Are you suffering from Nintendo nostalgia but only have an Android phone to hand? Well, here are 15 awesome Android games, from epic monster-collecting RPGs to breathtaking open-world adventures, that will scratch that Nintendo Itch.
Pokemon-Style Games
Pokémongames feature the perfect cocktail of adventure, team building, strategic turn-based combat, and a vast collection of beautifully designed creatures. While nothing can fully replace the magic of mainlinePokémongames, these Android alternatives capture different aspects of what makes Pokémon special.
1Pokémon Masters EX
Pokémon Masters EXbrings the familiar faces of thePokémonuniverse to your phone with its unique 3v3 battle system. Team up with iconic trainers likeBrockandMistyin sync pairs as you explore new adventures through the story mode.
The strategic team-building andPokémonevolution systems, while not exactly the same as the main series games, capture the core essence of what makes the games so special. There are also regular events and updates that keep adding fresh content and characters. However, I must mention that the game does featuregacha mechanicsfor collecting new sync pairs.
2Pokémon UNITE
Ever wondered what it would be like tobethePokémoninstead of just commanding it?Pokémon UNITEanswers that question with itsMOBA-style 5v5 team battles. Gameplay-wise, it’s not similar to any main-series titles, but you do get access to a decently-sized collection of belovedPokémonthat you can control in real-time combat, which I’m sure manyPokémonfans should love.
It’s worth mentioning that aPokémon’stype doesn’t affect its effectiveness and the moves are somewhat MOBA-fied. It’s more MOBA thanPokémonif that makes sense—the focus is on proper team composition, strategic lane management, and raw skill as you face off in 10-minute matches to see which team is the best!
3Monster Masters
Monster Mastersfocuses purely on the battle and collection aspects that makePokémongames addictive. It features a large roster of excellently designed Fakemon (FakePokémonor custom-designedPokémon). Your team can consist of up to five monsters that you can use against other trainers in 1v1 battles.
However, unlike the main seriesPokémongames, the battles aren’t completely turn-based. You have a real-time energy system where an energy counter automatically regenerates over time, and using attacks consumes it. Winning a battle requires tactical timing and proper energy management to outmaneuver your opponent. That said, higher-level overpowered monsters will also help by dealing a lot of damage.
4Botworld Adventures
Botworld AdventurescapturesPokémon’sworld exploration spirit in an open-world robot-collecting adventure. It’ll remind you of the older top-down mainlinePokémongames with its design and execution. With a story-driven adventure, various side quests, and skill-based progression, it’s a great alternative to the classic monster-collecting franchise.
However, inBotworldyou aren’t technicallycapturingnew bots but rather building them. You need to collect blueprints for different parts which then unlock a new bot that you may use in battle. Also, the battle system is real-time rather than turn-based. The bots battle on their own, but you decide where to place them in the arena. You can also help your bots by throwing items into the arena. While it isn’t a 1-on-1 replica of thePokémonformula, it’s something I’m sure mostPokémonfans will love.
Zelda-Style Adventures
TheZeldaseriesmasterfully combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and adventure. These Android games might not haveLinkor theMaster Sword, but they capture that magical feeling of discovering secrets and conquering dungeons.
5Genshin Impact
Genshin Impactcaptures the spirit ofBreath of the Wildwith its vast open-world encouraging free exploration and stamina-based climbing and gliding mechanics that feel instantly familiar toBOTWfans. The game will also have you solving puzzles, exploring shrine-like domains, and gathering ingredients to cook meals, much like inZelda’sopen world.
The main point of difference isthe combat system. Instead ofBOTW’s physics-driven, improvisational fights,Genshinemploys a party-based action RPG system with real-time, elemental combat. And speaking of a party, instead of a solo protagonist,Genshinfeatures a diverse cast of playable characters, but they are unlocked through a gacha system.
6Oceanhorn
Oceanhornoffers Android users a classicZelda-likeexperience, drawing heavy inspiration from olderZeldagames, particularlyA Link to the PastandThe Wind Waker. It features traditional dungeons (albeit not as intricate), item-based puzzle-solving, and a familiar heart container system, capturing the essence of classicZelda-styleprogression.
You can also sail between islands in a way reminiscent ofThe Wind Waker; however, the travel is more structured and on rails rather than fully open-world. That said, the game offers full controller support and no microtransactions, delivering a premium single-player experience with hours of fun for any old-schoolZeldafan.
7Sparklite
Sparkliteblends classicZelda-styleexploration withroguelite mechanics, offering a fresh yet familiar top-down action-adventure experience. If you’re a fan ofA Link to the Past, you’ll notice its influence during the combat and puzzle-solving sections.
However, instead of a static open world,Sparklitefeatures a procedurally generated world and roguelite progression, where players grow stronger through upgrades which they unlock after each run. Its charming pixel art and evolving world make it an excellent choice for bothZeldaand roguelite fans.
8Guardian Tales
Guardian Talesdelivers aZelda-styledungeon-crawling experience on mobile, blending retro visuals with engaging action-adventure gameplay. Its sword combat, projectile mechanics, environmental puzzles, and hidden secrets evoke the charm of classic 2D Zelda games likeA Link to the Past.
However,Guardian Talessets itself apart with a hero collection system, where each character brings unique abilities to both combat and exploration. Progression is also tied to RPG mechanics and gacha elements, adding depth beyond traditional dungeon crawling. Despite these differences, it remains a greatZelda-likeexperience, with frequent special events ensuring there’s always something new to return to.
Super Mario-Style Platformers
Super Mariodefined precise controls and creative level design in platformers. These Android games bring that signature mix of challenging jumps and secret-filled levels to your touchscreen.
9Super Mario Run
Nintendo’s official mobileMariogame,Super Mario Runcaptures the series' signature running and jumping physics in an auto-runner format. It is optimized for one-handed gameplay, where the level design focuses on timing and coin collection. There are also secret paths similar to mainlineMariogames.
Beyond the core platforming, there’s a kingdom-building metagame for you to customize and create your ownMushroom Kingdom. ForMariofans, it’s a streamlined yet satisfying take on the classic formula.
10Super Cat Tales 2
Super Cat Tales 2feels like a cross between 2DMarioplatformers and classicMetroidvanias. The level design is clearly inspired by the good olMariogames however the movement is much more simplified. The characters can automatically navigate the challenges, but you decide when they move or stop.
And speaking of the characters, you have access to multiple playable cats, where each cat has unique abilities, and you need to use them to unlock all areas. Overall, the retro pixel art and nostalgic soundtrack should bring back fond childhood memories of playingSuper Mario Bros.with your friends or siblings.
