Classic or retro video gaming relies on a sense of innocence and nostalgia that, according to Inverse, has demonstrable psychological benefits for gamers both young and old.
Classic titles provide a sense of warmth and belonging that modern titles sometimes eschew, and they can be an excellent way to wind down while still having experiences to benefit the imagination and personal wellbeing. Video game developers have noticed this trend, too. Newer titles are, more often than not, continuation of decades old franchises, and are genuine attempts at bringing that classic vibe into new, AAA rated titles.
Role playing and battle
One of the most transformative games to be released in the early days of video game development was Fire Emblem. The history of Fire Emblem is one of innovation; the game developed new party combat mechanics and tactical elements that weren’t seen before, and have rarely have been replicated with such accomplishment since. Fire Emblem has continued to pump out titles to the modern day; according to Euro Gamer, a new title has nearly completed development and could be out as early as October 2022. Previous titles have improved technology, but have always been careful in ensuring that they retain the warmth and curiosities that marked the early days of the series.
Grand Theft Auto
Somewhat more violent than its peers, Grand Theft Auto nevertheless also holds a claim to the vintage gaming crown. Now 23 titles old, the original was released way back in 1997. A top-down, frantic action game, it had a few unique bits of flavour to it that have been retained in games all the way up to the modern day. These include the idiosyncratic rampages and taxi quests that have been part of the game since forever. The game is now gearing up for its latest edition, and whatever the new innovations, you can be sure it’ll produce the same unique features and results that its originators did.
The Oregon Trail
Oregon Trail was a fiendishly hard historical simulator that entranced audiences way back in 1974. The iconic ‘you have died of dysentery’ text ending has become a meme in its own right. What many people don’t know, and is highlighted by GameLoft, is that the game has continued to put out new editions ever since. 2021 was the most recent release date, for a fully animated edition that has been released by Apple onto their bespoke game streaming service. An interesting factor in this is the fact that the developers have turned away from 3D graphics. Previous editions had a simply-made 3D presentation that didn’t quite hit the right note. By returning to a more simple yet beautifully implemented sprite animated format, the game is recapturing its original warmth.
Warmth is the crucial factor in all of these games. Bringing back memories of simple games, played on small TVs, and using what was mind-blowing technology in the day. Computers and consoles can do so much more today, but sometimes, focusing on the simple lessons works out best.
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