Game Friday this week takes a retro twist, looking back at some of the fantastic classic games that have been rejuvenated through a port to the iPhone. Some of these games will probably bring back memories of years gone by, when you spent hours in-front of the TV or Computer playing some of the most revolutionary games of all time. We take a look a classic FPS DOOM and the incredibly addictive WORMS, among others.
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DOOM Classic
DOOM Classic
As far as classic games go, DOOM is right up there with the best of them, and now the original three episodes are available on the iPhone along with Episode 4. Loading the game instantly transports you back to 1993, with the same beautiful graphics that helped make the original a hit.
Fight your way through 36 missions with all the original weapons and monsters that you have come to expect from DOOM. As an added bonus you can take on your friends in an online Deathmatch or Cooperative play over a Wi-Fi network. The control system is easy to use and customisable to suit your own playing style. A great homage to the classic!
Price: $6.99
Developer: id Software
Download: App Store
Worms
WORMS
Without a doubt my favourite game from my youth, WORMS was one of the first apps I paid for upon purchasing my iPhone. Thankfully it does not disappoint and really does look the business. There are 50 challenges to complete, featuring all your favourite weapons like the Holy Hand Grenade, Air Strikes and Homing Missiles, and the excellent voiceovers are also included.
Version 2.0 has brought Bluetooth multiplayer and Body Count mode where the aim is to cause as much damage to other worms as possible before you die. The control system is a little complicated to get used to, though, and I found myself doing backflips into the water on more than one occasion when I first started playing. However, it’s well worth 5 bucks!
Frogger
Frogger
Everyone’s favourite frog (unless you happen to be a big Kermit fan) returns in an iPhone outing that cleverly features both classic graphics and a new look for the iPhone, so you can choose which to play.
Gameplay remains the same in both though, allowing you to choose between swipe, touch and tilt controls in order to get your frog safely across the road and river. While it lacks in any real depth, there are 10 achievements to collect and Facebook Connect allows you to share your score with friends. Plus, it’s $0.99, so you can hardly complain!
Dragon's Lair
Dragon’s Lair
Perhaps a slightly less well known classic is Dragon’s Lair, which was a ground-breaking arcade game upon its initial release in the 1980s. The iPhone version comes with enhanced visuals, but one that will still bring memories back to those who loved the original.
You play as Dirk the Daring, tasked with rescuing the Princess from the fire-breathing dragon, and must battle through numerous enemies and challenges in order to save her. Easy to use controls make it quite simple to get yourself through the game in one sitting, but it also only $0.99, which would have only got you one attempt in the arcades!
Price: $0.99
Developer: Electronic Arts
Download: App Store
Streets of Rage
Streets of Rage
If the names Axel Stone, Blaze Fielding and Adam Hunter mean anything to you, then Streets of Rage on the iPhone could be the best thing since sliced bread. Fight your way through 8-classic levels as you try and clean up the streets of the city.
Featuring over 40 different attacks and a variety of weapons, the iPhone port accurately reflects the MegaDrive classic, however a lack of multiplayer mode unfortunately lets it down somewhat. Worth a look at for die-hard fans and fans of side-scrolling beat-em-ups, but others may feel a little bit disappointed.
What Have You Been Playing?
We always appreciate your feedback and suggestions for other games so please let us know what you have been playing in the comments below.
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You forgot to mention Sonic by Sega.
My fave retro games include the following:
Ms. Pac-man, Karate Champ, Earthworm Jim, Monkey Island 1, & Myst.
Secret of Monkey Island and the sequel, LeChuck’s Revenge.
Dragon’s Lair cost 50 cents to play in the arcades, not a dollar.
Robotron inspired Mal Function on iOS