15 Best Arcade Game Applications and How to Make Applications

Games of the past and games of the present can now coexist in one space! We traditionally think of arcade games as simple short games found in arcades. But things have changed. Now we can play arcade games right on our mobile devices and have fun doing it. And interest in arcade games continues to grow: Roblox recently identified that sports arcade games are in high demand. So today I will reveal some of the best arcade game apps for kids to play, and for them to get inspired to develop cool games of their own.

Are your kids interested in learning how to make their own arcade games? Enroll your students in our free, award-winning Scratch class as they’ll learn how to code games like PacMan, Mario, and more. All Create & Learn classes are led by an expert, and designed by professionals from Google, MIT, and Stanford.

Find the Best Arcade Game Apps

If your child wants to feel like they are in an arcade mashing buttons and spinning joysticks, then this app is the right choice! Discover fifteen of the best arcade games that can be played on mobile devices.

1. Pac-Man App

The most popular classic arcade game, but in the form of a mobile app! Pac-Man’s gameplay will have you sitting for hours trying to complete each level. It has an old school feel and retro look with high pixel graphics that are the perfect balance of nostalgia and gaming. Try to beat your friends’ high scores in this classic arcade-style mobile game. Learn how to make your own Pac-Man game in Scratch here.

Rating: 4.5/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

2. Horizon Chase App

According to its creator, Horizon Chase is a love letter to all retro racing gamers. This game takes great inspiration from the top racing games of the 80s and 90s. The gameplay is amazing and the graphics are amazing… what more could you ask for? Critics agree that it is the best mobile platform racing game ever made. Jump in if you dare!

Rating: 4.6/5
Installation: 10 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

3. Crowd Control

Launch people into multiplier gates to increase your crowd and capture all the bases! Avoid the red gates and push back the red crowd, trying to ruin your fun. This is a fun new age arcade style mobile game that will keep you busy for hours. Try getting power-ups, coins and rewards to complete the game. Use your coins to buy upgrades and completely change your gaming experience.

Rating: 4.2/5
Installation: 10 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

4. Crossy Road Arcade Game App

Crossy Road is a version of the popular arcade game Frogger, but with a humorous twist. If you’re not familiar, the point of this game is to make the character cross the road without encountering obstacles. The graphics and gameplay are unique and different from Frogger with its blocky style and cute animations. This is a game you can play for hours and not get bored. See if you can get the chicken to cross the road. Learn how to code a fun crossroads game in Scratch.

Rating: 4.6/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

5. Fruit Ninja 2

Fruit Ninja is a new age arcade game that was first released in 2010 on mobile devices but has made its way to arcades everywhere. The second edition has been popular and better than before. The graphics have been updated and are full of content. The different game modes keep things fresh and overall it’s a great game to play when you have some free time.

Rating: 4.2/5
Installation: 10 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

6. Subway Surfers

Run and dodge to escape the angry inspector! This endless game is phenomenal and one of the most popular mobile arcade games of all time! It can entertain you for hours as you swipe across the screen to avoid trains, obstacles, and inspectors chasing you. The graphics are amazing and suitable for beginner mobile gamers who love fun.

Rating: 4.6/5
Installation: 1B+
iOS Download | Android Download

7. Hole.io

One of the most exciting new age arcade games on the market! Enter the arena and face other black holes to see who can eat everything in sight. Users say that this game is pointless, fun, and addictive, but they also say that the game has some glitches, so be careful. Its simplicity is what keeps people playing! We recommend you try it to see if it suits you.

Rating: 4.6/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

8. Sonic Dash 2: Sonic Blast

A spin on the classic Sonic arcade games is this enchanting endless runner game, Sonic Dash! The mechanics are amazing with the combo system and character abilities. Its dynamic energy and challenges keep players playing non-stop. SEGA is not left behind with this mobile arcade game!

Rating: 4.3/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

10. Geometry Lines

A classic and fun rhythm game with a variety of levels. Geometry Dash brings a nostalgic look with updated graphics and gameplay. This game is very difficult, but it will be more rewarding if you successfully complete a level. They have weekly challenges, level leaderboards, and more. See if you have what it takes to complete the levels and try to reach the leaderboards. Learn how to code your own geometry dash game with beginner-friendly Scratch coding.

Rating: 4.7/5
Installation: 5 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

10. Angry Bird Friends

Classic mobile arcade games just keep getting better. Launch exploding, breeding and speedy birds at enemy pigs to get a high score! Angry Birds Friends has stunning colorful graphics and impressive physics for a mobile game. New levels are added constantly and keep this game fresh and fun for all ages. Learn all about the game engine behind the original Angry Birds, and how to make your own game in an online Unity Games class led by an expert.

Rating: 4.4/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

11. Cooking Madness

Prepare some of the most delicious foods from around the world in Madness in the Kitchen. This game puts you in the shoes of a real chef who tries to beat the clock and serve his customers as quickly as possible. You have to be fast and accurate because customers don’t take their food lightly! Try this amazing game and try to beat your friends.

Rating: 4.8/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

12. Pocket Champ 3D Running Game

Pocket Champs is a very fun multiplayer idle game. You have to train your Champ to increase your stats in flying, running and climbing. Having the perfect mix of all of them will allow you to become the fastest Champion and win races. This game allows you to compete globally so you can beat players from America to New Zealand. Give it a try and see if you can beat the competition.

Rating: 4.4/5
Installation: 5 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

13. Brick Breaker Quest

Shoot the ball towards the squares to try to get rid of the bricks on the board! Find the best angle to break as many as possible in the shortest time. This basic arcade game has beautiful neon colors and lots of fun features. Users say it’s a lot of fun and makes time pass very quickly, but some levels can be challenging. Have fun and beat your high score.

Rating: 4.4/5
Installation: 50 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

14. Hungry Shark World

In this game you are a shark in the deep sea who eats and destroys everything to survive. Have fun exploring the Pacific Islands, Arctic Ocean, Arabian Sea and more. As you reach higher levels, now you have to eat or be eaten as 100s of creatures of different sizes lurk in the dark, deep waters. This game has beautiful views and amazing gameplay that will keep you coming back every time.

Rating: 4.6/5
Installation: 100 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

15. Cube Rush Adventure

This awesome tapping game will keep anyone on their toes and is fun for the whole family. You explode cubes, solve puzzles, and win prizes based on how well you complete each level in the game. If you are very good at the game, you can unlock boosters that give you an edge in completing the rest of the levels. Have fun swapping and throwing all the different colored cubes in this fun arcade game.

Rating: 4.5/5
Installation: 1 million+
iOS Download | Android Download

Enjoy the Best Arcade Game App

Now you know some of the best arcade game apps that your kids can enjoy on any mobile device. Empower your child to become the next creator of popular arcade game apps. Get started with fun tutorials for creating games that are easy to code.

To create a cool arcade game like the one above, start by learning Scratch coding. With beginner-friendly block style programming, your child will be able to design and create retro arcade games that they can post online and share with others. Enroll your students in free coding classes to get started.

Written by Create & Learn instructor Gabrielle Cindric. Gabrielle is a Computer Science student by day and STEM instructor by night. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games and hanging out with his poodle Bailey and his cat Asphalt.