This article highlights ten old school video games that defined a generation of gamers. These classic games include Pac-Man, Tetris, Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Street Fighter II, Sonic The Hedgehog, Doom, Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Gran Turismo. Despite their outdated graphics, these games continue to attract new players due to their addictive gameplay, engaging storylines, and fun factor. These classics revolutionized the gaming industry and paved the way for modern video games that we play today.
10 Old School Video Games That Defined a Generation
The video game industry has come a long way, evolving from the pixelated graphics of the past to the power-packed graphics of today. However, some vintage video games still hold up with fans of all ages. The following are the ten most defining retro video games that redefined how an entire generation played and entertained themselves.
1. Pac-Man (1980)
Pac-Man is one of the pioneering video games that have become an iconic symbol for classics. The game comprises navigating through a maze while avoiding ghosts while collecting dots for points. Its addictive nature and a catchy soundtrack made it an instant hit and keeps entertaining to this day.
2. Tetris (1984)
Tetris is one of the most iconic video games of all time. It comprised falling blocks where users would rotate them to fill gaps before the blocks hit the bottom. It may sound simple, but it was the blend of the game’s complexity that made it a classic.
3. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Super Mario Bros. is the epitome of retro video games. It’s one of the earliest platform games that captured hearts with its power-ups, hidden secrets, creative levels, and mushroom hopping action. The game has stayed relevant for over three decades and inspired game developers to this day.
4. The Legend of Zelda (1986)
The Legend of Zelda is the brainchild of Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s most prominent game developer that inspired decades of video games. It’s an adventure game that follows Link on his quest to save Princess Zelda. It’s a fantastic blend of action, puzzles, and exploration that is still thriving.
5. Street Fighter II (1991)
Street Fighter II revolutionized fighting games by offering intense gameplay, an array of characters, and special moves. It’s one of the most successful video games of all time and ignited the fighting game genre.
6. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Sonic The Hedgehog is Sega’s answer to Super Mario Bros. Sonic exploded in popularity in the 1990s, and it introduced the concept of speed within games. Sonic ran through levels collecting rings, dodging obstacles as fast as possible, and was a favourite game for Sega lovers.
7. Doom (1993)
Doom is the pioneer of first-person shooter games that paved the way for titles such as Halo, Call of Duty, and more. It’s a game that took the player’s point of view within the game and shot enemies in epic levels. It’s a game that put many players on the map and showed advancements in technology.
8. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most popular RPGs to date. Final Fantasy VII envelops players into its story surrounding Cloud Strife, as he battles the villain Sephiroth. Its impact on the gaming industry can be seen with numerous remakes and sequels spawned since its release.
9. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Metal Gear Solid redefined the stealth genre of video games. It follows the character Solid Snake on his infiltration missions, sneaking through enemy territory, and finding information. The game’s tactics, storyline and mission objectives continue to engage players decades after its release.
10. Gran Turismo (1997)
Gran Turismo was a game-enhancing driving simulator game that revolutionized racing games. It offers an authentic racing feel, and it’s more than merely trying to reach the finish line because many real-life driving techniques were introduced in the game.
Final Thoughts
The games mentioned above are the classics that defined an era of gaming. They may be outdated in graphics compared to today’s systems, but their playability, storyline, and fun continue to attract new players. They paved the way for today’s modern gaming, and their influence can be seen in countless modern video games.