Despite having been playing video games for two decades, I’d say I’ve never been a particular fan of the industry’s retro side.
Since I was a kid, I’ve played contemporary games every year, and it wasn’t until the pandemic that I gave titles from past generations a chance.
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These gems were either vindicated over time or established as video game classics.
Of all the decisions I’ve made as a gamer, I’d say this was one of the most important, as it allowed me to discover a whole world of classics, many of which have become some of my all-time favorites.
From aesthetics to design and mechanics, the retro feel can manifest itself in many ways, making it a diverse ecosystem where virtually everyone can find gems to their liking.
Therefore, to celebrate old eras and those experiences that resonate brilliantly with them, I offer you this list of ten games that will make you a retro game enthusiast.
The list will consist of five actual retro video games and five modern video games that emulate the retro style.
10
Super Mario Bros. 3
Golden Beginnings
As one of the best platformers of all time and among its generation’s finest titles, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a must-have that deeply marked me as a child.
I poured countless hours of my youth into it alongside my parents thanks to its precise mechanics, colorful levels, and high creativity, with constantly renewing challenges that have helped it age gloriously.
After replaying it recently, it’s wonderful to see how, more than thirty years later, it still feels fluid, fresh, and exciting, filled with charisma and a soul that’s tough to find in modern experiences.
Whether you’d like to delve into the genre or find reasons to fall in love with classic games, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a perfect alternative. It sets the bar quite high, but it will make you want to experience more of one of the most important genres in video game history.
9
NORCO
An Unforgettable Text Adventure
I’m aware the text adventure genre isn’t for everyone, but if there’s one style of video game that has remained virtually unaffected by the passage of time, it’s precisely this one.
One of the best examples I can think of to demonstrate this is NORCO, a point-and-click story inspired by classics like Snatcher that truly captures the essence of its heritage and immerses you in its universe with great ease.
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From impossible tutorials and evil clones to huge dinosaurs and mind-reading lunatics, the PS1 was cooking.
Thanks to its eccentric characters, dialogue written by geniuses, tremendous pixel-art aesthetics, and captivating magical realism, it’s impossible not to spend every second of this journey completely awestruck by its personality and, above all, its message.
NORCO is a particularly profound title that portrays modern issues with a wealth of character and integrity. If you’re interested in topics like corporate greed, environmental destruction, and the loss of meaning in life under capitalism, this game is for you, but be sure to be able to deal with the emptiness afterward.
8
Half-Life
An Exemplary FPS
Back in the days when internet cafés ruled the gaming world, Half-Life was one of my safe spaces, to which I would dedicate hours and hours each week, despite understanding practically nothing.
As an adult, I decided to satisfy the doubts of my younger self and complete the campaign, and I don’t think words can describe how surprised I am, even today, that a game like this came out in 1998.
The way Valve combines exquisite gunplay with real-time narrative, allowing everything to happen constantly through the lens of interactivity, is among the most innovative and impressive advances I can remember.
Elements we take for granted today weren’t so at the time, and Half-Life brings together several of these elements into a natural plot that moves quickly and intensely, featuring memorable enemy design and complex levels that are a joy to explore.
Of course, Half-Life 2 is a considerably superior expression of all this (which is saying something), but I recommend going through Half-Life first to get a proper start with one of the best series of all time.
7
Signalis
Terror Like It Used To Be
Horror adventures have never been my particular expertise, but having played many back in the Dreamcast era, I can say Signalis encapsulates everything remarkable about the genre.
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Polished polygons
This psychological and survival horror game is the follow-up to the classic Resident Evil titles no one asked for, but we all needed, striking a perfect balance between respecting its inspiration and maintaining a distinct identity.
With an excellent story that seems inspired by NieR: Automata, a setting that would make Silent Hill proud, and gameplay that could easily have been created by Capcom, Signalis is a combination of numerous historical gems with a beautiful pixelated art design.
From its impressive puzzles to its tense boss fights, Signalis is a 10 from start to finish. It can be frustrating because of its obtuseness, but if you can tolerate it, you’ll declare yourself a horror fan in no time.
6
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
The King of Sports
I’ve said it many times, but I don’t mind reminding the world that Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is the best sports game in the interactive medium’s history, so playing it isn’t optional.
It must be impossible to count the number of people who became interested in skateboarding and sports in general thanks to this sequel, which stands as one of the finest of all time for improving everything the original excelled at.
Given its roster of legendary skaters, absurdly creative and spontaneous levels, countless complex and difficult-to-master skills, and a soundtrack that will shape your musical tastes, we’re talking about a truly generational work.
The remaster Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 received in 2020 is a suitable alternative, especially for its accessibility. However, I would recommend giving the original a chance if possible, as it has aged beautifully and is still as fun as ever.
5
Shovel Knight
The Magic of Inspiration
Shovel Knight is among the best games for introducing yourself to the retro ecosystem and 2D platformers, as it’s a polished side-scroller whose mechanics look and feel old-fashioned yet are also advanced and accessible.
Although it’s a relatively recent indie, I’d say few video games of this century have been able to capture their inspiration with this degree of perfection—from the gameplay to the audiovisuals, it feels like a genuine retro experience.
As far as homages go, what Shovel Knight does concerning the 8-bit era is commendable, which is why you might love it if it’s your first time playing this type of game or if you’re looking to relive the NES era.
If you get to The Black Knight, the game’s first boss, and you’re not fully into the game yet, I don’t know if anything will change your mind, but I’m almost certain you will be immersed. Shovel Knight works beautifully and is refined to a fault, so it’s a safe recommendation, especially if you can play it on Nintendo Switch.
4
Final Fantasy 7
A Game That Never Goes Out of Style
The most convenient way I’ve discovered to delve comfortably into retro gaming is through their genres’ defining foundations, such as Final Fantasy 7.
Cloud’s journey was a landmark for turn-based RPGs, and even today, we continue to see modern products drawing directly from its influence, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
While its recent remakes may also be appropriate options for visiting Midgar, I’m among those who consider the original game, even with its aging, to be a magical adventure that can’t be matched by all the technology in the world.
By leaping to 3D, Final Fantasy 7 represents a turning point for the series, acquiring a contextual relevance that transcends its own quality to the point of elevating it as a timeless work.
Of course, it’s a tremendous JRPG for all the usual reasons (characters, setting, story, music, gameplay systems, and so on), but we are facing an essential experience because of everything it meant to the video game industry after its release.
3
Sea of Stars
Contemporary Quality with a Classic Soul
If you’re not convinced by Final Fantasy 7 but are still interested in turn-based games, I can’t think of a better way to delve deeper into the genre than Sea of Stars.
Chrono Trigger would be a more pertinent alternative if you want to go straight to the source, but Sabotage Studio’s title is an absolute marvel that has made a name for itself as one of this decade’s best indie games.
Its pristine pixel art, perfect narrative pacing, dynamic and open level design, multidimensional story, and active mechanics that demand both strategy and reflexes offer a perfect combination for those unfamiliar with this kind of work.
Sea of Stars presents everything we crave from older games, but from a modern and refined perspective brought about by technological advancement and design improvement. Describing it as a perfect indie RPG isn’t far-fetched, as we’re talking about one of the genre’s recent highest points.
A Timeless Revolution
Playing Metal Gear Solid is a life-changing experience, and while this statement is entirely true for any of the IP’s first three main games, what the original represents is on another level.
Solid Snake’s initial three-dimensional adventure is so relevant to the interactive industry in so many ways that defining them is complex, but feeling them is actually easy. Even if you play it this year, it’s exceedingly straightforward to see how far ahead of its peers it was.
From the subtlest elements, such as the cinematic shots, to the most dense, such as its anti-war message, it boasts a revolutionary depth by developing characters, antagonists, and messages with unparalleled thoroughness.
Graphically, it’s as polygonal as you might expect, but this adds a classic aura that feels phenomenal, especially thanks to a beautifully aged art design and mechanics that, while difficult to get used to, ultimately click together to empower the game’s themes.
It has frustrating moments, convoluted systems, and a difficult-to-follow plot, but Metal Gear Solid must be experienced by any video game player who truly wants to understand this medium’s legacy.
1
The Messenger
Perfect Balance of Two Eras
Before Sabotage delighted us with Sea of Stars, the studio published a superb and nostalgic indie game I want to give the recognition it deserves: The Messenger.
It’s the perfect entry to close out this list thanks to its time-travel narrative, which allows us to experience two eras simultaneously, alternating between graphic styles from different generations to offer two distinct contexts that blend faultlessly.
At the same time, it’s an extraordinary Metroidvania, featuring level design that’s both classic and modern and constantly mastering the balance between newer and older games, which also permeates its boss fights and progression system.
Plus, it’s packed with secrets, an unusually incredible sense of humor that always brings a smile to your face, and a combination of platforming and action so excellent that I can only describe it as flawless.
While The Messenger isn’t the best game on the list, it was the one that immediately came to mind when I was pitching the article, as it’s a title born precisely to be the experience that will turn you into a retro gaming enthusiast.
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