There are some games from our childhood that we can’t help but love. Despite the simplistic graphics and outdated mechanics, they still hold a certain charm. After all, nostalgia has a way of making things better than they seem. And that’s certainly the case with these games.
1. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Developer: Sega
Platform/s: Sega Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android
Why we love it
Spiky blue hair, shiny red shoes, and supersonic speeds — you can’t miss him. Sonic the Hedgehog is the beloved 2D platformer that plunged players into a colorful world of evil scientists and golden rings. When you’re playing as a super-fast hedgehog with a whole lot of personality, it’s hard not to feel immersed. Did you know that the game was praised for its intricate graphics? It just goes to show how far the gaming industry has come. But as they say, you can’t beat the classics.
2. Crash Bandicoot (1996)
Developer: Naughty Dog
Platform/s: Playstation
Why we love it
Crash Bandicoot is only the first game in a long line of entries, but it’s undoubtedly what cemented the franchise’s signature style. The game follows the misadventures of Crash as he tries to defeat the evil Dr. Neo Cortex. This 3D platform game has undoubtedly led to many of our younger selves pulling our hair out of frustration. If you’re looking to relive your days playing as Crash, you have Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! to look forward to, as it’s coming out this year.
3. The Sims (2000)
Developer: Maxis
Platform/s: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Why we love it
Admit it — you’ve starved, drowned, or burned your Sims at least once in your play-through. We’ve all done it. Call it morbid curiosity. That aside, you can’t deny that The Sims was very different from the other games that came out in its time. It allowed you to control and customize virtual people in a virtual city. You could decorate their homes, have them interact with each other, and even choose their career path. The game grew so popular that it spurred more entries in the franchise and a handful of spinoffs. To this day, people still play it. There’s even a free-to-play mobile game!
4. Donkey Kong 64 (1999)
Developer: Nintendo
Platform/s: Nintendo 64
Why we love it
Another classic platformer! This game follows the lovable Donkey Kong on his quest to save his friends from the Kremlings. This game was well-loved during its release. So much so that it got a lot of spinoff entries. Donkey Kong himself landed a spot on Nintendo’s crossover fighting game, Super Smash Bros., where he showcases his fighting skills. His strongest move has him pummel the enemy with a flurry of punches. Donkey Kong is one of the gaming industry’s most iconic characters and recognized across the world. Such is the popularity of the character that other gaming platforms have been inspired to use imagery associated with the game for their own titles. Foxy Games have their own version of the character in their games Return of Kong and King Kong Cash. These games feature the same jungle iconography and similar title font as the original retro game. The fact that the character translates across gaming mediums shows how iconic he is and how he continues to find new audiences both old and new.
5. Super Mario 64 (1996)
Developer: Nintendo
Platform/s: Nintendo 64
Why we love it
You didn’t think we’d forget one of the most beloved games of all time, did you? Mario — the game that’s become a household name and has spurred all forms of sequels, spinoffs, and even its own film. This iteration of the game was praised for its stylistic design choices. Namely, putting 2D characters over a 3D background. Plus, it’s aged like a fine wine — still playable and enjoyable after all these years. No doubt, the gorgeously-crafted environments and the lovely characters make this game the classic that it is.
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