Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as we delve into the top retro games of all time!
You might be thinking, “The best retro games? That list could be endless!” Yes, we know… Selecting the cream of the crop was no easy feat. We had to sift through the gems of our childhood, those iconic titles that defined our favorite consoles and brought endless joy.
And we’re not just talking about a handful of consoles here. We’re talking about the legendary Mega Drive, the groundbreaking original Xbox, the beloved N64, the iconic PS1, and many more, each holding a special place in gaming history. Can you still recall the excitement of laying eyes on a NES or a PS2 for the first time?
Best Retro Video Games Of All Time
Mortal Kombat II (1993)
A true classic in the world of retro gaming. This game kicks off our list with a bang! Who could forget the thrill of executing Fatalities, witnessing Sub-Zero shatter enemies into ice shards, or Johnny Cage pulling off those iconic moves with his nightstick?
For many of us, Mortal Kombat II defined our childhoods, perhaps shedding light on certain aspects of our personalities along the way…
Mortal Kombat follows the familiar gameplay formula of other fighting games but with an added dose of brutality and those unforgettable fatalities that leave opponents in pieces. While it may not reach the same level of gore as Mortal Kombat 11, it still offers hours of entertainment, especially when battling it out with friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon!
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)
The Minish Cap nearly clinched the top spot on our best Game Boy Advance games list, and I’m still second-guessing myself for not awarding it the gold trophy today…But let’s move forward.
This game was a delightful surprise at the time, being developed by Capcom rather than Nintendo themselves. Yet, they nailed it, blending all the beloved elements of Link’s Awakening and A Link To The Past to create a perfect title that captured the hearts of every Zelda fan.
In this adventure, we shrink down to miniature size, thanks to the whimsical Ezlo the Minish Cap, a cantankerous hat that assists Link in discovering the tiny world of the Picori. It’s a refreshing twist to have Link’s companion be a part of his legendary attire for a change.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE ALONE IN THE DARK REMAKE
Chrono Trigger (1995)
If you happened to miss out on this gem the first time around, we highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you still have your trusty GBA SP lying around!
It’s a timeless masterpiece that remains one of the most captivating journeys on the SNES. Released to massive acclaim in 1995, it’s no surprise – after all, everything Square puts its name to turns to gold.
Sure, getting your hands on a copy these days might require a bit of extra cash, but think of it as an investment! Despite being released in 1995, the game’s visuals still hold up remarkably well, especially when paired with one of the best NES HDMI cables.
And let’s not forget about the captivating side quests and mystical storylines that would give Gandalf a good chuckle, not to mention the mind-bending concept of the Grandfather Paradox.
With time travel at its core, Chrono Trigger pushes the boundaries of imagination and storytelling like few other titles can. Because, let’s face it, when it comes to time travel, there are no limits!
Duck Hunt (1984)
An iconic arcade game that, like Pac-Man, will never lose its charm.
For those unfamiliar with Duck Hunt, allow us to indulge in a moment of envy for your youthful bliss. The gameplay is simple: aim your gun at the screen and pull the trigger to shoot the ducks.
While you might have experienced it on the Wii using the Wiimote, there’s nothing quite like holding the Zapper or getting the SuperScope on your shoulder to truly embrace those retro vibes.
It’s a straightforward game that won’t win any awards for complexity, but we can guarantee you’ll find it incredibly difficult to tear yourself away once you start playing.
Donkey Kong Country (1994)
It’s widely known that Mr. Miyamoto never quite warmed up to Donkey Kong Country. He wasn’t a big fan of the pre-rendered graphics used in the game, and he didn’t shy away from expressing his opinion.
But despite Miyamoto’s reservations, Donkey Kong Country remains one of the greatest SNES games of all time. The numbers speak for themselves: this game sold well over one million copies during its lifespan. While we eagerly await the release of the new Donkey Kong game, Donkey Kong Country is the perfect way to keep ourselves entertained in the meantime.
Team up with Diddy to take on King K. Rool and his army of Kremlins. Ride on the back of Rambi the Rhino or experience the thrill of hurtling down dangerous mine cart tracks with two simian superstars.
The premise is simple yet addictive: collect bananas, kick crocs, and nab those golden KONG letters on each level.
King K. Rool may not get as much press coverage as some other villains, but he’s undoubtedly one of the greatest baddies of all time. Any villain whose sole mission is to steal a monkey’s bananas is a force to be reckoned with, wouldn’t you agree?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
It’s so good that we’re still eagerly anticipating the release of Elder Scrolls VI in 2024!
This open-world adventure is one of the most finely crafted titles on the PS3. Embark on a journey through desolate cities and expansive mountain landscapes, wielding your sword to vanquish dragons and weaving spells in what stands as one of the most remarkable fantasy narratives to ever grace a gaming console.
We still can’t believe this game was released for the PS3 – just look at the visuals! They’re fantastic and could easily belong to a next-gen console. If you’re struggling to get hold of the best PS5 games, then Skyrim could be a good shout!
Now, who is the mystery star of this epic tale, you ask? Well, gamers take on the role of the Dragonborn – one of the best-named characters, just beating Keith Courage… everyone loves Keith!
As the Dragonborn, you’re the only one capable of taking down a massive dragon, but there are so many side missions and quests to explore that you’ll end up playing this game long after the main story is complete.
Tasks can be completed in any order, but Skyrim has one over on BOTW in the fact that the world doesn’t revert once the final boss is defeated.
AVATAR FRONTIERS OF PANDORA. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Final Fantasy IX (2000 – 2019)
We’re sure some of you were anticipating the appearance of Final Fantasy IX on this list, weren’t you? This game has undergone numerous reboots and remakes, and there’s a very good reason for that… It stands as one of the finest retro games of all time – a fact that should have been evident!
Indeed, we’re talking about one of the greatest PS1 RPGs to ever grace Sony’s inaugural home console. It marks the 9th official entry in the FF series and boasts a narrative that could have made Tolkien proud.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that IX holds the highest ranking among all FF games in the series’ history. It’s no wonder it has undergone numerous reboots!
Whether you contributed to its epic 5 million sales by purchasing it on the PS3, the Vita, or modern consoles, you’ve undoubtedly played a role in cementing FFIX in the annals of gaming history as one of the greatest titles ever.
Crash Bandicoot: N. Sane Trilogy (1996 – 2018)
The N.Sane Trilogy is fully remastered and looks incredibly polished on the PS4, the Xbox One, and the Switch. Experience all of Naughty Dog’s classics: ‘Crash Bandicoot’, ‘Cortex Strikes Back’, and ‘Warped’.
And if you’re wondering about its popularity, it sold a whopping 10 million units worldwide. If that isn’t a testament to its success, then we don’t know what is!
The gameplay remains unchanged, the levels retain their familiarity, and Crash’s moves are as precise as ever. Leap and spin through nostalgic stages that are so visually stunning, that you might find yourself admiring the backgrounds more than focusing on Signor Bandicoot!
And, of course, the Aku Aku mask makes its return to provide that comforting safety net as you venture into the unknown.
There’s simply no better way to experience Crash Bandicoot in 2021 – there, we said it, especially when playing on the Nintendo Switch, whether it’s on the bus or in the bathroom (we all know you do it!).
Both you and Crash deserve the best, so treat yourself to the N.Sane Trilogy today!
Pokemon Red/Blue (1998)
Yes, this RPG is the very one that shaped the lives of most of us, both in our childhood and beyond.
Forget about Pokemon Go or Sword and Shield; this classic from 1996 (or ’98 in Western countries) thrust Game Freak into the spotlight and achieved unparalleled success. It’s undeniably one of the top Gameboy games ever created and even offers a charming red or blue hue when played on the GBC.
Honestly, the melodies emanating from the Gameboy speaker when we took out the bicycle still echo in our minds to this day.
Completing the Pokedex and defeating the Elite Four remains one of the greatest challenges of all time, and assembling the perfect team was anything but straightforward.
For us, Pokemon transcended mere gaming; it was a captivating narrative, a franchise that we immersed ourselves in both on the Gameboy and through the TV. It demanded strategy and prompted us to contemplate trading with friends and spending genuine quality time with them in the same room!
And let’s not overlook the fact that without Red and Blue, we would never have experienced the joys of Gold, Pearl, Diamond, or any of the other timeless classics on all of Nintendo’s portable consoles!
Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Nintendo knew they had to deliver something extraordinary following the success of Super Mario Sunshine, and boy, did they exceed expectations!
Galaxy brought a whole new experience unlike anything before. Sure, Sunshine was great with its FLUDD gameplay and innovative dynamics, but traversing upside down across planets and leaping on Piranha plants in zero gravity just left me in awe.
The premise is simple – rescue Peach from Bowser. It’s a formula that’s worked across numerous planets on various consoles, so why not take it to space too?
Stars are the primary collectibles, but locating them within the breathtaking levels is no easy feat… mainly because the urge to explore every corner and crevice often overshadows the main objective!
Listen, it’s a Mario game, which means it’s polished, sleek, and brimming with Mushroom Kingdom charm.
From familiar faces to brand-new ones, an all-star cast fills the game with memorable moments, and Mario himself has a plethora of cool tricks up his sleeve for players to discover along the way!
Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
It stands as one of the most iconic open-world titles ever released, bringing players back to the beloved ‘Liberty City,’ one of the original settings from the very first game.
GTA SAN ANDREAS CHARACTERS IN REAL LIFE!
While it may rank 7th on our list, where does GTA IV fit within the main series? Well, it’s the 4th main installment in the franchise but the 9th overall title in the GTA universe.
Navigate through a city that mirrors the look, feel, and perhaps even the scent of New York City as you climb the social ladder by intimidating and eliminating anyone who dares to stand in your path…
Sure, GTA IV might not offer the ability to pilot planes, but does that truly diminish its appeal? It boasts massive explosions, an arsenal of epic weapons, and a plethora of missions and side quests that allow players to lose themselves in hours of exploration.
Unlocking new areas of the map while commandeering vehicles, visiting seedy establishments, or working as a hired hand were all integral parts of the adventure players embarked on with this game. It even featured its own internet and email platform for in-game characters to utilize!
It’s fair to say that titles like Cyberpunk 2077 owe a debt of gratitude to GTA IV and the broader series. The non-player characters are impeccably crafted, the graphics are top-notch, and despite its often gritty nature, it remains a timeless classic that everyone should experience… Provided they’re of appropriate age, of course!
