2016 feels like it was all about nostalgia, be it in film, in life, and even in video games. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of games that retro gamers should enjoy. The NES Classic goes without saying, but since you have better chances of being struck by lightning than finding one in stores, we’ll leave that out of the list.
1. Carmageddon: Max Damage
Carmageddon brings back the days of your mother telling how worried she is of these TV computer games you’re playing and how she read online that they’ll turn you into a Satan-worshiping baby killer, only now it’s other members of the press telling you how problematic they find your taste in entertainment. The premise of Carmageddon is simple: Destroy the other racers, run over pedestrians, and rack up points. Also, don’t let your car get destroyed.
Play single player or online in one of several modes, one thing that takes getting used to in Carmageddon are the controls. This is definitely not the tight, smooth controls you may be used to in other racers. Cars are bulky, they get caught on scenery, and generally spin out pretty easily. Matches are a blast, since you can opt to actually finish the race (if you’re into that) or just destroy your opponents.
2. Resident Evil 1/0 Remakes
Almost the entire Resident Evil main series has been remade for modern consoles, with Resident Evil 2 on its way at some point in the future and Resident Evil 3 a hopeful glimmer, but any gamer worth their retro salt should be picking up the remakes of the original game and its prequel. Going back to where the virus began, both titles have the player taking the role of S.T.A.R.S Special Forces as they uncover a string of murders in the forests near Raccoon City.
This series is renown for its grim atmosphere, puzzling…puzzles, tank controls, and survival aspects. Don’t shoot everything, you don’t have enough bullets. The story telling isn’t great, but it sets the stage for the series to come and is widely considered to be where Resident Evil was its most sane.
3. A Boy and His Blob
A Boy and His Blob is a game that goes back to the NES, although you can’t find it on the NES Classic, and the classic is back on modern consoles and PC. A side scrolling game, the goal is to pass by various obstacles and puzzles by feeding your blog a number of jelly beans to transform him into new objects.
Overall this is a simplistic game with hand drawn graphics inspired by anime.
4. Worms WMD
Another game from your childhood, the Worms series never seems to be willing to die and comes back every generation. WMD has everything that made the Worms series great, plus a ridiculous number of cameos from other titles. Kit your worm to look like characters from Rocket League, Payday 2, Saints Row IV, and more.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Worms is a turn-based game where you line up shots and blow your enemies off of the map. Use the environment to your advantage, or blow it up to create/destroy cover for your and your foes. Worms is a game that rewards patience and practice, you’ll need to learn each weapon in order to use them efficiently, otherwise the brutality of seasoned veterans and the game’s own AI will make short work of you.
5. OlliOlli/OlliOlli2
Alright, this one technically isn’t a retro game, but it draws inspiration from the days when games were difficult while pretty fair. OlliOlli is a side scrolling game that is all about riding a skateboard and pulling off tricks. You’ll need to be accurate to a T to rack up a high score and beat the games numerous levels, pro-levels, and challenges.
It is a game that can seem unfair at times, but stick with it and you’ll see just how much fun it can be.
