Video games have grown significantly over the last few decades. While today’s game developers continue bringing new ideas to the table, it is rewarding to understand how gaming has evolved.
Despite some games being difficult to go back and jump into, plenty of classic games hold up today and are easily accessible for modern consoles.
“Earthbound”
While many associate role-playing games (RPGs) with medieval fantasies, that is only one aspect of the genre. In actuality, RPGs can take place at any point in time and with any theme. The games can take place in the distant future or the distant past and still be as creative as games with a medieval narrative.
“Earthbound,” for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), shows RPGs don’t have to be based around fantasy worlds, as the game takes heavy inspiration from America in the 1960s. Instead of wielding a sword, you wield a baseball bat, a frying pan and a slingshot. While there are ghosts and zombies, you can also fight gangsters, members of a cult and a literal pile of vomit.
Despite “Earthbound” taking a dip into the bizarre, the colors are vibrant, and the characters are quirky and unique. “Earthbound” is a weird, unforgettable journey any retro game enthusiast should experience at least once.
For people looking to start this charming adventure, the Nintendo Switch Online Membership offers a wide selection of Nintendo’s early catalog of games, including “Earthbound.”
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2”
Once the 90s hit, Sega hit the ground running with “Sonic the Hedgehog.” With the game’s cool 90s attitude, this first installation of the Sonic series was popular amongst Sega fans. While it had all the right style, there were some basic flaws to the game miffing some gamers.
Thankfully, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” takes Sonic to the next level. With better level designs, a better emphasis on speed and simultaneous multiplayer action, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” is a classic for any fan of platforming titles.
For those interested in playing “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” on today’s consoles, Sega released “Sonic Origins Plus,” an updated way to play the main Sonic titles from the Sega Genesis. Releasing on all modern platforms, “Sonic Origins Plus” is the most accessible way to play classic 2-D Sonic.
“Castlevania: Symphony of the Night”
The mid-90s saw video games jump into a third dimension. While impressive at the time, many early 3-D games aged poorly through their polygonal designs and too much ambition for the hardware they had available.
“Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” took a different approach. The late Playstation title took a step back from testing out 3-D gaming and gives players a solid 2-D adventure with charming character sprites that hold up very well.
Unlike the series’ past, this title is referred to as Metroidvania, having players explore a massive overarching map at their own pace and collecting items to progress. The controls feel smooth, the music is hauntingly catchy and the game always leaves the player wondering what grotesque creature of the night they will run into next.
For those interested in traveling through Dracula’s castle, Konami released “Castlevania Requiem: Symphony of the Night/Rondo of Blood” on PlayStation 4, giving the option to play through two classic adventures.
