After Sony recently acquired Savage Game Studios (via ANI News), it looks like they might be moving into the mobile market in a big way. But with this news, the possibility to see some classic PlayStation games becoming portable experiences on smartphones might become true.
With the current mobile market, there have been plenty of other classic video game franchises that have seen installments become free mobile versions. Whether these games were made by the same developers or new studios, they at least tried to give something new to their old series.
Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot, once the proud name associated with Naughty Dog, has enjoyed a successful return to current consoles after the original games were released in a remastered package known as Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and was followed up by the highly anticipated Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time. He would follow this up as he eventually spun his way onto the mobile market in 2021.
Made by Candy Crush developer King Digital Studios, they put Crash into an endless runner platformer while also adding customization and power-up options to take down the foes blocking the player's way. His classic move sets worked in this format as he naturally spun and jumped his way through each level, making it an initial transition that worked well for the marsupial.
Mario Kart
Easily one of the biggest hits on the Nintendo Switch, new tracks included in the ' second wave.
Mario Kart Tour was released in 2019 with many Nintendo fans excited to be able to play the game away from Nintendo consoles and with continuous updates and rotating tours, it certainly tried to keep people engaged. Despite some controversial microtransactions, Nintendo was able to make some fun new racetracks based on iconic locations from around the world.
Puyo Puyo
Since Tetris and Puyo Puyo teamed up to make the Puyo Puyo vs. Tetris games for current consoles, many have been introduced to both of these classic puzzle games. And while Tetris has been made available for multiple systems, Sega has yet to release an official Puyo Puyo mobile game in the states.
Japanese gamers may have been lucky to access Puyopuyo!! Quest, but until it gets translated and released for Western audiences, American gamers will have to make do with Magic Bean: Puyo Puzzle. Taking the look from the Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine days, this unofficial game in the franchise still provides the same fun puzzle experience that players can come to expect.
Rayman
Rayman has created some fond memory for gamers over the years and with the success of Rayman Legends, Ubisoft has ported the platformer to multiple consoles. Using the adoring art style, the developer attempted to bring Rayman's new look to the mobile market with Rayman Adventures.
The gameplay and level layout was built around the touchscreen functionality, allowing players to jump, run, and smack enemies almost seamlessly. With a new mechanic involving helpful little creatures to collect, the game tried to give something new to the familiar-looking levels.
Pac-Man
Easily one of the oldest and most recognizable video game characters of all time, Pac-Man hasn't gone anywhere after all these years. Furthermore, he has had some hit mobile games that have been enjoyed by millions and one of the best alternative ways to play the game.
Whether it's the classic game repackaged with some new features or the endless runner-like game Pac-Man 256, the character has been enjoyed by over ten million players each. And unlike other freemium games on the mobile market, Pac-Man 256 does give the option to purchase the game for a small fee which made it a much-loved installment back in 2015.
Space Invaders
Released in 1978 as an arcade cabinet, players have been shooting aliens and defending the Earth ever since. While some may enjoy the Space Invaders games on the portable Nintendo Switch, it is not their only option to take the retro classic on the go.
It may be possible to pay for a version of Space Invaders on digital storefronts for smart devices, but other developers have created their own free versions to check out. From RI Productions' The Invaders to merlyn lear's Space Inversion FREE, these games have at least provided some options for those looking to blast some aliens while on a commute.
Sonic The Hedgehog
For over thirty years, Sonic the Hedgehog hasn't shown signs of slowing down anytime soon as he has continued to become relevant across various mediums, especially with movies after starring in this year's Sonic the Hedgehog 2. While fans are anticipating the release of the next game, Sonic Frontiers, they might want to check out some of his mobile games while they wait.
The mobile market features classic and recent installments from the franchise, ranging from the endless runner Sonic Dash to the portable version of Sonic Forces. But they are also ed by free versions of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic CD, all of which can be unlocked with a one-time payment for endless hours of retro fun on the go.
Fire Emblem
Since Fire Emblem: Awakening made its way to the 3DS, the series has become one of the most celebrated JRPGs on a global scale that has only continued to grow with Fire Emblem: Three Houses on the Nintendo Switch continuing to build on its success. When Nintendo announced its slate of mobile games, Fire Emblem Heroes was one of the included titles to make its way to the mobile market.
Set in a new realm, players could summon many of the best mythical heroes after gaining orbs through micro-transactions or by progressing through the game. The developers have continued to build the game's story and original characters through updates that will soon expand yet again for fans to keep coming back for more.
Dragon Quest
Thirty-six years have ed since Dragon Quest was first released and since then, it has become a celebrated JRPG franchise that is still enjoyed today. It has even had many successful spin-off titles that have even become some of the best in the series, one of which can be found on smartphones.
Dragon Quest Tact focuses on recruiting and leveling up monsters in order to defeat enemy forces. What's more, it holds favorable ratings on both the App Store and Google Play, giving players a positive experience despite the gacha mechanics included.
Tetris
No matter what, everyone would have surely heard of Tetris, the classic block puzzle game that has been remade and revamped over and over again. Whether it's the soothing Tetris Effect or the Nintendo crossover Tetris DS, many have enjoyed the games and their unique puzzle mechanic.
The mobile and app stores are filled with many copycat versions for fans to enjoy, but PlayStudios' free game ranks as one of the best available. With lots of customization options, daily challenges to complete, and the ability to play solo or with a friend, the game has a surprising amount on offer that has also made it one of the more unique games in the entire franchise.