Over the years, some retro games have become rare. The reasons? Either their gaming console died, or it just couldn’t survive in the gaming industry for other reasons. For instance, the game’s development budget, poor marketing, wrong release timings, availability, etc.
However, there are still in the market that you can find even in 2022. Some of the rare retro games are:
Let’s dive into the list of rarest retro games now!
Rarest Retro Games To Find In 2022
Looking at the retro games may make you wonder about any games that were rare at that time. But frankly, there were too many games. The top reason that even great games became rare is their dependency on the gaming console or lack of compatibility. Here are the rare retro games that you will find intriguing enough to give it a try right now.
1. Shantae
Shantae, a game developed in the early 2000s by Wayforward – a duo of developers. This game has great visuals and sound design. Yet, they weren’t as successful back in the day. However, reproduction has still kept the game alive today.
The storyline is about a female genie who has appointed herself as the guardian of a village. But things get complicated when an evil pirate, Risky Boots, gets wind of the villager’s discovery of the rare treasure. Now, it’s up to Shantae to protect the village and its valuable items.
This game is filled with humorous dialogues and places to discover throughout the game. But is that all? The gameplay storyline makes the game sound easy. But it isn’t! There are dungeons to go in and defeat enemies. Then, there is a mini-series to play and dance moves to learn to upgrade attacks. It’s a fun, light-hearted, and challenging game. Definitely, worth a try out now.
Best Known For: Game Boy, Great Visuals, Mini-Series, Dance Moves, Semi Open-World, Adventure, 2D Graphics.
2. Mega Man V
Mega Man V is like a hidden gem for Mega Man’s fans. Capcom expanded this series on the Gameboy in the early 1990s.
After many months have passed since the events of Mega Man IV, Mega Man is confronted by another robot called Terra. Mega Man finds his powers ineffective against the enemy and loses the battle. But wait! Dr. Light takes Mega Man away from there. Reengineers his arm with a rocket arm. And then, send Mega Man on the mission to stop the invasion of unknown enemies.
Apart from the rocket arm, the gameplay is similar to other Mega Man series. The fighting sequence, bosses, and other items. All are kept consistent. However, the level design has variations, making it lively and appealing for gamers. It’s a great sequel to play, especially for the die-heart fans of the Mega Man series.
Best Known For: Sequel of Mega Man Series, Powerful Weapons, Visuals, Android Warriors.
3. Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario series, specially created for the Hong Kong audience. Needless to say, they are one of Nintendo’s rare games ever! So they are very much valuable in the gaming industry.
The game begins with Mario’s dream of walking on a long ladder, passing through a door to save a kingdom, and he wakes up! Mario, while wondering about his dream, decides to tell others about it. And coincidentally, they all had the same one (Yikes!). To get over this strange dream, they go on a picnic to get some fresh air. But there, things got upside-down as the dream became real – not in a good way!
It is fair to say that this game’s mechanics is a better version of the previous one. Why? It gives you freedom of moving vertically too. This is great, considering it is one of the late games of the 1980s.
Best Known For: Sequel of Mario Series, Better Game Mechanics, Movement Freedom, Each Character Special Ability.
4. King of Fighters 2000
The King of Fighters 2000 earns the title of being the rarest retro game. This was a game developed with lots of struggle going on within SNK.
The events of the game start with another tournament. All-powerful fighters with their teams coming for this event while fulfilling their own agendas.
Twist of the story? It is actually a conspiracy by the commander, Heidern, to capture K’ and Maxima. So, he could interrogate them about the NESTS – a criminal organization misusing powers to take over the world. Later, it is revealed that Ling has his own nasty plans to destroy the world.
The game retains the original battle system. But with some addition to its striking segment. Now, you can use two players for the strike instead of just one. Plus, you can generate combos too. Its intriguing storyline and battle upgrades make it appealing to play it again and again.
Best Known For: King of Fighters Series, Strike Battle System, Multiplayer Mode, Intriguing Storyline, New Characters.
5. Luigi’s Mansion
Luigi’s Mansion has the pleasure of being the most popular game on GameCube. And not only that, it successfully took the fifth highest-selling place. Since the console died after, eventually making this game rare too.
Dive into the spooky adventure to save Mario from King Boo. Yes, you heard it right! Marios is tricked using Luigi’s winning contest ticket. For which, he didn’t enter. King Boo lures Mario into his castle and traps him in the painting. Now, you (as Luigi) are the one who could save him.
But watch out! The ghosts are roaming in the castle and won’t make it easy for you to reach Mario. But Luigi just won’t give up. With a flashlight and a vacuum cleaner, he’ll enter the castle, unlock many secrets and find a way to save his brother, Mario!
Even with Mario’s cameo appearance, Luigi has his own charms to keep you engaged in the game. Proving itself to be the gold mine for Mario’s fans.
Best Known For: Mario’s Character Popularity, Ghost, Action, Adventure, Visuals, Animation, Storyline, 3D Graphics.
Wanna know how to play retro games on Android? Read here.
FAQs Rarest Retro Games To Find In 2022
While learning about the rarest retro games. You might want to ask some questions. Here are some of them:
Aside from our list of rarest retro games, Gamma Attack is known to be rare and expensive. Only one copy was released by Gammation for Ataro, which is worth from $20,000 to $50,000. Currently, Anthony DeNardo (a game collector) owns that one copy of the game.
You’ll find many old video games to play, like Star Fox: Super Weekend Cartridge, Snowboard Kids 2, or Harvest Moon. They may be old, but they are fun plus entertaining to play. You can check out more games here.
Since the series of Mario and the Legend of Zelda has recently been released on the Nintendo Switch. So, gamers have been going back to the prequels of these games. Just to enjoy the old times and collect the bits of the storyline from their previous game versions.
The retro games that are rare tend to become valuable. Its value is not going to decline just in a day, but these units will be the last units ever made for the retro consoles.
To Sum Up…
Overall, the rarest retro games were successful in their own ways. Some were not appreciated at that time due to its NEWNESS. While others because of the demise of their console to play on it. Plus, there were business factors that made the game suffer.
However, each one of them is appealing enough to play EVEN NOW! Their storyline, concept, and originality make them valuable and worth a try.
If you are looking for retro games, then you might wanna read:
- 7 Best Nintendo Retro Games You Don’t Want to Miss
- 10 Best Classic Retro Games We’d Kill For
- 7 Best 2-Player Retro Games You Should Buy Right Away
- 6 Best Retro Ds Games To Lighten Up Your Mood
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