Android gaming has changed a lot over the years, but some classic Android games have stood the test of time—and are even still available to download from the Play Store!
10
Doodle Jump
Doodle Jump is one of my favorite classic Android games because it’s so simple yet addictive; it has that perfect “just one more game” feeling. I’ve spent many hours tilting my phone to bounce the little alien on platforms and avoid the obstacles in this endless vertical scroller. There are plenty of level themes and power-ups too, which keeps it fresh.
9
Fruit Ninja
If there’s one game that puts your phone’s touchscreen to best use, it’s Fruit Ninja, where you use your finger to slice the fruit that flies across your screen while avoiding the bombs. It’s fast-paced and super satisfying to build long-running combos.
8
Hill Climb Racing
Looking for an Android game to kill time? This classic from 2012 has you covered. Hill Climb Racing isn’t the most refined game in the world, but this wacky physics-based racer has you driving across bumpy terrain as you collect coins to upgrade your vehicle and unlock new levels. Plus, it’s playable offline, which is a rarity nowadays.
7
Cut the Rope
If you like charming puzzlers, Cut the Rope is an excellent choice. Starring the adorable Om Nom, you slice ropes to collect stars and guide the candy into the green creature’s mouth. There are hundreds of levels to keep you busy.
6
Angry Birds
The original Angry Birds isn’t available on the Play Store, but the similar sequel is. This is a game that likely needs no introduction; so popular that it spawned many spin-off games, TV shows, and movies. You fling birds from their slingshots into the enemy pigs—silly, colorful fun.
5
Plague Inc.
Perhaps not the most relaxing concepts, Plague Inc. doesn’t ask you to save humanity from disease—instead, this strategy game wants you to infect everyone. Humanity will try to fight, of course, so you will need to adapt your approach. Not one to play if you feel yourself coming down with a cold.
4
Temple Run
Temple Run, as you might infer from the name, is an endless runner set in a temple. You swipe to dodge traps and collect coins as demonic monkeys chase you. Even if you’ve never played Temple Run, you’ve likely played others that were inspired by it, but the original gameplay holds up.
3
Words With Friends
Words With Friends is similar to Scrabble, in that it’s a multiplayer game where you use tiles to build words on a grid. It’s best played against friends and family so that you can brag when you lay down the perfect word.
2
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is as lovely to look at as it is to play. It’s a puzzler where you move the environment to guide a silent princess through optical illusions. It’s not a long experience, but one that will certainly stay with you.
1
Plants vs. Zombies
Plants vs. Zombies is a classic video game period, let alone on Android, and you need to download it if you’ve never played it before. It’s funny and easy to pick up, but has a surprising amount of depth, as you play a homeowner planting defense to stop a zombie invasion.
Once you’ve finished with these iconic games, you can also use your Android device to play retro classics from other platforms. That means the likes of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana are all available in the palm of your hand.
