The MVPs of Retro Gaming
Retro gaming is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It is a reminder of the golden era when pixels and beeps were all we needed to get lost in adventures. The games from the 80s and 90s are legendary - not only for shaping the gaming landscape, but for their sheer fun factor that still holds up today. Whether it’s going on an intergalactic mission or saving a princess, the retro classics have it all.
Arcade Icons: The Birth of Gaming Legends
Pac-Man (1980)
The yellow monster munching hero Pac-Man is easily one of the most recognized characters in gaming history. Simple yet utterly addictive, the goal is to guide Pac-Man through mazes while avoiding ghosts and gobbling up power pellets. The tension of barely escaping Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde still gets your heart racing.
Play it on: Arcade, NES, Game Boy, Xbox, PlayStation
Galaga (1981)
Nothing screams "arcade classic" quite like Galaga. As a pilot of a lone spacecraft, you fight off waves of insect-like alien enemies. The gameplay's speed increases the further you progress, offering up a challenge for even the most seasoned space commanders.
Play it on: Arcade, NES, Game Boy, PlayStation
Bomberman (1983)
The epitome of chaotic fun, Bomberman tasks you with laying bombs to destroy obstacles and enemies, all while avoiding your own explosions. Whether played solo or with friends in multiplayer mode, it offers simple yet explosive fun.
Play it on: NES, Super NES, Sega Saturn, Game Boy, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox
Donkey Kong (1981)
Fun fact - before Mario was Mario, he was "Jumpman," and his first mission was to rescue Pauline from the clutches of the angry ape Donkey Kong. This platformer became the blueprint for countless games and introduced the world to Nintendo's future mascot. Take it back to where it all started or explore the various Donkey Kong games available to play. Donkey Kong Country, for example, is totally worth the playthrough just to hear the iconic "aquatic ambiance" again.
Play it on: Arcade, NES, Game Boy, Wii, Switch
Side-Scrolling Action and Beat 'Em Ups
Streets of Rage (1991)
Sega’s answer to the beat ‘em up genre, Streets of Rage features a gritty urban setting where you punch, kick, and jump your way through hordes of street thugs. Each character comes with a unique fighting style, and the killer soundtrack still slaps.
Play it on: Sega Genesis, Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Switch
Metal Slug (1996)
Few games combine run-and-gun action with as much personality as Metal Slug. Its hand-drawn sprites and fast-paced gameplay are iconic, featuring over-the-top explosions, vehicles to commandeer, and memorable boss battles. Who doesn't love the opportunity to go and just blow some stuff up?
Play it on: Neo Geo, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Xbox, PC, and Switch
Castlevania (1986)
Vampire hunters and gothic horror collide in Castlevania, where you play as Simon Belmont, wielding a whip to take on Dracula and his monstrous army. Known for its punishing difficulty, it set the standard for action-platformers. Not to mention, it has an incredibly catchy soundtrack that you can't help but bob your head to while playing.
Play it on: NES, Game Boy, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Switch, and even mobile
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
SEGA’s blue blur is as fast and cool as ever. Sonic the Hedgehog set itself apart from other platformers by focusing on speed. Racing through loops, corkscrews, and vibrant zones, Sonic’s first game helped establish SEGA as a major player in the console wars.
Play it on: Sega Genesis, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Mega Man (1987)
Blue armor? Check. Arm cannon? Double-check. Mega Man, also known as Rockman in Japan, takes platforming to a whole new level with unique boss fights that allow players to absorb enemy powers upon defeating them. It's the first game in its franchise and still has a cult following today.
Play it on: NES, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Switch
Puzzle Masters: Brain-Bending Fun
Tetris (1984)
This Russian import became a global phenomenon and made people everywhere terrified of falling blocks. The simple task of lining up blocks to form rows becomes incredibly addictive, and the iconic theme song is as much a part of gaming culture as any Mario tune.
Play it on: Pretty much every platform imaginable, including Game Boy, NES, PC, Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation
Platformers: Mascots and Magic
Super Mario World (1990)
Considered one of the greatest games of all time, Super Mario World introduced Yoshi and brought tight, fun platforming to the SNES. With secret exits, hidden worlds, and tight controls, it was Mario at his absolute best.
Play it on: Super Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Wii, Switch, and many other Nintendo systems
Super Mario 64 (1996)
Mario’s leap to 3D was revolutionary, offering open-world exploration in a way never before seen. Jump, slide, and somersault through Princess Peach's castle as you collect Power Stars to unlock new levels. It’s a masterclass in level design. It is a great game to play if you love the Mario franchise - it will never go out of style.
Play it on: Nintendo 64, DS, Switch, and Wii
Prince of Persia (1989)
A trailblazer for fluid animation in video games, Prince of Persia focused on precise platforming and intense sword fights. Its puzzles were brutal, and its visuals groundbreaking for the time. It takes place in medieval Persia, where a prince is determined to defeat the evil Jaffar and save the imprisoned princess. This game was the first of many in the franchise and is still widely loved for its challenging gameplay.
Play it on: Apple II, NES, Game Boy, SNES, PC, and Switch
Fighting Games: Showdowns with Friends
Street Fighter II (1991)
The game that defined the fighting genre, Street Fighter II was where players could finally settle their beef by choosing from a diverse roster of characters. With Hadoukens, Sonic Booms, and Zangief’s spinning piledriver, it introduced fighting mechanics that are still copied and implemented today.
Play it on: Arcade, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC
Tekken (1994)
Namco’s Tekken introduced 3D fighting, adding depth to the arena and making characters feel more dynamic. Each fighter had their own move set, which made learning combos all the more fun. Plus, who could forget Law’s Bruce Lee-inspired moves?
Play it on: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Arcades
RPGs: Epic Quests and Storytelling
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII took RPGs to another level with its epic story, stunning cutscenes, and unforgettable characters. Following the iconic Cloud Strife and his band of eco-warriors as they take on the megacorporation Shinra and a mysterious villain named Sephiroth, it remains one of the best-selling games of all time.
Play it on: PlayStation, PC, Xbox
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
Way before Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, was the birth of an amazing franchise. A masterclass in action-adventure gameplay, A Link to the Past follows Link as he ventures through two parallel worlds to defeat the evil Ganon. It set the gold standard for future Zelda games and introduced the series’ complex puzzles and explorative freedom.
Play it on: Super NES, Game Boy Advance, Switch, and Nintendo 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Often hailed as one of the greatest games ever, Ocarina of Time transported players to a vast 3D world where time travel, dungeon crawling, and epic boss battles reigned supreme. The addition of an open world and targeting system revolutionized the genre. It's worth a play through just for the soundtrack alone.
Play it on: Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, and Switch
Shooters and Tactical Adventures
Doom (1993)
Doom is one of the founding fathers of the first-person shooter genre. Sending players through hellish landscapes filled with demons, it paved the way for all future shooters. Its fast-paced action and incredible modding community ensure it’s still played to this day. I mean who doesn't want to battle demons all the way from Mars to the depths Hell?
Play it on: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch
Halo: Combat Evolved - or Halo 1 (2001)
Master Chief's battle against the Covenant kicked off one of the most iconic shooter franchises ever. Halo revolutionized FPS games on consoles and set the bar for multiplayer with its LAN parties and innovative level design. If you're a fan of the Halo franchise, it is highly recommended that you explore and appreciate where it all started. There's a reason why some people are very specific about having an Xbox!
Play it on: Xbox, PC, and Xbox Series X/S
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Who knew James Bond would be so good at first-person shooters? GoldenEye was revolutionary in bringing FPS games to the console market, especially with its now-legendary multiplayer mode. Whether you played as Bond, Oddjob, or someone else, the split-screen chaos was always a good time.
Play it on: Nintendo 64, Xbox, and Switch
Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Before stealth games became the norm, Metal Gear Solid made sneaking around a thrilling, nerve-wracking experience. With cutting-edge (for its time) graphics, engaging tactical espionage action, and a storyline filled with political intrigue - Metal Gear Solid introduced the world to Solid Snake and forever changed the action-adventure genre. The emphasis on strategy and stealth, rather than run-and-gun gameplay, was groundbreaking, and its cinematic presentation was ahead of its time.
Play it on: PlayStation, PC, GameCube, Xbox, and modern re-releases on PlayStation and Xbox systems
Survival Horror: When Fear Takes Over
Resident Evil (1996)
Capcom’s Resident Evil basically birthed the survival horror genre, with its eerie atmosphere, limited resources, and terrifying zombies. Playing as either Chris Redfield or Jill Valentine, you explore a creepy mansion teeming with nightmarish creatures. The combination of puzzle-solving and jump scares makes it a masterpiece of tension.
Play it on: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC, GameCube, Xbox, PlayStation 4/5, Switch
Open-World Madness and Sandbox Games
Grand Theft Auto (1997)
Long before GTA V’s sprawling online mayhem, there was Grand Theft Auto. The first game in the series offered a top-down view as you committed crimes, stole cars, and generally caused havoc in a vast, free-roaming city. While it’s not as refined as the later titles, it set the tone for open-world sandbox games. It's worth the playthrough just to see where it all started. And hey, maybe by the time you finish this GTA, we'll actually see a release date for GTA 6!
Play it on: PlayStation, PC, Game Boy, and now re-releases on PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch
Racing Fun
Mario Kart 64 (1996)
Multiplayer mayhem is the name of the game with Mario Kart 64. Whether you were firing off red turtle shells or hitting the turbo boost on Rainbow Road, this was (and still is) the ultimate party game. The controls are simple, but the strategy required to outwit your friends in kart racing keeps it endlessly fun. This is one of those retro games that will simply never get old.
Play it on: Nintendo 64, Wii, Wii U, and Switch
Adventure and Exploration
Tomb Raider (1996)
Lara Croft became a pop culture icon almost instantly, thanks to her first adventure in Tomb Raider. Players explored ancient ruins, solved puzzles, and battled ferocious creatures, all while controlling one of the most iconic characters in video game history. The game’s combination of platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving made it stand out from the rest.
Play it on: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, PC, and various re-releases for modern consoles and mobile
Why These Games Still Matter
So, why do these retro games still matter today? At Fair Game Retro in Sacramento we appreciate these warm feelings of nostalgia and give credit to these classics that laid the foundation for modern gaming. Many of the mechanics and innovations first seen in these games are still used today. Super Mario 64 gave us a blueprint for how 3D platformers should work. Street Fighter II set the standard for competitive fighting games, and Final Fantasy VII helped bring RPGs into the mainstream with its emotional storytelling and expansive world.
Many of these games were trailblazers for their respective genres. Without Doom, there wouldn’t be Call of Duty or Halo. Without Resident Evil, the entire survival horror genre might not exist, or at least, not in the form we know today.
These games are also an important part of gaming history because they were made during a time when developers had to work within tight hardware limitations. Their creativity in making fun and memorable experiences despite these limitations is a testament to the ingenuity of early game developers. Many of these classics continue to be studied by modern game designers as examples of how to do it right.
To play retro games is to travel back in time. Whether you want to revisit a memory, or just appreciate how far we've come in the gaming world today - you can always count on the classics to provide whatever it is you're looking for. There's a reason why so many people keep games like these alive.