Retro games hold a very special place in every gamer’s heart if they grew up in the 80s and 90s. Even though the graphics were not even close to the modern titles, their simplicity and challenging gameplay still manage to evoke a sense of nostalgia that is quite unmatched.
Let’s dive into the world of the most underrated retro games that deserve more recognition and love. From puzzle games and RPGs to old-school casino games, these classics will undoubtedly take you back to a time when life was a bit simpler!
The classic platformers
There was a time, not that long ago, when platformers were the bread and butter of the video gaming industry. While everyone remembers “Super Mario” and “Sonic the Hedgehog,” there are some other titles that might not be as well-known but should be.
An example of this is “Kid Chameleon,” a Sega Genesis game. The game was released in 1992, and the main character of the game could transform into other characters, each with their own abilities. With over 100 levels and multiple paths, “Kid Chameleon” had depth that few games of the time had. It is, however, worth noting that compared to its contemporaries, it never really got the recognition it deserved.
Yet another one is “Rocket Knight Adventures” on Sega Genesis. The game was released in 1993 and was famous because of its excellent controls, the main character with a jetpack, and an interesting plot. It had a lot going for it—an excellent plot, imaginative levels, and engaging gameplay. Unfortunately, it did not receive the attention and love it deserved back in the day.
Hidden gems in puzzle games
Puzzle games have always been popular since they present a challenge to the players and are a load of fun to play. While yes, “Tetris” rules the roost of puzzle games, there are some hidden gems that are worth your love.
“Adventures of Lolo” (available on NES) is a well-developed puzzle game that provides you with a set of rooms that are filled with enemies and obstacles. It’s a shame that even though the game had appealing graphics (for the time, of course) and clever level design, it couldn’t quite gain momentum and fizzled out.
“Wario’s Woods” for NES/SNES is another forgotten title. It was the last game for NES that was released in North America and had a quite original concept of action/puzzle. Players controlled Toad, arranging bombs and enemies to clear levels, all while being hounded by Wario. Despite its innovative approach, it remains largely overlooked.
Old-school casino games
The charm of old-school casino games lies in their simplicity and the thrill they manage to generate.
One such game is “Vegas Dream” on the NES. It was a game released in 1990 and offered the players a true feeling of being in a casino with options such as blackjack, slots, and roulette. It wasn’t just about the gameplay, either. “Vegas Dream” added a narrative layer where you could interact with other characters and make decisions that affected your casino journey.
While many modern online casinos focus on modern games, some still offer old-school games. Casino promotions are often offered on such games, and you can score great deals. It’s a great way to get some value for your money, while also checking out some retro versions online.
Overlooked RPG classics
RPGs are often praised for their depth and narratives, and while classics like “Final Fantasy” and “Chrono Trigger” are pretty popular, there are several games that have received less attention than they deserve.
Terranigma (SNES), released in 1995, is a game that most gamers never had a chance to play. The action RPG was all about the rebirth of the Earth and its civilizations. “Terranigma” was an excellent game with an individualist plot, thrilling and gripping gameplay, and stunning graphics. Unfortunately, it never had an official North American release and was unveiled only in Japan and Europe.
The PlayStation game “Breath of Fire IV” is another RPG that remained largely unnoticed by gamers. It was released in 2000 and had 2D graphics, which was standard for the time. It also had a great story and deep characters. The turn-based combat, along with the dragon transformation system, was original to the game, but it failed to make a mark in the RPG genre. Thankfully, you can explore some of these classics right on your phone using emulators.
Underappreciated action-adventure games
Action-adventure games perfectly blend exploration, problem-solving and combat. Whereas titles like “The Legend of Zelda” absolutely ruled the genre for ages, other noteworthy games couldn’t get the attention they deserved.
“Faxanadu” (NES), which came out in 1987, is a side-scrolling action-adventure game which had a massive world, a compelling narrative, and challenging gameplay. The unique art style and music created an immersive world you wanted to explore.
Another gem that was not given its due credit is the “Illusion of Gaia” on SNES. The 1994 release action RPG had a fast-paced combat system and a rather emotional plot accompanied by an excellent gameplay idea. The game allows you to control a boy named Will, who can change his form and gain new abilities. Unfortunately, it couldn’t gain enough popularity, and even avid gamers have not played it.
To conclude
These overlooked old-school games demonstrate the ingenuity characteristic of early video games. While some gamers turn their noses up at anything pre-2010 in the Fortnite world we now live in, the explosion of retro gaming shows that there is still a huge market for these classics. Just because you don’t have 60fps, a library of mods or top-tier graphics, doesn’t mean these games aren’t worth it. Revisiting these classics can give you a fresh perspective on game evolution and the enduring appeal of well-crafted gameplay and storytelling.
Happy gaming!