8 Best Old-School Games You Can Play on Android

Do you miss the thrill of old-school games from the '90s? Don’t worry! You don’t need a console to bring back the nostalgia. With an Android phone, you can enjoy a variety of classic titles straight from the Play Store.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the best retro-style games available for Android.

1. Sonic the Hedgehog™ Classic

If you’ve ever played Sonic on a console, this mobile version will bring back memories. Sonic the Hedgehog™ Classic is the official app that recreates Sonic’s adventures with its signature pixel graphics and original soundtrack.

You can choose to play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles. Each character has their own abilities. Sonic is fast and can spin attack. Tails can fly and double-jump. Knuckles climbs walls and glides through the air.

The game features familiar zones like Labyrinth Zone, with the same underwater challenges that made the original so memorable. One key difference is that the mobile version gives you only one life per session. However, the save progress feature makes it easier to continue without starting over.

What I like:

• Authentic graphics and music from the original game
• Multiple playable characters with unique abilities
• Classic zones and gameplay preserved
• Save progress feature helps you pick up where you left off

Things to note:

• The free version contains frequent ads
• Only one life per game, so every move counts

2. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

If you grew up in the 2000s, chances are you’re familiar with Yu-Gi-Oh!, the iconic trading card game that was a staple on the PS2. Now, that same nostalgic experience has been reimagined for Android through Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links, Konami’s official mobile version.

Unlike the original format, this game uses a simplified Speed Duel system. You play with just 4,000 Life Points and a compact deck of 20–30 cards. It’s easier to learn but still requires solid strategy to win.

New players will find the game friendly and accessible. There’s an Auto-Duel feature where the AI plays for you, which is helpful for farming or learning how different decks work. For experienced duelists, PvP Ranked Mode offers competitive matches against players worldwide. Regular tournaments also give the game a fresh challenge every now and then.

One of the features that I like the most is the dramatic 3D animation that plays when you summon monsters like Dark Magician or Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Paired with impactful sound effects, it really brings the excitement of dueling to life.

What I like:

• Feels just like the classic game, but optimized for mobile
• Speed Duel format keeps matches fast and engaging
• Impressive 3D animations during monster summoning
• Multiple game modes for all skill levels

One thing to note:

• Some rare cards are locked behind gacha mechanics or require heavy grinding

3. Space Shooter – Galaxy Attack

Space Shooter: Galaxy Attack is perfect for fans of classic arcade shooters like Galaga or 1942. It blends that old-school shooter feel with modern visuals and a smoother gameplay experience.

You control a spaceship and face off against waves of alien enemies. Your mission is to dodge bullets, destroy everything in sight, and collect power-ups that boost your firepower. As you progress, the enemies become more aggressive, and boss fights demand quick reflexes and good timing.

The game features hundreds of levels, and the difficulty ramps up as you advance. To keep up, you’ll need to upgrade your ship and weapons using resources collected in battle. The good news is that the controls are super intuitive. Simply slide your finger to move, while your ship fires automatically.

What I like:

• Classic arcade shooter feel with updated graphics
• Hundreds of levels and powerful boss fights
• Upgrade system to strengthen your ship
• Easy and responsive controls

One thing to note:

• Gameplay can get repetitive over longer sessions

4. Golden Axe Classics

Golden Axe Classics is part of the SEGA Forever collection, which brings back legendary SEGA games in digital form. This mobile release includes the full trilogy: Golden Axe, Golden Axe II, and Golden Axe III, all in one app.

Naturally, I started with the original, because nothing beats the charm of the first game. Set in a medieval fantasy world, your mission is to defeat Death Adder, the tyrant who’s taken over the Kingdom of Yuria. But before you get to the final boss, you’ll face waves of tough enemies.

There are three playable characters: Axe Battler, a warrior with a massive sword; Tyris Flare, a sorceress with powerful ranged magic; and Gilius Thunderhead, a dwarf who wields dual axes. Personally, I recommend Tyris Flare. Her area-damage magic is great for clearing large groups of enemies.

One downside is that the controls can feel a bit clunky, especially when jumping or attacking. I got knocked out pretty early on, even by basic enemies. Thankfully, the game supports local multiplayer. You can host or join a lobby to play with friends.

What I like:

• Three full games in a single app
• Retro visuals and gameplay preserved
• Three distinct characters to suit different playstyles
• Multiplayer mode lets you team up with friends

One thing to note:

• Controls can feel unresponsive, especially during combat

5. Snake Xenzia Rewind

If you owned a classic Nokia phone, you probably spent hours playing Snake. Snake Xenzia Rewind by HALA Games Retro brings that exact experience to Android.

The design is a nostalgic throwback, complete with a monochrome LED-style screen and an old-school virtual keypad. You can control the snake using 2-4-6-8 keys (just like on the Nokia), or use the on-screen buttons.

The game features two modes. Classic Mode replicates the original, while Box Mode adds walls on all sides, making it harder and more intense. It doesn’t support swipe controls, so modern players might find it a bit stiff.

That said, it runs offline, making it perfect for playing on the go or during downtime without using mobile data.

What I like:

• Retro design that feels just like playing on a Nokia
• Classic controls using a virtual keypad
• Fully playable offline
• Simple, timeless gameplay

Things to note:

• Controls may feel unresponsive on some newer phones
• No swipe controls, which may be less intuitive for modern users

6. Prince of Persia: Escape

Prince of Persia was a classic in the '90s, and now there’s a mobile game that brings it back in a casual format. Developed by Ketchapp under Ubisoft, Prince of Persia: Escape transforms the series into an endless runner.

While Prince of Persia: Lost Crown sticks closer to the original platforming style, Escape is more laid-back and suitable for a wide audience. Its lightweight graphics make it accessible even on older or lower-end devices.

Despite its simplicity, you can collect gems to unlock costumes from different PoP titles, such as the Warrior Within or Vizier outfits. The gameplay involves dodging traps, jumping across platforms, and avoiding spikes.

The mechanics are easy to pick up, but you’ll still need quick reflexes as the pace ramps up.

What I like:

• Smooth performance on most devices thanks to lightweight graphics
• Fun costume unlocks inspired by the PoP franchise
• Easy to learn, ideal for casual gamers and long-time fans alike

One thing to note:

• Endless runner format may feel repetitive over time

7. Solitaire

If you spent time on Windows 95 or XP, Solitaire is probably part of your childhood. This mobile version by Guru Puzzle Game keeps the classic Klondike format intact, with Draw 1 or Draw 3 options and the familiar red-black card sorting rules.

What makes it better than the original is the level of customisation. You can change the background, card style, and even animations. There’s also a daily challenge mode for those who like to test their skills regularly, plus a global leaderboard if you’re feeling competitive.

One helpful feature is the unlimited hints and undo options. Unlike the old Microsoft version, you're not restricted here, making it much more beginner-friendly.

What I like:

• Stays true to the classic Solitaire format
• Custom themes, card styles, and animations
• Unlimited hints and undo for a more relaxed experience
• Daily challenges and global rankings

One thing to note:

• Might not appeal to those who aren’t into card games

8. Racing Moto

Looking to relive the thrill of a retro racing game? Try Racing Moto. Inspired by classic arcade racers, your main goal is to weave through traffic on a motorbike and push your speed while dodging obstacles.

The graphics are simple but charming, with a nostalgic arcade vibe. One thing to note, though, the longer you play, the tougher it gets. As traffic thickens, you’ll need sharp reflexes to avoid cars, trucks, and sudden lane changes.

Instead of swipe controls, the game relies on your phone’s tilt sensor. Tilt left or right to steer, and tap the center of the screen to accelerate. The tilt sensitivity is pretty high, so precise hand movements are essential.

One thing to note: there’s no brake button. You have to balance speed and control carefully. Go too fast, and you risk crashing; too slow, and your score suffers. The challenge really spikes when vehicles ahead start shifting lanes without warning.

What I like:

• Simple yet challenging gameplay, especially at higher speeds
• Great for sharpening focus and reflexes
• Lightweight and runs smoothly on most Android devices

Things to note:

• Tilt controls can feel overly sensitive on some devices
• No brake feature, so speed control is all on you

And that wraps up my list of recommended retro games to bring back those childhood memories. Are you ready to try them all? Or do you already have a favorite from the list? Let me know which one you’d pick first!