In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where new titles constantly vie for our attention, it is easy to overlook the gems of the past. From the very first pixelated adventures to the more recent remastered versions, retro games hold a nostalgic charm that is hard to resist. In this article, you will uncover a curated list of the best retro and remastered games that are undeniably worth revisiting. Whether you yearn to relive the nostalgia of classic releases or experience beloved titles with impressive visual upgrades, this collection will guide you to the top-notch choices, ensuring a truly immersive gaming journey.
Classic Games
When it comes to classic games that have stood the test of time, Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Pac-Man, and Tetris are often among the first titles that come to mind. These games paved the way for the modern gaming industry and continue to captivate players to this day.
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is an iconic platforming game that introduced the world to the lovable Italian plumber, Mario. Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the gaming landscape with its innovative level design, charming characters, and catchy soundtrack. Even after all these years, guiding Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom remains a joyful and nostalgic experience.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 for the NES, is often hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time. This action-adventure game takes players on a journey as the hero Link, tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and defeating the evil Ganon. With its sprawling open world, challenging dungeons, and intricate puzzles, The Legend of Zelda set a new standard for exploration and storytelling in video games.
Pac-Man
In 1980, Pac-Man made its debut in arcades and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. This simple yet addictive game features a yellow circle, Pac-Man, gobbling up pellets while avoiding ghosts in a maze. Pac-Man captured the hearts of players worldwide with its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Over four decades later, Pac-Man remains an enduring symbol of classic gaming.
Tetris
Tetris, created by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984, is a puzzle game that has since become a global sensation. With its iconic tetromino-shaped blocks falling from the top of the screen, players must strategically arrange these blocks to form complete lines. The game’s addictive nature and timeless gameplay have made Tetris a staple across various platforms and generations.
Retro Consoles
While classic games may bring back fond memories, the gaming consoles on which they were played also hold a special place in the hearts of many. The Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Genesis, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) are among the most beloved retro consoles that defined an era of gaming.
Atari 2600
The Atari 2600, released in 1977, was the first massively successful home video game console. Featuring classic titles like Space Invaders, Pitfall!, and Pac-Man, the Atari 2600 brought arcade-like experiences into players’ living rooms. Its simplistic yet innovative joystick controller and pixelated graphics set the foundation for future console gaming.
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The NES, released in 1985, is arguably one of the most influential consoles in gaming history. It introduced the world to Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, among many other iconic titles. The NES’s controller, with its distinctive rectangular shape and directional pad, became synonymous with classic gaming and remains an instantly recognizable symbol of the era.
Sega Genesis
In 1989, the Sega Genesis hit the market, offering fierce competition to the NES. Known as the Mega Drive in some regions, the console boasted a more powerful hardware and a diverse library of games. Titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, and Streets of Rage showcased the Genesis’s ability to deliver fast-paced action and stunning visuals. The console’s sleek design and infamous “blast processing” advertising campaign added to its appeal.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
The SNES, released in 1991, built upon the success of the NES and brought even more memorable gaming experiences to players worldwide. Games like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid showcased the console’s improved graphics and sound capabilities. The SNES’s iconic purple and gray design and its engaging library of games solidified its position as one of the most beloved consoles of all time.
Upscaled Graphics
As technology has advanced, so too have the graphics of video games. Modern remakes and remasters have breathed new life into beloved titles, bringing enhanced visuals and updated gameplay to both nostalgic players and newcomers alike.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The Final Fantasy VII Remake, released in 2020, took the beloved PlayStation classic and gave it a modern facelift. With stunning visuals, fully voiced characters, and a reimagined combat system, the remake honors the original while introducing new elements. The game’s remastered graphics bring the city of Midgar and its iconic characters to life in breathtaking detail.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Fans of the original Crash Bandicoot trilogy were thrilled when the N. Sane Trilogy was released in 2017. This remaster brought back Crash Bandicoot, Cortex Strikes Back, and Warped with enhanced graphics, improved controls, and additional content. The vibrant levels, zany characters, and challenging platforming gameplay were all faithfully recreated, allowing players to relive the adventures of Crash in stunning HD.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
The Spyro Reignited Trilogy, released in 2018, gave the beloved purple dragon a modern makeover. This remaster of the original Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon revitalized the classic PlayStation titles with beautifully remastered graphics and updated controls. Players could once again explore the vibrant worlds of the Dragon Realms, master the fiery breath of Spyro, and save the day.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Resident Evil 2, originally released in 1998, received a full-fledged remake in 2019. The game was rebuilt from the ground up with stunning visuals, revamped gameplay mechanics, and a reimagined story. With its atmospheric environments, intense survival horror gameplay, and redesigned zombies, the Resident Evil 2 Remake captivated both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Enhanced Gameplay
While graphics may grab our attention, gameplay is the heart and soul of any great game. These remastered titles bring beloved classics back to life with updated mechanics and added features, offering a fresh take on timeless gameplay.
Diablo II: Resurrected
Diablo II, originally released in 2000, received the Resurrected treatment in 2021. This remaster brings the acclaimed action role-playing game to modern platforms with updated graphics, enhanced audio, and new quality-of-life improvements. With its addictive loot system, engaging story, and deep character customization, Diablo II: Resurrected allows players to once again descend into the dark and treacherous world of Sanctuary.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, released in 2019, revitalizes the classic real-time strategy game with improved visuals, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a wealth of additional content. The game features remastered 4K graphics, a re-recorded soundtrack, and new civilizations to command. Whether building mighty empires or engaging in intense battles, the Definitive Edition keeps the essence of the original while delivering a more polished and immersive experience.
StarCraft: Remastered
StarCraft, originally released in 1998, received a remaster in 2017. The updated version, StarCraft: Remastered, retains the intense real-time strategy gameplay of the original while boasting enhanced graphics and sound. The iconic campaigns featuring the Terrans, Protoss, and Zergs shine brighter than ever, providing both nostalgia for longtime fans and an opportunity for newcomers to experience a timeless classic.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, released in 2009, are enhanced remakes of the beloved Pokémon Gold and Silver games from 1999. These remastered titles for the Nintendo DS not only feature upgraded visuals and improved mechanics but also introduce various quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to have one of your Pokémon follow you around. With their engaging gameplay and the opportunity to revisit the Johto region, HeartGold and SoulSilver offer a fantastic journey for Pokémon trainers old and new.
Virtual Reality Remasters
Virtual reality (VR) has revolutionized the way we experience games, and when combined with remastered classics, it creates an immersive and captivating gameplay experience. These virtual reality remasters allow players to step into familiar worlds like never before.
Doom 3 VR Edition
Doom 3, originally released in 2004, received a VR edition in 2021, bringing the intense first-person shooter into the realm of virtual reality. Players can now explore the dark corridors of the UAC Mars Research Facility, battling terrifying demons in a fully immersive environment. The VR edition enhances the game’s atmospheric horror and intense action, making it a must-play for Doom enthusiasts and VR gamers alike.
Resident Evil 4 VR
Considered one of the greatest video games of all time, Resident Evil 4 received a VR adaptation in 2021. This virtual reality version allows players to step into the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy as he investigates a rural village infested with grotesque creatures. With its enhanced immersion, intricate puzzles, and heart-pounding encounters, Resident Evil 4 VR offers a fresh and spine-chilling experience for fans of the series and newcomers to the Resident Evil franchise.
Moss Book II
Building upon the success of the original, Moss Book II takes players on another enchanting adventure in virtual reality. As the Reader, you guide the courageous mouse protagonist Quill through beautifully crafted levels and solve puzzles in a captivating world. The immersive VR experience allows players to interact with the environment and forge a unique connection with Quill, creating an emotional and unforgettable journey.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Skyrim, the epic RPG that captivated players with its vast open world and breathtaking landscapes, received a VR adaptation in 2017. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR transports players to the icy expanses of the province of Skyrim, where they can fully immerse themselves in the world of dragons, magic, and adventure. With its immersive gameplay and unparalleled sense of scale, Skyrim VR offers a fresh way to experience this modern classic.
Multiplayer Classics
Video games have always had the power to bring people together, and these multiplayer classics were at the forefront of cooperative and competitive gaming. Whether playing locally with friends or testing your skills online, these games have stood the test of time and continue to provide countless hours of fun.
GoldenEye 007
Released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, GoldenEye 007 is widely regarded as one of the greatest multiplayer games of all time. This first-person shooter introduced groundbreaking split-screen multiplayer action, allowing friends to compete against each other in various game modes. GoldenEye 007 set the standard for future multiplayer shooters and remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64, released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, revolutionized the kart racing genre and brought the beloved Nintendo characters together in a fierce competition. Whether racing against the computer or challenging friends in split-screen multiplayer, Mario Kart 64 offered endless fun with its memorable tracks, whimsical power-ups, and addictive gameplay. This classic multiplayer experience continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), released in 2012, is the latest installment in the long-running Counter-Strike series. As a team-based first-person shooter, CS:GO pits terrorists against counter-terrorists in intense and strategic battles. With its competitive multiplayer modes and highly skilled player base, CS:GO has become a staple of the esports scene, offering adrenaline-pumping action for both casual and professional gamers.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Halo: The Master Chief Collection, released in 2014, brings together the first four mainline Halo games into a single package. Players can experience the epic sci-fi shooter series with enhanced graphics and improved multiplayer matchmaking. Whether reliving the iconic campaign missions or engaging in multiplayer battles with friends, The Master Chief Collection allows players to immerse themselves in the rich Halo universe and forge memorable gaming moments.
Reimagined Classics
Reimagined classics take beloved and influential games and give them a fresh coat of paint, introducing modern visuals, updated mechanics, and additional content. These reimagined classics honor the originals while breathing new life into timeless gaming experiences.
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus, originally released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, received a stunning remake in 2018 for the PlayStation 4. The game’s unique blend of exploration and colossal boss battles was faithfully preserved, while the remastered graphics showcased the majestic landscapes and awe-inspiring creatures in greater detail. The reimagined Shadow of the Colossus serves as a testament to the emotional impact and artistic beauty of the original.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
Considered one of the greatest video games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time received a 3D remake for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011. This reimagined version enhanced the visuals, added stereoscopic 3D effects, and improved the overall gameplay experience. Players could once again embark on the epic adventure as the hero Link, solving puzzles, battling enemies, and exploring the vast and immersive world of Hyrule.
Metroid: Samus Returns
Metroid: Samus Returns, released in 2017 for the Nintendo 3DS, revitalized the classic Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus. This reimagined version introduced updated graphics, revamped gameplay mechanics, and new abilities for protagonist Samus Aran. With its atmospheric exploration, intense battles, and striking visuals, Metroid: Samus Returns brought the iconic Metroidvania gameplay into the modern era.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, released in 2019 for multiple platforms, is a remastered version of the beloved PlayStation kart racing game Crash Team Racing. With enhanced visuals, additional tracks, and online multiplayer, Nitro-Fueled captures the frantic and competitive spirit of the original while offering new features and content. Players can once again take control of Crash Bandicoot and his friends as they battle it out on the racetrack, aiming for victory and enjoying the zany power-ups.
High-Fidelity Sound
Sound design plays a crucial role in immersing players in the world of video games. These remastered titles enhance the audio experience, breathing new life into iconic soundtracks and ambient sounds.
BioShock: The Collection
BioShock: The Collection, released in 2016 for multiple platforms, combines the beloved first-person shooter trilogy into a single package with enhanced graphics and remastered audio. The haunting and atmospheric soundscapes of Rapture and Columbia come alive in greater detail, elevating the immersive experience. From the iconic splicer screams to the memorable music, BioShock: The Collection showcases the importance of audio in creating an unforgettable gaming experience.
Halo 2: Anniversary
Halo 2: Anniversary, part of the Halo: The Master Chief Collection, received a complete audio overhaul alongside its graphical enhancements. The remastered sound design brings the epic battles, alien landscapes, and emotional moments of the game to life in breathtaking detail. From the iconic voice of Master Chief to the thunderous explosions and haunting musical score, Halo 2: Anniversary delivers a high-fidelity audio experience that enhances the already thrilling gameplay.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, originally released in 1997 for the PlayStation, received an enhanced version for the Xbox 360 in 2007. The remaster showcased updated graphics and improved audio, immersing players in the dark and gothic atmosphere of Dracula’s castle. The haunting melodies, eerie sound effects, and atmospheric ambiance give Symphony of the Night a truly immersive audio experience.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, released in 2013, revitalized the beloved PlayStation 2 games with enhanced visuals and improved audio. The remastered soundtrack faithfully recreates the iconic melodies of composer Nobuo Uematsu, complementing the emotional storytelling and epic battles of the games. The high-fidelity sound design brings out the depth and richness of the world of Spira, enhancing the overall experience for players.
Revamped Controls
Intuitive and responsive controls are essential for a satisfying gaming experience. These remastered titles improve upon the original controls, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the gameplay without any hinderances.
Resident Evil 4 HD
Resident Evil 4, hailed as one of the greatest survival horror games of all time, received an HD remaster in 2016. The revamped controls offered players a more fluid and intuitive experience, optimizing movement, aiming, and combat mechanics. With the improved controls, players could better navigate through the intense encounters and unravel the mysteries of the game’s engaging storyline.
The Last of Us Remastered
The Last of Us Remastered, released in 2014 for the PlayStation 4, took the critically acclaimed original and enhanced the controls for the next generation. The refined controls allowed players to seamlessly navigate the post-apocalyptic world, engage in intense combat encounters, and make split-second decisions. The Last of Us Remastered provides an even smoother and more responsive gameplay experience, further immersing players in its emotionally charged story.
Dark Souls: Remastered
Known for its challenging gameplay and intricate combat mechanics, Dark Souls received a remaster in 2018 that included improved controls. The revamped controls offered tighter and more precise movements, making the unforgiving world of Dark Souls slightly more manageable for players. The enhanced controls allowed for more fluid combat encounters and made traversing the treacherous landscapes less frustrating, while still maintaining the game’s signature difficulty.
God of War III Remastered
God of War III Remastered, released in 2015 for the PlayStation 4, brought the epic conclusion to Kratos’s revenge-filled journey to the modern generation of consoles. Along with enhanced graphics, the remaster upgraded the controls, resulting in more responsive and intuitive gameplay. Players could unleash Kratos’s rage with precise and fluid combat movements, making the brutal battles and intense boss fights even more satisfying.
Platform Diversity
Gaming has become more accessible than ever, with a wide range of platforms offering a diverse selection of games. These titles have found success across multiple platforms, showcasing their universal appeal and engaging gameplay experiences.
Sonic Mania
Sonic Mania, released in 2017, celebrates the iconic blue hedgehog’s classic 2D platforming roots. The game captures the essence of the original Sonic the Hedgehog games, combining familiar levels with inventive new ones. Sonic Mania’s fast-paced gameplay, retro-inspired visuals, and catchy music can be enjoyed on various platforms, including consoles, PC, and even on the go with the Nintendo Switch.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley, released in 2016, offers a tranquil and addictive farming simulation experience. Whether on a console, PC, or mobile device, players can escape to the charming Pelican Town, tend to crops, raise livestock, and forge relationships with the friendly townspeople. Stardew Valley’s open-ended gameplay, nostalgic pixel art style, and soothing soundtrack make it a cross-platform gem in the world of indie gaming.
Cuphead
Cuphead, released in 2017, takes players on a visually stunning and challenging run-and-gun adventure. With its 1930s-inspired animation and jazz soundtrack, Cuphead captivated players on consoles and PC alike. The game’s unique blend of challenging boss battles, hand-drawn visuals, and nostalgic charm earned it critical acclaim and a loyal following across platforms.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, released in 2015, is an epic open-world action role-playing game that provides an immersive and captivating experience. Whether playing on consoles or PC, players can become Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, and embark on a richly detailed and morally complex quest. With its breathtaking visuals, intricate storyline, and vast amount of content, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition is a must-play for fans of the genre.
In conclusion, retro and remastered games offer a unique opportunity to revisit and experience the gems of the past. From the classics that defined an era to the remasters that breathe new life into beloved titles, these games showcase the enduring appeal of timeless gameplay and captivating storytelling. Whether through enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, or innovative virtual reality experiences, these games continue to captivate players across multiple platforms. So dust off your old consoles or fire up the latest remastered edition, and get ready to embark on a journey through gaming history.