Three years ago, I was wrong about Apple – specifically, Apple Arcade. I know, I’m as shocked as you are. But at least I’m self-aware enough to admit my inability to predict the future of tech with any degree of accuracy. And at least this wasn’t quite an “iPod will never take off” blunder (something I once said in MacUser magazine, which one former staffer delights in periodically reminding me about).
Still, I did write ‘Why I want Apple Arcade to include classic arcade games – and why that’ll never happen’. But now it has happened, thanks to Retrocade. And here’s the bit that genuinely surprised me: Retrocade is good to the point I think it’s the best entry point for normal people who want to play arcade classics.
In that earlier piece, I asked Apple for a proper arcade emulator, with bezel art, CRT effects, fab controls, and fantastic games. Apple didn’t oblige, but Resolution Games did – and ticked every box. Retrocade looks fantastic. The touch controls – from trackballs to paddles – actually work. You can rotate your iPhone for vertical games. And plug in a Backbone Pro or a Magic Keyboard and the app instantly reconfigures the controls accordingly.
Beyond that, there are daily challenges (with a distinct whiff of Antstream), automatic game saves, global high-score tables, and iCloud progress sync. Oh, yes, and some games. The launch lineup is full of classics: Asteroids, Bubble Bobble, Breakout, Centipede, Frogger, Galaga, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Track & Field. (And, er, Haunted Castle.)
Even as someone with a pile of Evercade gear and budget retro handhelds, I loved the Retrocade experience – although, I’m sure there’s plenty retro-gaming nerds will find to grumble about. And I know this because I happen to be a massive retro-gaming nerd myself.
Vision thing
The intro is cringeworthy. Apple’s retention demands have manifested as an irritating XP-based cab unlock system. There’s no two-player mode. (Bubble Bobble sad face.) Configuration options are limited compared to RetroArch. And, inexplicably, there’s no Mac or Apple TV version, which means no playing Retrocade on a big screen.
Well, not a real one, because there is an Apple Vision Pro version, which should come as no surprise if you know about Resolution Games’ VR pedigree. And it looks incredible, to the point the iPhone version almost feels like an afterthought hacked together when someone remembered only about 11 people own a Vision Pro. You can plonk down full-size virtual cabs, complete with authentic art and full-fat screen trickery, like the Space Invaders Pepper’s ghost effect. Nom.
I made the mistake of watching a video of this take on Retrocade in action and came perilously close to buying an Apple headset. Fortunately, common sense intervened. The Vision Pro is spendy. iOS games are notoriously ephemeral. And the virtual cab controls are decorative – you still need a gamepad. And that can be worse than using a touchscreen that can become anything from a Centipede trackball to Track & Field buttons to bash.
Still, this is undeniably a moment. Apple mobile gaming has gone from an outright “NO!” on emulation to Apple Arcade hosting a fantastic virtual arcade, but without setup faff – or the faint sense of criminality that comes from downloading ROMs from TotallyLegalOldGamesHonest.biz.
The question is whether it will grow. Arcade IP is jealously guarded. But being totally wrong worked out pretty well last time, so let’s try that again. There is NO WAY WHATSOEVER that Robotron, Ghosts ’n Goblins, R-Type or OutRun will come to Retrocade! Now we just have to wait.
Apple Arcade costs $6.99/£6.99 per month, or part of Apple One (from $19.95/£18.95 per month).
- Now read: Why I think Numskull’s Space Invaders Quarter Arcade is the best retro gaming gadget ever
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