Summary
One of the most enjoyable aspects of gaming is exploring titles from past generations. The 1980s marked an era dominated by arcades, where video games were often referred to by parents as “Nintendo.” Games from that decade can now seem somewhat dated, making the search for enduring classics a quest in itself.
While many ’80s game series have since been updated with modern features in sequels, the original versions retain their unique charm and hold their own against contemporary titles. The greatest games from the 1980s still boast gameplay, scope, and ambition that can rival many modern releases.
10Phantasy Star
While Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest dominated the NES, Phantasy Star stood out as thepinnacle of 8-bit JRPGs. Launched on the Sega Master System, which boasted greater graphical capabilities than the NES, Phantasy Star showcased stunning visuals that were vibrant and captivating.
Setting itself apart from many RPGs of its era, Phantasy Star embraced a space opera theme rather than a traditional fantasy setting. It innovatively introduced a first-person perspective in dungeons and featured a storyline that was notably more intricate and engaging than its peers.
9Out Run
Outrun stands out as possibly the oldest racing game with controls and a sense of speed that still holds up today. What’s even more impressive about Outrun is its graphics, which appear surprisingly advanced for its time, resembling games launched a decade later.
Despite racing games often being considered intimidating due to their learning curves, Outrun is remarkably easy to pick up and play. Its forgiving physics and handling make it accessible, yet completing Outrun remains a challenge. Each stage requires beating it within a limited time frame, and significant crashes can set you back, motivating players to master the tracks.
8Snatcher
There was a time when Hideo Kojima made games outside of the Metal Gear series for Konami. Hideo Kojima’s directing style is heavily based on cinema, so it is no surprise that his MSX title, Snatcher, feels like an adaption of the film Blade Runner.
Snatcher plays like a visual novel, and you are the protagonist, Gillian Seed, a detective trying to capture Snatchers, who are pretty similar to replicants in Blade Runner. The writing is mature and modern, and Gillian Seed is one of the most charming characters Hideo Kojima has written.
7Mike Tyson’s Punchout
Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out is, in many ways, more akin to a puzzle game than a traditional sports title despite its boxing theme. It hinges on pattern recognition and meticulous attention to detail, requiring players to identify tells and weaknesses in their opponents' attacks.
Originally launched in arcades, the NES version of Punch-Out plays similarly and notably features the legendary boxer Mike Tyson as the final boss. The game strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge,becoming progressively more difficult in its later stages. This balance has earned it a reputation as one of the more well-rounded console games of the 1980s.
6Ultima 5: Warriors Of Destiny
The Ultima series, often overlooked today, achieved remarkable ambitions, particularly starting with Ultima 4: Quest of the Avatar. Ultima 5: Warriors of Destiny built upon its predecessor by refining its elements further. This installment introduced a complex moral system, an expansive map for exploration, and greater accessibility compared to earlier entries in the Ultima series.
The exploration and freedom offered in Ultima 5: Warriors of Destiny surpasses that of many contemporary RPGs. While its gameplay may not be the most refined, the game immerses players in an interactive world where engaging with NPCs and making difficult moral choices are key to progression and rewarding outcomes.
5Contra
The run-and-gun genre rose to dominance in the 1980s and 1990s, largely due to the success of Contra. Originally an arcade game, Contra made a significant impact in America following its port to the NES. Its smooth gameplay, vibrant graphics, and responsive controls contributed to its reputation as a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
While Contra initially appears daunting, perseverance can lead to success without relying on cheat codes. The game offers a diverse array of weapons, and enemies consistently attack from predictable positions, allowing players to strategize effectively for each stage.
4Ms. Pac-Man
Ms. Pac-Man is straightforward yet thrilling in its simplicity. Engaging with the game involves challenging yourself to break your high score or reach new levels, fostering improvement as a player.
Navigating the maze and evading ghosts initially seems manageable, but as the game’s speed increases, mastering the timing of power pellet usage becomes crucial. Ms. Pac-Man combines decision-making, reflexes, and strategic analysis, making it a standout puzzle game revered as one of the best of all time.
3Starflight
Starflight, launched in the 1980s, already fulfilled the promise of exploring vast star systems with over 800 worlds to visit. It offers players complete freedom in gameplay—there’s no requirement to follow a strict plot, allowing exploration of the universe at their own pace.
What initially caused Starflight to be overlooked in the 1980s—such as its emphasis on diplomacy and trading over action—is precisely what has allowed it to age exceptionally well compared to many games from that era. The game provides a vast world without compromising its compelling narrative, alongside strategic gameplay that keeps players engaged and thinking.
2Super Mario Bros 3
Super Mario Bros 3, an expansive sequel to the original Super Mario Bros, represented a significant leap forward in graphics. It introduced a variety of new power-ups that added depth to gameplay, enabling players to approach stages in diverse ways.
One of the few drawbacks of Super Mario Bros 3 is its extensive length. The NES version lacked a save system, requiring players to complete the entire game in one session. Although certain stages could be skipped, the addition of a built-in save system similar to Super Mario World would have greatly enhanced convenience.
1Super Mario Bros
The release of Super Mario Bros marked a significant shift in game controls. It introduced modern physics and nuanced jumping mechanics, emphasizing player control over character movement. Unlike earlier platformers, which often lacked aerial drift or a sense of momentum,Super Mario Bros set a new standard.
Even today, Super Mario Bros remains compelling, holding its own against its sequels. While games like Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario World offer more gimmicks and expansive maps to explore, Super Mario Bros delivers a purer gaming experience. It excels as the ultimate pick-up-and-play game, providing a greater sense of speed than any Mario game that followed it.
