The pixelated graphics and catchy 8-bit soundtracks of retro video games evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for many gamers.
The blocky characters and objects plus the simplistic gameplay of retro games represent a simpler time when gaming was all about having fun with friends rather than flashy graphics and complex controls.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in retro gaming. Classic NES and SNES titles are being re-released on modern platforms. Multiplayer games that once kept 90s kids glued to their TV screens for hours have found new life through online communities.
Turns out that getting competitive on these classic titles against other devoted retro gamers can be just as exciting today as it was decades ago. In this article, we’ll cover all the retro game titles you can get competitive with:
Why Retro Games?
So what gives these aged pixels such lasting appeal? Much of it has to do with their simplicity and accessibility. Retro games present easy-to-grasp concepts, straightforward objectives, and instant fun.
Their minimalist graphics and controls have an intuitive feel, so they allow players to dive right into the action. So, unlike the complex play of today’s photorealistic AAA epics, retro gaming keeps the focus on pure gameplay.
While modern competitive gaming requires expensive rigs and sharp reflexes, getting competitive with retro games puts players of all skill levels on equal footing. You don’t need fancy gear or hours of tutorial—just basic hardware, working knowledge of a controller, and a solid grasp of simple mechanics.
In addition, retro multiplayer games produce dynamic back-and-forth interaction. These games are pretty much easy to learn but can be tough to master, so they’re ideal for competition. With all that in mind, it’s not hard to understand why the competitive retro-gaming scene still has vibrant communities.
Top Retro Games for Competing
Some retro classics seem designed expressly for players to battle wits and reflexes. Here are 7 games with the competitive depth to remain e-sport staples decades later:
Counter-Strike
Without a doubt, this FPS game was one of the first multiplayer shooters built for competition that became all the rage in the early 2000s. Until today, many still enjoy its gameplay, despite the brand having already released other CS titles.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Nintendo’s mascot-packed brawler, Melee, took the early 2000s competitive fighting scene by storm. Its kinetic battles demand flawless control as players juggle rivals off-screen.
Dedicated fans have uncovered advanced techniques for turning matches into intense tests of execution. Released in 2001, Melee stands as the preferred Smash Bros. title for tournaments as it offers frame-precise action too technically rich even for casual gamers.
Starcraft
This 1998 RTS classic revolutionized competitive gaming with factions balanced finely for 1v1 strategy showdowns. In this game, you have to carefully manage your resources while scouting for enemies and expanding your infrastructure thoughtfully.
Starcraft’s cerebral matches made it an early e-sport game. It’s one of the games that has established South Korea’s PC gaming culture. 20+ years later, players still come up with new strategies since it’s still supported by ongoing patches.
Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
Street Fighter II has pretty much set the mold for attention-grabbing versus games. Its roster of distinctive World Warriors has become video game icons, and most gamers know their special moves and lines.
Hyper Fighting’s faster gameplay introduced combos, which increased the competitive skill cap in games. This is something that can easily be enjoyed by many even today.
Tetris
On Game Boy screens during the 1990s, Tetris pieces fell perpetually as an entire generation was puzzled for hours on end. The seven tetrominoes create simple but addicting line-clearing action. It’s fun as it tests one’s spatial reasoning skills.
Top-level players enter a trance-like state (known as the Matrix), manipulating pieces with superhuman speed and efficiency. You can enjoy this game in retro style but if you want to be more competitive, there are now platforms that allow you to play this in multiplayer online mode.
Card Games
Before video games, cards and boards offered analog competition. Poker remains America’s quintessential card game, having anchored competitive gambling for over 200 years.
But if that’s not your jam, there are plenty of real money card games you can enjoy online, even traditional ones like Andar Bahar. You can try Andar Bahar online at 10CRIC and other real money gaming sites.
Conclusion
Retro games have stood the test of time when it comes to competitive gaming. While the graphics of the games we’ve mentioned may seem dated by today’s standards, many would agree that the sheer fun and competition they offer are timeless.
As long as there are dedicated fans, these retro classics will no doubt continue to thrive competitively for more decades to come.
