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It’s hard to believe there was a time when video games were nothing more than a series of blinking pixels on a screen. The golden age of video games was a time of experimentation and innovation, so new gaming consoles and video games were released yearly, pushing the limits of what was possible in the industry. Today, we’ve got the benefit of hindsight and know what makes a great game. 

We can look fondly back on the good old days when we played classic video games. While we love adventure games and platform games, there’s something about the simplicity of classic video games that we just can’t get enough of.

You probably already have a list of classic video games you love. But let’s take a moment to rediscover and appreciate some of the most popular video games of all time that provided hours upon hours of fun back when things seemed to be a little less complicated. These classic games and franchises shaped our childhoods and still serve as a link to the past.

#1

Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. 3 gameplay

The best retro games have the power to take us back to a time when we could just kick back and play with our siblings, parents, or friends. And no retro game does that better than Super Mario Bros. 3. The music is iconic. The graphics are timeless. The gameplay is challenging but fair — and there’s a reason why it’s been ranked as one of the most popular games for NES! It’s basically impossible that you’ve never played this classic, but in case you haven’t, you’re in for a treat: it’s still just as fun today as it was back in the 1990s!

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izuku midoriya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not the oldest on i played the oldest one i played was on rhe Super Nintendo Entertainment System the oldest one was super mario world

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#2

Super Mario Bros. 2

Super Mario Bros. 2 gameplay

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izuku midoriya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

still not the oldest on i played the oldest one i played was on rhe Super Nintendo Entertainment System the oldest one was super mario world

#4

Super Mario World

Super Mario World gameplay

A gem of the gaming community, Super Mario World’s gameplay is similar to that of the earlier Super Mario games: it follows Mario (or Luigi) through a series of levels in which the goal is to get to the other side by jumping around the platforms. The game introduced us to Yoshi, one of the most beloved Nintendo characters. It sold over twenty million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling SNES game.

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devotedtodreams
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll always remember this game as the one I lost my eyesight on. I was playing the level immediately to the right of Yoshi's house, and at the beginning, I suddenly couldn't see that line of red Koopas clearly anymore. I just ran, fell into that easily-avoidable pit, and died. My brother was like, "WTH are you doing?" I ended up needing glasses (contact lenses nowadays, I don't have the patience to constantly clean glasses). So yeah, this game does hold memories :) Also, I used to play this at my best friend's house (we were 8 or something) - from those sessions, I remember stressing out in those Vanilla Dome levels where that yellow mass moves and can crush you XD

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#6

The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past gameplay


The third release in The Legend Of Zelda franchise was one of the best games to see the light in the ’90s, and I would argue that it’s also one of the best games in general. It’s a classic Zelda title with all the elements that make up a great game: engaging gameplay mechanics, an intriguing story, and the memorable characters that made us fall in love with the series in the first place. Its spiritual successor, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, was released in 2013.

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#7

Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic The Hedgehog gameplay

Raise your hand if you also spent your childhood afternoons playing with the most famous hedgehog of all time! This platform game follows a spinning blue hedgehog, with red shoes and white gloves, running across fields full of rings to collect. The game was released in 1991 and has since spawned spin-offs, sequels, cartoons, comics, merchandise, and even live-action movies! It was initially released on the Sega Genesis console and was later ported to modern platforms, Nintendo Switch included.

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izuku midoriya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

still own this game on a sega genesis that still works along with a psp

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#8

Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart gameplay

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devotedtodreams
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5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First one I ever played was MK64 - mastered that one, MK Wii and MK8, but this one? When my now-ex showed it to me, it turned out I suck a** at this one, haha!

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Where to Buy Classic Video Games?

Modern games are fun, exciting, and can take you on a good adventure, but they don’t provide the same feelings of joy that classic video games do. Remember when you used to play Donkey Kong, Sonic the Hedgehog, Space Invaders, or Super Mario Bros? You could pop into an arcade and play for hours or fire up your Game Boy or Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

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You can still capture the feelings of playing the best video games of all time by buying them. Some people keep them as collectibles, whereas others want to explore every way to play these games again.

You can find these iconic games at retro game stores, pawn shops, flea markets, or, if you are lucky, at yard sales. The best way to buy one of those games would be to use eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other online stores.

#13

Mario Kart 64

Mario Kart 64 gameplay


Get some of your favorite snacks and favorite people, and get ready to race in one of the best video games ever! Developed specifically for Nintendo 64, players can choose their preferred character from the Mario franchise and race around a variety of tracks with items that can either get in the way of your rivals or rescue you when you need it the most!

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devotedtodreams
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, the game (aside from Diddy Kong Racing) that started my love for racing games! God, the hours we spent playing this as a family... My most precious memory is how Dad (worst gamer in the family) somehow managed to win Rainbow Road (of all the races!) one single time. He died 5 years ago, and every time I hear the "Victory Lap" music, I remember him and that incredible victory he achieved :')

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#14

The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time gameplay

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devotedtodreams
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome game - loved it so much that many years later, I played randomized versions of it on Project 64. (Also, never ever skipped getting Epona because she is the best horse and I love her so much ♥)

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#16

Super Mario Bros

Super Mario Bros gameplay

Choosing just one title from Nintendo’s first console would be hard. After all, it was home to some of gaming’s most iconic characters. But ultimately, we would go with Super Mario Bros., which is still considered one of the best platforming experiences ever created by anyone in any medium. If you too have fond memories of playing this iconic game, it’s time to take them back and introduce your kids and younger siblings to the same blessing of the first Super Mario Bros.!

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Why Aren’t Some of the Greatest Video Games of All Time Being Remastered?

Remakes and remasters allow younger gamers to experience and enjoy the most influential games of all time with better graphics and gameplay. But there can come a time when nostalgia isn’t enough to bring certain retro video games back. This is because the gaming world has steadily moved ahead with better software and systems. Some games would not be compatible with the new software, which could cause gaming issues.

Still, the video game industry is resourceful and keeps finding ways to remaster the best classic games of all time for hardcore gamers. One of the best examples of this is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which will soon be remastered for the Oculus Quest 2.

#17

Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 gameplay

Super Mario 64 is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. Released in 1996, the game features Mario’s first 3D adventure as he travels through a large open world to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. It received critical acclaim and is often mentioned among the best video games of all time.

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#18

Street Fighter II

Street Fighter II gameplay

Street Fighter II was a massive success when it launched in 1991 on arcade machines. It was later ported to home consoles, including SNES and Game Boy, which contributed to it becoming one of the most popular video games and grossing more than $17 billion. It’s been credited for popularizing the fighting genre during the 1990s and inspiring other producers to create their own fighting series.

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Bill Evs
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Despite all the advancements in gaming that have come since, I still regard Street Fighter II as the best fighting game ever

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#22

Space Invaders

Space Invaders gameplay

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#24

SimCity 2000

SimCity 2000 gameplay

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Where to Play the Best Classic Video Games?

There are a couple of ways that you can enjoy your favorite games all over again. One of the best ways is to download an emulator on your phone or PC. You can find a Game Boy or Nintendo Switch emulator online, which will help you play the best games you love whenever you want. Another way is to find websites that simulate the feeling of playing arcade games.

The best part about enjoying games like this is the thirst to find and relive those unforgettable moments. There are many great things about being a gamer, which is why you might get a kick out of these relatable comics for video game fans.

#25

Unreal Tournament

Unreal Tournament gameplay

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#27

Goldeneye 007

Goldeneye 007 gameplay


There’s something about the James Bond franchise that has made it a perennial favorite of audiences worldwide. The movies are certainly an exciting staple in cinema history, but GoldenEye 007 also stands its ground in the video game industry. The expectations for it were poor at first. Still, it became a critical and commercial success and the third best-selling Nintendo 64 game, just behind Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64.

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Why Do People Like Playing Classic Games?

If you have played any of these games before, you would know that even though the game is simple, it’s still as fun as the first time. Many of the best classic video games are fun because they offer a unique nostalgic experience. Imagine playing Street Fighter and hearing the sounds of the characters or the music. With Legend of Zelda, you might be taken back to a simpler time with its fascinating storyline. Super Mario World may make you jump for joy as you unpack its action-packed adventures.

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These games could make you feel like you are back in your childhood and that everything is exciting again. Despite the pixelated graphics or low FPS, nothing else matters when playing the greatest video games ever.

Imagine if your favorite video game characters were gamers like you; how cool would that be? We bet Mario could defeat you at Mario Kart.

#33

Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link

Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link gameplay

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#35

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee gameplay

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#36

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! gameplay

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#37

Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII gameplay

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devotedtodreams
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried to play this game with my now-ex, but I failed to take it seriously because I only knew it from the Machinabridged series by Team FourStar XD

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What Classic Video Games Have the Lowest FPS?

Frames per second (FPS) refers to the rate at which frames appear on a screen. Higher FPS are naturally better, but some of the greatest video games ever have bad framerates. Super Mario 64 was a jump-and-run game with around 10 FPS on the original hardware. This would be a problem, especially if Mario had to jump over a cliff and his exact position hadn’t loaded.

You could play a few great games on the Nintendo 64 at 15 FPS, such as Donkey Kong 64 and Perfect Dark. When Pac-Man was altered for the Atari 2600, it ran so slowly that people were outraged. We speak for everyone when we say that bad graphics or slow FPS was no match for the enthusiasm we had for our games. This passion and love for gaming is still as strong today. That’s precisely why you would love these relatable gaming memes.

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#42

Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo gameplay

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#43

Warcraft II: Tides Of Darkness

Warcraft II: Tides Of Darkness gameplay

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#44

Dune

Dune gameplay

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KaySt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a bit lazy. The first Dune game wasn't anything special but Dune 2 revolutionised RTS games and paved the way for C&C games. The screenshot isn't even of that though, but Dune 2000. Surely it's better to keep a post short and informative than to slop something down without context.

#45

Monkey Island 2: Lechuck's Revenge

Monkey Island 2: Lechuck's Revenge gameplay

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#46

The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild

The Legend Of Zelda Breath Of The Wild gameplay

One of the latest entries in the long-running Zelda series, which debuted in 1986 on the NES, is an open-world adventure with 50 to 200 hours of content, depending on your will to probe every single aspect of the game and get 100% completion. You’ll explore the vast expanses of Hyrule and fight monsters along the way in your quest to defeat Calamity Ganon and restore peace in the kingdom.

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#47

Street Fighter

Street Fighter gameplay

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#48

The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening

The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening gameplay

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#50

SimCity

SimCity gameplay

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Daniel Henrique
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I scrolled fast to see if this list had Shining Force II, and Phantasy Star II and IV. It doesn't have, therefore is invalid. Also missing: Castlevania Symphony of the Night, Vampire the Masquerade Bloodlines, Persona 3 Portable, Final Fantasy XIII, Resident Evil 2, Outrun, Golvellius, Phantasy Star, Suikoden II, and others.

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Note: this post originally had 187 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

These Classic Games Are a Link to the Past

These classic games are so much fun to play and are unmatched by modern games. We’re sure that playing even one of these games will make you feel like a joyful kid again. Let us know which is your favorite and if we missed any classic video games you used to love.

If life were like a video game, tasks would be more manageable, there would be way more adventures, challenges would make themselves known, and you’d probably be the main character! You can still feel like the main character if you just hop onto one of the games on our list and start playing.

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