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It’s hard to believe there was a time when video games were nothing more than a series of blinking pixels on a screen. The golden age of video games was a time of experimentation and innovation, so new gaming consoles and video games were released yearly, pushing the limits of what was possible in the industry. Today, we’ve got the benefit of hindsight and know what makes a great game.
We can look fondly back on the good old days when we played classic video games. While we love adventure games and platform games, there’s something about the simplicity of classic video games that we just can’t get enough of.
You probably already have a list of classic video games you love. But let’s take a moment to rediscover and appreciate some of the most popular video games of all time that provided hours upon hours of fun back when things seemed to be a little less complicated. These classic games and franchises shaped our childhoods and still serve as a link to the past.
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#1
Super Mario Bros. 3
The best retro games have the power to take us back to a time when we could just kick back and play with our siblings, parents, or friends. And no retro game does that better than Super Mario Bros. 3. The music is iconic. The graphics are timeless. The gameplay is challenging but fair — and there’s a reason why it’s been ranked as one of the most popular games for NES! It’s basically impossible that you’ve never played this classic, but in case you haven’t, you’re in for a treat: it’s still just as fun today as it was back in the 1990s!
izuku midoriya 2 years ago
not the oldest on i played the oldest one i played was on rhe Super Nintendo Entertainment System the oldest one was super mario world
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#2
Super Mario Bros. 2
izuku midoriya 2 years ago
still not the oldest on i played the oldest one i played was on rhe Super Nintendo Entertainment System the oldest one was super mario world
#3
Pac-Man
#4
Super Mario World
A gem of the gaming community, Super Mario World’s gameplay is similar to that of the earlier Super Mario games: it follows Mario (or Luigi) through a series of levels in which the goal is to get to the other side by jumping around the platforms. The game introduced us to Yoshi, one of the most beloved Nintendo characters. It sold over twenty million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling SNES game.
devotedtodreams 1 year ago
I'll always remember this game as the one I lost my eyesight on. I was playing the level immediately to the right of Yoshi's house, and at the beginning, I suddenly couldn't see that line of red Koopas clearly anymore. I just ran, fell into that easily-avoidable pit, and died. My brother was like, "WTH are you doing?" I ended up needing glasses (contact lenses nowadays, I don't have the patience to constantly clean glasses). So yeah, this game does hold memories :) Also, I used to play this at my best friend's house (we were 8 or something) - from those sessions, I remember stressing out in those Vanilla Dome levels where that yellow mass moves and can crush you XD
#5
Donkey Kong
#6
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
The third release in The Legend Of Zelda franchise was one of the best games to see the light in the ’90s, and I would argue that it’s also one of the best games in general. It’s a classic Zelda title with all the elements that make up a great game: engaging gameplay mechanics, an intriguing story, and the memorable characters that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. Its spiritual successor, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, was released in 2013.
And if you’re still in the mood for a bit of nostalgia mixed with a mental challenge, check out our NYT games hub for brain teasers like Wordle and Connections. It's a great way to blend retro vibes with modern-day fun.
#7
Sonic The Hedgehog
Raise your hand if you also spent your childhood afternoons playing with the most famous hedgehog of all time! This platform game follows a spinning blue hedgehog, with red shoes and white gloves, running across fields full of rings to collect. The game was released in 1991 and has since spawned spin-offs, sequels, cartoons, comics, merchandise, and even live-action movies! It was initially released on the Sega Genesis console and was later ported to modern platforms, Nintendo Switch included.
izuku midoriya 2 years ago
still own this game on a sega genesis that still works along with a psp
#8
Super Mario Kart
devotedtodreams 1 year ago
First one I ever played was MK64 - mastered that one, MK Wii and MK8, but this one? When my now-ex showed it to me, it turned out I suck a** at this one, haha!
Where to Buy Classic Video Games?
Modern games are fun, exciting, and can take you on a good adventure, but they don’t provide the same feelings of joy that classic video games do. Remember when you used to play Donkey Kong, Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Invaders, or Super Mario Bros? You could pop into an arcade and play for hours or fire up your Game Boy or Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
You can still capture the feelings of playing the best video games of all time by buying them. Some people keep them as collectibles, whereas others want to explore every way to play these games again.
You can find these iconic games at retro game stores, pawn shops, flea markets, or, if you are lucky, at yard sales. The best way to buy one of those games would be to use eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other online stores.
#9
Theme Park
#11
Donkey Kong Country
Duesvolent90 3 years ago
Omg I'd easily spend 161 hours a week in the summer playing this game.
#12
Ms. Pac-Man
#13
Mario Kart 64
Get some of your favorite snacks and favorite people, and get ready to race in one of the best video games ever! Developed specifically for Nintendo 64, players can choose their preferred character from the Mario franchise and race around a variety of tracks with items that can either get in the way of your rivals or rescue you when you need it the most!
devotedtodreams 1 year ago
Ah, the game (aside from Diddy Kong Racing) that started my love for racing games! God, the hours we spent playing this as a family... My most precious memory is how Dad (worst gamer in the family) somehow managed to win Rainbow Road (of all the races!) one single time. He died 5 years ago, and every time I hear the "Victory Lap" music, I remember him and that incredible victory he achieved :')
#14
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
devotedtodreams 1 year ago
Awesome game - loved it so much that many years later, I played randomized versions of it on Project 64. (Also, never ever skipped getting Epona because she is the best horse and I love her so much ♥)
#15
Sonic The Hedgehog 2
izuku midoriya 2 years ago
still own this game on a sega genesis that still works along with a psp
#16
Super Mario Bros
Choosing just one title from Nintendo’s first console would be hard. After all, it was home to some of gaming’s most iconic characters. But ultimately, we would go with Super Mario Bros., which is still considered one of the best platforming experiences ever created by anyone in any medium. If you too have fond memories of playing this iconic game, it’s time to take them back and introduce your kids and younger siblings to the same blessing of the first Super Mario Bros.!
Why Aren’t Some of the Greatest Video Games of All Time Being Remastered?
Remakes and remasters allow younger gamers to experience and enjoy the most influential games of all time with better graphics and gameplay. But there can come a time when nostalgia isn’t enough to bring certain retro video games back. This is because the gaming world has steadily moved ahead with better software and systems. Some games would not be compatible with the new software, which could cause gaming issues.
Still, the video game industry is resourceful and keeps finding ways to remaster the best classic games of all time for hardcore gamers. One of the best examples of this is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which will soon be remastered for the Oculus Quest 2.
#17
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. Released in 1996, the game features Mario’s first 3D adventure as he travels through a large open world to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. It received critical acclaim and is often mentioned among the best video games of all time.
#18
Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II was a massive success when it launched in 1991 on arcade machines. It was later ported to home consoles, including SNES and Game Boy, which contributed to it becoming one of the most popular video games and grossing more than $17 billion. It’s been credited for popularizing the fighting genre during the 1990s and inspiring other producers to create their own fighting series.
#20
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
#21
EarthBound
Where to Play the Best Classic Video Games?
There are a couple of ways that you can enjoy your favorite games all over again. One of the best ways is to download an emulator on your phone or PC. You can find a Game Boy or Nintendo Switch emulator online, which will help you play the best games you love whenever you want. Another way is to find websites that simulate the feeling of playing arcade games.
The best part about enjoying games like this is the thirst to find and relive those unforgettable moments. There are many great things about being a gamer, which is why you might get a kick out of these relatable comics for video game fans.
#27
Commander Keen
#28
Goldeneye 007
There’s something about the James Bond franchise that has made it a perennial favorite of audiences worldwide. The movies are certainly an exciting staple in cinema history, but GoldenEye 007 also stands its ground in the video game industry. The expectations for it were poor at first. Still, it became a critical and commercial success and the third best-selling Nintendo 64 game, just behind Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64.
#29
Super Smash Bros
Why Do People Like Playing Classic Games?
If you have played any of these games before, you would know that even though the game is simple, it’s still as fun as the first time. Many of the best classic video games are fun because they offer a unique nostalgic experience. Imagine playing Street Fighter and hearing the sounds of the characters or the music. With Legend of Zelda, you might be taken back to a simpler time with its fascinating storyline. Super Mario World may make you jump for joy as you unpack its action-packed adventures.
These games could make you feel like you are back in your childhood and that everything is exciting again. Despite the pixelated graphics or low FPS, nothing else matters when playing the greatest video games ever.
Imagine if your favorite video game characters were gamers like you; how cool would that be? We bet Mario could defeat you at Mario Kart.
#37
Final Fantasy VII
devotedtodreams 1 year ago
I tried to play this game with my now-ex, but I failed to take it seriously because I only knew it from the Machinabridged series by Team FourStar XD
If you’ve been reminiscing about vintage controllers and pixel-perfect adventures, head over to our classic NYT games and puzzles collection and keep the fun going.
#38
Pokemon - Red Version
izuku midoriya 2 years ago
oh the game boy make me what to get out of my attic and play this again
What Classic Video Games Have the Lowest FPS?
Frames per second (FPS) refers to the rate at which frames appear on a screen. Higher FPS are naturally better, but some of the greatest video games ever have bad framerates. Super Mario 64 was a jump-and-run game with around 10 FPS on the original hardware. This would be a problem, especially if Mario had to jump over a cliff and his exact position hadn’t loaded.
You could play a few great games on the Nintendo 64 at 15 FPS, such as Donkey Kong 64 and Perfect Dark. When Pac-Man was altered for the Atari 2600, it ran so slowly that people were outraged. We speak for everyone when we say that bad graphics or slow FPS was no match for the enthusiasm we had for our games. This passion and love for gaming is still as strong today. That’s precisely why you would love these relatable gaming memes.
#46
Dune
KaySt 3 years ago
This is a bit lazy. The first Dune game wasn't anything special but Dune 2 revolutionised RTS games and paved the way for C&C games. The screenshot isn't even of that though, but Dune 2000. Surely it's better to keep a post short and informative than to slop something down without context.
#48
The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild
One of the latest entries in the long-running Zelda series, which debuted in 1986 on the NES, is an open-world adventure with 50 to 200 hours of content, depending on your will to probe every single aspect of the game and get 100% completion. You’ll explore the vast expanses of Hyrule and fight monsters along the way in your quest to defeat Calamity Ganon and restore peace in the kingdom.
These Classic Games Are a Link to the Past
These classic games are so much fun to play and are unmatched by modern games. We’re sure that playing even one of these games will make you feel like a joyful kid again. Let us know which is your favorite and if we missed any classic video games you used to love.
If life were like a video game, tasks would be more manageable, there would be way more adventures, challenges would make themselves known, and you’d probably be the main character! You can still feel like the main character if you just hop onto one of the games on our list and start playing.
#53
Star Fox 64
#54
SimCity
Daniel Henrique 3 years ago
I scrolled fast to see if this list had Shining Force II, and Phantasy Star II and IV. It doesn't have, therefore is invalid. Also missing: Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines, Persona 3 Portable, Final Fantasy XIII, Resident Evil 2, Outrun, Golvellius, Phantasy Star, Suikoden II, and others.
#157
Populous
#180
Pokemon Gold Version
Adam Belaire 3 years ago
Since you've got Pokemon Silver as an option as well, this one is a bit redundant.
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Daniel Henrique 3 years ago
I scrolled fast to see if this list had Shining Force II, and Phantasy Star II and IV. It doesn't have, therefore is invalid. Also missing: Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines, Persona 3 Portable, Final Fantasy XIII, Resident Evil 2, Outrun, Golvellius, Phantasy Star, Suikoden II, and others.
Daniel Henrique 3 years ago
I scrolled fast to see if this list had Shining Force II, and Phantasy Star II and IV. It doesn't have, therefore is invalid. Also missing: Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines, Persona 3 Portable, Final Fantasy XIII, Resident Evil 2, Outrun, Golvellius, Phantasy Star, Suikoden II, and others.
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