Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best gaming gadgets
  • New Games 2026
  • Arc Raiders
  • Summer Game Fest 2026 schedule
  • Submit your clips. Win prizes
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Games
  2. Sports
  3. iPhone

iPhone/iPad game of the day: Retron X - like Space Invaders meets your dad's game of catch

Features
By David_Wolinsky published 11 May 2011

But better, as there's no male bonding

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

On iPhone
Game:
Retron X
Price: $0.99 / £0.59
Size: 19.3 MB
Get it now on iTunes:US/UK

Retron X is a simple throwback to retro-styled games -- which, these days, isn't much of a distinction. But Retron X sets itself apart by being that and nothing more. It couldn't be any simpler: different-colored bad guys snake their way down the screen, and you have to catch them in the correspondingly colored buckets. You miss, you lose a heart. Run out of hearts, and you lose. See? Couldn't be simpler.

Though if you play on the easiest difficulty, there's a chance Retron X can verge on boring. There are only three colors there. The hardest difficulty, called "tuff," offers more of a challenge. Even though the game is pretty much the same in all modes, it's much more harrying with five different enemies coming down at you at a speedy rate.

Latest Videos From
You may like
  • Atari Pocket Player Pro handheld on woodgrain desk with game menu on screen and "Fast Eddie" selected. I assumed the Atari Pocket Player Pro would be a modern version of my first ever crusty clone console, but it's actually a solid budget handheld
  • Hyperkin Retron HD connected to Sony PVM CRT with Mega Man 2 cartridge inserted and level select on screen. Nine years later, the Hyperkin Retron HD is nowhere near as crummy as I remember
  • GameSir Pocket Taco on wicker table cover attached to Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro with Pokemon gameplay on screen featuring Charmander and Squirtle. Playing Pokemon on your phone is good, actually, but I'd rather do it using this Game Boy controller

To align the buckets with the enemy, you need only drag them along the bottom of the screen. But you'll need to be especially on your toes when the pace picks up as sometimes buckets in your way get swiped to a place you didn't intend -- which can make for Tetris-like frustrations when you've lined up the perfect move only to discover you've screwed yourself. Retron X is simple, it's a buck, and it's endless. And it's certainly worth a look.

May 10, 2011

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
CATEGORIES
iPhone Platforms Mobile Gaming
David_Wolinsky
Read more
Atari Pocket Player Pro handheld on woodgrain desk with game menu on screen and "Fast Eddie" selected.
Retro I assumed the Atari Pocket Player Pro would be a modern version of my first ever crusty clone console, but it's actually a solid budget handheld
 
 
Hyperkin Retron HD connected to Sony PVM CRT with Mega Man 2 cartridge inserted and level select on screen.
Retro Nine years later, the Hyperkin Retron HD is nowhere near as crummy as I remember
 
 
GameSir Pocket Taco on wicker table cover attached to Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro with Pokemon gameplay on screen featuring Charmander and Squirtle.
Retro Playing Pokemon on your phone is good, actually, but I'd rather do it using this Game Boy controller
 
 
Screenshot from Ratcheteer DX, showing a GBC-style cave with four pixelated characters finding warmth around a fire.
The Legend of Zelda The Legend of Zelda-esque game mimics the GameBoy to GameBoy Color transition, goes from retro handheld to PC and Switch
 
 
Screenbound screenshot showcasing the 3D world in the background with sky and clouds and Qboy in foreground
Platforming Games I wish I were melting my brain in Screenbound right now
 
 
Close up of GameSir Pocket Taco with Zelda: Oracle of Ages cutscene of Link and Nayru on screen.
Retro Gamesir's excellent Pocket Taco Game Boy controller is finally at Amazon, but the price is weird
 
 
Latest in Sports
A footballer yells in promotional art for Locked 2.
Sports Games All Locked 2 codes (May 2026) for free Yen
 
 
Blue-skinned character wearing backwards hat is protected by illuminous orb while smirking and raising up weapon with one hand
Sports Games PvP indie golf game with 93% "very positive" reviews hits 1 million copies sold on Steam in just over a month
 
 
WWE 2K26
WWE 2K The best WWE 2K26 CAWs you have to download right now
 
 
WWE 2K26
WWE 2K WWE 2K26 MyRise walkthrough and chapter rewards guide
 
 
MLB The Show 26
Sports Games MLB The Show 26 codes (May 2026) and how to redeem them for free packs
 
 
Chelsea green raises a belt as she enters the ring in WWE 2K26
WWE 2K WWE 2K26 replaces traditional DLC with battle passes, and fans are already worn out with the grind
 
 
Latest in Features
A group of painted Ultramarines on a wooden table
Tabletop Gaming I'm excited for the Warhammer 40K 11th Edition, but it's missing something vital
 
 
Best Assassin's Creed protagonists: close-up of Arno Dorian during Assassin's Creed Unity.
Assassin's Creed Assassin's Creed Unity's city stealth should have been the series' future
 
 
A player with both hands visible, swimming underwater in a submersible vehicle
Survival Games Subnautica 2 lays strong foundations for an improved sequel, but the depths of early access remain murky
 
 
Lego Minas Tirith on a wooden surface, with multiple minifigures visible
Toys & Collectibles Lego Minas Tirith may beat a fan favorite, and my number-one Lego set
 
 
A minotaur readies their weapon, from the Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era opening cinematic movie
Strategy Games Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era hotseat makes me feel like it's 2003 again
 
 
Antony Starr as Homelander  in The Boys season 5 episode 7 trailer
Superhero Shows The Boys season 5, episode 7 recap: Easter eggs, cameos, and who dies
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. A young man scanning a reef while looking at an alien fish during the trailer for Subnautica 2.
    1
    "I hope you rethink your life choices": Subnautica 2 dev responds to pirate asking for tech support on leaked build
  2. 2
    Marvel fans convinced Avengers: Secret Wars is getting delayed amid new filming date reports
  3. 3
    The search for the next James Bond kicks off with Game of Thrones casting director at the helm
  4. 4
    Subnautica 2 cross platform saves
  5. 5
    Palworld lead says don't expect a "sudden" 1.0 announcement on Discord as it's "too big of a moment"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...