Put those nostalgic glasses away! We are here to rank the best retro games that are STILL worth playing today!
We all have a penchant for a little blindness to nostalgia when it comes to childhood games. But as much as you loved Superman 64 when you were a kid, it’s hard to make a compelling argument as to why the game is still good in 2022 compared to some of the massive open-world games that currently fill our screens.
Then there are other classic titles that are in fact still a joy to play decades after their initial release. In some cases, these old-school games are better than some soulless money grabs released today!
From collect-a-thon platformers to sprawling RPGs, we’re here today to take a look back at those games of yesteryear that you can still pick up and enjoy today.
Best Retro Games – How To Stand The Test Of Time
For a game to stand the test of time, it has to be natural forward of its time when it is released. There’s no shortage of classic games that, for the time they were released, were miles ahead of anything the gaming world had ever seen before.
Whether it’s unpredictable technological leaps or compiling a list of characteristics that would come to define a genre, these are games that did it all. While graphics are an integral part of gaming as a whole these days, this list doesn’t take into account the graphics limitations of older hardware.
A fresh coat of paint is all some of these games need, and now that we’re living in the era of remastering and remakes, there’s probably a “definitive” version of most old-school classics already out there.
5. Halo
The original Halo, released in 2001, is one of the most revolutionary first-person shooter games of all time. The title played a huge part in the success of the Space Marine genre as a whole while also laying the foundation for the many sequels to come.
Halo 2 and Xbox Live are also some of the major contributors to how we experience online gaming today. Master Chief has become a gaming icon, instantly recognizable to people around the world.
The recent Master Chief Collection manages to recapture the magic of the original Halo trilogy, while updating the graphics and adding a few quality improvements. It also allows players to play these titles online and play with friends around the world.
4. Tetris
Say what you will about Tetris, there’s no denying that it left a mark on gaming culture as a whole. This deceptively simple puzzle game is incredibly addictive and hours can be spent trying to get a higher score.
While the basic version of Tetris is fun in its own right, there are so many variations of Tetris to keep players entertained. Tetris Attack, Dr. Mario and Pokémon Puzzle League are all variations on the basic Tetris formula.
Recently, Tetris 99 took the world by storm by comparing a player’s skills with 99 other players in a battle royale-style multiplayer experience.
Tetris is one of the most profitable and most played video games of all time and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
3.Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 has revolutionized the 3D platforming genre, and we have the polygonal plumber to thank for the many advancements made in games today. Mario has always been at the forefront of gaming revolutions and his debut on the Nintendo 64 was no different.
Super Mario 64 managed to effortlessly combine an enticing gameplay loop and unique worlds with some of the tightest controls ever. There is a reason why Super Mario 64 has one of the largest speedrunning communities in all games to this day.
The formula was mastered from the start and gave Mario the ability to run, long jump, side jump and triple jump. Never has Mario felt as buttery smooth to control as in Super Mario 64 (aside from arguably Super Mario Sunshine).
Super Mario 64 is available directly on Nintendo Switch Online or by picking up a copy of Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
When it comes to classic Zelda titles, there are usually three games competing for number one. Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past and Majora’s Mask. The general consensus is that Ocarina of Time is not only one of the best Zelda games ever made, but also one of the best games of all time.
However, The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask is such a quirk, such a striking appearance, and such a unique piece of art that we can’t help but recommend its predecessor. All Zelda games that came after Ocarina of Time play out in relatively the same way as the Nintendo 64 title. However, never again would a Zelda game capture such a dark tone and contain so many unique mechanics as Majora’s Mask.
Majora’s Mask not only takes players on a truly thrilling adventure, but it touches your heart more than any other Zelda game. That’s not to say that a compelling story isn’t by any means the only thing going for Majora’s Mask. Making sidequests the primary source of content is a very interesting idea that pays off immensely here.
1. Banjo-Kazooie
If Super Mario 64 set the standard for what makes a good 3D platformer, Banjo-Kazooie has perfected it. Excellent world building, creative mechanics, unique worlds, beautiful music and hilarious lyrics are all present in this beautiful game.
There’s a reason Banjo-Kazooie was added to Super Smash Brothers Ultimate decades after their last release on a Nintendo platform. Despite having only had two main games, the Bear and the Bird has had such an impact on fans that it continues to this day.
Seemingly disparate worlds converge in Banjo-Kazooie’s overworld and never feel out of place or blamed. Music adapts to your environment, slowing down in tempo when underwater or entering a cave. There are tons of unique moves to learn, mini-games to play, and transformations to apply.
And we couldn’t talk about Banjo-Kazooie without discussing the writers’ dry humor. Especially Kazooie and Gruntilda are a joy to listen to from start to finish.
Banjo-Kazooie is the pinnacle of 3D platformers and has finally returned to Nintendo consoles thanks to Nintendo Switch Online. The only question left is, how long will it be before Banjo-Tooie becomes available on Switch?!
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Featured image courtesy of 343 Industries / Splash Damage / Ruffian Games / Bungie / Saber Interactive / Xbox.
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