top 20 perfect classic games

Best retro games: the best classic video games around | ShortlistAbsolutely! Here's a curated list of 20 timeless classic video games that have left an indelible mark on the gaming world. These titles are celebrated for their innovative gameplay, cultural impact, and enduring popularity. Each entry includes information on where you can play them today, along with links to gameplay videos by popular YouTubers for a visual experience.

๐ŸŽฎ Top 20 Timeless Classic Video Games

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch Online, NES Classic Edition

  • Why It's Classic: Revolutionized platformers with its precise controls and imaginative level design.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Super Mario Bros. Full Playthrough

2. Tetris (1984)

  • Platforms: Available on almost every platform, including iOS, Android, and PC

  • Why It's Classic: Introduced addictive puzzle mechanics that are still engaging today.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Tetris 99 Gameplay

3. Pac-Man (1980)

  • Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile

  • Why It's Classic: Pioneered maze-chase gameplay and became a pop culture icon.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Pac-Man Championship Edition DX

4. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

5. Donkey Kong (1981)

  • Platforms: Arcade, NES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Marked the debut of Mario and set the stage for future platformers.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Donkey Kong Arcade Gameplay

6. Space Invaders (1978)

  • Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile

  • Why It's Classic: Pioneered the fixed shooter genre and introduced the concept of high scores.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Space Invaders Gameplay

7. Asteroids (1979)

  • Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile

  • Why It's Classic: Introduced vector graphics and rotational movement mechanics.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Asteroids Arcade Gameplay

8. Super Mario World (1990)

  • Platforms: Super Nintendo, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Expanded upon its predecessor with new power-ups and expansive levels.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Super Mario World Full Playthrough

9. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

10. Street Fighter II (1991)

  • Platforms: Arcade, SNES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Set the standard for competitive fighting games with its diverse roster and mechanics.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Street Fighter II Turbo Gameplay

11. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

  • Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Switch, iOS, Android

  • Why It's Classic: Brought cinematic storytelling to RPGs and introduced memorable characters.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Final Fantasy VII Remake Gameplay

12. Chrono Trigger (1995)

  • Platforms: SNES, PlayStation, DS, iOS, Android

  • Why It's Classic: Known for its innovative time-travel mechanics and multiple endings.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Chrono Trigger Full Playthrough

13. Mega Man 2 (1988)

  • Platforms: NES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Introduced the "Robot Master" system and refined the series' gameplay.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Mega Man 2 NES Gameplay

14. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

15. Metroid (1986)

  • Platforms: NES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Introduced atmospheric exploration and non-linear gameplay.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Metroid NES Gameplay

16. Duck Hunt (1984)

  • Platforms: NES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Innovative use of the NES Zapper light gun peripheral.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Duck Hunt Gameplay

17. Pitfall! (1982)

  • Platforms: Atari 2600, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: One of the earliest side-scrolling platformers with an adventure theme.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Pitfall! Atari Gameplay

18. Pong (1972)

  • Platforms: Arcade, Various Retro Collections

  • Why It's Classic: The first commercially successful arcade game, simulating table tennis.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Pong Gameplay

19. Donkey Kong Country (1994)

  • Platforms: SNES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: Known for its groundbreaking pre-rendered graphics and challenging gameplay.

  • YouTube Gameplay: Donkey Kong Country SNES Gameplay

20. EarthBound (1994)

  • Platforms: SNES, Switch Online

  • Why It's Classic: A quirky RPG with a modern-day setting and unique humor.

  • YouTube Gameplay: EarthBound SNES Gameplay

These games have not only shaped the gaming industry but also continue to influence modern titles. Whether you're revisiting them for nostalgia or experiencing them for the first time, they offer timeless entertainment. Enjoy exploring these classics!