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.
1980s strategy games that still hold up
Thinking two turns ahead, whether or not there is a clock
Games
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.
Curse of the Azure Bonds 1989
Why it still holds upBringing characters over from earlier games still keeps a long campaign personal.
Herzog Zwei 1989
Why it still holds upThe mech is both your weapon and your only way of commanding, so each battle mixes arcade flying with strategy, and that blend is still its character.
On sale
M.U.L.E. 1983
Why it still holds upEvery trade is still a two sided decision, with rivals who depend on each other.
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance 1988
Why it still holds upBuilding a party from scratch is still a draw now.
The Chessmaster 2000 1986
Why it still holds upA chess opponent from 1986 is still there to practice against today.
BurgerTime 1982
Why it still holds upBuilding burgers while being chased is a clear goal, and it is still easy to pick up.
On sale
Sid Meier's Pirates! 1987
Why it still holds upWith no end set in advance, each voyage still takes a course of its own.
Populous 1989
Why it still holds upEach level is still a matter of changing the land, with powers that reshape the world and no units to order.
A mixed page: cities to plan, worlds to shape, trade to balance and battles to fight on a grid. Most of them are slower than they look, and they reward the patience to learn their rules.