Video games occupy an important place in the lives of millions of gamers around the world. With technological progress and the emergence of new generation equipment, it would seem that many titles have disappeared into the abyss of history.
This is not entirely true! Cult classic games from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s left a huge mark on pop culture, becoming the basis for many franchises, as well as an inspiration for new titles!
The Power of Nostalgia in Video Games
According to statistics, currently the average age of a player is … 33 years old! This means that playing video games is no longer associated with children’s entertainment, and you can proudly develop your passion for gaming even at an adult age. Especially that classic childhood video games have something unique, which some may call the essence of gaming. Developers are increasingly focusing on retro aesthetics in new games and producing improved remasters of classic games.
Classic Video Games
But first, let’s have a look at the timeless classics that are still played by thousands of hobbyists and retro console owners and which can often be played at various conventions.
Super Mario Bros
| Release year: | 1985 |
| Genre: | Platformer |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
An absolutely iconic platformer and the beginning of the “Super Mario Bros.” series. Mario has also become Nintendo’s trademark and one of the company’s official mascots.
In the game, we play as the eponymous Mario (and Luigi in multiplayer), whose task is to travel through the Mushroom Kingdom and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches.
During his journey, our character fights with Browser’s minions, collects coins and various boosters that diversify the gameplay.
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The Legend of Zelda
| Release year: | 1986 |
| Genre: | Action-adventure |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
An extremely extensive action-adventure 2D game with RPG and logical elements, set in a fantasy world.
The plot of the game is based on saving Princess Zelda from the hands of Ganon, an evil warlord turned demon king.
From the very beginning, our hero is completely defenseless – he has to perform various tasks in order to get a weapon and a shield, as well as a number of other useful items.
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DOOM
| Release year: | 1993 |
| Genre: | FPS |
| Developer: | idSoftware |
Dynamic and brutal, Doom is one of those games that was ahead of its time and quickly gained the recognition of players, becoming the most famous shooter in history.
In the game, we play the role of a space marine, commonly known as the Doomguy, whose task is to defeat enemies and escape the demon-infested space station.
A large arsenal of weapons, hordes of enemies from hell and energizing music made Doom set the bar high for its successors.
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Diablo
| Release year: | 1997 |
| Genre: | Action RPG |
| Developer: | Blizzard North |
An extensive dark fantasy action RPG that spawned the hack ‘n’ slash and dungeon crawler genres.
In this title, we play the role of a hero whose ultimate task is to defeat the awakened, ancient Diablo, who wants to take over the human realm.
In this title, we have several character classes to choose from, a massive arsenal of weapons and armour, as well as many development opportunities for our hero.
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Final Fantasy
| Release year: | 1987 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | Square |
A representative of the characteristic jRPG subgenre and the precursor of a gigantic saga of 15 games and a dozen or so subseries, currently numbering over 100(!) titles.
In the game, we play as four heroes – Warriors of Light, who carry and protect four elemental crystals, which are tainted by evil powers. Their task is to restore the light to the crystals and defeat evil.
Final Fantasy is a very complex, multi-level RPG, providing countless hours of gameplay.
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Nostalgia Reimagined: Remastered and Remake Games
Game developers do not forget about players who love old titles, constantly producing remasters and remakes of classics. Here are a few of them:
Final Fantasy VII Remake
| Release year: | 2020 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | Square Enix |
A graphically and mechanically refreshed version of Final Fantasy VII from 1997. Due to the epic scale of the original, the developers decided to release this title in several parts.
In the game, we play the role of the legendary Cloud Strife, whose task is to fight the megacorporation which tries to exploit the life energy of the planet.
The game was released as a PS4 exclusive.
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Resident Evil 2 Remake
| Release year: | 2019 |
| Genre: | Survival horror |
| Developer: | Capcom Development Division 1 |
Remake of the cult Resident Evil 2 from 1998. This is another of the redone and remade instalments of the Resident Evil series.
In the title, we play the role of police officer Leon or student Claire Redfield, who have to get out of Racoon City after the outbreak of the zombie apocalypse.
The game has been renewed in terms of graphics and mechanics.
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Spyro Reignited Trilogy
| Release year: | 2018 |
| Genre: | Platformer |
| Developer: | Toys for Bob |
Remake of three parts of the iconic 3D platformer series: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.
In the game, we play the role of the eponymous charming, purple dragon who performs various tasks while traveling through the magical world.
Unlike many remakes, this title was created by an entirely different team than the original.
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Crash Team Racing Nitro-fueled
| Release year: | 2019 |
| Genre: | Racing game |
| Developer: | Beenox Inc. |
A refreshed version of the PlayStation exclusive – CTR: Crash Team Racing from 1999.
In the game, we play as characters from the Crash Bandicoot series, whose task is to win a series of races and thus – save the honour of the planet.
The game is strikingly similar to the original, but it has been enhanced with new graphics, mechanics, and gameplay solutions.
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Retro-Inspired Indie Games
The retro style is also something that the creators of entirely new titles, inspired by nostalgic, childhood games, are eager to use:
Stardew Valley
| Release year: | 2016 |
| Genre: | RPG |
| Developer: | ConcernedApe |
A sandbox PC game created by a one-man studio, which turned out to be a huge success and hit all modern platforms.
In this title, we play the role of a young man who, bored with life, goes to the countryside to continue his grandfather’s legacy – running a farm.
In addition to farming themes, the game also includes elements of building, crafting, side quests, exploration and much more!
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Undertale
| Release year: | 2015 |
| Genre: | Indie RPG |
| Developer: | tobyfox |
Graphically uncomplicated, referring to 8-bit retro games, a game with an extensive plot and an interesting story.
In the title, we play the role of a girl who accidentally ends up in the underground world full of monsters, which, however, turns out to hide much more…
The game offers a fascinating mix of styles, witty dialogue, thought-provoking moments and countless hours of great adventure.
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Cuphead
| Release year: | 2017 |
| Genre: | Platformer |
| Developer: | StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc. |
A 2D game in the style of Disney cartoons from the 1930s. This title is a combination of an action game, a platformer, and a shooter.
In the game, we play the role of a cup-like hero whose gambling tendencies got him into trouble with the Devil himself.
The gameplay, apart from traveling around the platform world, is based on fighting various bosses.
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Hollow Knight
| Release year: | 2017 |
| Genre: | Platformer, Action, Metroidvania |
| Developer: | Team Cherry |
A game representing the metroidvania subgenre, which was created thanks to a crowdfunding campaign. The plot is set in a fantastic world.
In the title, we play the eponymous Knight, who decides to visit the huge underground, which has been attracting daredevils for years with its riches, but also… answers to eternal questions.
The game offers us the opportunity to explore the world, expand the equipment, develop the character’s skills, as well as fight with opponents.
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Shovel Knight
| Release year: | 2014 |
| Genre: | Platformer |
| Developer: | Yacht Club Games |
A 2D platformer with elements of adventure and RPG games, set in a fantasy world. Graphically and mechanically, this title refers to the pixelated, colourful graphics known from NES console games.
In the game, we play the role of the eponymous Knight wielding the Shovel Blade. His task is to save his beloved from the hands of the evil Sorceress and defeat the members of The Order of No Quarter.
The game offers various locations and dozens of different opponents.
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Conclusion
Many players still have a special fondness for older titles that evoke old, better times and the emotions that used to accompany them. There is no denying that the classics from the 80s and 90s are an integral part of childhood for many players, which they can still relive as adults!