1980s games that still hold up

The Legendary Axe 1988 i Why it still holds upThe choice between swinging at once and waiting for a full charge still gives every fight a small decision today.

R-Type II 1989 i Why it still holds upCheckpoints and a charged cannon make each section something to learn and retry, and that rhythm is still how it plays.

Blazing Lazers 1989 i Why it still holds upFive ship speeds and four weapons still let you tune how the ship plays.

Battlezone 1980 i Why it still holds upSteering a tank with two sticks is still a distinct way to play today.

Xenon 1988 i Why it still holds upChoosing between plane and tank to fit each enemy still makes every level a plan today.

Lunar Pool 1985 i Why it still holds upTables with odd shapes and adjustable friction are still the twist that defines it today.

Faxanadu 1987 i Why it still holds upAn adventure with some role-playing in it still makes a good way to spend an afternoon.

F1 Race 1984 i Why it still holds upA course you can learn in a couple of tries still makes a short session easy to start.

U.N. Squadron 1989 i Why it still holds upSpending money between stages makes your loadout part of every run, and that planning is still at its core.

Death Sword 1987 Also known as Barbarian i Why it still holds upA duel to the last life point is still a quick contest to try today.

Ninja Gaiden 1988 i Why it still holds upA two-ninja brawl that uses bars and ropes is easy to pick up with a friend, and it still plays that way.

Blaster Master 1988 i Why it still holds upExploring in two perspectives keeps its variety up, as it still does for players who try it.

Xenon 2: Megablast 1989 i Why it still holds upToday, restart points spaced through each level turn a hard stage into a series of short attempts.

Buster Bros. 1989 Also known as Pang i Why it still holds upPopping balloons one landmark at a time is a goal that is still easy to follow.

Track & Field 1983 i Why it still holds upButton mashing to win a race is a rhythm that is still easy to grasp today.

Berzerk 1980 i Why it still holds upRooms that have to be left before an unkillable enemy arrives still keep every one tense today.

Snatcher 1988 i Why it still holds upAt about six hours, with very few puzzles in the way, it is still a story you can follow from start to end today.

Shadow of the Beast 1989 i Why it still holds upIt is still a world you travel through, with wide stretches of scenery between the fights.

Phoenix 1980 i Why it still holds upThe reason to play it now is a force field that cannot be used twice in a row, which makes every dive a decision about timing.

BurgerTime 1982 i Why it still holds upBuilding burgers while being chased still makes a clear goal that is easy to pick up today.

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? 1985 i Why it still holds upChasing a thief across the globe with an almanac in hand is a lesson in geography that endures, even now.

Knightmare 1986 i Why it still holds upA screen that never stops, with a weapon you keep changing, still keeps each stage busy today.

The Great Giana Sisters 1987 i Why it still holds upEvery level is still a small dash against a running clock, in plain platforming.

Dragon Warrior 1986 i Why it still holds upA first quest with one clear goal still makes a good starting point for the genre today.

Lode Runner 1983 i Why it still holds upDigging traps for the guards is still a puzzle worth trying.

Tecmo Bowl 1987 i Why it still holds upTwo fixed teams, up to four players and tackles to break still make a simple game of football.

Ivan ''Ironman'' Stewart's Super Off Road 1989 i Why it still holds upThree trucks on one screen with upgrades between races still make a quick game for friends.

Silk Worm 1988 i Why it still holds upTwo different vehicles to share still make it a natural game for two players on one screen.