Classic Video Games Available on iPhone

PITFALL

Activision’s 1982 classic "Pitfall" for the Atari 2600 gets a makeover as it ports to the iPhone. Our hero, Pitfall Harry, still has to jump, swing, and slide to negotiate the perils of the jungle on his quest for scattered treasure, only now the environment is rendered in fully animated 3-D. Easy swipe-and-tilt controls make it a go-to for pick-up-and-play fun.

Available on iTunes for $0.99

MYST

The classic, cryptic, first-person puzzler "Myst" was released in 1993 and went on to become the best-selling PC game of the ‘90s. Its formidable sequel, the equally heralded "Riven," set benchmarks in gaming that many say have still yet to be surpassed. Both are beautifully ported here and true to their original form, and their simple point-and-click gameplay translates perfectly to iOS. 

Available on iTunes for $4.99 each

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

The original flagship of the SEGA Genesis system, 1991’s Sonic the Hedgehog was a supercharged high-speed revolution for side-scrolling 2-D platformers. While some may find the superimposed buttons and directional pad difficult to manipulate on the iPhone’s smooth surface, once (or if) mastered, the game proves a fun and nostalgic throwback to the early days of a bygone 16-bit era.

Available on iTunes for $2.99

DOOM

The legendary first-person shooter, 1993’s "Doom," is commonly recognized as having popularized the FPS genre. The game is often mentioned in greatest-games-of-all-time discussions, and it finds a well-appropriated new home on iOS. Featuring 36 levels of action and fully customizable controls, this direct port of the original will leave your mouth watering for similar adaptations of its sequels.

Available on iTunes for $4.99

CENTIPEDE: ORIGINS

Inspired by 1981’s Atari classic "Centipede," "Centipede: Origins" proves a respectable reimagining of the legendary arcade shooter. Protect your precious garden from the vicious downward-spiraling insects with upgradeable weapons and gadgets over several hours (OK, maybe not hours, but certainly a few run-throughs) of reasonable enjoyable gameplay.

Available on iTunes for $0.99

BENEATH A STEEL SKY: REMASTERED

The cult-classic 1994 point-and-click cyberpunk PC adventure "Beneath a Steel Sky" gets a welcome port to iOS with more than 10 hours of updated puzzles, intriguing characters and snappy dialogue. Building off the original, the remastered version features all-new animations from "Watchmen" co-creator Dave Gibbons, and an in-game help system tailored to both beginners and experienced adventurers alike.

Available on iTunes for $2.99

THE OREGON TRAIL

This classic educational game was released for the Apple II in the 1970s to teach children about pioneer life on the Oregon Trail. It gets a major facelift for iOS. With updated graphics, new side missions, and skill-based challenges like hunting, fishing, rafting and gold-panning, "The Oregon Trail" is a fresh remake of the original that does well to retain its sense of nostalgia, even if it’s a bit of a snooze fest.

Available on iTunes for $0.99

FINAL FANTASY

Originally released in Japan in 1987, "Final Fantasy" amazed gamers with its rich narrative and bright graphics, and it introduced the world to a franchise that would become one of the best known, most influential, and most serialized role-playing games of all time. A seminal, turn-based RPG, "Final Fantasy" for iOS is a direct port of the original, and even includes several bonus dungeons only available in later of the game.

Available on iTunes for $8.99