Oregon Trail, Pac-Man and more games for nostalgic parents

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A pocket full of quarters and lightning-fast reflexes could take you far as a kid growing up in the ’80s. Spending afternoons at the local arcade was one of the best after-school activities, nothing compared to the thrill of putting your initials on. on the Pac-Man or Galaga high score board. Arcade games became computer games in the 90s, where you could spend hours playing Pinball, Frogger, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Ah, those were the days!

Our kids’ video games may have better graphics and more options now, but there’s something about the simplicity of those classic games that still holds up today. If you’re feeling nostalgic, just head over to Apple Arcade. From the Oregon Trail to Bowling, you can lose yourself playing these old-school favorites with modern updates.

Apple Arcade offers over 200 fun games with no ads or additional purchases, so you can just focus on playing. Sign up for $4.99/month and get a three-month free trial with the purchase of any new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV.

Once you do, check out some of these amazing old games available to play now. Your kids will be amazed at how skilled you are at these nostalgic video games.

MobilityWare+ Solitaire

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Remember before the Internet was widely available when games like Solitaire and Minesweeper were the most fun you could do on a computer? Well, it turns out that these entertaining mind games are still around, and they’re even more fun now that you actually know how to play them. MobilityWare+ Solitaire offers more than the old school version. There are daily challenges, achievements, and animations that are updated for 2023 (but still feel nostalgic!).
solitaire stories

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

While Solitaire on its own is fun, Solitaire Stories brings a new level of fantasy to the game. You will turn over the cards and travel through unique levels with fun deck designs and cool backgrounds. You can also play other versions of Solitaire, including Spider Solitaire (‘memba that one?!) and Draw 3.
TMNT (Paramount Global) Fragmented Fate

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael are back for more adventures! Parents who want to pass the fun of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — a franchise that’s been around for over 40 years (yes!) — even your kids will be thrilled to find TMNT Splintered Fate. Players help the turtles find clues, navigate hidden portals in New York City, and use their epic ninja skills as they search for their kidnapped father.
PAC-MAN Party Royale

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

You just think you liked PAC-MAN before, but you’ve never seen him like that before. PAC-MAN Party Royale allows you to challenge opposing players as you try to catch the Power Pellet and avoid the Ghosts. It’s a super fun way to play this longtime favorite.
Galagan Wars+

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Destroy aliens, bees, and other baddies in Galaga Wars+, a modern update to the classic shooter. Fire lasers to save the galaxy, all while collecting coins to upgrade your ship and rack up your high score. You can even play as PAC-MAN for more nostalgic fun.
tetris punch

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Challenge your mind with Tetris Beat, a puzzle game that tests your quick thinking skills. This game combines the challenge of matching Tetris blocks with the task of keeping up. It has more than 40 exclusive songs. And don’t worry: there’s also an option to play traditional Tetris!
zen pinball party

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Pinball is a simple concept: use levers to hit the ball and score points. Zen Pinball Party is just as fun, with tables designed with Star Wars, Peanuts, Garfield, Trolls, and more. You can also challenge your friends in the party arena mode.
frogger in toy town

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Frogger has a lot more to avoid than cars in Frogger in Toy Town, a new twist on an old classic. This fun game has the frog outrunning furniture, toys, and even a game room! Make it even more fun by dressing Frogger in different costumes or by inviting your friends to cooperative mode.
Frogger and the Rumbling Ruins

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Ready for more Frogger? (Um, duh!) Then you have to try Frogger and the Rumbling Ruins, a puzzle game that takes you through distant ruins to find lost treasures, hidden mysteries, and disappearing frogs. It’s totally different from what you remember, but that’s okay!
amazing bomberman

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Adrenaline seekers will love Amazing Bomberman, a new twist on the classic grid game. The mazes will change to the background music, creating more of a challenge as you race around trying to blow up your competitors.
sonic racing

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

The fastest blue hedgehog in town gets even faster in Sonic Racing, a car driving game that will take you through 15 tracks in a high-speed adventure. Play as Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and other characters as you race your friends, collect power-ups, and try to cross the finish line first. Too bad you don’t have one of those arcade racing chairs at home!
My-Bowling-3D

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Kids today don’t appreciate the thrill of playing bowling on the computer. But for whatever reason, it’s still such a relaxing escape! My Bowling 3D+ is a drag-and-swipe 10-pin bowling game. Practice your spin shot, customize your bowling and ball layouts, and challenge others in a bowling tournament! It will be your new favorite stress reliever.
the oregon trail

Image Credit: Apple Arcade

Travel back to the 19th century to experience life on The Oregon Trail! This beautifully designed game has everything you love about the original: snake bites, bad weather, dysentery! — with amazing new graphics and research to ensure an accurate representation of the best gaming experience. This historical game has multiple quests to complete and hundreds of random events to challenge you in a new way every time you play. It’s a wild adventure!