Some people believe that games from back in the day are no longer popular because they can’t keep up with the graphics and gameplay of newer games. However, this is simply untrue. These games are still being played by millions of people worldwide. Here are just a few reasons why these games remain so popular.
Nostalgia
Primarily, people continue to play games they loved before because they evoke feelings of nostalgia. For many, these were the games they grew up playing, and they hold a special place in their hearts. These games can take them back to a simpler time when they didn’t have as much responsibility, and life was more carefree.
You can also use these games to bond with friends and family members who enjoy playing them. Some popular retro games include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. Super Mario Bros., in particular, has recently seen a surge in popularity due to the release of the Super Mario Odyssey.
The Legend of Zelda series has also seen a resurgence in popularity due to the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This game was lauded for its innovative gameplay and stunning graphics. It’s no wonder people who grew up playing games like this would want to revisit it.
Meanwhile, Donkey Kong is considered a classic. It’s a simple yet addicting game that people of all ages can enjoy. When you ask why people continue to play these classic games, nostalgia is usually the number one answer.
Gameplay
In addition to nostalgia, many of these older games simply have better gameplay than newer ones. With all the focus on graphics, developers often neglect to create exciting and engaging gameplay. This is not the case with older games where gameplay was the primary focus.
As a result, many people find these games to be more enjoyable to play. For instance, the Super Mario Bros. series is still considered one of the best platforming series due to its tight and satisfying gameplay. People who have experienced newer games and felt disappointed with the gameplay often go back to playing these traditional games.
Challenge
Another reason people continue to play these kinds of games is that they offer more of a challenge than newer games. With modern games, there are often so many assists and tutorials that players can get through the game without ever really being challenged. This can make the game feel less rewarding and even dull.
For example, when you search the internet for “how to beat Super Mario Odyssey,” which is a new release already, you’ll find a plethora of videos and articles that show you how to do it. In contrast, when you try to find guides for older games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, they are much harder to come by.
On the other hand, older games often offer a much more significant challenge. They require players to think about their strategies and use all the tools at their disposal. They must come up with ways to overcome obstacles they may have never encountered before. This can make for a much more rewarding and satisfying experience. For many people, this is a much more engaging and enjoyable way to play a game.
Replay value
Finally, many of these older games offer more replay value than their modern counterparts. Newer games often have linear storylines that can only be experienced in one way. This means that once you’ve beaten the game, there’s not much reason to go back and play it again.
Older games, however, often have multiple paths and endings that give players a reason to come back and play them again. They also usually have a variety of secrets and Easter eggs that can be discovered upon multiple playthroughs. This makes these games much more enjoyable to play for extended periods.
For example, saving the princess in Super Mario Bros. has multiple ways to do it. You can take the easy way out and just go straight for Bowser, or you can explore every Mushroom Kingdom nook and cranny to find all the secret exits. There are also a ton of secrets to discover, like warp zones and hidden 1-UP mushrooms. This high replay value is one of the primary reasons people continue to play these classic games.
These are just a few of the reasons why people continue to play older types of games. Whether it’s for nostalgia, the gameplay, the challenge, or the replay value, these games still have a lot to offer. So don’t be surprised if you dust off your old NES or SNES and dive back into some of your favorite games from childhood.
