A true classic never goes out of style, and that can certainly be said in the world of gaming. Sure, the industry might be famous for modern, lifelike visuals and immersive gameplay nowadays. But when it comes down to good, old-fashioned gaming done in the dead of night by the glow of a screen, nothing beats those tried-and-true favorites.
Even game developers themselves know that, and they've not straight away from the truth. Series that helped build the industry have released several remakes, remasters, and returns to the mainstream in recent years. That being said, it's quite surprising just how many familiar faces have returned.
The Legend of Zelda (Top Down Titles)
Seeing how the famous adventure series has never truly gone out of style, this is more of an honorable mention. Before link was swinging various bladed weapons, surfing on his shield, and saving the Divine Beasts, he was raiding dungeons, collecting treasure, and rescuing princesses with a top-down perspective.
With the recent remake of Link's Awakening and the phenomenal adventure that was A Link Between Worlds, it's clear to see that the style has not gone out of fashion. That would certainly explain the large number of Zelda-inspired titles.
The Mana Series
As many retro gamers know, the Trials of Mana released for the Nintendo switch, the fanbase is still present for this fantasy epic.
It's a hack and slash adventure with a party of multiple characters, weapons, and spells against the forces of Darkness. Perfect for those who like a little more magic in their dungeon-crawlers.
Baldur’s Gate Series
With the action-packed remake of Dark Alliance well on the horizon, it's only fair that this series from the makers of Dungeons and Dragons gets some proper respect. The popular PC RPG has now found its way into the hands of console owners for a new generation of adventures.
While it is true the recently-released editions are essentially polished ports, they still serve as a great substitute for when D&D night is canceled or called off.
Original Dragon Quest Series
Although the Builders games can definitely give Minecraft a run for its money, there's a reason the Dragon Quest series is such a beloved JRPG. A little basic, but at the same time, it has all the essentials of a tried and true adventure.
With DQXI coming equipped with a classic mode and DQIII recently announced with an HD-2D remake on the way, it's clear to see that the series can still rely on the traditional RPG method. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Pac-Man
Pac-Man is timeless, and that's plain as day. However, that doesn't mean he hasn't tried a few new things in recent years. With the introduction of Pac-Man 99, players around the world have been introduced to a new way to experience what the ghost-muncher has to offer.
Apart from the Championship Editions, there's not been a whole lot of new Pac-Man games lately. However, when combined with the madness of a battle royale, a whole new slew of players have been getting that arcade rush one more time.
Tetris
Tetris has never been unpopular, per se, but it has recently earned a spot in the Limelight. Along with Tetris 99 and other spin-offs, the iconic puzzler is trying to stay with a new generation of players.
There's nothing wrong with that, but it is quite remarkable to see how many ways there are to play the same game. New elements and get excited, the falling blocks come in more shapes and colors than one first thought. At least give the developers points for creativity.
Doom
Often cloned by other imitators, but never perfectly duplicated. It goes without saying, but the popular FPS juggernaut essentially reinvented itself with Bethesda's remake in 2016. Since the high def reincarnation slaughtered its way onto consoles players are once again met with the exhilaration and carnage of the original title.
2016's Doom Eternal. Talk about a glow-up.
Sonic The Hedgehog
This one might need a little clarification. Along with characters like Mario and Pac-Man, Sonic the Hedgehog is a character that needs no further introduction. However, the modern Sonic is a far cry away from his traditional roots. But with the introduction of Sonic Mania, the Blue Blur has seen a return to form.
This is how Sonic is meant to be played. The fast-paced, breakneck, arcade platforming action is what made Sonic who he is. Without it, he's just a run-of-the-mill gaming mascot.
Samurai Showdown
One of the most underrated fighting games to ever exist, Samurai Shodown put a different spin on the martial arts tournament. By introducing a variety of characters with all sorts of bladed weaponry, players were given a chance to experience a Bushido-styled brawler.
With a remake and the reintroduction of NEO-GEO titles on modern consoles like the Switch, perhaps there's hope for the series standing alongside giants like Mortal Kombat.
Various Pokemon Remakes
one of the most popular game franchises in history, but even they know the appeal of vintage games. Why else would they reintroduce the Kanto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh for the Nintendo Switch?
They might not be remakes in the conventional sense, but they do recapture a classic formula and environments for more modern players. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, as the saying goes. Call a Pikachu a Pikachu.