Old console games are memorable for more than just good times…
Since the release of the game Pong in 1972, the video game industry has undergone significant changes. From Atari’s humble beginnings to the gaming crash in 1983, to the Golden Age of Gaming in the late 80s to early 2000s, and finally to online gaming and high graphics in recent times, the industry has seen it all.
However, with the pandemic causing more people to play old games, many are rediscovering the joys of older console games. Companies have even responded by re-releasing or repackaging Japanese games for Western audiences, and more people are streaming their gameplay and showing off old consoles.
While modern gaming boasts many advantages, there are five reasons why some people prefer playing older console games
1. Old console games had exclusivity
During the console wars of the early 90s and 2000s, Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and Microsoft made games exclusive to their consoles. This fostered creativity and innovation as developers tried to create standout games that would attract customers to their platforms.
During that time, they and the third party developers made games like: Star Fox (Super Nintendo), Gunstar Heroes (Sega Genesis), Gran Turismo 4 (Playstation 2), Halo (Xbox), etc.
2. Gameplay focus
Older games usually let you start playing immediately, with in-game cutscenes serving to provide context rather than a long narrative. Manuals often detailed the story before giving gameplay instructions. This allowed players to jump straight into the action and get maximum enjoyment from their games.
3. No DLCs and Microtransactions
Unlike modern games, old games had no downloadable content or in-game purchases, making them more affordable and less time-consuming for gamers.
The picture above is the PS1 game name Battle Arena Toshinden 3 where there are several characters that are needed to be unlocked. The great thing about playing older games is that instead of DLCs or microtransactions, gamers had to find different ways to unlock the characters, adding to a game’s longevity.
4. Wider variety of genres in old console games
Old games covered a wide variety of genres, including platform, beat ’em up, and shoot ’em up. Indie developers have kept these genres alive, often adding a retro feel to their games or citing classic titles as inspiration.
Often, indie games have a clear retro feel, and with projects of passion with no pressure or deadlines, “forgotten” genres have been revived.
5. Multiplayer with family and friends
Older games often had local multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete or co-op with friends and family. These experiences helped strengthen relationships and provided cherished memories.
Remember when your friends came for a sleepover to play Mario Kart or Mario Party? Instead of talking to random strangers, friends and family get to play against each other or even co-op, enjoying chips, pizza, soda, and good company. Time together is about making memories, like the time my uncle bragged about making the largest amount of money in Crazy Taxi and promising to buy us fast food if we can beat his record.
Those days are gone, but some mates still remember and gather around to play them from time to time.
While modern gaming has its advantages, gamers like us find more satisfaction and value in playing classic, older console games.
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