Top 10 Retro Games from the Past

Sonic, Mario, Pac Man and even those colorful Tetris blocks have withstood the test of time. Despite revamps and re-releases, the oldies will always be golden. Join Show & Stay as we shoot, jump, and dive through the best retro games.

1. Space Invaders

The original arcade classic, this fiendishly simple game is responsible for more lost ten-pence pieces than the back of a sofa. Move your gun across the screen behind your protective bunkers while shooting the autonomous space invaders. This highly addictive game came to the Atari 2600 and effectively started the home-gaming craze. Now these pesky critters have invaded countries around the world thanks to the secret work of the one they call the Invader .

2. Donkey Kong

One of the earliest games on the original Nintendo, featuring the first appearance of pop culture legend Mario. Ascend screens of increasing difficulty while avoiding the barrels thrown by the beastly monkey. The challenge is on. On like Donkey Kong.

3. Pac Man

Another arcade classic that has spawned dozens of sequels and spin-offs and has graced almost every console. The original is still the best though, as you follow a line of dots around mazes avoiding deadly ghosts. Who can resist the thrill of finding a power pill and turning the tables on the phantoms as hunted becomes hunter?

4. The Lion King

A lesser-known Megadrive gem based on the hit movie that later became one of the most successful West End shows to hit the stage. Platform your way through the film’s memorable story to the final battle with the evil lion Scar.

5. Super Mario Brothers 3

Mario already had two great games under his belt before the arrival of the NES masterpiece. Expanding on the platform elements of the earlier games, Mario 3 added a world map, hidden secrets and the unforgettable Raccoon suit. Difficult to control at first, the joy of finally mastering the flight function is unrivalled to this day.

6. Legend of Zelda

Another Nintendo favorite that became a powerful franchise from humble beginnings. One of the first games to combine elements of platforming, puzzling and exploration that are now commonplace. So addictive you’ll find yourself checking walls for places to bomb long after you’ve completed the game.

7. Tetris

Starting on the Commodore 64, Tetris went on to become synonymous with Nintendo’s Game Boy and helped that machine sell over 100 million units. Twist and turn your differently-shaped bricks to make lines disappear before you get blocked up. The definition of simple genius.

8. Sonic the Hedgehog

The flagship title of Sega’s Megadrive, this game redefined the platform genre. Now speed was more important than precision. Even today, it’s hard to resist the urge to try to beat the game’s first level in the (allegedly) possible time of under thirty seconds.

9. Final Fantasy III

This SNES role-playing classic still stands up to repeat playthroughs. Though the sequels would become more famous, this game put in place RPG traditions combined with an epic storyline and unforgettable characters ensuring it’s still the best in the series.

10. Street Fighter 2

The irony of Street Fighter 2 is that it kept a generation of kids off the streets and from fighting. This one-on-one fighter introduced a variety of complex strategies and move combos. Who can forget the battle cries of ‘Hadouken!’ or ‘Sonic Boom!’? And could anyone ever successfully pull off the most difficult move in gaming history, the spinning piledriver?

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This article was provided by Louisa Guise from Show & Stay.

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