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1980s games that still hold up

192 games · page 1 of 4

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Super Mario Bros. 3 1988 Why it still holds upIts level design holds up today because the power-ups change how each level can be crossed, and the difficulty rises gradually toward the eighth world.
Tetris 1989 Why it still holds upIts single simple rule is why it still plays well: it is easy to understand, and it gets harder as the speed rises.
Super Mario Bros. 1985 Why it still holds upLevel design, enemy placement and precise physics, with a difficulty that ramps steadily, are why it still plays well.
SimCity 1989 Why it still holds upAn open ended toy with no end state, where the city responds to zoning, taxes and infrastructure, still leaves you to set your own goals today.
Maniac Mansion 1987 Why it still holds upParties that change which puzzles can be solved still make a second run different today.
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! 1987 Why it still holds upSet patterns and a heart meter that punishes missed punches make each bout a lesson in timing today.
Action Fighter 1986 Why it still holds upThe course is still new each time, with a change of vehicle from level to level.
Phantasy Star 1987 Why it still holds upExploring with pencil and paper beside you still gives each trip a puzzle of its own today.
Test Drive 1987 Why it still holds upA single road with traffic and police to dodge, and a choice of supercars to try, still gives each run its own line to drive today.
Prince of Persia 1989 Why it still holds upA fixed clock that keeps running through your deaths, and traps that kill at once, still reward careful, repeated attempts today.
Dungeon Master 1987 Why it still holds upEven now the dungeon rewards the effort of learning the rune system, which is part of the game.
Bruce Lee 1984 Why it still holds upLanterns to collect and two guards to dodge are a clear goal that is still easy to share today.
The Legend of Zelda 1986 Why it still holds upEven now, a world with secrets hidden under rocks and trees rewards looking at everything.
Clash at Demonhead 1989 Why it still holds upThe map is still something to wander, with forty routes and powers you collect.
Rally-X 1980 Why it still holds upA scrolling maze with smoke screens is a game that is still worth a try.
Shadowgate 1987 Why it still holds upA limited supply of light still makes every room a decision about how long to stay.
Tapper 1983 Why it still holds upA bartender sliding drinks across four bars is a quick idea that is still easy to follow.
Shanghai 1986 Why it still holds upMatching tiles one pair at a time is a puzzle that still fits a few minutes today.
Blades of Steel 1987 Why it still holds upA fast game of hockey with fights is still a good pick for two players.
Arkanoid 1986 Why it still holds upA ball off a paddle, with bricks that each behave differently, is still a simple loop that holds you today.
Volfied 1989 Why it still holds upCarving up a screen while an alien hunts you is a simple idea, and the tension is still there.
Chuckie Egg 1983 Why it still holds upA clock and patrolling hens, in a henhouse built of ladders and lifts, still make a good test today.
Ghouls 'n Ghosts 1988 Why it still holds upIt still asks for more than getting through once, with a second pass through the same stages and a new weapon.
River Raid 1982 Why it still holds upFuel that is always running out still turns each stretch of river into a choice today, between a pass over a depot and clearing what is in the way.
Jetpac 1983 Why it still holds upEven now, rocket parts, fuel and falling bonuses to collect while aliens close in make every screen a short, clear task.
Batman 1989 Why it still holds upA restart that keeps your progress still makes the search for the next part easy to resume after a failure.
Nemesis 2 1987 Why it still holds upA sequel with its own ship and weapons gives players a different Gradius to try.
The Colonel's Bequest 1989 Why it still holds upEven now, each visit to the house can become a different investigation, because the characters keep their own schedules.
Bosconian 1981 Why it still holds upFlying in every direction with a radar that shows where the bases are still gives each round a clear goal.

Two different things sharing a decade: the arcades and the consoles on one side, the home computers on the other. Short and hard sits next to slow and enormous.

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