Greetings friends and fellow enthusiasts!
This is Mikhailov from Team Retrogue, where we like retro games and the devices that bring them to us.
What is a “timeless” game? According to Merriam-Webster, the word “timeless” is an adjective defined as “not restricted to a particular time or date“. Which video games from our past meet this honored criteria? I posed this question to some members of the Retro Handhelds community. In this article, you will find some timeless games that the Retro Handhelds staff and community recommend as their personal favorites.
Chrono Trigger (SNES): 1995
Nominated by Nick
Coffee’s Rationale: “The characters, the story, the themes, the battle system – everything about it was perfect the first time round. There’s nothing that a remaster would really improve. As a result, I’ve been playing it since its release. I’m not bored with it yet.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: I will always love this game and I agree that there is never a need for a remaster or a remake. It’s perfect as-is. That said, play the SNES or the Nintendo DS version. Try to stay away from the Steam version.
Asteroids (Arcade/Atari): 1979
Nominated by Dan W
Dan’s Rationale: “Despite its basic charm it continues to provide a solid game framework and challenge for any level of player.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: Consequently, my son loves this game. Even at 3 years old, it is very approachable to him. He calls it the “pew pew” game.
Sonic 3 & Knuckles (Genesis): 1994
Nominated by Ban
Ban’s Rationale: “I don’t know why my brain said Sonic 3 and Knuckles not gonna lie. I think as a combined game (using the Sonic & Knuckles Add-On Cart) it holds up really well. However, not so much as a standalone game because the Knuckles cart as a whole second half to the original game.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: Personally, I think Sonic 2 is a bit more timeless. However, Sonic 3 has its own charm.
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time (N64): 1998
Nominated by Nefarious Ways (Co-Host of the “We Played a Game” Podcast)
Nefarious’s Rationale: “When we talk about something that’s timeless, we really need to see what people are still talking about. What people are still picking apart…still analyzing…still wondering how it happened. It travels with us and even influences us. It makes us say ‘I want a game like that again.’ Although I love Earthbound, Ocarina of Time still comes to mind as a game that checks all those boxes, flaws and all. I really can’t see a time when people won’t be referencing that game as a standard.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: I really expected Nefarious to pick Earthbound. Dude won’t shut up about that game.
Tetris (Released on 65 Platforms): 1985
Nominated by Azile
Azile’s Rationale: “One of the first games available to the Game Boy, and was also bundled with the Nintendo Game Boy for a time. I believe it has one of the highest sales in history, and I would say it doesn’t really need graphics. The gameplay is what makes it timeless, and enjoyable for all ages.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: Tetris will always be a chill puzzle game to me. I recommend Tetris DS. You can play that game on one screen if emulating on a single screen device and it has a lot of Nintendo game references in it. If you’re looking for a more vanilla approach, try the Tetris Rosy Retrospection ROM hack for the Game Boy. It’s the original pack-in Tetris with some nice quality-of-life improvements.
Super Metroid (SNES): 1994
Nominated by Zu Reviews
Zu’s Rationale: “I just played it for Game of the Month and it held up. It has the classic ambiance of a retro game (solid sprites, awesome music, a distinct mood) but it also has advancements that are still standard today, like the map. For Metroid 1 and 2, you needed a Nintendo Power guide or a graph-paper notebook at your side. You also have the ability to sequence break if you’re proficient enough.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: I’ve been looking into Super Metroid a bit. In fact, this game is so popular that there are unofficial remakes either completed or in the works. Someone ported Super Metroid to Game Boy Advance to match Zero Mission and Fusion’s style, and FSMR has been on and off development for years. Unfortunately, FSMR is currently in hiatus. It was starting to look really cool too. Personally, I’m excited to try the Super Metroid Redux ROM Hack.
Kirby Super Star (SNES): 1996
Nominated by J-Dubya
J-Dubya’s Rationale: “As far as our poyo boy goes, this game set the standard for what we wanted out of the series, whether it’s engaging mini-games, iconic music, seamless co-op through “helpers” You begin with a simple assortment of mini adventures from the simple Spring Breeze, and make your way to the epic Milky Way Wishes. For parents, this is an enticing bonding title for a simple yet fun co-op experience with your kid.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: My father never bought me this game. He never liked spending the money to pay full price for games. However, he had no problem taking me to the local video store and spending $5 for me to rent it. This was one game that I rented so many times, that my father probably paid the retail price for it anyway. When I was older, I finally purchased the DS version. This game is also part of an anniversary collection for the Nintendo Wii. I agree with J-Dubya. This is still a fantastic game today. Great Cave Offensive is my favorite of the many experiences, but Revenge of Meta Knight is fun too.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES): 1988
Nominated by Retro Tech Dad
Rob’s Rationale: “Super Mario Bros. 3 was really one of the best games on NES. It has fantastic visuals that are iconic at this point and still hold up very well. The same can be said for the gameplay, which is the pinnacle of 2D Mario platforming goodness that really set the standard for the games that followed. Besides, for all of the nostalgia that I have associated with it, I think that anyone can jump in and enjoy this game and it will never really feel ‘old’.”
Mikhailov’s Two Cents: I was eight years old when I got this game for my birthday. My cousin bought it for me. He wrapped it in toilet paper and then proceeded to smear the toilet paper wrapping in brown food coloring. He told me he ran out of toilet paper and had to use my present. I was only 8 years old, so of course I believed him. My cousin also does not pay for my current therapy bills.
Now it’s your turn. What game do you consider “timeless” and why? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord! You can see plenty of my other articles on this site, including an article where I talk about gaming in VR.
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