We all love a bit of nostalgia – it captures our hearts and minds unlike anything else, reminding us of the good old days before expensive bills, mundane jobs, and busy family life.
It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to learn that gaming has a big part to play in this, with many video game developers remaking their older games to capitalize on this feeling of nostalgia.
From updated re-releases to entirely new adaptations, these classic games have captured the attention of longtime fans and newcomers alike. Even when games aren’t remade, many have been remastered, helping gamers reconnect with the characters they loved in their youth and providing a new perspective on many of the gems we played growing up.
Not all games are about being online in a live-action game, either. Those classic word search games were great for a reason, and many word search options are now on the internet – but you don’t have to get involved in group play to enjoy it!
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the revival of these iconic games and discuss some standout examples of titles that have made a triumphant return. Whether you’re a gamer looking to reconnect with your youth or are planning an 80s inspired bingo night and want to provide some retro gaming entertainment, this list should come in useful.
Old Games That Have Made a Comeback: Retro Gaming Renaissance
The rise of digital gaming libraries such as Steam and Xbox Arcade has made it easier than ever before for us to get a chance to play the games that we loved during our youth once again. As a result of this rekindled interest, indie games have become one of the fastest-growing segments within the gaming industry, creating games with that nostalgic feel but with new storylines and improved graphics.
Nostalgia is a potent force in the entertainment industry that many developers know. This has been a significant driver behind the recent surge in interest in old video games. As we’ve grown, so has the amount of expendable income we have at our disposal, meaning we can afford to buy these remastered, or nostalgically themed, games that are being presented to us, letting us relive our younger years in front of the TV.
Remastered and remade classics
As well as creating new games with that same nostalgic feel, many game developers are remaking or remastering the same games we played when we were growing up, improving the gameplay so that they don’t feel too out of place in the modern market. These updated games often feature improved graphics, enhanced audio, and quality-of-life improvements that make the games more accessible to modern audiences.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (2019)
As a classic game that almost everybody in the 1990s loved, Nintendo’s Zelda series had it all, ranging from immersive gameplay to challenging puzzles to characters that felt and acted like the heroes we read about in comic books.
Link’s Awakening, released in 2019, was a remaking of the classic Zelda story, providing a new lease of life to an audience of gamers who had never experienced Link’s story in its best and most authentic form.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
As old-school games go, Final Fantasy has to be in the GOAT conversation, not only because of the great gameplay but also because of the series’ longevity. This series restoration has enabled the developers to reshape the story, helping to include the older generation who loved the 1990s release and making it more accessible to newer gamers.
While this franchise may feel stale and past its best, imagining a world without Final Fantasy is hard.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (2017)
If you grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Crash Bandicoot was likely a steady fixture in your gaming rotation. This newest release is a remastering of the first three games that put the series on the map and opened the door to the series being relaunched to a newer audience.
This series has it all and is often forgotten when discussing some of the best games of all time, but once you get the game up and running, you’ll remember why it was loved by so many.
Resident Evil 2 Remake (2019)
Resident Evil still boasts a cult-like following today because very few games have been able to replicate what was done in the 1990s. While horror-themed video games have been released since nothing has engrossed gamers quite like this classic video game series.
The full-blown series reboot that kicked off with the stunning Resident Evil 2 Remake in 2019 continued with Resident Evil 3 and has now reached new heights with the rapturously received Resident Evil 4 Remake, exposing a whole new generation of gamers to the franchise.
Old games that have made a comeback: conclusion
The resurgence of old video games can be attributed to a combination of factors, including nostalgia, the accessibility provided by digital distribution platforms, and the never-ending appeal of classic gameplay and original storylines.
As remastered and remade versions of these games continue to be released, along with classic collections and mini consoles, it’s clear that the timeless pull of these old video games continues to resonate with gamers across generations.
As the gaming industry evolves, we’ll likely continue to see more of these beloved titles return, enabling longtime fans and newcomers to appreciate the rich history and enduring appeal of these gaming gems. This is being done now more than ever as developers look to replicate what’s worked before, exposing new audiences to these classic titles.
