Sega Forever drops free retro games on Android, iOS

Who doesn’t like the idea of proper mobile ports of classic games? Super Mario Bros with touch controls and optional controller support? How about Crash Team Racing? Well, one major publisher has stepped up to the plate in the form of Sega, launching its Sega Forever programme.

The company has tapped its back catalogue to deliver a slew of free retro games on Android and iOS. Expect Sega Master System, Mega Drive and Dreamcast games to receive the porting treatment. But will it be a lazy job or is there actually plenty of work going into them?

Sega says the games will be free to play (albeit supported with ads), offering cloud saves, touch controls, leaderboards and physical controller support.

Sega Forever will see the publisher delivering mobile ports of its retro games

We tried Altered Beast and Sonic the Hedgehog, with both games offering ad-free purchases for R29 (also giving you local saves). The ads come in full-screen and banner flavours, with the latter appearing in pre-game menus and pause screens. It can get a little much, but your mileage might vary.

As for the actual games? Sega Forever currently features Altered Beast, Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star II, Kid Chameleon and Comix Zone. Virtua Tennis is also set to make an appearance, with Sega promising new games every month otherwise.

Checking out the trailer below, we also spot Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Hang-On, Shinobi, Crazy Taxi and Ecco the Dolphin, among others.