Feeling Nostalgic?

Some argue that the golden era of video games has come and gone, but the best thing about physical media is that you can still enjoy old titles today. With that in mind, here are 20 games that defined the childhood of millions of kids.

1. Super Mario Bros.

A classic and timeless game, Super Mario Bros. introduces players to the magical world of the Mushroom Kingdom. This platformer game is full of fun and excitement and brings joy to anyone who plays it. Beating Bowser and saving Princess Peach feels like an incredible accomplishment.

2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Exploring the vast world of Hyrule is an incredible adventure full of intrigue and discovery. The game brings a great number of puzzles, combat, and a deep and immersive story that makes you feel like you are on a real journey. Many people have fond experiences finding the game's many secrets and finally defeating Ganon.

3. Mario Kart 64

This racing game brings endless fun and excitement with friends and family with its chaotic races. The thrill of throwing shells and dodging banana peels makes every single race a unique one. Mario Kart brings lots of laughter and creates some unforgettable memories.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic is a fast hedgehog going through an incredibly colorful and exciting platformer world. The catchy music and incredibly speedy levels keep everyone coming back for more. Racing through Green Hill Zone and collecting rings is a memory that still lives in many fans' minds.

5. Street Fighter II

This game introduced many to their first competitive fighting game experience. Learning the complex combination of buttons to execute certain moves, like Hadouken, brought a level of challenge and skill when playing against friends. It is a nostalgic game that has evolved to new and incredible levels even today.

6. GoldenEye 007

GoldenEye 007 is a first-person shooter that defined the multiplayer split-screen battle mode. Being able to play a first-person shooter against friends or family on the same device was revolutionary. The thrill and excitement of sneaking around as James Bond made players feel like secret agents.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

This game’s vast world and deep story have embedded themselves in many people's memories. The unforgettable fantasy adventure is full of puzzles and dungeons, and playing the ocarina creates a magical experience for players. Many remember the joy of riding Epona and completing quests to finally defeat Ganondorf.

8. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country is a game with beautiful graphics, catchy soundtracks, and fun platforming mechanics. Playing as Donkey or Diddy Kong provides different and creative ways of going through levels. It’s a perfect mix of challenge and charm that made many people’s childhoods feel exciting.

9. Final Fantasy VII

This role-playing game introduced many players to unforgettable characters and an incredibly deep story. The bond you form with Cloud and his friends takes you through an emotional journey and makes you feel like a part of something bigger. The game's epic battles and beautiful music make it an unforgettable experience for sure.

10. Mortal Kombat

A game that lives in many people’s memories as the most intense and brutal fighting game ever, Mortal Kombat brought unforgettable fatalities and exciting combat to those more rebellious. Mastering special combinations and moves to compete against friends was a thrill many remember to this day. It’s truly one of the staples of arcade-like games.

11. Super Smash Bros.

This game combined all of Nintendo’s greatest and most famous characters into one battle-royale video game. It is a perfect party game that has brought many competitions and rivalries to the comfort of your couch. The joy of knocking someone out of the stage made these gaming sessions legendary.

12. Doom

As one of the very first major first-person shooter games, Doom gave players a thrilling and fast-paced, action-packed challenge. The eerie atmosphere and constant threats added to the excitement of playing this game. It definitely makes people feel nostalgic for the good old days.

13. Duck Hunt

A classic and simple yet addictive shooting game that was incredibly fun for kids. The thrill of shooting ducks, as well as the frustration of missing a shot, was amplified by the fact that you got to use an actual gun-shaped controller. The biggest and most nostalgic detail from this game is the laughing dog that makes you feel bad for missing too many shots.

14. Metroid

Metroid is a sci-fi, action-packed exploration game for true space lovers. The surprise twist of Samus being a woman was mind-blowing for kids all around the world when it was first revealed. From the eerie music to the unique gameplay mechanics, Metroid made many childhoods feel full.

15. Pokémon Red and Blue

Catching, training, and battling Pokémon has, is, and always will be an exciting thing. The sense of adventure and the catch-'em-all aspect of the game make it incredibly exciting and thrilling to play. Red and Blue were a stepping stone for many Pokémon fans into later Pokémon games and made the childhoods of an incredible number of kids feel amazing.

16. Metal Gear Solid

A game full of cinematic storytelling and stealthy gameplay, Metal Gear Solid is a staple of old-school video games. Sneaking past guards and experiencing the incredibly deep story made the game feel action-packed and very interactive. It made the kids playing it feel like secret agents on a dangerous mission.

17. Resident Evil

This survival game thrilled the brave and scared the fearful with its horror atmosphere and the number of zombies throughout the game. Exploring the mansion felt like being in a real and immersive horror movie. The excitement of solving puzzles and surviving made many people’s childhoods feel more thrilling.

18. The Sims

Creating and managing your Sims' virtual lives gives endless opportunities for creativity and fun. Building your dream home, decorating it with gorgeous furniture, and watching your Sims live out their lives is an incredible and rewarding experience. This game lets players escape and play out their imaginations.

19. Mega Man 2

This game has incredibly challenging levels and memorable boss fights. Catchy music and cool weapons keep players hooked. It has a mix of challenges and adventure that made many childhoods feel epic.

20. Diablo

This dark fantasy role-playing game lets players explore dungeons full of monsters and rare loot. The thrill of finding powerful gear and defeating demons makes this game super addictive and exciting. It’s a perfect mix of challenges and adventure that made everyone feel like an epic warrior, rogue, or sorcerer.