What makes a game truly featured? In the fast-paced world of gaming, some titles fade away, while others become legends, discussed, played, and celebrated years, even decades, after their release. For us retro enthusiasts, featured games aren't just the latest buzz; they're the cornerstones of our hobby, the ones that evoke powerful memories and continue to offer incredible experiences.
These are the games that broke ground, told unforgettable stories, or simply nailed the fun factor so perfectly that they remain relevant. They get featured in museum exhibitions, appear on "best of" lists, or are simply the ones the community can't stop talking about and playing on their favorite retro handhelds or emulators.
Why Do Certain Retro Games Get Featured?
It's not just random chance. The featured games of the retro world earn their status for a few key reasons:
- Historical Significance: They pushed technical boundaries, invented genres, or influenced countless games that followed. Think Doom for FPS, Super Mario Bros. for platforming, or The Legend of Zelda for adventure.
- Lasting Appeal: The gameplay is still fun, the art style holds up, or the story remains compelling, even by modern standards.
- Community Love: Decades later, players are still speedrunning them, creating mods, discussing lore, or simply introducing them to new generations.
- Accessibility: Thanks to emulation, digital storefronts like GOG, or modern ports, these games are often easier to find and play than many lesser-known titles from the same era.
Timeless Classics: Games That Defined Eras
Many featured games earned their place by being pioneers. They weren't just games; they were cultural phenomena.
- The Early Arcade & Console Heroes: Before complex narratives, it was about pure, addictive gameplay. Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong set the stage. On early consoles, Pitfall! and Adventure (Atari VCS) showed what was possible at home.
- The 8-bit Revolution (NES, Master System): This era solidified genres. Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Final Fantasy, and Phantasy Star weren't just games; they were franchises built on solid mechanics and imaginative worlds.
- The 16-bit Wars (SNES, Genesis): A golden age of refinement. Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Chrono Trigger, Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter II, and Mortal Kombat pushed graphics, sound, and complexity.
- PC Gaming Pioneers: Before consoles dominated, PC games were carving their own path. Early adventures like King's Quest, simulations like Elite, and groundbreaking RPGs like Ultima and Wizardry built loyal followings.
The Rise of 3D & CD-ROM (PS1, N64, Saturn, PC)
As technology advanced, so did the games that got featured.
- Entering the Third Dimension: Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Resident Evil showed the potential of 3D environments and cinematic storytelling.
- PC Gaming's Golden Age: The mid-to-late 90s were huge for PC. Featured games included revolutionary titles like Doom, Quake, Half-Life, StarCraft, Diablo, and adventure game classics like Day of the Tentacle or Grim Fandango. Many of these are still celebrated and played today.
Modern Favorites: What the Community is Playing Now
Beyond the historical giants, the retro community constantly features games that are currently popular or experiencing a resurgence. This often ties into the ease of playing them on modern hardware.
- Handheld Heroes: With the popularity of retro handhelds, games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, PSP, and DS libraries are frequently featured in discussions and "what I'm playing" lists. Think Metroid Fusion, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (via PSP/PS1), or classic Pokémon titles.
- Emulation Mainstays: Games that run flawlessly on emulators like RetroArch or specific system emulators often get featured. This covers vast libraries from NES, SNES, Genesis, PS1, N64, and even DOS classics running via DOSBox.
- Underrated Gems: Sometimes, the community features a game that wasn't a massive hit originally but is rediscovered and appreciated years later for its unique mechanics or charm.
How to Play These Featured Gems Today
The good news is that many of these featured games are more accessible than ever:
- Digital Storefronts: Platforms like GOG.com specialize in classic PC games, often updated to run on modern systems without hassle. Console classics are also available on modern console stores (Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace).
- Emulation: Playing games via emulators on PC, Mac, Linux, or dedicated retro handhelds is a popular way to experience titles from almost any system. (Remember to research the legality regarding ROMs in your region).
- Modern Ports & Remasters: Many classic featured games have received official ports or full remasters for contemporary platforms, offering enhanced graphics or quality-of-life improvements.
- Physical Hardware: For the purists, nothing beats playing on original consoles or arcade cabinets, though this requires more effort and investment.
Whether you're revisiting an old favorite or discovering a classic for the first time, these featured games represent the best of what retro gaming has to offer. They are a testament to the enduring power of great design and pure fun.
FAQ About Featured Retro Games
Q: Where can I find lists of classic featured games? A: Look for lists from reputable gaming websites, retro gaming communities, museum exhibitions (like the one mentioned earlier!), and even YouTube channels dedicated to retro gaming.
Q: Is it legal to play retro games using emulators? A: The legality of emulation varies by region and often depends on whether you own the original game. Owning the original physical copy and using an emulator with a legally obtained ROM (dumped from your own cartridge/disc) is generally considered more defensible than downloading ROMs from unknown sources. Digital storefronts like GOG offer fully legal ways to purchase and play many classics.
Q: What are some essential featured games for someone new to retro gaming? A: Start with highly influential and accessible titles like Super Mario World (SNES), The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64), Doom (PC), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Genesis), or Chrono Trigger (SNES/PS1).
Q: Are there any modern games that feel like classic retro featured games? A: Absolutely! Many indie developers create games inspired by retro eras, often capturing the spirit and design principles that made those original featured games so special. Look for titles in pixel art styles or with classic gameplay mechanics.