As someone with a deep love for retro games from the 80s and 90s, you might have some fond memories of marathon gaming sessions fueled by pizza and Cherry Coke. You may have even spent hours perfecting high scores or mastering complicated combos in hopes of being crowned the king or queen of your neighborhood arcade.
While new gaming technologies have allowed for incredible graphics and immersive worlds, there’s something special about classic titles. Whether it’s the pixelated characters, chiptune soundtracks, or pick-up-and-play gameplay, old-school gaming has a warm, nostalgic glow that’s hard to replicate.
In this post, we’ll share a list of top retro games that any fan of 8-bit and 16-bit era games will surely appreciate revisiting or discovering for the first time. Get ready to journey back to a time when the Internet was nowhere to be found!
Retro Games to Bring You Back to the Golden Age
Prepare yourself as we go on a journey for a blast from the past! Below are some of the most amusing games back when modern gaming was just starting to take off.
Mortal Kombat (1992)
Starting our list is Mortal Kombat – a cross between action and fighting games that makes every player a master in combat and fatalities. Mortal Kombat has many sequels and updates, all of which feature improved graphics, making it easier for players to showcase some epic fatalities they can use to end their opponents!
Choose from versatile and diverse character selections like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Johnny Cage. With their nerve-wracking moves, you can quickly become too immersed in the game as you try to learn every one of them. Mortal Kombat is a classic that will always stand the test of time and keep you entertained for hours!
Minesweeper (1989)
Nothing compares to sweeping and avoiding mines to win if you’re into puzzle games! Since its inception, PC users have been enamored by its incredible gameplay. Many people even claimed that Bill Gates was addicted to it! If you are used to playing this game and don’t know the secret to clearing the grid, below is a quick how-to-play guide.
How to avoid mines and win:
- Click at the center of the grid.
- The numbers that appear correspond to the number of mines adjacent to it.
- An empty grid means there are no mines around it.
- Use the flag to mark grids with mines.
- When all the empty grids are revealed, you win!
As simple as it may sound, this game is tougher than it looks! Its simplicity and addictive nature make it a timeless puzzle game. Fortunately, you can access modern platforms on your PC or any mobile device!
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
Another old-school game everyone knows is Super Mario Bros. 3. It’s an iconic game that’s considered a household name due to its familiar mechanics. It’s a platformer game filled with quirky obstacles and traps that our hero, Mario, must navigate to save Princess Peach from Bowser.
With its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack, Super Mario Bros. 3 was a game changer in platforming games. Imagine a challenging gameplay that will force you to utilize your reflexes! Avoid stepping on Goombas, use power-ups to overcome obstacles, and fight bosses at every level. Super Mario Bros. 3 is a game that will keep you glued to the screen until you beat it!
If you’re a millennial, it’s impossible for you not to know about Super Mario! Everybody knows the name and the historical mustache. What are you waiting for? Relive this classic and become a master at jumping on platforms!
Tetris (1984)
Who hasn’t heard of Tetris? Nobody! It’s another crowd-favorite that champions an easy-to-learn gameplay. You only need to match the falling blocks and clear the lines to score. However, the challenge is that the blocks will fall faster as you level up!
How to play Tetris:
- Control the falling blocks and make sure they fit in perfectly.
- Complete a line and score points.
- If the blocks pile up, it’s game over!
Tetris may seem simple at first glance, but it’s surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it. With its recognizable music and endless fun, Tetris offers a relaxing afternoon while you try to beat your previous score. It will force the competitive nature out of you!
Street Fighter (1987)
Apart from Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter reigned supreme as one of the most unforgettable retro fighting games everyone can play at arcade shops and consoles. It has become a fan-favorite due to its numerous character selections, cool moves, and insane combos.
Currently, Street Fighting is a competitive game that people still play up to this day. It’s available on consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices! Take control of iconic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and more! You can also discover some memorable spin-offs and sequels that clearly show each character’s storyline.
Due to the commercial success of the first Street Fighter, this fighting game continues to be one of the most recognized games of all time. With its robust gameplay and powerful set of characters, Street Fighter will always hold a special place in the hearts of retro gamers.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater (1999)
Last but not least is Tony Hawk Pro Skater. If you and your friends enjoyed skating at your local skatepark or anywhere in your neighborhood, many people probably see you as a nuisance due to the loud noises you make while you make those flip and shove-it tricks. But it didn’t matter as long as you got to make those sick moves!
Tony Hawk Pro Skater offers an immersive experience that puts you in your skating shoes and lets you perform your best tricks with ease. Plus, it features a killer soundtrack featuring popular bands such as Rage Against the Machine and Papa Roach. With its phenomenal game mechanics and exciting challenges, Tony Hawk Pro Skater became one of history’s most celebrated sports games!
Although Tony Hawk Pro Skater isn’t available on the app store, various spin-offs and remastered versions are available on multiple platforms. What are you waiting for? Grab your skateboard and start shredding!
Keep the Classics Alive with Memorable Retro Games
The gaming world may have changed drastically, but these classic games remain timeless. From Tetris to Tony Hawk Pro Skater, these games offer endless fun and nostalgia that will keep everyone entertained for hours. It’s a testament to how remarkable these games are that even after decades, they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of gamers. So why not relive your childhood memories or introduce these classics to the younger generation? After all, retro games never go old!