Retro Games
We were having a nostalgic Retro Games day the other day. That was the inspiration for this blog, and the creation of our new Facebook page – ‘80s & 90s Video Games’. We were reminiscing about back in the day when we didn’t have the amazing PS3 and Xbox 360s, but we had humble consoles with cartridges, which at the time were amazing! Can’t beat a great Retro Game!
Yes, we’re talking about the Sega Mega Drive / Master System and the NES and SNES.
Retro Games would absorb hours of our lives. We were astounded by the quality of graphics and the type of games being developed. These games were on another level to Pac-Man, Pong, Q-Bert and Pole Position. These were on another level too to the old school computers. Like the ZX Spectrum (which has just turned 30 years old) and the Commodore 64. I had a Commodore 64, with its games on tapes, classics such as the ‘Dizzy’ series making these computers a hit.
The epic and addictive Retro Games started with a scrolling 2D platform set-up. Where 1 or 2 players could play co-operatively (3 or 4 if you were lucky enough to have the necessary paraphernalia!). Such examples of these Retro Games are Golden Axe and Streets of Rage. One of my personal favorites – Two Crude Dudes. Many games followed these criteria – as they worked – so why risk anything else?
New Dynamics
Then a new visual dynamic was explored, instead of a 2D approach. Whether it be viewed from behind, above or the side, a revolution was on the horizon. The introduction of such games as Cannon Fodder Desert / Jungle and Urban Strike. It was also the beginning of what in my opinion is the best football game franchise ever – FIFA International Soccer. It took gaming to a new level by adding a dynamic gaming perspective – an isometric view.
Now games started to have an added layer of depth. This was applied to all sorts of game genres. One of my all time favorite games being ‘Toe-Jam & Earl’ (the first one!). There was also ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Racing’ and ‘Zombies Ate My Neighbors’. These games all took on a new element of 3D rather than the overused 2D approach. These developments now allowed for genres of games to exploit this new dynamic feel to gaming. It pushed their efforts even further. Making games more visually appealing and more immersive than ever. There were always game developers who wanted to create a revolutionary game. Done by both being so unbelievably obvious and so simple.
What am I on about?
Sensible Soccer. Although not quite as retro but a good example of the point I am trying to make – GTA on the PlayStation. Two games, using a simple bird’s eye view, and two of the most brilliant games I’ve ever played. Although Sensible Soccer is no FIFA, it is what it is – and that is brilliantly simple and hellishly addictive! Just look at how GTA developed from its humble beginnings on the PS to where it is now on the PS3. I must admit though, my personal favorites from the GTA series are GTA III and GTA: Vice City.
Just brilliant.
I liked the iconic Sonic and Mario Bros. series; I never really fully immersed myself in the games. Yeah they were cool, without a doubt, but there were better games in my opinion. Never really bothered to play either of the franchises on other platforms other than the Mega Drive and the NES. I did think that Mario Kart on the SNES was one hell of a great game. Both series have been milked to death I feel, but companies are doing all they can to rinse them and make that little more cash from another spin off. My appreciation lies with the original, that’s just me.
As some franchises continually improve and add more to their games, in my eyes a respectful enhancement as they were not solely thinking about making money from their existing fans, but rather give the fans something more each time.
Give the gamers what they want!
FIFA was guilty of this – I’m a huge fan of the series, but they got complacent and there were a few years where they’d almost release the same game as last year but with new teams. When Konami threw Pro Evolution Soccer into the mix, FIFA had to up its game. Fortunately EA rose to the challenge, which was unfortunate as Konami showed how a proper soccer game should be. This made FIFA improve dramatically. I was never a fan of the Pro Evo series, we have to still praise their efforts as if it wasn’t for them, FIFA 12 would not be the game it is today. Same goes for Medal Of Honour, I was a die hard fan, preferring this to the early Call Of Duty games. Again in my opinion – playing second best to EA’s efforts, until the release of Modern Warfare.
This killed the Medal Of Honour series, and just got better and better with every release.
From a gaming fan’s point of view – there are only advantages from a bit of healthy competition, but it is win or lose with games developers.
As you can see we are keen gamers at McTip IT and have set up our 80 & 90’s games page on facebook, for the classic gamers out there. Don’t forget to also check out our blog on what makes a good computer game.
