Go retro: Play 8-bit games on your Lumia

If you played console games growing up, chances are that you played 8-bit games with pixelated characters that run, jump and collect coins and more.

In video-game parlance, 8-bit (as well as 16-bit and 64-bit) refers to the amount of information that the processors in a gaming console can use. A bit—or binary digit—is the basic unit of information used in computing and telecommunications. Thus, 8-bit games have simple and pixelated graphics.

The extra-clear and bright screen of Lumia smartphones such as the Lumia 640 and the Lumia 640 XL are designed, in part, to make playing games an absolute pleasure.

Here are some popular 8-bit games to play on your Lumia. No, you don’t need a joystick!

Retro Runners (free)

Grab your running gear, tie your shoelaces and stride endlessly in Retro Runners–an infinite running game in which you race through a series of daunting tasks.

Dodge obstacles and other runners and jump to get away from the paparazzi. Earn coins and clear levels to unlock more runners.

Keep sipping water as you run–survival is difficult! 

Cartridge (free)

This is a platformer game with an on-screen directional pad and buttons and may remind you of the classic “Mario” Nintendo games. Cartridge, the tiger cub, is on a quest to defeat the tyrant bird king and bring his kidnapped father home.

Collect coins, and power-ups and defeat enemies that come your way in this game with 60 interconnected levels.

A “Quick Play” mode randomly shuffles through the levels you’ve finished in previous attempts. The developers recommend playing the game in portrait mode, but you can switch to widescreen controls.

Pixel Hunter (free)

Help the hunter get his stolen weapons back in Pixel Hunter. Battle in a forest, on a mountain, or in the Arctic and shoot the animals that steal your weapons. Maneuver the hunter with retro-style joystick buttons on the right side of your screen.

Fight the “Boss” at the end of each level and claim what’s rightfully yours! 

8Bit Free (free)

8Bit Free gives you an adrenaline rush like no other: Control your pixelated car with dexterity and save it from enemies. Collect fruit and bonuses to unlock more levels and advanced tracks.

If you think tapping left or right to save your life is easy, think again as the difficulty level increases with each passing enemy. Remember, an encounter with the enemy will cost a life and cut 500 points from the scoreboard.

Have you played any of these games before? What is your favorite 8-bit game?