Rate These Old School Video Games And We’ll Reveal What To Play Next
- by Dylan Dembrow
- – on
- in The Geek Corner
Video games are quickly becoming one of the most profitable forms of entertainment available today. This is no doubt due to the fact that games are becoming more immersive than ever. Their graphics are better. Their cut-scenes are more cinematic. And the ability to play with friends together and online is now easier than ever.
But just because games are more technologically advanced, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily any better.
Though the majority of younger generations now enjoy playing video games, there’s a good chance that they’ve grown distant from the games of decades past. Sure, the inferior graphics might be a turn-off at first. But so long as the gameplay is engaging and the characters are interesting, those 8 and 16-bit graphics will eventually become a lot more endearing.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are undoubtedly a lot of retro gamers who would much rather stick to the games of the '80s and '90s. They might see most modern games as nothing but knock-offs of earlier masterpieces that have simply undergone a graphics makeover. But surely there's something available today that could still please these old-school aficionados.
So let's take a look back at some of the older video game classics to match with a newer masterpiece!
Super Mario World
Originally released for the SNES in 1990, Super Mario World continues to be considered one of the greatest games ever made. The game found the player venturing to Dinosaur Land where Mario’s beloved companion Yoshi made his series debut. Even decades later, Super Mario World still holds its fair share of secrets and challenges.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Often touted as the best game on the Nintendo 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released in 1998 to critical acclaim. Ocarina was easily one of the most ambitious games ever made at that time, which introduced a number of concepts that have since become gaming staples — including lock-on aiming.
Halo: Combat Evolved
The first game in the Halo franchise, this game was released for the Xbox in 2001. The game follows the super-soldier known as Master Chief, who’s tasked with battling against alien enemies known collectively as the Covenant. It was considered one of the greatest first-person shooters ever released at that time.
Donkey Kong Country
Before this 1994 platforming game was ever released for the SNES, Donkey Kong was largely known as the villain who Mario found himself up against in the original arcade games. However, this installment painted D.K. in a much more favorable light, and he has since gone on to become one of Nintendo’s most beloved characters.
Half-Life 2
If you enjoyed Half-Life 2 at the time of its release, you might find yourself feeling a bit older than you want to considering the game was released nearly 14 years ago. Even still, that hasn’t stopped many from hoping that a third installment is still on its way despite Valve Corporation’s pattern of halting their most popular franchises at two.
Super Smash Bros.
With the release date of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate quickly approaching, now might not be a bad time to revisit some of the SSB classics and brush up on your melee skills. The first installment of the series was released for the Nintendo 64 back in 1999 and featured an original line-up of 12 playable characters.
Chrono Trigger
The first game in the short-lived Chrono series, Chrono Trigger was originally released in 1995 for the SNES. The RPG was praised for its ambitious storyline, which follows a group of time-travelers who are on a mission to save the world. Chrono Trigger even featured multiple endings depending upon the players’ decisions.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was largely considered a slight step-up from its predecessor thanks to its more challenging platforms and the introductions of Sonic’s trusty sidekick, Miles “Tails” Power. The game went on to sell over six million copies worldwide, making it one of the most popular on the platform.
Super Metroid
This 1994 SNES game picked up with protagonist Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who sets out to retrieve an extraterrestrial organism from the dragon-like antagonist Ridley. Super Metroid was the third installment of the sci-fi action series, which was praised for its inventive level design which required the player to explore all corners of the world in order to level-up.
World of Warcraft
Originally released in 2004, World of Warcraft is the fourth installment of this fantasy series — which has gone on to be the biggest online role-playing game of all time. Even nearly 14 years after its release, the game maintains a strong base of players, thanks in part to the various expansion packs that have been released since.
Mortal Kombat II
The SNES had no shortage of popular fighting games, but none have continued to be as popular as the Mortal Kombat franchise. In fact, this 1993 game was originally released for arcades. But after its massive popularity, it was ported over to a number of at-home consoles, including the Game Boy and Sega Genesis.
Donkey Kong
Though this arcade game may take its name from the gigantic ape, Mario was actually the real hero — who was better known as Jumpman when the game was originally released back in the early ‘80s. But don’t let this game’s age fool you, Donkey Kong is by no means an easy undertaking.
Yoshi’s Island
The full title of this 1995 game is actually Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island — which is even more confusing considering that it’s actually a prequel to the popular 1990 game. Here, the player takes on the role of Yoshi, who is responsible for carrying a baby Mario through nearly 50 challenging levels.
The Oregon Trail
Even the Dark Souls series can’t hold a candle to The Oregon Trail — which is notorious for punishing its players. The best-known version of the game was released in 1985, where its original intention was actually that of an educational tool — which demonstrated just how hard it was to venture west in the 1800s.
Portal
Now over a decade old, Portal is a platforming game which finds the player teleporting through various levels with the promise of cake as a reward for completion. The game was praised for its ability to revamp a well-worn video game genre, and it spawned a sequel that many considered a slight step-up in terms of quality.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
Thanks to this 2000 game, there was no longer a need to get outside and risk breaking any real bones thanks to this popular installment of the skateboarding franchise. The game was originally released for the PlayStation, but it would go on to be ported over to a number of other platforms as well.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The third installment of the Zelda series found the franchise returning to its top-down perspective much to the delight of many players, as there were already more than enough Nintendo games that centered around side-scrolling. The result was one of the most enjoyable and ambitious games on the SNES, which went on to sell over four million copies.
Star Fox
Though Fox McCloud may be well-known today thanks to his Super Smash Bros. appearances, the character made his debut back in his very own franchise with 1993’s Star Fox. The rail-shooter went on to be a best-seller for the SNES, which follows Fox and his trusty team of pilots as they protect their homeworld from the power-hungry Andross.
Max Payne
Released in 2001 for Microsoft Windows, Max Payne follows the eponymous anti-hero as he sets out to serve his own brand of justice across the NYC underworld. The game was praised for its darker subject matter and neo-noir storyline, and the series went on to produce two more main installments along with a feature film.
Resident Evil 4
Simply by limiting the player's speed, Resident Evil 4 dramatically managed to increase the tension of this 2005 game. The game follows franchise regular Leon S. Kennedy as he travels to the Spanish countryside and stumbles upon a community of zombie-like creatures. The game is now considered one of the best in the survival horror franchise.
Super Mario Bros. 2
When the original Super Mario Bros. 2 was considered too difficult for overseas audiences, the Japanese game Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic was retrofitted to become part of the Mario franchise. This helps explain was this 1988 installment is wildly different from any other Super Mario game released before and since.
Duck Hunt
A launch game for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Duck Hunt hit shelves in 1985. Much like the title implies, the game found the player duck hunting, which required the use of a remote control Zapper that would be pointed at the screen. The further the player progressed, the much harder the rounds would become.
Punch-Out!!
Originally released as Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, this 1980’s game was later retitled and rereleased after Nintendo no longer had the rights to use Tyson’s name. The game was originally available on the NES, where it would go on to be considered one of the best fighting games at the time thanks to how notoriously difficult the game was to complete.
Pac-Man
Like so many great arcade installments, Pac-Man is one of those games that can simply be played to waste time or become one of those never-ending challenges for hardcore gamers who strive for perfection. The game was originally released in 1980, and it has turned out a number of sequels and spin-offs ever since.
Grand Theft Auto
It would probably take a true fan of the GTA series to want to go back and revisit the original 1997 game, which pales in comparison to the installments that have come since. Originally released for computer play only, Grand Theft Auto finds the player suiting up to carry out a life of crime in these fictionalized cities.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Though a number of Super Smash Bros. games have been released since, Melee continues to be the installment of choice for those who are serious about competitive gameplay. The second installment was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2001 with a total roster of 25 characters — 11 of which had to be unlocked.
Doom
Released in 1993 for the MS-DOS, Doom was a pioneer video game for the FPS genre, which found the player squaring off against swarms of otherworldly beings. The game has inspired a massive multimedia franchise, with its most recent installment, Doom VFR, being released in December of last year.
Silent Hill 2
Often considered one of the creepiest games ever made, this 2001 PS2 game finds the player traveling to a foggy, isolated town as James Sunderland — a man searching for his lost wife. Thanks to its extreme popularity, the game was later ported over to a number of other platforms as well.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
The first Call of Duty game not to be set within the confines of World War II, Modern Warfare was originally released in 2007. The massive success of this game has led the to franchise to continue to focus on modern and futuristic warfare, though they did return to their roots with last year’s Call of Duty, WWII.
Super Mario Kart
The first game of the Mario Kart series was released for the SNES back in 1992. It became one of the best-selling games on the installment, which introduced countless concepts that would become a staple of the franchise, including everything from the brand new items to the final Rainbow Road course.
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
Released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, this platforming game picks up after its predecessor and follows Simon Belmont — a vampire hunter who is continuing his quest for revenge against Dracula. It was praised for its inclusion of a number of role-playing elements, which allowed the player to interact with NPCs throughout the story.
Space Invaders
An old-school game if there ever was one, Space Invader was first released in 1978, where it became a popular inclusion of many arcades. The gameplay is simple and straightforward, as it involves the player trying to bring down approaching alien forces. Though that doesn’t mean its still not quite the challenge.
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Considered one of the best competitive fighting games of all time, Street Fighter II: The World Warrior was released in 1991 for arcades, though it would eventually be ported over to a number of other platforms. The original version featured eight playable characters, though Street Fighter II has been revamped and updated numerous times.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Set thousands of years before the prequel film series, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic follows the player as they set out across the Galaxy to try and defeat the Dark Lord of the Sith known as Darth Malak. The game was released for the Xbox in 2003 and became one of the best-selling and best-reviewed games on the platform.
Dragon Quest
Featuring what is maybe the most stereotypical fantasy plot ever, Dragon Quest follows the player as they set off to save the kingdom and rescue the princess by slaying the dragon. Though the game may not have been a best-seller in the States, it has since been credited as a pioneer of the RPG.
Tetris
Though the gameplay may seem exceedingly basic by today’s standards, that hasn’t stopped Tetris from being extremely addictive — which helps explain why the puzzle game is one of the most played of all time. The game was invented back in 1984 and has appeared in nearly ever platform imaginable ever since.
Halo 2
Released three years after the original, Halo 2 was one of the most defining installments of modern video gaming. Where this FPS really stood out was in its online gameplay, which has since become the draw for many of the most popular games released since. Halo 2 also holds the title of the best-selling Xbox game.
Super Mario 64
With an increase in 3D gameplay, Super Mario 64 helped redefine the Mario series by throwing the eponymous character into more of an open world — rather than being stuck within the confines of a two-dimensional side-scroller. Though the Mario series has arguably done this a lot better since, Super Mario 64 was the game to do it first.
Pokémon Red and Blue
With an estimated revenue of over $80 billion, Pokémon is the highest-grossing multimedia franchise of all time. This all began with these two games for the GameBoy Advanced, which found the player assuming the role of an aspiring Pokemon master. But many considered the ultimate goal to be catching all 150 Pokemon hidden within the game.
GoldenEye 007
Originally released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, this FPS not only allowed the player to embody the covert agent known as James Bond, but it also allowed them to square off against their friends in multiplayer mode. Today, the game is considered one of the most important in the FPS genre.
Luigi’s Mansion
A launch title for the Nintendo GameCube, Luigi’s Mansion finds the title character searching for his better-known brother in a haunted mansion. It is the second game to cast Luigi as the protagonist after 1992’s Mario is Missing! Another installment, titled Luigi’s Mansion 3, is expected to be released for the Nintendo Switch sometime next year.
Contra
After becoming an arcade favorite, this old-school game was ported over to the NES in 1988, and would be the first game in a franchise that has stretched all the way to 2011 to date. Contra finds the plater assuming the role of a solider, who must take down any number of creatures and monsters the game throws at him.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
A direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask is often regarded as one of the darker and underrated gems of The Legend of Zelda franchise. The game finds the player once again assuming the role of Link, who has to live the same three days over and over again to try and prevent the falling moon from destroying Hyrule.
Frogger
This 1981 arcade game found the player trying to help a group of frogs cross a number of obstacles so they could make it home. These included a river and road, which would become even more hazardous as the player progressed. It is now considered one of the most influential video games ever made.
Metal Gear Solid
Though it has no shortage of action, what sets Metal Gear Solid apart from many other similar genre games is its emphasis on going stealth — which rewards the player with a much faster progression through the game. The original installment was released in 1998 for the PlayStation and Microsoft Windows, and a number of successful sequels have debuted since.
NBA Jam
Just because sports games have become a lot more realistic, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily more fun. Take for instance 1993’s NBA Jam, which allows the player to defy the laws of gravity with their dunks, while also allowing them to be more than a little rough with the opposing team without having fouls called at every turn.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 seemed to stretch the capabilities of the Nintendo Entertainment System to the max. Yet, there were still a number of concepts that the game developers couldn’t include — many of which would make their debut in Super Mario World. But that didn’t stop this 1988 game from receiving any shortage of praise.
Dragon’s Lair
Even if you’ve never gotten a chance to play this 1983 arcade game, there’s still a chance you spotted it in the second season of Stranger Things — where the four boys gather around to try and defeat the dragon. The game was praised for its graphics, which were much closer to an animated movie than they were a typical arcade game.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Often regarded as one of the best games released for the PlayStation, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night follows Alucard, the son of Dracula, who set out to explore his father’s castle. While the game actually underperformed upon its initial release, positive reviews have found many rediscovering Symphony of the Night year’s after its release.
StarCraft
The first StarCraft was released for Microsoft Windows in 1998, and the strategy game followed three distinct races fighting for control of the Milky Way galaxy. StarCraft was praised for its balanced gameplay, and even two decades after its release, it’s considered by many to be one of the best strategy games ever made.
