Playing video games was an essential aspect of their childhood for many kids. As adults, it’s almost impossible to quantify those feelings of nostalgia – almost. Luckily, in a recent internet forum discussion, gamers across generations came together to talk about the video games that molded their upbringings – and the games they always look back on fondly.
1. Tetris
Countless gamers of all ages have near-unanimous respect for Tetris – and for a good reason: the game was everywhere in the 80s and 90s! Initially garnering mainstream attention by being released as a pack-in game alongside the original Nintendo Game Boy, many gamers’ first handheld gaming experience was playing Tetris on Game Boy’s tiny square-sized monochromatic screen.
The game started a revolution in the puzzle-game genre, and players became hooked from the first time they booted up the game.
2. Super Mario Bros. 3
For most babies of the 80s, the peak of the video game industry was the release of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. 3 in 1988. Released for the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System, gamers of all ages were enthralled by the impeccable controls, bright graphics, unforgettable soundtrack, and addictive gameplay. The game was so big that it transcended the video game world – the game’s release was a central plot point in the cult classic film The Wizard.
3. WWF No Mercy
It’s common for gamers also to be interested in professional wrestling – and in the late 90s, those two worlds collided with the release of arguably the most polished wrestling game of all time: WWF No Mercy.
The game perfectly captured the essence of pro wrestling while combining all the best aspects of a great fighting game. It truly is a game that many gamers look back on with admiration, even after its release nearly 25 years ago. “No Mercy had the best play style of any wrestling game,” admits one gamer. “Even new titles don’t play as well as those did. I wish they’d just update the graphics and keep that engine underneath it all.”
4. GoldenEye 007
Released for the Nintendo 64 system in 1997, GoldenEye 007 brought frantic multiplayer gameplay to a gamer’s couch for the first time. While the game arguably doesn’t hold up well in today’s world (it’s truly a relic of a simpler time), gamers universally look back at this landmark game with true nostalgia.
For many, Goldeneye 007 is synonymous with memories of playing with three closest friends for hours, as it was one of the first games to feature four-way split-screen video game action. Whereas current video games use internet connections to power frenetic multiplayer action, there was nothing like playing in a split-screen mode in the late 90s!
5. DOOM
You’re not alone if you experienced your first video game-related nightmare after playing DOOM. Making its mark as one of the most innovative (and scariest!) first-person shooters ever, DOOM launched the little-known genre into the stratosphere, eventually paving the way for modern titles like Call of Duty to dominate the video game industry.
While DOOM’s graphics were nothing to write home about, the game’s the undeniably spooky atmosphere made for a thrilling experience – an experience that many gamers are nostalgic for.
6. The Legend of Zelda: a Link to the Past
Action RPGs didn’t get much better than this spectacular release for the Super NES. Like many Nintendo titles of its era, the entire Nintendo player base seemed addicted to this game.
It was a relatively easy sell for gamers: A Link to the Past combined clever puzzle-solving mechanics, solid overworld action, and an unforgettable story. “Nothing will ever dethrone The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for me,” says one nostalgic gamer. “It’ll always be a joy to play. I typically play it at least once a year.”
7. Super Mario 64
The Nintendo 64 console launched in 1996 with one not-so-secret weapon: Super Mario 64. Hailed as the first truly 3D-powered video game in the world, Super Mario 64 ushered in a new age of gaming, where children of all ages finally found themselves untethered by the restrictions of traditional platformers.
This game had everything from Mario’s iconic voice to the unique camera system to another unbelievably entertaining storyline involving some of the most beloved characters in Nintendo’s history. The game is still prevalent in the burgeoning speedrunning community, where gamers devise inventive ways to beat the game in record time.
8. Final Fantasy VII
Gamers sat up and took notice when Final Fantasy VII was released in 1997 for the original Sony Playstation. Finally, the biggest role-playing game franchise in the world was made available to the American market for the first time. FFVII served as an eye-awakening moment for many gamers.
Many people have fond memories of playing the game constantly as kids. “Yes! I remember when the game came out,” confesses one gamer. “We got it during the summer. My brother and I would take turns on 11-hour shifts.” 11-hour shifts playing the same game is impressive, and countless other people express similar feelings of nostalgia when thinking about this classic game.
9. Super Smash Bros.
The Nintendo 64 console was home to many iconic video games – it’s no surprise that thousands of gamers feel nostalgic for the system as a whole. Super Smash Bros. makes this list simply for its unparalleled and chaotic gameplay, which involves you and three other friends engaging in unique beat-em-up action.
The long playable character list of classic Nintendo favorites increased the game’s replay value, and the game’s steady frame rate and high-quality graphics ensured gamers got hooked. A feeling of obsession is what happened to so many kids in the late 90s while playing Super Smash Bros. “My friends and I played so much of this game,” confesses one woman.
10. Donkey Kong
Finally, some gamers are nostalgic not for the games themselves but for their associated memories. For example, one adult reveals that Donkey Kong was the only game his father would play with him, causing him to always look back at the game with happiness. The arcade classic turned NES standout truly brought families together in the best way. That’s the power of video games – and if that’s not nostalgia, what is?
This thread inspired this post.
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