Learn how to – Retro Games You May Have Forgotten.

The Best Classic Video Games You May Have Forgotten 

The history of video games is packed with titles that have left their mark on the world of gaming. Whether it be arcade classics from the 70s, first-person shooters from the ’80s, or adventure games from the ’90s, we have seen them all. 

Look at any online glossary, and you will see thousands upon thousands of classic games that you may have forgotten about. These are some of the best classic games that may have slipped your mind. 

Space Invaders

Space Invaders is the epitome of an arcade classic. The game was simple, you control a ship on screen, and you have to dodge missiles and attacks from enemies while shooting your own rockets and bullets to destroy the invaders. 

Many gaming experts see Space Invaders as the title that took gaming from a novel idea to a global sensation. It is still impressive for a game released in 1978. How colorful, fun, and exciting a 40-year old game can be? 

GoldenEye 007 

GoldenEye was the pinnacle of first-person shooter/adventure games back when it was first released in 1997. Players controlled Bond by exploring different maps, avoiding or defeating enemies, and either foiling a plot or creating his own. 

GoldenEye is still hugely popular today, mainly in the speedrunning community, where players attempt to finish each level as quickly as possible. It is rather remarkable to see a game almost 25-years old with such a large, active player-base. 

Super Mario 64 

Super Mario is one of the most recognizable gaming franchises in the world. Released in 1996 on the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 took the 2D platformer and transformed it into a 3D experience. 

Super Mario 64 was the game that transformed platformers and the 3D game as a whole. The dynamic camera angles and analog controls allowed players more control than ever before. 

Street Fighter II 

While many will call the first game a classic, Street Fighter II is a god amongst games. Released in 1987, the game quickly took hold of arcades across the globe, becoming the go-to game for all ages. 

The franchise is also one of the highest-grossing in history, with a total of 47 million units sold as of September this year. It is also the highest-grossing fighting game globally, being worth $12 billion, easily beating off rivals like Tekken. 

Super Mario Kart 

Super Mario Kart has expanded in popularity along with the platform games for several years now. Released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo, the game allowed players and friends to race their favorite Super Mario characters across several tracks. 

Like other classic games, it wasn’t only famous when it was released. Mario Kart is still played by gamers across the globe every day, by those feeling that childhood nostalgia again, and by experts trying to get the fastest time possible on a track. 

Pokemon Red and Blue 

Pokemon is the largest media franchise on the planet, partly due to the two incredible games released in 1998. Pokemon Red and Blue were two different versions of the same game. While these aren’t the first Pokemon games, they are still regarded as the best. 

The games jointly sold 300 million copies worldwide and were the catalysts behind the explosion of the cards and games outside of Japan, specifically in the US and Europe. Without these games, Pokemon wouldn’t be the giant it is today. 

Contra 

Another arcade classic is Contra. Released in 1986, the run-and-gun platform shooter was first played on coin arcades before being released on the Super Nintendo a year later. The game plays like a regular platformer. 

You and a friend move through levels, using different weapons and gears to defeat enemies and enemy vehicles. Contra, while not being as highly rated as other games on this list, redefined what was possible for arcade and console games alike. 

Mega Man 

Mega Man is a game that allows players to play as robots that go by their moniker, Mega Man. The first game in the series was launched on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 and has continued to grow since. 

There are now 50 Mega Man games spanning multiple generations and consoles, and over 37 million copies of the game have been sold. The game’s main storyline is still ongoing, too, meaning players still have the chance to play through all the games without the ending being spoiled. 

Counter-Strike 

Counter-Strike is one of the proper team-based first-person shooter games. Teams of five play as either the terrorists or counter-terrorists. The main goal is to either eliminate all your enemies, plant and explode a bomb, or diffuse the bomb, depending on which side you’re on.  

The game requires a very high level of gun control, as well as teamwork. While it is one of the newer games on this list, being released in 2000, it is the blueprint that so many games have used to create their multiplayer modes. 

Tekken 3

You were either someone who played Street Fighter, or you were a Tekken fanatic. Tekken 3, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the best in the franchise. The game sold 8 million copies, making it one of the most successful PlayStation 1 games ever. 

The game added addictive modes like Tekken Ball and characters that are now some of the most famous and popular amongst fans, such as Bryan Fury, Jin Kazama, Ling Xiaoyu, Eddie Gordo, and Hwoarang, taking the total to 20 characters. 

Doom 

One of the most popular first-person shooter games ever conceived was Doom. It was released in 1993, a game with brilliant AI and enemies, unique and well-designed levels, and action and violence that you just couldn’t find anywhere else. 

The game exploded, with all and sundry playing Doom. It is also one of the few games that have been turned into a movie. Incredibly, the original is still just as brilliant today as it was 28 years ago.