired atmosphere. I’d say they remind me of the early Quake-style games more than anything. The sound is minimalist, but that works well for the horror vibe. You can see how you stack up against other players in terms of score, or you can just enjoy the mayhem. One of the best concepts to see the stage this year: simple, enduring, entertaining, and addicting.

#1 Hyper Light Drifter

Firstly, this one easily generated the most buzz online, even being featured on media sites like Vice. It’s been overwhelmingly popular on Steam and elsewhere since its early pre-release phases, and there’s a lot of understandable reasons why. Alex Preston and his team at Heart Machine have crafted a real masterpiece, using pixel graphics and a color scheme reminiscent of old CGA computer games as the basis for a world with great depth and character. HLD is definitely an RPG, though it has action elements throughout; fans of the Zelda series will love this just as much if not more. You guide the Drifter around a seemingly ruined world, finding sources of power and defeating dangerous foes while unlocking bits of what may have happened in the past. There is no spoken dialogue; HLD tells an amazing story simply with its music and breathtaking visuals. The game truly is a work of art, and was worth waiting for.

—

We’ve seen a lot come and go in retro gaming these past few years, and needless to say 2016 has been a busy one. As it nears its end, we can only look forward and hope that 2017 holds as much for us… if not more. Happy holiday season, RetroFans.

Special thanks to D.J. and B.H. for comparing notes with me and sharing your knowledge. With your input, I was able to work more swiftly and thoroughly than I could have alone. 

The animation of Mobile Suit Gundam is something of a mixed bag. There is no doubt that it is excellent for the time period, but it has certainly not aged as well as, for example, Akira. You can tell in some episodes the budgetary restraints placed upon Yoshiyuki “Kill ‘Em All“ Tomino forced animators to cut corners or recycle old images. You can also tell that studio executives were desperate to turn the show into a toy-selling juggernaut. The show was initially not successful, but the toy line associated with the series led to a huge spike in viewership for reruns.

Mobile Suit Gundam marked the beginning of an anime genre called “Real Robot“. Unlike the Super Robot genre, mecha in MSG were very realistic and scientifically detailed. The politics are gritty, the characters given great depth and backstory, and war is depicted realistically. Just because you’re a main character doesn’t mean you’re going to live to see the end of the series. Tomino received his nickname of “Kill ‘Em All“ because of his tendency to kill of important characters throughout his series. Mobile Suit Gundam shows this multiple times throughout its run.

While the series has a host of strong characters for both long-term and short-term arcs, it is the two primary characters that are stand out as the most fleshed out, believable, and ultimately likeable. The protagonist Amuro Ray has gone on to inspire a large number of anime characters since his inception. Most of the knock-offs of this character feature an annoying or quirky sort of awkwardness. Amuro, on the other hand, is interesting purely because of the asocial and sometimes obsessive personality he has. As the Principality of Zeon declares independence from the Earth Federation, setting the stage for some strong commentary on independence, sovereignty, war, and tragedy, Amuro falls into the cockpit of the titular mobile suit prototype and defends himself when his space colony fall under attack. He is then pretty much forced to use the Gundam to defend several people he knows and several people he meets from enemy forces. He grows and begins to care for people despite his asocial streak.

Basically, it’s War and Peace with giant robots.

The show stealer of the MSG is definitely Char Aznable. I will go on record saying that more people would recognize him than any other character from any Gundam series. He has appeared in many of the series following Mobile Suit Gundam, and when he doesn’t you can be certain there is a mask wearing mysterious ace pilot who loves red somewhere in the mix. Char initially appears to simply be the ace pilot of the Zeon forces. Eventually we learn that he is the long lost heir to the Republic of Zeon, holds some fierce views about environmentalism, and has an Edmond Dantes-esque desire for revenge. He is hands down the best part of the show.

He is a Char. If you get this joke you win all the internet points.

The themes of Mobile Suit Gundam transcend the era and apply to our modern life. When I was fifteen and playing the PS2 game Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam, an excellent game that allowed you to follow the storyline of the show’s universe from the beginning of Mobile Suit Gundam all the way to the end of the even better Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, the game helped me realize something about the world that I had never realized. The game allowed you to play from the perspective of either the Earth Federation or the Principality of Zeon and in the act of doing that and re-watching the anime series I realized something that the show was trying to teach me. More often than not, foreign affairs don’t have “good guys“ and “bad guys“ as much as it has competing interests. The show illustrates this concept beautifully. It initially shows the Federation in a more positive light, it fleshes out Zeon and various members of the faction to the point of the line becoming blurred. This is a recurring element throughout most series in the franchise.

The series suffers from flaws in animation, filler, and blatant merchandising. The characters are really what makes this series worthwhile, and even watching it today you can see that there’s something magical happening with all of the elements of the show working. When it works, it works really well. The series was eventually condensed into three compilation movies. I honestly recommend those for anybody interested in the series. The actual show itself is more for the die-hards, and they will certainly find a lot to enjoy. Mobile Suit Gundam was wired deep into the anime genre of the 80’s and it will certainly be coming up again in future anime retrospectives.

Have you seen Mobile Suit Gundam? Are you a fan? What other retro anime should I check out?