Great Old School Games on The Go

You like games from the 1980s. You have a decent cellphone. You need a shopping list. Defender of the Crown on iOS

Fresh out a few days ago, Defender of the Crown brings cinemtic gaming to iOS, Commodore-style. A set of medieval-themed subgames linked by a simple empire-building game, Defender of the Crown is a perfect 16-bit classic for those whose nostalgia doesn't quite stretch to the Atari age. Even the interminable floppy-disk loading times are emulated; those who prefer arcade action should check out R-Type, another late-eighties classic now available for cellphones.

PicoPicoQuest on Android and iOS

A perfectly pixelated, if simplistic Ultima-style JRPG from Yamagame, PicoPicoQuest is just $2 and is available on iOS and Android. Not too long, but plenty hard!

Final Fantasy on iOS

Remixes of the entire series are offered at the iOS App store, but this is where it begins. Square-Enix's early role-playing adventure will suck away the hours, though at $9, it's pricey by retrogaming standards.

Prince of Persia on iOS

Forget the gritty remakes and career coffin-nail movie. Jordan Mechner's original was a masterpiece of minimal game design, fluid animation and tension. Currently available for a dollar at the App store, its control system was improved in the most recent update.





Galaga Collection on iOS

Most of the earliest arcade classics are offered in one form or another at the mobile app stores; the key is to remember which ones weren't really much cop (such as Space Invaders and Pong) and which ones stand the test of time. Galaga, Defender and Asteroids hold up better than most.

Legends of Yore (Official homepage) on Android and iOS

My new favorite roguelike, for iOS and Android, has plenty of charm and scope in its blocky, colorful visuals and extensive choices. But you might want to start with 100 Rogues or Sword of Fargoal. Like pain? Go full oldschool.

LED football on iOS

If finicky, difficult RPGs and arcade games from the Time before User-Friendliness sound like a chore, there are more approachable options. Remember LED football? This is that, but on your iPhone.

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