Long gone are the days when games like Doodle Jump or Balloon’s Tower Defense represented the pinnacle of the mobile gaming market. With the enormous evolution of technology and hardware for handheld devices, phones have become a viable platform for playing classic video games.
Android has constructed one of the most comprehensive catalogs of ported video games, from more recent titles to some of the ancestors of the industry. While it remains to be seen if Android or other mobile companies can stand toe-to-toe with PC or home consoles, there are several high-quality games available for Android users to enjoy.
Updated on May 10, 2025, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: Did you know that you can play console-made games on the very same phone you’re probably using to read this article?
19 Balatro
Get Lost In This Enchanting Roguelike
Nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, Balatro is a mesmerizing deck-building roguelike with a fascinating twist on the game of poker. The goal is to play the best hands possible to earn enough points to advance. The catch? You can collect Joker and Tarot cards to access power-ups and multiply your combos.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a gameplay loop as enthralling and replayable as this one. The premise is easy to learn yet difficult to master, creating a pleasantly casual experience with plenty of room for strategy. In short, it’s the very best roguelike on the Google Play Store.
18 Gris
Embark On An Emotional Journey
Few games are as emotional and captivating as Gris. This stunning 2D platformer s a woman whose world gets robbed of its color. Trapped in a desolate monochromatic landscape, you must explore and solve puzzles to return the hue to the environment.
The story is a tasteful and accurate metaphor for the grieving process, so be prepared to shed a few tears throughout the adventure. Everything is complemented by a gorgeous watercolor art style and a breathtaking soundtrack. Give it a try if you’re up for a heart-wrenching journey.
17 Danganronpa Trilogy
Experience The Most Suspenseful Mysteries On The Google Play Store
Visual novel fans should consider the Danganronpa trilogy as required reading. Luckily, all three games have excellent Android ports. Each entry s a group of gifted high schoolers who are kidnapped by the sadistic bear Monokuma and forced to play a killing game. The only way to escape is to get away with murder.
The gameplay is a blend of social simulation and detective-based puzzles. When you’re not mingling with fellow students, you’re investigating murders, gathering evidence, and accusing the culprit during fast-paced class trials. If you can stomach the rather high price tags, all three titles are absolutely worth your time.
16 Her Story
A Modern Day FMV Masterpiece
Full motion video (FMV) was one of the most financially lucrative and popular gaming techniques during the ’90s. While the genre has become increasingly infrequent in the modern era of gaming, there are still a handful of studios that utilize the method to achieve great results.
2015’s Her Story was developer Sam Barlow’s first title after leaving Climax Studio, and it’s arguably his best. Taking full advantage of FMV’s distinctive style of live-action blended with gameplay, Her Story tells a riveting murder mystery in a captivating manner.
15 This War Of Mine
A Haunting War Story Told From A Unique Perspective
It’s uncommon for a war game to stand out from the pack. By this point in video game history, war and its stories have been covered from every angle and through every perspective. Enter This War of Mine, a tale of survival set during the coldest of conflicts.
The game has you maintain a group of civilians forced to live in a war-torn city. Between resource management, fighting off soldiers and bandits, and dealing with sickness and injury, This War of Mine tests your mettle and will to endure.
14 XCOM: Enemy Within
Engrossingly Tactical Warfare Against Extraterrestrials
1994’s XCOM: UFO Defense holds a special place in the hearts of gamers for two reasons: its status as a cult classic and how it encouraged developer Firaxis Games to reimagine the 1960s alien invasion-inspired narrative with a turn-based twist.
2012’s XCOM: Enemy Unknown might not be as deep or fleshed out as its successor, XCOM 2, but it remains a superbly well-made tactical shooter. Between the charming visuals, first-rate squad mechanics, and unique enemy design, XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a sci-fi video game gem.
13 Doom 2
The Founding Father Of First-Person Shooters
You can’t have a conversation about the most influential video games of all time without talking about the original Doom. Developed by id Software in 1993, Doom is regarded as the granddaddy of first-person shooters, along with 1994’s aptly titled Doom 2.
Although both Doom and its sequel remain exceptional first-person shooters despite their senior age, the -up entry is the superior title. While it might seem old hat compared to Doom: Eternal, this quintessential genre classic is chock-full of thrilling demon-slaying gameplay.
12 Stardew Valley
A Relaxing And Cozy Farming And Life Sim
Sometimes, all you want to do is just kick back, relax, and spend hours away in a calmly fictional world. Stardew Valley not only offers that sort of cozy experience but adds so much on top of it to a degree that elevates it way above other farming and life sims.
Ever since its initial 2016 launch, Stardew Valley has been ported to almost every console under the sun, and it’s clear why. The game is a treasure to play with its cast of characters, deep mechanics, and soothing nature. Simply put, it’s among the coziest games on Android.
11 Dragon's Lair
A Charming Medieval Fantasy Adventure
Gamers everywhere know of quick time events; it’s one of the industry’s most eminent practices. Everything from prominent IPs to indie darlings has utilized the mechanic to varying degrees of success. However, there can only be one originator of QTEs.
1983’s Dragon’s Lair is considered the first game to feature QTEs. It’s also one of the foremost video games launched on Laserdisc. While Dragon’s Lair is hardly a masterwork, it’s a piece of gaming history. Plus, it features outstanding hand-drawn animation courtesy of ex-Disney animator Don Bluth.
10 Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
An Exhilarating Blood-Coated Synthwave Masterwork
Nothing beats an awesome soundtrack. Many video games spring to mind when pondering about the best musical collections in gaming. What’s even better than amazing music is when it is the perfect companion to the gameplay; that’s where Hotline Miami 2 shines.
Hotline Miami 2 is an energized compound of sensational music and fast-paced twin-stick gunplay. With each moment of unrelentingly violent combat, your ears are blasted with some of the best synthwave found across all entertainment media.
