Retro computer games are a surefire way to transport you back in time to the golden years of gaming. The 1980s and 1990s marked a golden era in video games. With brands like Nintendo and Sega creating absolute dimes, the video game industry exploded, and a societal norm was born. The amount of hours people spent on the first Diablo, or on the Sims games, would truly blow your mind. One study showed that 25 percent of Americans spend 3-7 hours playing video games every day now. Tons of people have a favorite game from this timeline, and we’re here to share them with you. Here are 12 games from the 80s and 90s that are sure to inspire nostalgia.
1. Space Cadet Pinball
Fun fact: This was actually a demo for a full length game. Unfortunately, the full game flopped because people didn’t realize you could purchase a full game. Still, countless remakes and copy-cats were born from this game. It’s truly a legend amongst retro computer games.
2. Rollercoaster Tycoon 1
This game was truly unreal. Does anyone remember when you could lock people in the zoo and release the animals? An oddly graphic detail to throw into a game for kids.
3. Sim City 2000
Sim City was a black hole. One minute you’re starting to improve your city, then you’re 10 hours into creating a masterpiece. This game stole hours of sleep from so many kids.
4. Age of Empires II
Age of Empires 2 was about building and expanding civilizations through different eras. Players had to manage resources, and build armies and alliances to conquer rivals. This is still one of the best games to date.
5. Lemmings
In this game, players had to guide a group of adorable creatures through crazy obstacles that often cause them to perish. These complex puzzles challenge the player to think creatively while managing the lives of these adorable, yet doomed creatures.
6. StarCraft
This game single handedly made a generation start saying the word game as a verb instead of a noun. The game play was so smooth and the fighting portions were a blast.
7. Myst
In Myst, players explore an island filled with puzzles and mysterious worlds, unveiling the secrets of ancient civilization. This game’s ability to tell stories engulfs you in its world.
8. Duke Nukem
Duke Nukem is a fearless, wise cracking hero with a relentless drive to save the world from alien threats, armed with an arsenal of powerful weapons. Hail to the king baby.
9. Diablo
In Diablo, players dive deep into the hellish depths to battle demonic forces and obtain some serious loot. This addictive gameplay was sure to steal time from loads of people.
10. Civilization
Wise men say, that only a fool runs an empire without luxuries, king. The amount of times we played this all night is honestly an anomaly.
11. Kings Quest IV
This kings quest games still hold up. The graphic adventure game was released in 1988 and was honestly too stressful. The puzzles and quests in this game surely won’t disappoint.
12. The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island had some of the funniest dialogue we’ve ever heard. We still occasionally use the dual insults on people we don’t like.
