Since the eventful turn of events in 2020, we have come across many weird and new things. In such uncertain times, going back to the past, reminiscing, and connecting with our old selves bring calmness to the chaos. Doesn’t it?
One of the most cherished memories from that period is undoubted – the best classic retro games. Let’s take a look at the timeless, top ten retro games and refresh our minds of hidden memories and laughter.
10 Best Classic Retro Games
Allow me to list down the top ten retro games that you’ll still enjoy in 2022!
1. Pac Man – Best Sega Retro Game
A lot of fun, repetitive spikes of the adrenaline rush, and a whole of simplicity define Pac-man.
It was released in 1980 and currently celebrates its 41st anniversary as one of the renowned and deeply loved vintage video games.
It originally started out as an arcade game, where the main character is a face (called Pac-man, obviously), navigates through a maze, and its goal is to eat all the dots. Oh, and you also have to escape the four different-colored ghosts as well.
To advance to the next level, you simply have to; eat all the dots shown on the screen and avoid all the ghosts. Pretty simple, right?
2. Tetrisphere – Best N64 Classic Retro Game
Alexey Pajitnov, the Russian software engineer who developed this mind-blowing game, certainly knew what he was doing.
I mean, creating a video game entirely focused on puzzles? Would anyone have considered it to be fun? Well, if that puzzle-centric video game is Tetris, then yeah, it’s a lot of fun.
In Tetris, the geometric pieces, also called the tetrominoes, begin falling from the top. Your job is to make sure that they are correctly arranged to form a row. If you successfully create a row, the line will disappear, and you will move onto the next level.
With every increasing level, the speed with which the tetrominoes were falling will increase, not allowing the player to have a lot of time to think.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3 – Best _ Retro Game
If you’re a professional gamer or have remotely come across the art of gaming, you must have heard of Super Mario Bros. It’s either this, or you don’t really know anything about gaming.
One of the most enjoyed and loved classic games of all time, Super Mario Bros won many hearts – after all, who doesn’t love Mario?
It followed the popular Super Mario Bros. 2 and was released in 1988. It can be played in the single and multiplayer mode with the players controlling Mario or his brother Luigi. This game also helped boost the games featuring the side-scrolling platform.
4. The Legend of Zelda – Best SNES Retro Game
If you are a fan of fantasy, action, and adventure, like me, you’d love Legend of Zelda.
It’s a simple game about a boy named Link whose primary task is to save Princess Zelda from evil. However, this simple plot doesn’t remain so simple after you find out that Link is actually thrown into a world of magical beasts, quests, and everything that screams fantasy!
The first game in the series was released in 1986, and because of the uproar it created, Legend of Zelda was soon turned into a game series. Among all the versions, Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past turns out to be a favorite of many people out there.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Best Sega Genesis Retro Game
Missing out on Sonic when mentioning the best retro video games is considered blasphemy in the gaming world. Because come on, let’s get real for a while; who doesn’t know Sonic?
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 followed Sonic the Hedgehog and was released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis. It introduced Tails, Sonic’s sidekick and a character controllable by the second player, as they raced together to stop Dr. Eggman and his devilish plans.
As a player, you can act as Sonic, Tails, or control them simultaneously. Apart from the actual storyline, Tails and Sonic can also compete against each other to see who reaches the finish line first.
6. Final Fantasy VII – Best PS1 Retro Game
If you’re in touch with the gaming world, you must have heard about its remake. However, the best retro games look ideal in their older versions, and the 90s adaptation is the one we love.
All Hail, the 90s!
The Final Fantasy video game series was released in 1987. After 10 years, Final Fantasy VII made an appearance in the gaming market. It was the seventh installment and was the first game in the series to use 3D graphics and full-motion video – sounds so cute, right?
So, if you’re a sucker for a great storyline and dark concepts – the final fantasy series is the one for you!
7. Donkey Kong – Best GBA Retro Game
It all comes down to a guy saving a girl from a villain, and to say that Donkey Kong was the pioneer of this concept in the gaming world, let’s say you wouldn’t come across many nay-sayers.
Nintendo released it in 1981 and as a typical arcade game. It revolves around the main character, Jumpman, who has to save his heroine Pauline from a giant gorilla called Donkey Kong. You can now enjoy this game on Nintendo Switch.
8. Street Fighter – Best SNES Action Retro Game
I tell you, WWE and boxing fans, your craze started from Street Fighter, and you know it!
It was first released in 1987, and the rest is history. Street Fighter is one of the most terrific and thoroughly enjoyable action-packed vintage video games. It features head-to-head battles, interesting characters, and three special attacks that leave you dazzled and wanting for more.
If you’re looking for a game that’ll keep you engaged and on your feet at all times, then, ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!
9. Doom 64 – Best N64 Thriller Retro Game
All the recent first-shooter games have an amazing grandfather – that’s right, it’s Doom 64.
Doom 64, released in 1997, was all about surviving. You are supposed to fight with the demons, make it alive through deadly ambushes, collect keys and move onto the next level. And the ending, no one saw that coming, did they?
If you’d kill for some horror and action-filled retro game, Doom 64 will quench your thirst.
10. Streets of Rage – Best Sega Genesis Action Retro Game
Who didn’t enjoy beating up bad people in this incredibly classic game? I know I did!
And Street of rage 2 gave you the option of beating up your friend as well, absolutely incredible!
Streets of Rage was a two-player game where you were supposed to beat up the sea of enemies and gather collectibles as you moved through. In the end, you face Mr. X and his goons for the final battle.
The second installment had special attacks and an intriguing plot to keep the players intrigued. I mean, who doesn’t love vigilantes fighting for crime and justice?
FAQs About Best Classic Retro Games
Do you have some questions about retro games? Let me help you out.
It’s genuinely only a matter of choice when it comes to how to play the best retro games.
Whether it is online, a mini-console like the one Nintendo introduced, or one of the modern systems that allow you to play classic games (also known as virtual consoles) – go for the one that you find convenient.
Read about the most expensive retro games here.
It’s always good to research online before hitting various game stores in your area just because you let your nostalgia take over you.
Now you can order these vintage video games online on Retrolio Games without even stepping out of your house. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s probably the safer option anyway.
I’d probably recommend you to start with Tetris, Pac-man, and the legend of Zelda.
However, these are my preferences, and if you feel like kick-starting your retro gaming with Sonic the Hedgehog 2 or feel a closer connection to Doom 64, then you’re welcome to opt for them.
Conclusion
And, there you go! A well-curated, detailed list of the top ten best classic retro games – hopefully.
Gaming is a source of comfort for many, and as I said before, it reminds us of the simpler times. Most of us, who enjoy playing these best retro games, are adults now, and reconnecting with these games reminds us of our carefree and happy selves.
Have you decided which one you’re going to pick?
Read: Why are retro games expensive? & Are old game consoles worth money
