There is no doubt that the gaming industry has come a long way. Today, most games offer top-notch features such as realistic graphics, advanced artificial intelligence, a wide range of online multiplayer options, and more.
However, old games hold a special place in our hearts.
From Final Fantasy VII to Pac-Man to Sonic the Hedgehog, here are eight of the best retro games that will bring back the old-school gaming experience.
Pac man
Simplicity is one of the things that makes old-school games unique, and Pac-Man is no exception.
This game, invented over 40 years ago, involves controlling “Pac-Man”to navigate a “maze”by consuming dots, avoiding or attacking ghosts (who have different personalities and attack strategies).
This timeless game was such a hit that over 100,000 Pac-Man units/cars were sold and within a year of its launch, 250 million Pac-Man games were played every week.
What’s more, the Pac-Man character has become the first ever mascot to sell, with merchandise such as T-shirts, lunchboxes, pajamas, and even valentines.
However, finding the original version of this game can be quite difficult.
Sonic the Hedgehog
What was first developed as a game to promote the Sega mascot became a popular video game, selling over 15 million copies in 1991 when it was released.
The perfect combination of simplicity and adrenaline-pumping gameplay makes it one of the best retro games you can play.
The game features Sonic the Hedgehog running at high speed through levels that include bottomless pits, vertical loops, and spring slopes.
Your task as a player is to stop or protect Sonic from obstacles such as jumping into bottomless pits, being crushed by moving platforms or walls, and more.
You can also activate Sonic’s “spin attack”power. This ability is that the hedgehog twists its body into a ball and rotates quickly, which allows it to destroy enemies and obstacles on impact.
Final Fantasy VII
While there’s a lot of hype surrounding the Final Fantasy VII remake, its original version is still holding up pretty well.
This game was launched back in 1997 for the PlayStation console. The most exciting thing about Final Fantasy VII when it first came out is that it was the first game in the Final Fantasy series to use full motion video and real-time 3D graphics.
Final Fantasy VII was so successful that it sold over 13 million copies worldwide in its opening weekend.
The game has three modes: world map, battle screen and field.
In world map mode, you can see the entire world of Final Fantasy VII on a 3D world map. This will help you know where to enter and what to avoid, such as deserts, mountains, and natural bodies of water.
In Field Mode, you can explore areas marked on the map, talk to other characters, and even start event games. In this mode, you can also visit shops to buy items such as armor, weapons, and accessories to help your character along the way.
At random intervals in field mode and world map mode, the game will enter the battle screen. Here, your character is placed on one side of the screen, and the enemy is on the other, and they start fighting until one of the sides is defeated.
Donkey Kong
This is one of the best retro games of all time. Launched back in 1981 as an arcade game, Donkey Kong has become so popular that it has sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
In this game, you play as Mario and your main goal is to climb the stairs to rescue the princess. As you go up the stairs, Donkey Kong will throw barrels at you, so be careful not to get hit by them or it’s game over.
Donkey Kong also throws metal barrels that set fire to a fiery man who starts chasing you from behind. The closer you get to Donkey Kong and save the princess, the more barrels will be thrown at you.
Old School RuneScape
Despite being an older version of RuneScape 3, old-school RuneScape continues to be a favorite among Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games today.
The game features an immersive world where players can interact with other player characters, NPCs, and more. There is a wide range of skills grouped into three main categories: crafting, combat, and gathering.
Combat skills such as magical powers and super strength allow characters to defeat monsters and other players in battles.
Gathering skills such as mining and fishing allow player characters to gather resources to sell and acquire RuneScape gold. The gold can then be used to buy weapons, armor, and skill upgrades to make the character more powerful.
Getting gold by selling the items you collect can be quite a challenge, as you are not guaranteed to find resources every time you mine or fish. This is why many people choose to buy RuneScape gold from reliable sources.
Player characters gain experience points as they participate in more quests and battles and improve their skills.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
This list would be incomplete without this legendary 1997 RPG. Although it did not happen immediately, over 700,000 units were eventually sold in the US and Japan.
Enjoy addictive gameplay as you explore Dracula’s castle and try to defeat Shaft who controls Richter Belmont, the lord of the castle.
The game gets even better when you defeat the Val, where another level (an inverted version of the castle) opens up with a new set of enemies.
Gran Turismo
In addition to visually stunning graphics, Gran Turismo offered an adrenaline-pumping driving experience. No wonder it has sold over 80 million copies for PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation handheld consoles.
This original version has 140 cars and 11 race tracks. Your goal as a player is to race against other AI racers on different race tracks. The game has two modes: simulation mode and arcade mode.
In arcade mode, you can choose the car and race track of your choice. Winning races unlocks more cars and race tracks.
The simulation model is a little tricky as it requires players to obtain different levels of driver’s licenses in order to be eligible for car racing.
Earthworm Jim
Only kids in the 90s can understand the hype around Worm Jim. Of course, it wasn’t difficult, but it’s definitely a fun game.
The game features an earthworm named Jim dressed in a robot suit and fighting the forces of evil. Your goal as a player is to control Jim and guide him through each level while avoiding enemies and obstacles.
You can use Jim’s gun to shoot enemies, or use his head as a whip to beat them up.
There are several levels that require more than just defeating enemies and getting to the end of that level. For example, there is a “For Peter’s Sake”level that features a computer-controlled puppy named Peter. Your task as a player on this level is to make sure that the puppy reaches the end of the level unharmed.
Final Thoughts
While games have a lot to offer these days, especially in terms of gaming experience, it’s nice to walk down memory lane.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the original versions of most of these retro games are quite hard to find. Luckily, many of them have remastered versions that can still give you that nostalgic experience you’re looking for.