The 1980s saw the peak popularity of arcades and the rise of the home console with the NES.
As you’d expect, the breakout popularity of video games in the ’80s is due to the impressive amount of games released in the decade. We’re talking about iconic games that either still hold up today or helped launch franchises still going strong today.
Tetris
No game may be as iconic or influential as Tetris.
From its catchy music that still sticks with us after all these years to the simple yet challenging gameplay that can entertain us for hours, Tetris is the definition of a timeless classic.
Best of all, some recent adaptations, such as Tetris Effect and Tetris 99, have helped the game remain relevant today.
Ms. Pac-Man
The original Pac-Man is a 1980s gaming staple that would soon be outclassed by its sequel, Ms. Pac-Man.
Ms. Pac-Man is the perfect example of not needing to reinvent the wheel with a sequel. Rather than focus on new ideas, Ms. Pac-Man refines the formula, polishing it to an immaculate shine.
There’s a reason why I own a Ms. Pac-Man cabinet: the game is still a blast to play after all these years.
Tempest
I remember being super excited to play through a bunch of classic 1980s games on my first computer. As much fun as I had with Asteroids, no game hooked me like Tempest.
Its non-stop action keeps players on their toes throughout, adding a sense of style that wasn’t present in similar titles. You need to constantly move between lanes in a limited space, adding tension and danger that wasn’t always present in something like Missile Command.
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Super Mario Bros.
You can’t talk about the best games of the 1980s without talking about Super Mario Bros.
The 1985 platformer helped establish Nintendo as a dominant name in the gaming industry. Its precise controls, accessible yet challenging gameplay, and addictive nature made it one of the most popular and well-known games of all time.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Given the success of Super Mario and the Nintendo Entertainment System, you knew that we’d be getting a sequel. While Super Mario Bros. 2 is its own unique thing, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a proper sequel that expands upon the original in virtually every way.
Super Mario 3 proves that sometimes, bigger can be better. Its graphics push the NES to its limits, the gameplay builds upon the successful foundation, adding in a slew of new abilities for Mario, and the soundtrack remains just as catchy today.
Donkey Kong
Before Super Mario, however, there was Donkey Kong.
The 1981 classic features Mario, formerly known as Jumpman, trying to navigate his way by platforming up the game’s various stages.
It was the most complex arcade game of its time, setting the foundation for what was possible in video games. With precise controls, a clear-cut story, and unique stages, Donkey Kong is one of the most important video games ever developed.
The Legend of Zelda
The other tentpole Nintendo franchise that originated in the 1980s, The Legend of Zelda is an iconic action adventure game that expand beyond the traditional platforming gameplay of Super Mario.
It presents an expansive world, complete with monsters, dungeons, and non-linear gameplay that help set the foundation for future RPGs.
Contra
While Nintendo dominated gaming in the 1980s, they weren’t the only name in town.
Contra, developed by Konami, remains iconic not just for its cheat code, but for its action-packed gameplay.
The focus here is all on the gameplay: non-stop shooting keeps you entertained throughout. It’s an excellent change of pace from the popular platformers that dominated the market.
Mega Man 2
Speaking of action packed 1980s games, Mega Man 2 combines the thrill of an action side-scroller shooter with the challenge of something you’d expect from Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
Mega Man 2 is an iconic game with a killer soundtrack and gameplay that rivals the best games of even today.
SimCity
The simulation franchise owes everything it has to 1989’s SimCity. From city builders to life simulators, this is where it all began.
SimCity allows players to live out their city builder fantasies. From growing cities from scratch into sprawling metropolis to fending off natural disasters that could rip everything apart, SimCity provides endless hours of entertainment.
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