Retro games have become much more popular in recent years, as people turn to classic games to reminisce on the past. As we head into the third decade of the 21st century, many more games can now be categorised as “retro”.
While a decade ago the term “retro game” most likely referred to Space Invaders or Pac-Man (the types of game you would have played in an arcade in the 1980s) these days even PlayStation 2 era games are well and truly in retro territory.
There’s another reason why these games continue to be popular. They are just as fun to play 10, 20, or 30 years later, regardless of how dated the graphics. In this respect, many modern games wouldn’t live up to the classic games that will always be loved by fans.
Here are some of those games.
Grand Theft Auto
While GTA V is certainly not a retro game, with regular updates still being pushed out by Rockstar Games so that gamers can continue to invest more of their time in GTA Online, its predecessors are certainly retro material.
Starting from Grand Theft Auto III which was released on PlayStation 2 in 2001, the franchise became a massive hit. Even the PS2 titles continue to be fun to play, with their open-ended maps and thriving modding community providing new things to do and places to explore.
Exploration is also easier than ever thanks to the mobile versions of III, Vice City, San Andreas, Liberty City Stories, and Vice City Stories (available on Android and iOS).
Casino Games
Few games are as retro as card games like poker and blackjack, and table games like roulette. Most of these have been around for hundreds of years, with playing cards themselves being traced back to the Tang Dynasty in China.
Despite their very old age, these games have remained classics that have been popular for generations of people. They don’t look like they’ll be going out of fashion any time soon, with the popularity of playing online casino games through both computers and smartphones on the rise in most western countries.
Doom
Doom is a game that can be played on almost any device. It was one of the first ever games to be produced in the first-person-shooter format, taking advantage of the newly developed 3D graphics. It also pioneered online distribution techniques and multiplayer gaming, things we take for granted today.
Compared to modern equivalents, Doom is significantly less advanced. It received several sequels and was relaunched in 2016. However, the original game has built a cult following. In 1997, the game’s developers, id Software released the Doom source code for people to do whatever they wanted with.
Since then, fans have set to work making it play on just about every device possible. The dedicated programmers who work to make random devices play Doom are what keep it relevant today.
The site It Runs Doom! keeps a list of all the devices it’s possible to play the game on. The odd examples include a spectrum analyser, a digital camera, a billboard, a thermostat, and an ultrasound machine.
Mario
A list of the best retro games wouldn’t be complete without Mario. Nintendo’s very own Italian plumber is one of the most recognised video game characters ever programmed. He first appeared as “Jumpman” in 1981, when he was included in a Donkey Kong arcade game.
Since then, Mario has featured in 253 separate titles, and on just about every single games console made up until the mid 1990s, when Nintendo decided to stop licensing their intellectual property to other manufacturers.
While it’s unlikely you’ll spend much time “playing” the 1996 title Mario Teaches Typing 2, Super Mario 64 and New Super Mario Bros are classic games that will be enjoyed for years to come. The Mario Kart games have also resulted in hours of fun for millions of people.
Mario’s charm is that he has a retro feel, regardless of how much the graphics of Mario games have improved over the years. Nintendo have been able to successfully balance the need for innovation in their games with keeping Mario’s original charm, which is why Mario will always be in style.
The world of gaming has come a long way since the days of Pong and Pac-Man. With the advent of high-definition graphics and virtual reality, modern gaming has become a far cry from its humble beginnings. But despite the advances in technology, there are some classic games that will never go out of style.
From the classic 8-bit era of the 1980s to the modern era of gaming, retro games have a special place in the hearts of gamers. Whether it’s the nostalgia of playing a game from your childhood or the challenge of mastering a game that has stood the test of time, retro games have a timeless appeal.
One of the most iconic retro games is Super Mario Bros. This classic platformer was released in 1985 and has since become one of the most beloved video games of all time. The game’s simple yet challenging gameplay has kept players coming back for more for decades.
Another classic game that has stood the test of time is Tetris. This puzzle game was released in 1984 and has since become one of the most popular video games of all time. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has kept players coming back for more for decades.
The classic fighting game Street Fighter II is another game that has stood the test of time. This game was released in 1991 and has since become one of the most popular fighting games of all time. The game’s deep and strategic gameplay has kept players coming back for more for decades.
The classic arcade game Space Invaders is another game that has stood the test of time. This game was released in 1978 and has since become one of the most popular arcade games of all time. The game’s simple yet challenging gameplay has kept players coming back for more for decades.
Finally, the classic puzzle game The Legend of Zelda is another game that has stood the test of time. This game was released in 1986 and has since become one of the most beloved video games of all time. The game’s deep and immersive gameplay has kept players coming back for more for decades.
These classic games have stood the test of time and will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come. Whether it’s the nostalgia of playing a game from your childhood or the challenge of mastering a game that has stood the test of time, retro games have a timeless appeal.
