Summary
- Android devices feature a wide range of ported PC games, such as Balatro and Stardew Valley.
- From classics like Doom 2 to more recent gems like Gris, there’s something for everyone on the Google Play Store.
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.
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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 February 20, 2025, by PJ Molloy: Who says you can’t play excellent games on a mobile device? Top-notch PC games get ported to Android all the time, and we’ve updated the list with even more must-play titles you can download right now.
18
Balatro
Get Lost In This Enchanting Roguelike
Strategy
Digital Card Game
Roguelike
- Released
-
February 20, 2024
- Developer(s)
-
LocalThunk
- Publisher(s)
-
Playstack
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.
17
Gris
Embark On An Emotional Journey
GRIS
Platformer
Adventure
Indie Games
Puzzle
- Released
-
December 13, 2018
- Developer(s)
-
Nomada Studio
Few games are as emotional and captivating as Gris. This stunning 2D platformer follows 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.
16
Danganronpa Trilogy
Experience The Most Suspenseful Mysteries On The Google Play Store
DanganRonpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
- Released
-
November 25, 2010
- Developer(s)
-
Spike
- Publisher(s)
-
Spike
Visual novel fans should consider the Danganronpa trilogy as required reading. Luckily, all three games have excellent Android ports. Each entry follows 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.
15
Her Story
A Modern Day FMV Masterpiece
Adventure
Puzzle
Indie Games
Simulation
Casual
- Released
-
June 24, 2015
- Developer(s)
-
Sam Barlow
- Publisher(s)
-
Sam Barlow
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.
14
This War Of Mine
A Haunting War Story Told From A Unique Perspective
- Released
-
November 14, 2014
- Developer(s)
-
11 Bit Studios
- Publisher(s)
-
11 Bit Studios
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.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown
Turn-Based Strategy
Action
Tactical
Strategy
- Released
-
October 9, 2012
- Developer(s)
-
Firaxis Games, 2K Games, Feral Interactive
- Publisher(s)
-
Firaxis Games
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.
12
Doom 2
The Founding Father Of First-Person Shooters
- Platform(s)
-
Android, iOS, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PC, Sega Saturn, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation (Original), Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Released
-
October 10, 1994
- Publisher(s)
-
GT Interactive
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 follow-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.
11
Stardew Valley
A Relaxing And Cozy Farming And Life Sim
- Released
-
February 26, 2016
- Developer(s)
-
ConcernedApe
- Publisher(s)
-
ConcernedApe
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.
10
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.
9
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
An Exhilarating Blood-Coated Synthwave Masterwork
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number
- Released
-
March 10, 2015
- Developer(s)
-
Dennaton Games, Abstraction Games
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.
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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.
8
Tales From The Borderlands
One Of The Best Point-And-Click Games Ever
- Released
-
November 25, 2014
For years, Telltale Games was the master of marvelous character development and magnificent storytelling. As such, there are many differing opinions about which of its games should be considered the cream of the crop among its many critically lauded titles.
Regarding Telltale’s magnum opus, Tales from the Borderlands has a strong case for that fabled crown. It’s arguably the studio’s most underrated video game, as well. Tales from the Borderlands is a masterfully written adventure with boundless charisma and rich characters set in Gearbox’s immersive world.
7
I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream
A Frightening Adaptation Of The Iconic Short Story
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
Writer Harlan Ellison’s short story, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream, is unquestionably one of the most malevolent, dreary, and grim pieces of science fiction literature. As such, it would seem almost futile to convert the story into a video game format.
Yet developers Cyberdreams and The Dreamers Guild somehow transformed Ellison’s work into one of the most underrated point-and-click games of the 1990s. With Ellison also serving as a co-designer, the video game of his morbid tale is definitely worth trying if you can steal your heart against some truly sinister moments.
6
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
One Of Rockstar’s Iconic Classic Titles
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Released
-
October 29, 2002
It’s challenging to think of a more popular video game IP than Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series. Even as Grand Theft Auto 5 vacuums up millions of dollars annually, even years after its launch, fans still fondly remember the earlier entries in the series.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City might not be the best GTA game, but it has a sound argument for it. Starring Oscar-nominated actor Ray Liotta as rising mobster Tommy Vercetti, Vice City features an exciting narrative and outstanding open-world design.
5
Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
A Captivating And Phenomenal Dungeon & Dragons RPG
Baldur’s Gate 2: Enhanced Edition
- Released
-
November 15, 2013
- Developer(s)
-
Overhaul Games
Larian Studio’s Baldur’s Gate 3 was a gigantic critical and commercial triumph. With the amount of praise and applause the 2023 RPG has gotten, it’s easy to overlook that the previous two entries in the series developed by BioWare are also excellent games.
Baldur’s Gate 2 shows its age from a graphical and presentation standpoint. Yet, its characters, writing, narrative design, and voice acting still rank firmly in the top echelon of the role-playing genre. Challenging and endlessly engaging, Baldur’s Gate 2 is a fantasy delight.
4
Jade Empire
A Quality Fantasy RPG From The Minds Of BioWare
- Released
-
April 12, 2005
- Publisher(s)
-
Microsoft Game Studios
Studio BioWare has long been associated with the RPG genre. From their early work in the Baldur’s Gate series to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and later Mass Effect, the developer has proven quite adept at the genre.
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One game that’s forgotten among their impressive library of hits is Jade Empire. Set in the titular fictional Chinese kingdom, Jade Empire features all of BioWare’s signature strengths with strong writing, voice acting, characters, and gameplay, but never quite reached the level of popularity it merited.
3
Max Payne
A Masterclass In Third-Person Action Gunplay
- Released
-
July 23, 2001
- Publisher(s)
-
Gathering of Developers
The Max Payne series is defined by the lengthy void between the second and third entry. Moreover, Max Payne 3 received universal praise for its outstanding gunplay and emotionally powerful story, further pushing the previous two games out of the spotlight.
The first entry in the Max Payne series holds up exceptionally well in most aspects. Boasting a bleak noir story, rousing gameplay, and a brilliant lead performance from James McCaffrey in the titular role, Max Payne is a great shooter well worth your time.
2
Grim Fandango
A Slick Noir Infused Trip Through The Land Of The Dead
- Released
-
October 30, 1998
Few development studios were as skilled at crafting superb adventure titles as LucasArts, and few game designers were as synonymous with the studio’s image as Tim Schafer. During his tenure with LucasArts, Schafer helped create games like the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Secret of Monkey Island.
In 1998, Schafer served as the game director for Grim Fandango, a stylish fuse of art déco, film noir, and Actez culture. The tale of undead travel agent Manuel “Manny” Calavera is full of charm, wit, clever writing, and well worth your time.
1
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic 1 & 2
The Mangum Opus Of Star Wars Video Games
In the conversation of the greatest Star Wars video games, you’ll find both Knights of the Old Republic titles firmly in the mix. However, determining which of these two games is better is a far more complicated and controversial debate.
The first game, developed by BioWare, is more of your standard, albeit superbly told, Star Wars tale. The second entry, helmed by Obsidian, is more subversive and darker. Ultimately, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2 are both video game masterpieces.
