[Retro Games] Get hyped with nostalgic classics! Fun games that bring back memories
Retro games have a charming, heart-thumping allure that comes with nostalgia, don’t they? The beeping sound effects and pixel-art worlds continue to captivate many people even today.
Perhaps you, too, have found yourself more absorbed by simple yet profoundly designed gameplay than by complex controls or flashy graphics.
This time, we’ll introduce you to the heartwarming world of retro games.
Encountering wonderful titles that let you relive the excitement of the past will surely inspire new ways to enjoy yourself.
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[Retro Games] Get hyped with classic masterpieces! Fun games that bring back memories (11–20)
Game & WatchNEW!
There are many handheld game consoles like the Switch and the DS, but it’s no exaggeration to call the Game & Watch the original.
Released by Nintendo in 1980 as its first handheld game console, it reportedly got its name from the fact that it could be used as a clock when you weren’t playing.
The line evolved over time, with larger screens and even a dual-screen clamshell design.
In 2020, a limited-time Super Mario edition of the Game & Watch was released.
MOTHER 2: Giygas Strikes Back
Released for the Super Famicom in 1994, about five years after the previous title, Mother, this work drew attention for having copywriter Shigesato Itoi in charge of game design and the scenario, and it is often praised for its compelling story and worldbuilding.
While its development—filled with various parodies—and its distinctive characters are entertaining, it also presents an unsettling atmosphere and plot developments that stoke anxiety.
For better or worse, it’s a game that leaves a deep impression on many people.
Night of the Sickle Weasel
Released by Chunsoft in 1994 for the Super Famicom, this title appeared as the second installment in the Sound Novel series following Otogirisō.
Its system—reading through the text while choosing branching paths to gradually approach the truth—along with the story’s gripping tension, drew a lot of attention.
You can also feel the strong emphasis on the scenario, with mystery writer Takemaru Abiko handling the script.
The branching endings and the development into various scenarios make it a memorable work with plenty of replay value.
Super Puyo Puyo
Within the series of falling-block puzzle games Puyo Puyo developed by Compile, the installment released for the Super Famicom is Super Puyo Puyo.
The Puyo Puyo series became a hit thanks to its system of matching and clearing same-colored pieces and aiming for chains through strategic stacking, establishing itself as a puzzle-game staple alongside Tetris.
After appearing in arcades and on various platforms, its release on the widely adopted home console Super Famicom may have helped accelerate the series’ success.
Packed with charm—including the distinctive characters from Compile’s Madou Monogatari—it’s a captivating title.
Bomberman 2
Among Hudson’s flagship Bomberman series, Super Bomberman 2 was released for the Super Famicom in 1994.
Although it is the ninth entry in the series, it’s considered a title that influenced later games, introducing elements like the Five Dastardly Bombers—who would reappear in subsequent installments—and sudden-death rules in battle mode.
The game also tests your strategic thinking: how you defeat enemies in Story Mode and how you battle other players in Battle Mode.
And beyond the strategy, the exhilarating, over-the-top explosions deliver a satisfying sense of catharsis that’s a big part of the game’s appeal.
Kirby’s Adventure
This is the second installment in the series starring Kirby, one of Nintendo’s iconic characters.
A major highlight is the introduction of the ability to copy enemies’ powers, which really helped establish Kirby’s identity.
It’s a straightforward side-scrolling action game, yet the freedom to progress comes from how you choose to use the copy abilities.
Given how often it’s been remade across various platforms, it can be considered a flagship entry for the series.
In conclusion
Retro games have a soothing charm that comes wrapped in nostalgia. Their simple yet profound worlds continue to captivate many hearts even today. Why not spend some treasured time enjoying a memorable adventure accompanied by comforting music? You’re sure to encounter new discoveries and moments of wonder.