Gaming as we know it has evolved from the days of arcade games like "Computer Space" to the immersive world of virtual reality games. If you've experienced both worlds, there's no denying the latter's superiority. After all, who doesn't love improved graphics and better storylines laced with an immersive experience?
Still, that's not saying retro games don't hold their ground. The nostalgia they provoke to date is something no modern game could replicate. From "Super Mario" to "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Tetris," the world of video gaming has gifted us titles that were and still are good. So follow us as we remind you of the awesomeness that is retro games.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The golden era of arcade games meant fierce competition between "Sony," "Nintendo," and "Sega." Fortunately, that meant one thing—constant content. So while "Sonic the Hedgehog" was a hit following its 1991 release, no one was surprised when Sega released "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" in 1992.
Featuring the game's protagonist "Sonic" on a mission to defeat "Doctor Robotnik," this sequel received critical acclaim. And the appeal of being able to pair up with a second player made it even more enjoyable, contributing to 4.5 million cartridges sold in its first month. If the nostalgia of this one hits you hard, in 2021, the game was added to Nintendo's online extension pack.
Street Fighter II
The Street Fighter franchise already recorded success with previous titles like "Street Fighter II" and its champion edition. Finally, the "Turbo" version released in 1992 lived up to its name by offering faster-paced moves. However, unlike the other games on our list, this one was exclusive to arcades.
Imagine the excitement of pulling off Balrog's turn punch or Zangief's spinning clothesline at an arcade. Blanka's electric thunder was a fan favorite and would have earned you quite the reputation. The game's popularity moved "Capcom" to release it on different consoles. Finally, in 2018, it was released on the Windows OS.
Tetris
Tetris is probably one of the world's longest-lasting video games. Since it was developed in 1988 by Alexey Pajitnov, the world quickly caught on with the Tetris craze. And by 1989, when Nintendo released it on the "Game Boy," its popularity soared further.
It may seem strange that a game that involved lining up bricks would be so popular, especially as it was played on screens that only allowed a few drab colors. But a quick skim through some of the top games today will reveal one or two Tetris-inspired titles. You've got to love a retro game that evolves with technology.
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
Innovative gameplay? Check. Captivating storyline? Check. "The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past" was released in 1991 and unsurprisingly, captivated gamers worldwide. And with a 9.3 rating on IMDb, you should get the picture.
For a game released in the '90s, TLOZ held its weight in terms of graphics. However, Nintendo also switched things up by opting for an overhead perspective. After defeating Ganon and saving the country of Hyrule, gamers didn't hold back from replaying. Nintendo raked in profit with this title because, in 2004, it was reported to have sold over 4.6 million units.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Many readers would discard any list of top retro games if Super Mario were omitted. So if you are one of them, you should be appeased and relieved by now. While the original "Super Mario Bros." remains the best-selling NES game, this sequel came with lovely additions. First off, the game's antagonist, Bowser, now had children!
Playing as Mario or Luigi, players had to rescue Princess Toadstool. Although it was released in 1988, "GamesRadar" reported in 2013 that it had sold over 18 million copies. Its challenging yet sleek gameplay, well-composed music, and upgrades to Mario's skills added to its appeal and had gamers coming back.
