Flashback is a native macOS library for playing classic Flash, Shockwave, Java, DOS, supported classic Director, and offline HTML games.
It runs on macOS 13 and later, with native Apple Silicon and Intel support. The app bundles the required players, so no browser plug-in, separate Java installation, or package manager is needed.
Flashback is beta software. Compatibility varies by game and runtime; the documented checks cover specific opening interactions rather than complete games.
Claude was used as a development aid for parts of the implementation and documentation. The project author reviewed and maintains the resulting work.
See the Flashback user guide for importing games, using Add from Website…, browsing Discover, managing library cards, and using every app button and keyboard shortcut.
- Import SWF and Flash projectors, Java applications/applets/JNLP and Java ME games, HTML, Shockwave, DOS, and detected classic Director data folders.
- Recover games and launch settings from archived web pages.
- Keep each game's files, artwork, and local storage isolated.
- Browse a weekly three-game preview, expand all 24 featured picks, visit additional game sources, and search the Archive catalog.
- Run imported games offline, with remote game requests blocked.
- Use native pause, restart, mute, full-screen, and library controls.
Shockwave support is a work in progress. The compatibility report records the tested titles and the boundaries of the current runtime.
Flashback's original source, documentation, and artwork are licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. Third-party runtimes and game files retain their own licenses and copyrights; see Flashback/Licenses for the bundled notices.