I’ve been gaming since the very first time I held a NES Controller during the late 1980s. The controller felt uncomfortable and rigid, but the sheer joy in that moment was staggering. Over the years, I swapped between the SNES, Genesis, and PCs, but those old games never truly left me.
When I say “best retro games,” I don’t mean the flashiest or the most polished. I mean those that, when I go back now, still hit. Still pull me in. Still teach me something.
In this blog, I’ll cover 80s retro games, 90s retro games, classic 8-bit, 16-bit, and touch both retro games for PC and retro console games. I’ll also suggest where to play them now.
What “Retro” Actually Means
When I refer to “retro” I am indicating the material that was produced prior to video games becoming substantially more complex, most notably the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis and some would also contend the first PlayStation.
For myself, anything from around 2000 or earlier should count. Certainly these games had limitations, but part of what made them so clever and memorable was how limited they were.
Secondary terms you’ll see:
- Classic 8-bit Games: like NES, early home computers
- 16-bit Retro Games: SNES, Genesis, etc
- Retro Action RPG, Platformer, Arcade: genre splits
I want you to feel like you’ve got a roadmap. If you’ve never played retro games, this is a guide. If you have, maybe a few you missed.
How I Choose These Games
I use three criteria (from my own bias):
- Replay value: I go back to it more than once.
- Design that holds up: controls, level design.
- Historical influence and emotional weight: it changed things (or changed me).
So don’t expect every old gem here is just ones I return to, and that I think many should try.
The Era of 8-Bit and Early PC (Late ’70s to Mid ’80s)
These are the really old ones. The foundation.
Pac-Man (Arcade, 1980)
You know Pac-Man. Eat dots, avoid ghosts. Simple. But those patterns, that tension. It still works. It’s one of the earliest retro arcade games you should try.
Donkey Kong (Arcade, 1981)
Jump, climb, dodge barrels. It introduced platforming in a big way. The jump physics feel stiff now, but that’s part of the charm.
Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985)
A defining classic video game. If you haven’t tried the original, do it. The way you move, speed, enemy timing, it’s a masterclass in platformer design. One of the best NES games ever.
The Oregon Trail (Apple II / early PC)
Yes, it’s clunky. But this is where I first felt consequences: you can die of dysentery, run out of food. It’s not action-packed, but it’s classic, and a lot of PC gaming roots lie here.
The 16-Bit Revolution (Late ’80s to Mid ’90s)
This era gave more power, color, memory. More complexity. Many of my favorite 16-bit retro games come from here.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES, 1991)
Top contender for best SNES games. Exploring Hyrule, finding secrets, switching between light and dark world, that duality is compelling. The puzzles still feel smart.
Super Metroid (SNES, 1994)
One of the most authentic retro platformer/action games, minimal hand holding, tight controls, atmosphere, and exploration. You recall your initial arrival at Brinstar or the Phendrana Drifts.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis, 1992)
Speed, Rhythm and Loops. This is the domain of vintage Sega Genesis games. The design is tight, and the soundtrack is amazing. It rewards both running and slowing down.
Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995)
RPG perfection. Multiple endings, time travel, great cast. If you like retro RPG games, this one’s mandatory. Many modern indies still take cues from it.
Late ’90s to Early 2000s, The Bridge to Modern
This is where retro starts to blur with “old modern” But still many of these feel timeless.
Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation, 1997)
A lot of people point at it as the turning point. The story, the characters, the Materia system. Even now, I load it and get caught up. One of the more visible classic video games that others revived.
Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation, 1998)
Stealth, tension, cutscenes, quirky bosses. It brought narrative weight to games in that era. If your interest is in immersive retro console games, try this.
GoldenEye 007 (N64, 1997)
Local multiplayer shooter, single player missions, this was a big deal for console FPS back then. Many of today’s FPS elements (aiming, stealth, objectives) trace back here.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PlayStation, 1997)
A big influence on “Metroidvania” style games. If you like retro action, platformer and exploration, this blends them.
Retro Games for PC
Often when people say “retro games for PC” they mean DOS games, early Windows games, or ports/emulations.
Doom (1993, id Software)
I played this in school labs, first-person shooter, modding, very fast pace. It still has its presence. The sound, the level design, they push you forward. If you haven’t played it, I would recommend Doom II, as well.
Planescape: Torment (1999)
This ranks as one of the most complex retro role-playing games on the PC. People continue to talk about the passage, the characters, the choices, and the question, “What can change the nature of a man?”
Baldur’s Gate (1998)
Equally, if you appreciate socializing, storytelling, or tactical exploration, there is something to consider regarding demotivation to play. For those who enjoy retro role-playing, this is a perfect fusion of writing and a video game.
StarCraft (1998)
RTS, multiplayer, balance, and map control. If you enjoy retro-style console games in strategy form, this is a PC classic.
Genres Spotlight, My Picks by Style
Retro Platformer Games
- Mega Man 2 (NES): precision, tight controls, memorable bosses
- Super Mario World (SNES): world map, secret exits
- Donkey Kong Country (SNES): the early 3D feeling, treasure hunts
Retro RPG Games
- Secret of Mana (SNES): action RPG with cooperative play
- EarthBound (SNES): quirky, modern setting, emotional core
- Final Fantasy VI (SNES): ensemble cast, world ending, strong storytelling
Retro Action / Beat ’Em Up / Hack & Slash
- Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis): simple, fun, co-op
- Golden Axe (Genesis / arcade): hack & slash, fantasy
- Contra (NES): run-and-gun, legendary difficulty
Retro Arcade Games
- Galaga: classic shooter
- Street Fighter II: cornerstone of console/arcade fighting
- Bubble Bobble: simple concept, addicting co-op
Timeless Retro Games (That Resist Aging)
These are ones that I find myself revisiting.
- Super Mario 64 (N64): 3D, freedom, exploration
- Resident Evil 2 (original): tension, survival horror
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, foundational for 3D Zelda
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, depth, replay, secrets
Best NES, SNES, Genesis Games, My Top Picks
If you ask me:
- Best NES games: Super Mario Bros. 3, Mega Man 2, Castlevania III
- Best SNES games: Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger
- Sega Genesis retro games: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Gunstar Heroes
All are playable via emulators, mini consoles, or collections.
Where to Play Retro Games Now
You might wonder: “Where do I actually play these?”
Options:
- Emulators / ROMs: huge library, flexibility; legal gray area use owned copies
- Mini consoles (NES Classic, SNES Classic): plug & play, official licensing; limited library
- Collections / ports on modern consoles: legal, polished, extras; price, limited retro set
- PC ports / Steam / GOG: legal, often patched, not every game available
- Web / Browser emulators: instant access, performance, legal issues
- Hidden in Google / Easter eggs: fun for quick play, limited set (e.g. Pac-Man)
I personally use a mix, I own some physical cartridges, run emulators on PC, and pick up official ports on consoles I already have.
Tips for New Retro Gamers
- Start easy, don’t pick Contra as your first.
- Save often, use save states.
- Read community guides (e.g. for secret exits).
- Try different genres, platformer, RPG, action.
- Don’t expect modern polish, simplicity is the charm.
- Remasters or ports sometimes fix bugs and consider them.
My Personal “Replay Favorites” (Short List)
These are ones I come back to, again and again:
- Super Metroid
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Chrono Trigger
- Final Fantasy VI
- Doom
- Streets of Rage 2
If I have 30 minutes, one of these often wins.
FAQs
What are the best retro games to start with?
Try Super Mario Bros. (NES), Link to the Past (SNES), Sonic 2 (Genesis). Those are forgiving but still deep.
Is it legal to play old video games online?
It depends. Official ports and collections are legal. Emulating games you don’t own is a gray area.
Where to play retro games online or in browser?
Some sites host legal versions (for public domain or licensed). Some browsers include hidden games (e.g. Pac-Man in Google).
Are retro games still fun today?
Yes. They test your reflexes, your memory, they’re simple but loaded with design. They complement modern games.
Which retro console had the best games?
Hard question. SNES probably edges it for me (because of Chrono Trigger, Link to the Past, Super Metroid). But Genesis has gems too.
Kashif Amin | Your source for Esports, Battle Royale, Role-Playing, Retro Games, and Gaming Gear. Let’s Enjoy!
