5 Best Classic Arcade Games on Android

If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, you're probably familiar with dingdong games, the kind you’d play at arcade machines after school, spending all your pocket money just to beat the next level.

Now that we're in the digital age, you don’t have to queue up at the arcade anymore. Many of those nostalgic games are now available on Android. With so many options on the Play Store, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to try first.

To help you out, we have rounded up some of the most exciting old-school arcade games you can play right on your phone. Let’s check them out.

1. STRIKERS 1945

STRIKERS 1945 by KMBOX brings the legendary 1995 Psikyo shoot 'em up game to mobile. It’s a vertical-scrolling arcade shooter featuring WWII-era fighter planes that's perfect for fans of classic shmups.

The gameplay is simple. You just have to move your plane to aim at enemies, use bombs for crowd control, and trigger super shots for massive damage. But don't let the simplicity fool you, though. This game can be seriously challenging.

At one point, I got caught off guard by a tiny enemy bomb because I wasn’t paying attention. You’ll need sharp focus and quick reflexes to survive. You can also collect rubies (the game’s premium currency) to unlock legendary planes like the Shinden J7, BF109, and Spitfire, each with unique attacks and strengths.

The visuals stay true to their retro roots with vibrant explosions and flashy effects, but the game still runs smoothly on most Android devices.

What I like:

• Classic arcade-style gameplay
• Simple, intuitive controls
• A variety of cool planes to unlock
• Retro graphics with satisfying effects

Things to note:

• Even the Easy Mode can be tough
• Unlocking better planes requires grinding or in-app purchases

2. Kung Fu Do Fighting

This isn’t Street Fighter, but it definitely brings similar vibes. Kung Fu Do Fighting is a retro-style brawler where you can choose from multiple characters, each with unique fighting styles, like kung fu, boxing, and even some magical powers.

You can play in Tournament Mode, where you face off against random opponents in 2–3 rounds, or Survival Mode, where you try to last as long as possible before your health runs out. The game also offers different difficulty levels to match your skills.

There are plenty of characters to pick from, and each one has a distinct set of skills. A little tip: check your character’s move set before starting a fight, as it’ll help you plan better and win more battles.

What I like:

• Retro arcade fighting experience
• Two game modes: Tournament and Survival
• A variety of characters with different fighting styles
• Customizable difficulty settings

3. Galaxy Invader: Alien Shooting

Created by FARM STUDIO, Galaxy Invader: Alien Shooting is a space-themed shooting game inspired by classics like Galaga. You battle waves of alien invaders using vibrant graphics, powerful aircraft, and flashy effects.

This game builds on the popular Galaxy Attack: Alien Shooter with additional features like aircraft evolution, pilot skills, and a more modern fantasy design.

You can play through Campaign Mode with dozens of levels, Hard Mode for a greater challenge, Endless Mode for nonstop action, or PvP Mode to battle other players online.

You can upgrade your aircraft, evolve its power, unlock new skins, and boost weapon strength for more powerful attacks. There’s also a global leaderboard to track your rank against players around the world.

What I like:

• Classic gameplay with a modern touch
• Multiple game modes to suit your play style
• Upgradable aircraft, skills, and weapons
• Colorful graphics and smooth shooting animations
• Online leaderboard for competitive players

4. PAC-MAN 256

Who would have thought that a glitch in the original PAC-MAN game, where level 256 showed a half-broken screen full of random symbols, would become the inspiration for a modern version?

PAC-MAN 256 is a fun collaboration between BANDAI NAMCO and Hipster Whale, the developer behind Crossy Road. The game still feels like classic PAC-MAN. You move through a maze, eat dots and fruit, and avoid ghosts that are constantly chasing you.

What makes this version different is the endless runner concept. There's no final level. You keep going as long as you can, while a screen glitch creeps up from the bottom and threatens to erase everything in its path.

There are also more ghost types in this game. Some move slowly and randomly, while others are faster and more aggressive. You’ll need quick thinking and smart moves to survive. To help, the game offers cool power-ups like lasers, tornadoes, and magnets to clear ghosts or rack up more points.

Visually, PAC-MAN 256 mixes retro charm with modern design. There are several themes to choose from, including 80s-style graphics and colorful futuristic looks. However, most of these themes can only be unlocked with in-game credits or purchases.

Personally, I enjoyed the combination of the original gameplay with fresh mechanics. The moment I entered the maze, I felt the pressure right away. With ghosts everywhere and a glitch creeping up behind me, it definitely felt more intense than the original.

What I like:

• A fresh, endless version of PAC-MAN
• The glitch mechanic adds urgency and excitement
• Different ghost behaviors make the game more challenging
• Fun power-ups that enhance gameplay
• Cool mix of retro and modern visuals

Things to note:

• Extra themes require credits or in-app purchases
• The game might feel a bit difficult at first

5. Space Shooter – Galaxy Attack

If you enjoy alien-blasting arcade games, Space Shooter – Galaxy Attack is another solid pick. You control a spaceship and face waves of enemies that become tougher the further you go.

The objective is simple: destroy all enemies, avoid their attacks, and collect power-ups to increase your ship’s firepower. The game features hundreds of levels, each one a little more difficult than the last.

To keep things interesting, you can upgrade your ship and weapons. These upgrades make your attacks stronger, helping you deal with enemy waves more easily. Some levels even have big boss battles that need fast reflexes and smart tactics to beat.

While the gameplay is simple, it can start to feel repetitive after a long session. Still, for fans of old-school shooters, that simplicity is part of the appeal.

What I like:

• Hundreds of increasingly difficult levels
• Lots of power-ups and weapon upgrades
• Boss fights that test your reflexes and strategy

One thing to note:

• The gameplay may feel repetitive over time

That wraps up our list of five exciting old-school dingdong games you can now enjoy on Android. These games might come in different styles and graphics, but they all bring back the same nostalgic arcade feel from the 80s and 90s.

Whether you're into classic fighters or space shooters, there's something here to relive your childhood fun. Want more retro game ideas? Don’t forget to check out our other article on classic games you can play today.