Imagine jumping into the shoes of famous characters like Mario or Ryu as you embark on epic adventures and face off against tricky challenges. These games, though older, are still super popular because they laid the groundwork for the games we love today. For a game to qualify as a retro game, it needs to be older than 15 years from the 2000s. Get ready to discover the top 5 retro games that have captured the hearts of gamers everywhere!
Super Mario Bros.
“Super Mario Bros.” is a legendary video game developed by Nintendo, released initially for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. It’s an iconic platformer that follows the adventures of Mario, the mustachioed plumber, as he journeys through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool(this is before the time of Princess Peach) from the clutches of the villainous Bowser. Alongside his brother Luigi, players navigate through vibrant worlds filled with treacherous obstacles, devious enemies, and hidden secrets.
Space Invaders
The year is 1978, and the ambitious game designer Tomohiro Nishikado from the Japanese company Taito created the simple game Space Invaders. This game completely envelopes the player in a world of aliens who slowly make their way to the bottom of the screen, guns blazing, to destroy your icon. In a turn of events, however, your icon (which looks like a spaceship in some versions of the game) fights back! With its (amazing!) pew pew mechanism it can easily annihilate any alien in its path and while doing so, hides behind bunkers to survive the retaliation of the poorly drawn extraterrestrials.
Donkey Kong
“Donkey Kong” is a classic arcade game developed by Nintendo, released in 1981. In the game, players control a character named Jumpman (later known as Mario) as he navigates through a series of platforms to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of the giant ape known as Donkey Kong. The gameplay involves jumping over obstacles, climbing ladders, and avoiding barrels thrown by Donkey Kong. It’s considered one of the oldest platform games, setting the stage for future titles in the genre. Since its release, “Donkey Kong” has sold over 132,000 arcade cabinets worldwide, making it one of the best-selling arcade games of all time.
Street Fighter 2
“Street Fighter II,” developed by Capcom and released in 1991, revolutionized the fighting game genre with its diverse cast of characters and deep gameplay mechanics. Players engage in intense one-on-one combat, mastering special moves unique to each character, such as Ryu’s Hadoken and Chun-Li’s Spinning Bird Kick. Its cultural impact is undeniable, inspiring a multitude of sequels, spin-offs, and even a vibrant competitive scene with global tournaments. Available on various gaming platforms, from arcade cabinets to home consoles like the SNES and Sega Genesis, Street Fighter II remains a timeless classic cherished by gamers worldwide for its iconic characters and addictive gameplay.
Tetris
“Tetris” is a timeless puzzle game created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984, where players arrange descending blocks to complete lines. The simple gameplay has captivated players worldwide for decades. Available on numerous platforms, from early computers to modern smartphones, “Tetris” has sold over 170 million copies, solidifying its status as one of the best-selling video games of all time. Its enduring popularity highlights its universal appeal and lasting impact on gaming culture.
OXO
The World’s First OXO, commonly known as Tic-Tac-Toe, stands as a huge milestone in gaming history. This simple game, created by Alexander S. Douglas in the early 1950s, marked one of the first steps in the realm of digital entertainment. As one of the first computer-based games ever created, OXO laid the groundwork for the vast and diverse landscape of video gaming that we enjoy in our everyday lives. This truly deserves recognition as one of the first-ever video games and a cornerstone of retro gaming!
In conclusion, as we embark on a journey through gaming history, we are greeted by these iconic retro titles that have stood the test of time. From the timeless adventures of “Super Mario Bros.” to the intense battles of “Street Fighter II” and the addictive puzzle-solving of “Tetris,” these classics continue to captivate players across generations. “Space Invaders” and “Donkey Kong” represent pioneering milestones in gaming, while OXO holds a special place as one of the earliest digital entertainment experiences. Together, they form the foundation of the vibrant gaming landscape we enjoy today, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire gamers worldwide.