0
0 Introduction
Video games have come a long way since the days of Pong and Atari. However, there is something special about the retro games that we grew up playing. These games may not have the advanced graphics and gameplay of modern games, but they still have a charm that can transport us back to our childhoods. Here are 17 retro video games we all used to search for.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game follows the adventure of Link, who is on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and save the kingdom of Hyrule. The game was groundbreaking for its time, with its open-world design, non-linear gameplay, and complex puzzles. It remains one of the most iconic and beloved games in video game history.
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is perhaps the most recognizable and iconic video game of all time. It was released in 1985 for the NES and introduced the world to Mario, a plumber who must rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. The game’s side-scrolling gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music made it an instant classic. It spawned a franchise that has sold over 600 million copies worldwide.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis. It introduced the world to Sonic, a blue hedgehog with supersonic speed, and Dr. Robotnik, his arch-nemesis. The game’s fast-paced platforming, colorful graphics, and memorable soundtrack made it a hit. Sonic has since become a cultural icon, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Tetris
Tetris was released in 1984 for the Soviet Union’s Elektronika 60 computer. It was later ported to numerous platforms, including the NES, Game Boy, and PC. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, where players must arrange falling blocks into lines, made it a sensation. It is one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 495 million copies sold.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was released in 1981 for arcades. It introduced the world to Mario, who was originally known as Jumpman. The game’s gameplay, where players must climb ladders and jump over barrels to save the damsel in distress, made it a classic. Donkey Kong has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Space Invaders
Space Invaders was released in 1978 for arcades. It was one of the first video games to achieve worldwide popularity and introduced many of the gameplay mechanics that are still used today.
SimCity
SimCity was released in 1989 for the PC. It is a simulation game where players control a city and its development. Players must balance the needs of their citizens with the limitations of their budget and resources. The game’s complex mechanics, open-ended gameplay, and educational value made it a classic. SimCity has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis. It is a side-scrolling platform game where players control a blue hedgehog named Sonic as he runs, jumps, and collects rings to defeat the evil Dr. Robotnik. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music made it a hit. Sonic the Hedgehog has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was released in 1981 for arcades. It is a platform game where players control a carpenter named Jumpman as he attempts to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a giant gorilla named Donkey Kong. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, catchy music, and memorable characters made it a classic. Donkey Kong has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Tetris
Tetris was released in 1984 for the PC. It is a puzzle game where players must arrange falling blocks to create complete lines. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, catchy music, and universal appeal made it a phenomenon. Tetris has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985 for the NES. It is a side-scrolling platform game where players control a plumber named Mario as he runs, jumps, and defeats enemies to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy music made it a classic. Super Mario Bros. has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Flip A Coin
Coin Flip is a simple video game that simulates the flipping of a coin. The objective of the game is to guess whether the coin will land on heads or tails. The player makes their guess and then flips the virtual coin. If the player guesses correctly, they win the game. If they guess incorrectly, they lose. Flip a coin is a quick and fun game that can be played alone or with friends. It requires no special skills or knowledge and is suitable for all ages. While it may seem like a game of chance, some players swear by certain techniques or methods to increase their chances of winning.
Mega Man X
Mega Man X was released in 1993 for the SNES. It is a side-scrolling action game where players control a new hero named Mega Man X as he fights against a group of rogue robots known as Mavericks. The game’s updated graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and new characters made it a hit. Mega Man X has since become a sub-franchise of the Mega Man series, with numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Duck Hunt
Duck Hunt was released in 1984 for the NES. It is a shooting game where players use a light gun to shoot ducks as they fly across the screen. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, catchy music, and innovative use of technology made it a classic. Duck Hunt has since become a cult favorite.
Kirby’s Dream Land
Kirby’s Dream Land was released in 1992 for the Game Boy. It is a side-scrolling platform game where players control a pink puffball named Kirby as he travels through Dream Land to defeat the evil King Dedede.
Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII was released in 1997 for the PlayStation. It is a role-playing game where players control a mercenary named Cloud as he joins a group of rebels to fight against the evil Shinra Corporation and the powerful Sephiroth. The game’s deep storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a classic. Final Fantasy VII has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat was released in 1992 for arcades. It is a fighting game where players control various characters to battle against each other. The game’s controversial violence, realistic graphics, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a hit. Mortal Kombat has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II was released in 1991 for arcades. It is a fighting game where players control various characters to battle against each other. The game’s deep mechanics, varied characters, and memorable music made it a classic. Street Fighter II has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Minesweeper
Minesweeper play is a classic video game that originated in the 1960s and became popular on Microsoft Windows in the 1990s. The objective of the game is to clear a minefield without detonating any mines. The player must use logical deduction and strategic guessing to identify the location of the mines, based on the numbers revealed in the cells. Minesweeper is a simple yet addictive game that challenges the player’s reasoning skills and speed. It has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world and remains a timeless classic.
Pokémon Red and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue were released in 1998 for the Game Boy. They are role-playing games where players control a young trainer on a quest to catch and train various creatures known as Pokémon. The games’ deep mechanics, memorable creatures, and addictive gameplay made them a hit. Pokémon has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid was released in 1998 for the PlayStation. It is a stealth-action game where players control a special forces operative named Solid Snake as he infiltrates a military base to stop a nuclear threat. The game’s deep storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a classic. Metal Gear Solid has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Castlevania
Castlevania was released in 1986 for the NES. It is a side-scrolling platform game where players control a vampire hunter named Simon Belmont as he explores Dracula’s castle and defeats his minions. The game’s gothic atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and memorable music made it a classic. Castlevania has since become a franchise, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, retro video games hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. These games have become classics for a reason, with their innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and catchy music. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, role-playing games, or puzzle games, there is a retro video game out there for everyone. So why not take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of these classics?
FAQs
- Are retro video games still worth playing today? Yes, many retro video games still hold up today due to their innovative gameplay mechanics and memorable characters.
- Can I play retro video games on modern consoles? Yes, many retro video games have been re-released on modern consoles or are available through emulation.
- Are retro video games expensive to buy? It depends on the game and its condition. Some retro video games can be quite expensive due to their rarity or popularity.
