Top Timeless Games to Play on Mobile

Mobile gaming is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Active players on mobile now amount to a staggering 2.2 billion worldwide. Thus, both indie studios and established publishers have dropped a constant stream of exciting new games for mobile players to have a blast. 

But such sheer abundance can cut two ways. And it may get tedious to sort through tons of freshly released games from all genres, some of which can be unfamiliar territory to casual gamers. There is a silver lining, however, as many timeless games have made it to mobile devices all the same. From modernised card games to reinventions of cult board games, we’ve compiled some classic gems to revisit on mobile. 

Uno

A staple of game nights, Uno hasn’t lost any of its spark over the years. The goal is as simple as it comes. Players need to get rid of all their cards before everyone else. But this colourful card game wouldn’t be as fun without a few +4s and reverse cards along the way, not to mention a fair share of bad faith from sore losers. Uno players are notorious for changing the rules as they see fit. Funnily enough, the game’s official Twitter even released a clarification that did nothing to prevent anyone from playing it wrong. Incidentally, the iconic game’s mobile version by Ubisoft is a convenient alternative to playing Uno by the book. Still, gamers may also spice up the experience with fun game variations.

Pictionary

Come a rainy afternoon or a gloomy winter day, Pictionary is the perfect game to pass the time. And this classic board game requires nothing more than a pen and paper. Picking one card at a time, each player makes all other players guess a word, expression, or theme with a simple drawing. This word-guessing classic was created in 1985 before hitting mobile devices in 2017. Pictionary Air is now available in exclusive Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Kids versus Grown-Ups versions. For a more modern twist on the genre, Gartic Phone is another crowd favourite that took Twitch streamers by storm. However, this Pictionary-inspired game runs smoother on PC.

Monopoly

When it comes to tabletop games, Monopoly might be the first name to spring to mind. Patented by Charles S. Darrow, this American classic has stood the test of time to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2015. This wildly popular board game has sold over 250 million copies across the globe since its original commercial version in 1934, dozens of spin-offs notwithstanding. Indeed, the Monopoly brand has spawned countless pop culture versions. Part of this enduring success lies in the game’s straightforward rules that appeal to all generations, kids and grandparents alike. And classic Monopoly is now available on Android and iOS devices. Published by Hasbro, this 3D rendition of the original board game can be played either solo or in multiplayer mode through a video chat.

Poker

Poker is the ultimate combination of luck and skill. While this game of bluff and strategy is associated with brick-and-mortar casinos, players can now go all-in at home thanks to a range of poker apps. Monopoly and poker lovers can make the most of both worlds with a fun-filled Monopoly poker. Online casinos, too, have developed versions of the iconic game, from classic Texas Hold’Em to innovative live dealer sessions. Platforms like the best online casinos in India even cater to local tastes with variants like Teen Patti. Such websites boast many more casino classics, such as Blackjack, roulette, and machine slots. Thus, first-timers may hone off their skills for free. And seasoned players can levy several bonuses to deposit real money and aim for bigger wins. 

Chess

Chess is as timeless as can be. The game as we know it can be traced back to an ancient Indian strategy game. From the Guptan Empire, chaturanga spread to southwestern Asia and circulated throughout the Muslim world following the Arab conquest of Persia. Chess was then introduced in Spain before making its way to all of Europe. It would take a few more centuries for the game to evolve into its current form during the 1500s. And gamers can now enjoy all the benefits of playing chess on mobile. While this brainy game’s rules may seem daunting for rookie players, many apps include coaching modes and interactive lessons.