Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 08:10 pm
Gaming is now the top entertainment for many people worldwide. Besides the number of users excited about games, software providers also add interest. Gaming companies regularly release innovative products with fantastic graphics and numerous exciting features.
The industry is booming. But many still miss the old-fashioned retro games, and we agree with them! Even with the abundance of gaming solutions, there are those that have become timeless classics. Returning to the best retro games is always an incommensurable pleasure. So, let’s dip into gaming history!
Doom II on the Top of Retro Video Games
This game doesn’t need to be presented, as hardly anyone has ever tried it. Launched in 1994, it immediately earned popularity among users and did not leave the gaming Olympus for many years. It’s rightfully considered one of the best retro games. Even modern players admit that such a masterpiece is difficult to surpass. Doom II is a brutal shooter in which the hero must descend into the depths of hell and save humanity from evil demons.
Besides PC, the game is available for mobile devices. Now, users are not surprised by the possibility of downloading any gaming solution on their smartphones. You can install a real pokies app and get 100 free spins or a shooter in a few clicks. But it was a real innovation in 1994! So, Doom II developers did their best, and many players still return to this iconic game. You’ve lost a lot if you have never tried it. Hurry up to download Doom II and dip into the plot of one of the best retro games available in 2023.
Tibia — Explore the Fantasy World
This retro game was released in 1997 and became one of the first products of the Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) genre. Tibia’s excellent 2D pixel art graphics have looked fantastic until now. It’s hard to imagine that a 1997 development competes with modern gaming solutions. Its plot is a mixture of:
- Fantasy literature
- Mythology scenes
- Historical events
During the game, players will have to explore a vast continent. What would you select: bustling cities or green plains? Or would you instead go to the deep caves and explore the underworld? Lots of enchanting locations are available. If you have never tried the game, download it and catch up soon. And if you tried, then no words are needed here. Just remember how great it was to play Tibia for the first time!
Donkey Kong Country Trilogy — The Mario’s Ancestor
This game was widely typical among Nintendo Switch owners: developers spent almost two years to achieve magnificent graphics eventually. Donkey Kong Country was released in 1994 and became one of the first high-quality 3D retro games. A series about a funny gorilla initially aimed to attract children, but it also created a real boom among adults!
The well-known products about Mario that conquered the gaming world were based on Donkey Kong Country. Who doesn’t know the funny plumper who is always ready to save humanity? Now you know which game was its ancestor. We bet you tried Donkey Kong Country on your Nintendo Switch online service many years ago. And if not – hurry up to catch it up! One of the best retro video games is still available, and despite the latest trends in mobile gambling, it remains the favourite for vintage fans.
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories
This role-playing crossover offers a mixture of two totally different spirits, Disney and Final Fantasy. Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, one of the best retro games, was released in November 2004. But many users have chosen it until now. This is one of the most impressive retro games of all time. Have a look at its main features:
- Implies a new card-based combat system
- Contains RPG elements
- Impressive plot and graphics
This action game has been on the top list for many years. So, if you are searching for a classic product that will never make you feel bored, download Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories and dip into the adventure. One of the best classic video games is waiting for you!
Young Merlin — Take the Path of the Magician
This is the role game following the adventures of Merlin, a young wizard. Playing it is simple: all tasks are shown in the gameplay, while the hero just has to pass levels by going to the indicated places, collecting goods, saving the princess, and so on.
Modern gamers indicate that the main spirit of the game is in its unforgettable atmosphere. For some, it resembles the Harry Potter universe, while others state they feel like they are inside the Lord of the Rings story. We agree with both, as this fairytale is rightfully among the best retro games!
Cartoonish drawings and fantastic soundtracks attract both children and adults. Moreover, passing all the levels won’t take more than 5 hours. Due to this, Young Merlin doesn’t give users time to get bored and provides them with lots of unforgettable emotions. Install the arcade game and have tons of fun! We doubt anything can overcome one of the best retro games regarding its plot and amazing features.
The Iconic Arcade Game: Pac-Man
This iconic character won millions of hearts, and it seems its popularity is still at its peak. It is one of the earliest arcade games, attracting players with its simple interface and plot. Let’s see how to play it:
- Enter the game and start eating dots.
- Remember to avoid colourful ghosts.
- Eat bigger dots to transform ghosts into vulnerable ones and eat them, too.
- The player’s task is to eat all the dots on the field, score maximum points, and avoid dying.
Sounds like a really simple game, right? But it’s a perfect pastime for those who want to relax and escape from reality. Many developers tried to create something similar, but only Pac-Man became iconic. Yes, you can make a related product, but only this video game deserved the title of legend. The list of the best retro video games won’t be completed without Pac-Man.
Street Fighter 2 — Challenge Your Strength
This game is the best representative of the fighting games genre of all time. It’s difficult to argue with this point as Street Fighter was released in 1991 and won players’ hearts immediately. All the following fighting games were inspired by this iconic product.
If you’ve been there in the Golden Arcade Era, then you know how popular Street Fighter 2 was with its flawless gameplay and amazing graphics for its time. Even though over 30 years have passed since its release, players worldwide still return to this masterpiece.
Manic Miner — One of the Hardest Retro Games
This game was first released in 1883 and impressed players with its difficulty. Try this mega-hit if you consider modern gaming solutions too easy to pass! Each of the 20 screens of this mega-hit will bring you a challenge, and it’s possible to die barely everywhere! We are not confident there are a lot of people who reached the last level. But many tried! So, Magic Miner seems to always be a titbit for passionate gamers.
Fahrenheit — Investigate the Crime
This game is considerably new compared to those listed above, as it was launched in 2005. During this period, technology already made it possible to do something less primitive and more detailed. And Fahrenheit broke all possible records! This is one of the first products in the detective genre. The main character has to investigate the crime, passing the levels.
The player can control different heroes. The gameplay includes performing simple actions, and conducting dialogues, as well as Quick Time Events (QTE) scenes, during which you need to quickly press certain keys. A well-developed plot and stunning graphics will definitely not give you a chance to get bored. Of course, 2023 can boast tons of similar games of much better quality. However, players often return to Fahrenheit, which has deservedly become a classic.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 — Experience Unreal Speed
This game was initially aimed to become Mario’s main competitor. Sega console owners finally got what they deserved, as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 really boomed the industry in 1992. Both children and adults adore this pretty blue character, and it’s popular until now. The original game was released before, but the second part became faster and more impressive. Have a look at its peculiarities:
- Faster gameplay for more excitement.
- Larger levels that take more time to pass them.
- A great plot with amazing detailed graphics.
- Incredible soundtracks that fit all the scenes perfectly.
Crazy speed, impressive actions, and many other features showed that Sega could compete with Nintendo and even overcome it in numerous aspects. This fast-paced adventure was one of the best two-player games of the 16-bit era and still leaves many of today’s games behind. Until now, it’s one of the best-selling Sega Genesis games of all time. Can you imagine how good it is, if nothing could have removed demand for it for over 30 years in a row?
Retro Games vs New Brands
The number of users passionate about gaming constantly grows: according to Statista, the figure will reach 3.1 billion by 2027. Modern video games have more advanced graphics, better audio and gameplay than older titles due to advances in hardware. Newer titles may also take advantage of online or multiplayer capabilities that are not available in the majority of retro games. Additionally, new games are likely to have a large selection of compatible accessories, such as controllers and headsets.
However, retro games can be just as enjoyable as modern titles. Many older games have a charm that is timeless and many players prefer them for their classic look and feel. Retro gaming also offers some unique advantages, such as the ability to play on original hardware in its most authentic form. This allows for a true experience of the game as it was meant to be played. Ultimately, the choice between retro and modern games is a personal preference. It’s important to keep in mind that both have their own unique features.
Conclusion
The video game history is rich, so players have a limitless choice. The number is constantly increasing, and it’s barely impossible to try everything the market now offers. But retro video games seem to never lose their popularity among fans!
These top-10 games became timeless classics that will never lose relevance among players. Despite the fantastic variety of modern games, players often like returning to their roots. Playing any of the above-mentioned products will help you dip into nostalgia. Lots of fun and pleasure are guaranteed!
