Offbeat Gaming

Looking for classic games that stand the test of time? Here are 10 must-play retro games that are just as fun today as they were at launch. Introduction Most of us remember our childhood days. Spending time with friends playing games like Super Mario and Street Fighter. Today these games are considered ” retro”…. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy them. Most of these games still hold their own in a very huge gaming market. Maybe it’s how they were designed or maybe, it’s the fact that they were just so addictive. The point is, is that we still love them, we still play them and we can pass the fun to the younger generations. Let’s dive in! What Makes a Classic Game Still Playable Today? A classic game remains playable today due to a combination of timeless design principles, engaging mechanics, and strong emotional or nostalgic connections. Here’s what makes a classic stand the test of time: The Top 10 Must-Play Classic Games That Still Hold Up The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) Original Platform: Nintendo 64 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a 1998 action-adventure game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 console. As the fifth installment in The Legend of Zelda series, it was the first to feature 3D graphics. Players control Link, a young hero tasked with stopping the evil Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce, a sacred relic that grants its holder ultimate power. The game introduced innovative mechanics, such as a targeting system for combat and puzzle-solving, and has been widely acclaimed for its immersive gameplay and storytelling. It has influenced numerous subsequent video games and is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. Fun Fact: Find A Free Hylian Shield In Kakariko Village’s graveyard, a hidden grave conceals an underground passage. Within this eerie tunnel lies a chest containing a gleaming Hylian Shield. However, if Link already possesses one, the chest will instead hold a blue Rupee. Super Mario 64 (1996) Original Platform: Nintendo 64 Super Mario 64 (1996) is a landmark 3D platformer developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. Directed by Shigeru Miyamoto, it revolutionized video games with its open-world exploration, dynamic camera system, and innovative gameplay. Players control Mario as he travels through Princess Peach’s castle, collecting Power Stars to stop Bowser. The game’s success has had a lasting influence on the gaming industry, inspiring numerous sequels and adaptations. Fun Fact: Boo’s Cackle The sound for the Boo’s cackle was the sound effect used for Bowser’s laugh sped up. When the sound is played at normal speed it’s a group of people laughing. Usually, when you get the eight red coins in a level, the camera switches to show you where the star has appeared. Final Fantasy VII (1997) Original Platform: Sony Playstation Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing game developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in 1997 for the PlayStation. It is one of the most influential and beloved RPGs of all time. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former soldier who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to fight the corrupt Shinra Corporation, which is draining the planet’s life force. Along the way, Cloud and his allies uncover a deeper threat posed by the game’s primary antagonist, Sephiroth. The game features a turn-based battle system, a rich storyline, and groundbreaking 3D graphics for its time. It was a major success both commercially and critically, helping popularize Japanese RPGs in the West. The game has since spawned spin-offs, a feature film (Advent Children), and a full remake series, starting with Final Fantasy VII Remake in 2020. Fun Fact: PlayStation wasn’t the first platform Although the game was released on PlayStation the original development was intended for the Nintendo 64, The switch was due to the expanded storage space the disc games provided over the cartridge. The developers also looked at PC and Sega Saturn as possible platforms. DOOM (1993) Original Platform: MS-DOS Doom (1993) is a groundbreaking first-person shooter developed by id Software. It follows a space marine (often referred to as “Doomguy”) who battles hordes of demons unleashed from Hell after an experiment on Mars’ moon, Phobos, goes wrong. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay, 3D environments, and pioneering multiplayer deathmatches. It played a crucial role in shaping the FPS genre, introducing mechanics like modding and custom levels. Doom was a massive commercial success and influenced countless games. Its legacy continues with sequels, reboots, and an active modding community. Fun Fact: Doom is playable on just about everything. Modding culture has made this amazing game push the limits of tech by making it playable on many unusual devices including: Pokemon Red/Blue (1998) Original Platform: Nintendo Gameboy Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow are the first-generation Pokémon games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. Released in Japan in 1996 (as Red and Green), and later in North America (1998) and Europe (1999) as Red and Blue, these games kicked off the global Pokémon phenomenon. Pokémon Yellow was released in 1998 (Japan) and 1999 (internationally) as an enhanced version with elements inspired by the Pokémon anime, featuring Pikachu as the starter Pokémon. Players take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer, traveling through the Kanto region to catch and train Pokémon, battle Gym Leaders, and ultimately challenge the Elite Four to become the Pokémon Champion. The goal is also to complete the Pokédex by capturing all 151 Pokémon. The games introduced turn-based battles, type advantages, and the ability to trade Pokémon via Game Link Cable, encouraging social interaction. Fun Fact: Rhydon, Clefairy, and Lapras were the first Pokémon ever created for the game. Pokémon designer Sugimori confirmed that Rhydon, Clefairy, and Lapras were the first Pokémon ever created for the game. These Pokémon were designed early on as the development team focused on creating creatures that could live alongside human characters, with abilities like carrying items or providing transportation across