The 6 Best Classic Arcade Games on iPhone/iPad (2)
Galaga 30th Collection
Free (Games as in-app purchases)
iPhone, iPad
For Galaga's 30th anniversary this year, Namco has produced a new collection of a select few games in the Galaga lineage.
I applaud the fact that the two best Galaga games -- Gaplus and Galaga '88 -- have found their way here. The few different control schemes also work well, featuring simple touch movement or a virtual joystick, plus semi-automatic firing if you keep your finger down to shoot.Divorced of the price issue, these are still all solid shooters, and with Twitter/Facebook/Game Center integration, there are several ways to keep you gunning for a high score and showing it off.
Arkanoid
$4.99
iPhone, iPad
Taito's Arkanoid has consistently been the best Breakout clone -- it's responsive and has some challenging stage designs, both things that the iOS Arkanoid has going for it. It's not exactly the same game as the original arcade version, but there's no denying it's still Arkanoid through-and-through. Touch control makes it easier to play than on some controller (remember the special paddle that came with the NES version?), and branching stage paths means you can be at this for quite a while. (Note that the iPad version, Arkanoid HD, is sold separately, but the same price.)
The 6 Best Classic Arcade Games on iPhone/iPad
- by Ray Barnholt
- September 01, 2011 10:00 AM PT
Galaga 30th Collection
Free (Games as in-app purchases)
iPhone, iPad
For Galaga's 30th anniversary this year, Namco has produced a new collection of a select few games in the Galaga lineage. I applaud the fact that the two best Galaga games -- Gaplus and Galaga '88 -- have found their way here. The few different control schemes also work well, featuring simple touch movement or a virtual joystick, plus semi-automatic firing if you keep your finger down to shoot.Divorced of the price issue, these are still all solid shooters, and with Twitter/Facebook/Game Center integration, there are several ways to keep you gunning for a high score and showing it off.
Arkanoid
$4.99
iPhone, iPad
Taito's Arkanoid has consistently been the best Breakout clone -- it's responsive and has some challenging stage designs, both things that the iOS Arkanoid has going for it. It's not exactly the same game as the original arcade version, but there's no denying it's still Arkanoid through-and-through. Touch control makes it easier to play than on some controller (remember the special paddle that came with the NES version?), and branching stage paths means you can be at this for quite a while. (Note that the iPad version, Arkanoid HD, is sold separately, but the same price.)
Pac-Mania
$1.99
iPhone, iPad
You can't throw a rock without hitting a Pac-Man game on the App Store, so we'd be a broken record in recommending Pac-Man or Ms. Pac-Man. So instead, we'll recommend Pac-Mania! This 1987 revision fo the Pac-Man formula features an isometric "3D" view and Pac-Man's ability to jump over ghosts or power pellets you wish to save for later. It's a little bit slow at first, and it's not the ultimate version of the game, but it's faithful enough to easily get into the groove and enjoy this slightly skewed (har) Pac-sequel.
