The definition of what’s considered to be an arcade game has evolved over the years until almost turning into a hodgepodge of all sorts of games. Long gone are the afternoons spent in arcades as a form of entertainment. But that doesn’t mean this type of direct gameplay is gone for good; quite the opposite, actually. It’s always good to set some basic guidelines to know what types of games enter into this category: simple gameplay, short rounds, and a difficulty level that’s not recommended for the faint of heart. At least that’s how we define this classic genre. But the best way to pay tribute is to shine a light on the best arcade games that exist on Android. There are tons of examples of high-quality arcade games for mobile devices, but these are our favorites.
Spicy Piggy
Indie platformers raised the bar with the release of the maddening Super Meat Boy and the beautiful Canalbalt. Games that have influenced an entire generation of titles such as Spicy Piggy, a fast-paced game that has wisely chosen to follow down the same beaten path. Although your piggy hero moves automatically, you’ll need to react on time with the three available movements in order to advance through the different screens. Nitrome tends to be synonymous with quality and here they come through once again thanks to the classic formula: quality, pixel art, and simple gameplay. [Download]
Super Fowlst
It’s hard to resist a good pixel-art game and here Super Fowlst has definitely won us over. Luckily, it’s more than just a pretty package, since this fun platformer with procedural levels will challenge you every step of the way. Its simple controls requiring you to simply touch the sides of the screen to advance upwards makes the experience a sort of like a reversed Downwell. Because yes, here you’ll make your way by hitting enemies with your head in order to overcome endless levels where the way out is usually above you. [Download]
Flip Runner
We’ve been seeing the explosion of flipping games riding the coattails of the classic SWAGFLIP for a while now. This translates into bodies with ragdoll-ish physics that give way to situations that are as absurd as they are awesome. We’ve chosen Flip Runner from a long list of similar titles for how it combines the typical flips that you have to make with platforms. Plus, it’s a game that doesn’t constantly bug you with ads. That definitely deserves a thumbs up. [Download]
RACE THE SUN
We’re fans of endless runners thanks to their tendency to provide instant fun. And if they’re visually appealing too, what more could we possible ask for? RACE THE SUN already had us hooked in 2013 when it arrived on Windows, Linux, and Mac, but luckily you can now enjoy this dreamlike experience from your smartphone or tablet. You’ll fly through different other-worldly landscapes where you only objective is to last as long as possible. The speed this ship can reach will make things difficult as you advance. [Download]
Unicycle Giraffe
A giraffe, hats galore, and a unicycle. That’s what this beautiful Unicycle Giraffe has to offer. It’s a work that’s easy on the eyes with its colorful graphics, and you’ll end up hating/loving it for its difficulty. The premise is as simple as keeping your balance as long as you can, but it won’t be easy. You’ll earn coins the longer you last, which will allow you to grow your collection of hats that will give you certain advantages in the art of balance. [Download]
Thief Rivals
We already talked about Thief Rivals in our selection of the top games of July, but it’s time to mention it again. Competing in wacky rounds against other people around the world is an art in this colorful game where daggers fly to put an end to your race. Literally. There may be tons of similar games out there, but Thief Rivals is still number one in what it does. The inclusion of different power-ups give it a special touch that’s greatly appreciated. [Download]
Walk Master
A walk in the countryside gets ridiculously complicated when you add stilts to the equation. The fun Walk Master goes all-in when it comes to its control system and it comes out a winner: you have to swipe carefully to control each one of the stilts. If you go too quickly, you’ll fall, and you’ll have to start over again. But that’s the great thing about it: trying to overcome the obstacles along the way without fretting too much about your defeats. [Download]
HELI 100
The good folks over at Tree Men Games have carved out a space in the industry with the great PAKO saga, but not everything is all about cars. HELI 100 takes the action to the skies as you use your helicopter to fight off hordes upon hordes of dangerous aliens. Quick levels, enemies galore, and automatic controls: a delicious recipe for success that we can’t help but recommend. [Download]
Wild Bullets
Your settlement has been taken over by demons and it’s up to you to put and end to this debacle using your guns. Wild Bullets is an endless roguelite where you’ll have to carefully advance, since it’s easy to end up defeated. Wild Bullets may become a little too repetitive, but the quality of the title is undeniable. [Download]
#DRIVE
We never get tired of writing about #DRIVE, but that’s what tends to happen when we find a quality title. Driving nonstop is harder than it sounds though, since you have to keep an eye on your gas tank, not to mention all the obstacles that can do damage to your vehicle. Its graphics set it apart from its peers, something that’s greatly appreciated since it breathes some fresh air into a setting that’s constantly showing to be more of the same. We give this work from Pixel Perfect Dude all of our cheers and applause. [Download]
