With September 12th right around the corner, we figured a review of our Top 7 Retro Video Games choices was in order to celebrate National Video Game Day. While graphics and gaming platforms have evolved to a level probably never thought possible by game makers in the past, there is still something satisfying about breaking out the 2-button controllers and playing a low-res, simple yet challenging, blast from the past. Some may have been adults when these games were in their prime, while others were not even born yet, either way with these classics, there is fun to be had. We aren’t focusing on any particular system or genre, just the age and overall feel of the game that labels it as “retro” in our eyes. This list is in no particular order, so don’t get too upset if your favorite isn’t listed in the first few reviews. If you think we left one out that should absolutely have made it, feel free to leave a comment about it and why you think it should have been included.
Mario Bros.
While it is not the 1st video game created, it was the first game owned by a large amount of would be gamers from all over. With 32 levels to conquer (if no tunnels are used to skip), this game had everything you could ever want in a game. As one of two characters with a knack for plumbing and love of overalls and “cabby hats”, players take on weird turtles, hammer throwing evil meerkats (at least that’s what they look like to me), living mortar rounds, and even squid, fish and a flame throwing dragon turtle
If you need a quick fix of turtle stomping action, you can play Mario Bros. online in your browser here:
http://www.retrogames.cz/play_005-NES.php?language=EN
Or you can grab one of these Retro-Bit Retro Duo Twin Video Game System NES and SNES V3.0
Battletoads
Some may call them the “dollar store version” of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
For a quick trip down memory lane to pick up a burger and flies, you can play Battletoads online here:
http://nesbox.com/nes/battletoads
Mortal Kombat
Before the internet took off and youth everywhere had enough built up aggression to choke a horse, one game helped release you of your burden in the form of over the top violence, Mortal Kombat
To rip out some spines in a later version of Mortal Kombat
http://90kids.com/mortal-kombat/
Legend of Zelda
Still a very profitable series of games today, “The Legend of Zelda
If you want to save a princess, not named after fruit, with a magic sword, click here:
http://emulator.online/nes/the-legend-of-zelda/
Tetris
“Little kids stack blocks every day, no way this takes more than 2 minutes to beat!”. Except that was nowhere close to how it went down. Not only do the blocks speed up and come out in shapes that aren’t as “stack friendly”, but the music somehow feels like the first drop on a roller coaster when you hit a certain level. Either way, if you are looking to be embarrassed by falling blocks, and to kill time, Tetris
To try your hand at stacking blocks in your browser, go here:
http://www.freetetris.org/game.php
NBA Jam
“HE’S ON FIRE!” If you have ever played NBA Jam, you know it’s time to posterize your opponents with airborne acrobatics as you put points on the board. NBA Jam is a two on two basketball game that allowed players to choose from NBA stars and face-off with each other or the CPU in a high-flying adrenaline filled match. While it can get a bit repetitive, NBA Jam
If you feel your body telling you “It’s Tim to get Duncan” and are looking for a quick fix, you can play online here:
http://www.playretrogames.com/1804-nba-jam
Star Fox
Finishing out our Top 7 Retro Video Games is a “retro futuristic” adventure in space, led by the character the game is named after, Star Fox
To give it a go at saving an entire star system, you can play online here:
http://www.playretrogames.com/3119-star-fox
Hopefully you have enjoyed the list, and possibly found something to do when outside isn’t an option. I am aware there are TONS of games to choose from, and I probably forgot about one of my favorites due to too many late night “study” sessions in college. If you think I missed a game that should replace another or I’m completely off base, let me know which game(s) and why in the comments. Please keep it civil, this is an opinion and unlike facts, the information does not remain constant depending on who hears it.