Sure, you can play web games, many for free, but if you’re on a plane, coffee shop or otherwise without an internet connection — game apps for the Mac are something you can rely on (not to mention they save your iPhone and iPad batteries from draining). Growing in popularity, the Mac App Store features hundreds of games, but check out these 10 retro games that everyone has throw back appreciation for and can enjoy:
Pinball HD
With this $2.99 game you can enjoy pinball like you were in your hometown pizzeria way back in the day. This keyboard controlled pinball app comes with three different tables featuring 3D graphics (its based off from the app that won that 2010 Apple Design Awrds). Select between different camera views (“flying table” and “full table”) and even view the table through different colored lenses.
Full Deck Solitaire
Solitaire was one of two staple game (see the second below) that came with Windows 95. You are bound to have found yourself wasting away hours playing this classic card game. This Mac app was designed by a mother and daughter, and even keep tracks of just how much time you have spent dedicated to ending the game on a win. The app comes with over twenty different versions, from Freecell, and various Klondike and Spider versions to more obscure games like Golf Around the Corner and Forty Thieves. With it not costing you anything, what reason do you have to not download this app? Keep the
Super Mega Worm
Another popular iPhone app, play the game on your bigger Mac screen – even in full screen mode if you so please. Protect mother earth from extinction and eat your way through robots, trash, humans with the worm as your weapon. This Mac app features twenty four levels, two game modes, customization of control schemes, and two screen modes. Enjoy what IGN listed as one of the best apps for commuters right on your desktop with the Super Mega Worm Mac app.
Pac-Man
The list wouldn’t be complete without arguably the world’s most beloved and most classic arcade game, Pac-Man. This $4.99 Mac app will allow you to relive the arcade feel right on your desktop, gobbling dots and bonus points and avoiding Blinky and the other ghosts. The app features different screen size modes, but reviews complain that the app is a little slow. Let’s hope updates moving forward take care of that – especially at $4.99.
BlocksClassic
In this $0.99 BrickBreaker-esque arcade game, control a paddle to keep your ball in the air as you aim to make it take down level after level of colorful bricks (blocks). Hitting certain blocks releases more balls, points, or options for things like resizing your paddle or even speeding up or slowing down the game speed. Released initially for the iPhone and iPod touch, use your trackpad instead of touchpad on your Mac to control the paddle and balls (unfortunately there aren’t any keyboard controls).
Hearts!
Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a free version of this (like Solitaire) classic card game that came standard with Windows 95. Apps range from $0.99 to $9.99, but we suggest the $2.99 Hearts! by GrassGames which plans to soon extend its presence as an iPhone and iPad app. Why so significant? Because this four person game includes network play, which means you can play with friends and family without the hassle of shuffling cards. Even if you have no interest in network play, this app features a great 3D table, graphics, and animations.
Air Hockey Free
The free Air Hockey app is ranked in the top 10 kids game across the world right now in the Mac store. Based off from their iPhone app, which at one point was ranked #1 in the paid app games category, this Mac app features six different difficulty levels. All game play even comes with option to play with two pucks. Use mouse or keyboard controls to get to seven points before your computerized opponent. Judging by the comments and our own ply, the game physics in the app are great. And free of charge, there’s no reason not to download this classic game.
PapiJump Free
Basic? Absolutely. Still addicting? Yessir. PapiJump is the super simple retro arcade game where you try to keep Mr. Red Papi ball jumping high. Keep him jumping by using keyboard controls to guide him to bounce on floating planks that will fling him higher and higher. Free and at no cost to you, add this Mac App to your arsenal of distracting and addicting games. Looking for a new twist on the classic PapiJump? Download the free PapiWall Mac app which features Mr. Red Papi Ball rolling down a hill where many walls sprout up that must be jumped, or PapiRiver where you have to guide him down the winding river.
Memory
Download this free Mac App to play the classic game of Memory, with your choice of nine cards to thirty six cards. Even keep yourself sharp by taking advantage of group play with a friend in two player mode (four player mode if you download the premium version — which also comes with an unlimited card level). On top of a base mechanics background and card skin, it also comes with a Christmas themed version when the season comes around.
Angry Birds
Okay, so this is not a retro game – but it undoubtedly will be a throw back game a decade from now. (We would have featured Tetris as the last game, but it doesn’t yet exist in the Mac App store.) For $4.99 download the classic Angry Birds app or Angry Birds Rio straight to your Mac. The premise of the game is simple: Slingshot different birdies (the ammo) at pigs hidden among structures that are trying to steal these birdies’ eggs. The base Angry Birds app features a whopping 225 levels, with its newest release bringing an additional 30 levels in a new episode called Ham ‘Em High. Most people don’t know Angry Birds exists in app form outside the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch, so if you’re told to put that phone down and focus on your work, little will they know you also have the power to play right on your Mac.
What other retro game apps would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
