By Tracey Dowdy
Whether you’re feeling nostalgic and want to introduce your kids to the classic games of your childhood or just looking for a way to pass the time while you wait in line, these classic games have been re-mastered for your smartphone and tablet. As an added bonus, the app versions offer the features of the original game and they’re usually less expensive.
Board Games
Monopoly is actually banned in my house because my husband is ruthless, but for everyone else the app version of the game is a lot of fun. The free version offers everything you loved about the original board game or you can upgrade with in-app purchases to customize your gaming experience. (iPhone – $0.99, iPad – $4.99, Android – $1.99)
Mad Libs takes the original game and adds a soundtrack and sound effects. Play solo or with a partner; save your story or share it with friends. The app includes 21 free stories, with new stories being added all the time. (Free with in-app purchases – iPhone, iPad, Android)
The Game of Life offers all the fun of the original but adds 3D graphics and music from your music library. Pass and Play with up to six friends and track your progress with the Life journal. (iPhone – $0.99, iPad – $4.99, Android – $0.99, Windows Phone – $2.99)
Scrabble allows you to play solo against the computer, challenge friends on Facebook, or choose both as you can play multiple games simultaneously. Use the “Teacher” feature to improve your skills, the in-game dictionary and word list or the Best Word feature to see your highest scoring word option. (Free – iPhone, iPad, Android)
Yahztee lets you play the classic dice game solo or with up to three friends. Choose different modes of play and save your game to come back to at a later time. (iPhone – $0.99, iPad – $2.99, Windows Phone – $2.99)
Video Games
What list of classic games would be complete without Pac-Man? The app version includes the original 1980 maze, plus an additional 9 mazes to challenge you. Use your touchscreen for swipe controls or use the online joystick to avoid the ghosts and munch power pellets. (iPhone, iPad, Android – Price varies based on version of game purchased)
Tetris Blitz is old-school Tetris with drag and drop or one-touch features to help you get the highest score possible in the two minute time limit. Play alone or in time-limited battles against online players. In-app purchases allow you to power up your game and earn higher scores. (Free with in-app purchases – iPhone, iPad & Android)
Tomb Raider Pack featuring Lara Croft lets you fight bad guys, solve puzzles and search for treasure in Atlantis and the pyramids of Egypt. The app version includes the original 1998 version of the game, plus two additional chapters. (iPhone, iPad – $4.99)
Secrets of Monkey Island brings back Guybrush Threepwood in his quest to become an infamous pirate of the Caribbean. Play the classic or Special Edition versions and take advantage of the hints to play better than ever. The original cast is back for the voice overs, and the score has been re-recorded and digitally re-mastered so the sound is as authentic as the graphics. (iPhone – $2.79, iPad – $4.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog is back! Race across seven zones to collect rings and best your enemies to save the world and defeat Dr. Eggman. The app version offers the option to play the original game or to play as Sonic’s friends Tails and Knuckles. Re-mastered sound and graphics means play is better than ever and new “Time Mode” brings a whole new challenge. (iPhone, iPad, Android – $2.99)
If the fast-pace of the game wasn’t enough, the soundtrack by Bad Religion and the Offspring could hook you on Crazy Taxi. Time is money and it’s up to you to race through the streets and rack up the most fares in 3, 5 or 10 minute game plays. (iPhone, iPad, Android – $4.99)
Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Toronto, ON. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances and researches on subjects from family and education to pop culture and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.