The Best Retro Video Games: Then vs Now

Super Mario 64 takes you to the enchanting Mushroom Kingdom, introducing revolutionary 3D platforming and free-roaming exploration. Its most beloved feature is the diverse, magical worlds with lots of puzzles and adventure to be had. Now a timeless masterpiece, it was released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64. It was remastered in 2004 for the Nintendo DS, so it's one that most of us are sure to remember.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder reintroduces the platforming elements of Super Mario 64 in a shiny new world. You can journey through vibrant, mushroom-filled environments and explore - giving this platformer an open-world feel. Its key gameplay mechanic, precision platforming, pairs beautifully with its most popular feature: inventive power-ups. An absolute joy for fans and newcomers alike, it's classic Mario fun.

Crashing into boxes and dodging hurdles, Crash must work to defeat the evil Doctor Neo Cortex and prevent his plans for world domination. As equally frustrating as it was addictive, Crash challenged the player's dexterity, reflexes and quick thinking as they bounded through the hazardous jungle setting. We're sure you'll have memories from childhood of the colourful series Crash Bandicoot and the loveable marsupial who set the template for similar types of platform games we still see around to this day.

Crash Team Rumble Deluxe Edition for the PS5 dazzles with its vibrant, chaotic environments. The exciting tug-of-war gameplay plus the inventive power-ups make every match an exhilarating adventure. The Deluxe Edition's exclusive content is the cherry on top, making this Crash a must-play.

Considered SEGA's answer to Super Mario, Sonic The Hedgehog debuted in 1991. It followed a similar format to other popular platform games of the time, where the protagonist must collect rings and battle against the mad scientist Doctor Eggman. Players will remember its fast-paced nature, almost needing to take a breath after each level was completed. Since then, Sonic has found success as well as an expansion to the franchise with characters such as Knuckles, Tails, Shadow and Amy. Not to mention actually teaming up with rival, Mario, in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Sonic's latest incarnation follows the familiar Sonic formula found in the original games that we know so well - but with a new twist. Here, Sonic must race and battle his way across the remains of an ancient civilisation plagued by robotic hordes. What's new is the open-world format - so what's not to get excited about?

No list of RPGs is complete without a showing from the Fallout franchise. Fallout 3 immerses players in a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C., blending RPG mechanics with action-packed gameplay. Its most loved feature, the V.A.T.S. combat system, adds a strategic twist, making every encounter a unique, thrilling experience. A must-play for adventure seekers. And if you don't want to buy an original version on CD-ROM, Good Old Games have Fallout 3 available for download.

Set in post-apocalyptic West Virginia, Fallout 76 re-introduces the familiar shattered and blasted landscapes, creatures and factions - but with online play. That makes teamwork key. Its base-building feature stands out, encouraging creativity among survivors. Despite some hiccups at launch, it's now a fun, engaging experience for fans of exploration and collaborative play.

Back in the day, Final Fantasy VI on the PS1 offered an immersive, slightly steampunk fantasy world. By far the most exciting feature is the active time battle system - combat in FFVI is always engaging and challenging. The Esper system, its most beloved feature among many fans, allows deep customization of characters. A timeless Japanese RPG masterpiece

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an exclusive to PlayStation 5. Harking back to the earlier versions of FF, this one brilliantly revisits the iconic Midgar world with breathtaking visuals. Its real-time combat system offers thrilling engagements, while the expanded materia system is a fan-favorite that allows for deep customization. An absolute must-play that is a spiritual successor to FFVI.

When it comes to iconic DOS-era FPS games, you can't do much better than DOOM. This single-player gun-fest takes place on a demon-infested Mars. Even today, the fast-paced, first-person shooter action with maze exploration is a visceral experience with simple yet challenging level design and gameplay. It's a gory blast from the dawn of the genre itself. It's so popular that it's been ported to more systems than you can shake a BFG at. And if you can't find an original copy (and, let's face it, who can?) DOOM is available on Good Old Games

The Doom Guy is back. Doom Eternal on Xbox One (and other systems) takes you to a demon-infested Earth this time. Aside from the seriously slick and detailed graphics on offer here, the game encourages and rewards fast-paced combat and platforming agility. Its standout feature is the Glory Kill system - time things eight and chain attacks and you'll get rewards. With a brilliant heavy metal-inspired adrenaline-pumping soundtrack and gory frenetic gameplay - Doom is back in style.

If there's one franchise that isn't short of retro games it's Star Wars. But Dark Forces really did expand the lore of the existing universe when it came out, paving the way for Jedi Knight and others in terms of story. Featuring immersive settings like the Death Star, Dark Forces introduced first-person shooting to the gaming franchise. The level design is also noted for its inventiveness compared to Doom. Good Old Games has the original Dark Forces for those who can't find an original copy.

Proving that retro gaming really is a thing, Nightdive Studios has taken everything that made the original Dark Forces so great and put a shiny new front end on it. You can relive the excitement of the original, with well-preserved gameplay, and some expanded content in the bargain. This is a prime example of how to renovate a classic game without changing what made it so great. They didn't add a fully-featured multiplayer mode, though, but fans of the original will love this addition to their Star Wars games collection.

Set in a near-future conflict between the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod, Command and Conquer revolutionized RTS games with its base building and resource management. Its multiplayer mode became the standout feature, offering endless fun and strategy. It's not too difficult to find, particularly for the PS1, but if you want to relive this classic on PC the Steam store has Command and Conquer for download.

In another example of older games getting some TLC, Command and Conquer Remastered revives the original in stunning HD. Relive the conflict set in an alternate history, with base building and resource management just like you remember - but better. The multiplayer mode has an updated UI and the whole package includes all expansion packs and Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert too.

The iconic sandbox game RollerCoaster Tycoon meant you could build your own theme park, experiment with roller coaster designs and attend to the needs of your guests. An expansive map with themed decorations, rides and attractions made it a highly creative game to play. With different modes to explore, the possibilities of this game were endless as the player strived to create the best rollercoaster park ever. Or the worst rollercoaster park ever, for that matter.

Fans of the RollerCoaster Tycoon franchise may be pleased to know that it's had an upgrade. First released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018, Adventure is similar in format to the originals but, of course, with much better quality graphics. Different game modes and rides to unlock mean you can customise your game experience how you like, albeit not to the extent of the original. Therefore, there have been mixed reviews about _RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventure's performance. Arguably, some have said this may have performed just as well as a mobile game.

Fans of the Sega Mega Drive will have a lot of nostalgia for Street Fighter II . What began as an iconic arcade fighting experience was available in the home at long last. With fighting challenges set across the globe, its key gameplay mechanic - combo-based fighting - is still a hit today. Entertaining and often gory character-specific moves are probably its most popular feature. A must-play for retro fight fans everywhere.

The Mega Drive may be gone, but Street Fighter 6 is back on Xbox (and other consoles) with its vibrant global tour setting for some brand-new fighting challenges. The strategic Real-Time Commentary System brings a sports feel and excitement to the action, while the fan-favourite Battle Hub makes for a passionate interactive Street Fighter community when your battles are done. It's a brilliant blend of retro nostalgia and new up-to-date features.

If one thing is for certain, Tekken 2 allowed us to tap into our competitive nature, especially through multiplayer mode. The arcade-style fighting game involved a forty-second time frame which meant a fight could sway in almost any direction. Players will remember this game as if it were yesterday, frantically smashing every button in the hopes they might land a knockout against their opponent. Of course, we can't forget its lineup of fighters, some of which even ventured into the more surreal side.

Staying true to its roots, Tekken 8 remains an arcade fighter but with combat at an even faster pace. There are a few familiar characters that you'll recognise, along with a whole new roster of fighters to play with. Now, characters have customisations that can be unlocked and unique fighting styles meaning that players can strategise to their strengths. Mechanics are much more deliberate now as opposed to the mashing of buttons we saw in Tekken 2, and the franchise is still a highly-rated game with a dedicated following.

Let's a-go. Super Mario Kart was a true racer with a fun family appeal which still dazzles today. It's colourful tracks and environments are set in the Mushroom Kingdom, offering thrilling races and the ingenious use of power-ups that define its fun combative gameplay. The competitive multiplayer mode guarantees hours of fun with friends. A true classic for the SNES - if you still have one.

Certainly not forgetting what made the original Super Mario Kart so much fun, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. Once again set in the Mushroom Kingdom, this game offers three-dimensional exhilating gameplay that reaches new heights - both in terms of gameplay and track design. Battle mode makes this game even more fun for groups of all ages, making it a brilliant party game with lots or replay value.

Shortlisted as one of the best racing games for PlayStation 1 and rated highly on the list, Gran Turismo is a classic racing game with different modes to choose from including Arcade and Simulation. Multiplayer was also available and encouraged players to race against each other for first place, making for a gripping experience that players would find hard to forget.

Much like the game that started it all, Gran Turismo 7 races into action with all of the next-gen console power at its fingertips. What makes this a real experience is the stunning, photorealistic settings and tracks from across the world. Its key gameplay mechanic, precision handling, adds realism and challenging progression. The expansive car customization options really are the icing on the cake - brilliant for hardcore racing enthusiasts

Lucasarts really pioneered the point-and-click genre, but it was the pixel art style and clever puzzles and stories of this game that makes it a true adventure even today. The three story paths of Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis means you have some great reasons to replay this game, which captures the feel of the movies with fun and intrigue. The witty dialogue and many mysteries that need to be solved make this a timeless classic that many believe is the unofficial fourth film in the franchise. Best of all - finding an original copy is not expensive and hard to get running - but this one is available on CDKeys and other sites, all ready to run. And it hasn't been changed one bit.

Perhaps the most famous of Lucasarts point-and-click adventures, The Secret of Monkey Island spawned the humourous tongue-in-cheek adventure genre. And here The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition updates the look and feel of the original. But, the reason it's on this list is the innovative feature whereby you can switch to the original version at the touch of a button. Melee Island and the pirates of the Caribbean await you all over again - complete with the e beloved insult-based sword fighting.

Despite the fact it was released over twenty years ago, Ocarina of Time still stands up as an enthralling game to play today. Revolutionary in gaming and well ahead of its time, it has a compelling storyline that has you unable to put your controller down from the very moment you wake up in Kokiri Forest. Beware though, the original N64 cartridge can fetch a pretty penny.

Return to Hyrule in one of the most highly-rated games ever to hit the Nintendo Switch. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom truly is breathtaking at times, with an open world to explore with endless possibilities. The reuse and rebuild mechanic adds to the creative gameplay. The experience of gliding through the game world is not to be missed. All in all, this is a captivating adventure that blends exploration, creativity, and action.

Possibly the most iconic standout hit from the age of the PlayStation 1, Tomb Raider saw the introduction of Lara Croft - an adventuring Indy-eqsue puzzle solving adventurer. Tomb Raider mixes platforming action with exploration - with occasionally challenging camera angles and overly tricky puzzles being the only bugbears amongst fans. It's a beloved classic with more than its fair share of 'wow' moments.

Lara Croft returns in all three of the first games, to explore caves, ruins and tombs in search of ancient artefacts such as the highly coveted Scion. Plunging into the depths, climbing cave walls, solving ancient puzzles and avoiding dangerous beasts were what made the game an all-around exciting experience. And they've been polished and refined here, with enhanced graphics and fixes to the much-maligned camera angles and control scheme.

Pac-Man ate his way into arcades and pubs back in the day and, even now, original arcade machines cost an arm and a leg. But there is a solution - The Quarter Arcades Official PAC-MAN 1/4 Sized Mini Arcade Cabinet. Containing the original game in all its pill-munching ghost-dodging glory, the iconic maze chase game is a compact size for your desk and perfect for collectors and retro arcade fans.

Pac-Man returns to various systems with Pac-Man World: Re-Pac. This brilliant game revives the classic while retaining the maze-themed gameplay. Vibrant settings make munching through mazes more exciting than ever thanks to the updated graphics that modern consoles have to offer. Including some platforming challenges to mix up the gameplay, this is a fun return to gaming for Pac-Man.

Much like Pac-Man, Space Invaders was an instant hit when it appeared in arcades a few decades ago. Now you can own one of those scaled-down machines, with the Numskull Quarter Arcades Space Invaders. The cabinet art is present and correct, and of course, the original gameplay is there too. Blasting aliens never gets old, and this is the retro arcade game to prove it.

If you're going to take a classic arcade franchise and reinvent it, this is the way to do it. SPACE INVADERS FOREVER Special Edition on Nintendo Switch brings a modern twist to retro action. The key gameplay mechanic of strategic shooting - so it's a little repetitive and hard to master (like the original), but it's been enhanced by a co-op mode for even more fun with your friends. The game design is also very pleasing, with pixelated elements to bring that wave of nostalgia for those who remember blasting away on the original.

With a pumping soundtrack that's embedded in many of our minds, Streets of Rage on the MegaDrive is a classic side-scrolling beat-'em-up set in a crime-ridden city. Smashing through waves of street punks and bosses with punches, kicks, and special moves never gets old. Cooperative play really takes things up a notch too. The original Mega Drive cart isn't that hard to find, but if you want to relive the classic Microsoft's Xbox store has Streets Of Rage (and others) for download to your console.

There haven't been that many side-scrolling beat 'em ups made in the last few years, so when one as good as this comes along it's something of an event. Keeping true to the originals, Streets of Rage 4 embodies smooth, combo-based combat in a threatening cityscape environment. Fan favourite cooperative multiplayer is still there too, making this a must-play for those craving the Mega Drive original with a modern look and feel.

Another game that is thankfully just the same now as it was then, Golden Axe is something of an oddity in the arcades of the time. Side-scrolling beat 'em ups set in a fantasy world are rare - but this one is set in an age of dragons and goblins, where players battle through enemies using swords axes and magic. Co-op gameplay and the ability to ride beasts are highlights - making for excellent fun replay value, even though the game is a lot shorter than many modern games.