‘They don’t make ’em like they used to’ is the phrase that comes to mind when you’re two hours deep into a new PS5 system update.
Sure, the graphics are nowhere near the quality of today’s ultra-high definition, movie-like editions, but the hours upon hours of fun that were derived and their sheer sentimental value means that retro games are just as popular now as they were in their heyday.
We’re getting misty eyed and taking a stroll down memory lane with the five best retro games you need to get on. Oh, sweet nostalgia.
The Goat
The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time
Are you even a gamer if you haven’t played The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time for the N64 or, as we like to call it, the greatest game of all time?
The fifth instalment of the Zelda series (and the first utilising a third dimension) sees players controlling Link, who must rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf (not again). Battle giant fire-breathing dragons, cross a haunted desert, blow up a mountain and even learn to play some cool tunes on the ocarina. This game has about 80 hours of fun to enjoy, so the PS5 update should be installed by then.
Overall rating: 10/10.
The fulfiller
Pokémon
In need of a game in the morning commute to work or during lunch time? Then we advise you to Pikachoose (sorry, not sorry) Pokémon for the Nintendo GameBoy and let all those childhood memories come flooding back for Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur and, of course, beloved Pickachu. Based on the mega-popular animated show of the same title, Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow for the Nintendo GameBoy sees players set off on a journey to catch all 151 species, earn gym badges and become a Pokémon Master (fulfilling our true childhood dreams).
Overall rating: 8/10.
The Legend
Mortal Kombat
Enjoy MMA but not in the mood for the all that training and, you know, getting hurt? Then test your might in the original settings of one of the greatest game franchises of all time.
With the simple premise of defeating your opponent before your life bar drains out, Mortal Kombat empowers players to pound, smash, and kick their foes from the safety of their living room sofa (the only potential injury worry is worn out thumbs).
Finish what you’re are doing and go for flawless victory.
Overall rating: 8/10.
The Boss
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
The whole point of owning a PS2 back in the day was to get your mitts on this piece of artwork. With the rule book on what gaming should contain thrown out the window, GTA Vice City introduces us to Tommy Vercetti, a mobster who is released from prison after 15 years and going to back to work for his former boss. At a meeting with a prospective client, Vercetti is ambushed and as a man who doesn’t do forgiveness, you can imagine the mayhem that transpires.
With a cool ’80s soundtrack, players can carry out their questionable business practices while bopping to some classic beats.
Overall rating: 9/10.
The Speedrun
Sonic Adventure
Before he was whipping himself up into a frenzy on the big screen last year, the world’s most famous hedgehog was a permanent fixture on gaming screens for the best part of two decades.
Sonic Adventure for the Sega Dreamcast (a moment of silence please) was oodles of fun as gamers followed the blue spiked one and his mates on their quest to stop serial bad guy Doctor Robotnik (will he ever gave up?) from unleashing the ancient evil Chaos on the world. No Dreamcast? No problem. As Sega kindly re-releases the game for the Xbox 360 and PS3 to allow many more of us to go fast.
Overall rating: 8/10.
