Retro Gaming Guides

Beginner's Guide to Retro Gaming on OldGames.Games

Welcome to the world of retro gaming! Whether you're a veteran gamer looking to revisit childhood favorites or a newcomer curious about the classics that defined the industry, this guide will help you get started with OldGames.Games and make the most of your retro gaming experience.

Why Play Retro Games?

Retro games offer something unique that modern games often can't replicate: pure, distilled gameplay. Without the crutch of photorealistic graphics or cinematic cutscenes, classic game developers had to rely on tight controls, clever level design, and addictive gameplay loops. The result is a catalog of games that are still incredibly fun to play decades later. Games like Super Mario World, Chrono Trigger, and Tetris are as engaging today as they were upon release.

Choosing Your First Console

If you're new to retro games, here's our recommended path:

• Start with the SNES — It has the most beginner-friendly library with intuitive games across all genres. Try Super Mario World first.
• Then try the GBA — Pokemon and Zelda games are perfect entry points with built-in tutorials and save features.
• Move to the N64 — Experience the birth of 3D gaming with Super Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time.
• Explore the NES — Go back to the roots and discover where it all began, but be warned — NES games can be quite challenging!

Essential Tips for New Players

• Use a gamepad — While keyboard controls work fine, a USB or Bluetooth controller provides a much more authentic and comfortable experience.
• Start with easier games — Don't begin with notoriously difficult games like Contra or Ghosts 'n Goblins. Start with platformers like Super Mario Bros. or Sonic.
• Read the original manuals — Many retro games had important controls and mechanics explained only in their paper manuals. A quick online search for the game's manual can save frustration.
• Play in landscape mode on mobile — Rotate your phone horizontally for a much better experience with the on-screen controls.
• Try different genres — The retro era produced amazing games in every genre. Don't limit yourself to just platformers!

The 15 Best SNES Games You Must Play

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is home to what many consider the greatest game library of any console. Here are 15 essential SNES games that every gamer should experience at least once.

1. Chrono Trigger

Often cited as the greatest RPG ever made, Chrono Trigger is a masterpiece of storytelling, music, and gameplay design. Developed by a "Dream Team" of creators including Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy), Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest), and Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball), the game features time travel across multiple eras, 13 different endings, and a revolutionary battle system that eliminated random encounters. Its soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu is considered one of the finest in gaming history.

2. Super Mario World

The SNES launch title that set the standard for 2D platformers. Super Mario World introduced Yoshi, expanded on the formula established by Super Mario Bros. 3, and featured 96 exits across a beautifully designed overworld map. The tight controls, creative level design, and endless secrets make it endlessly replayable. Many speedrunners still compete in this game today, a testament to its perfectly tuned gameplay.

3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

This action-adventure masterpiece defined the template for all future Zelda games. With its dual Light World/Dark World mechanic, extensive dungeon crawling, and vast overworld filled with secrets, A Link to the Past remains one of the most influential games ever created. Its balance of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat is nearly perfect.

4. Super Metroid

The game that, alongside Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, gave birth to the "Metroidvania" genre. Super Metroid drops players on the alien planet Zebes with minimal guidance, encouraging exploration and discovery. Its atmosphere, world design, and sense of progression through power-ups are still unmatched. The sequence break possibilities make every playthrough unique.

5. Final Fantasy VI

With its ensemble cast of 14 playable characters, opera scene, and one of gaming's most memorable villains in Kefka, Final Fantasy VI pushed the boundaries of storytelling on the SNES. The Esper system allowed deep character customization, and the game's dramatic mid-point twist was unprecedented in gaming at the time.

More Essential SNES Titles

6. Donkey Kong Country — Rare's pre-rendered graphics stunned the world, with challenging platforming and an unforgettable soundtrack by David Wise.
7. EarthBound — A quirky, satirical RPG set in modern-day America with a bizarre sense of humor and surprisingly emotional story.
8. Street Fighter II Turbo — The definitive version of the game that launched the fighting game revolution.
9. Secret of Mana — A beautiful action RPG with real-time combat and 3-player cooperative multiplayer.
10. Mega Man X — Reinvented the Mega Man formula with wall-jumping, dashing, and upgradeable armor.
11. Super Mario Kart — The game that invented the kart racing genre and launched one of Nintendo's biggest franchises.
12. Yoshi's Island — A gorgeous hand-drawn art style with innovative gameplay mechanics and creative boss fights.
13. Contra III: The Alien Wars — Intense run-and-gun action with Mode 7 top-down stages and two-player co-op.
14. Kirby Super Star — Actually eight games in one, offering incredible variety and charming gameplay.
15. Super Castlevania IV — Atmospheric, challenging action-platforming with a memorable soundtrack and 8-directional whipping.

A Brief History of Retro Gaming: From Arcades to Home Consoles

The history of video gaming is a fascinating journey of technological innovation, creative vision, and cultural impact. From the first electronic games of the 1950s to the sophisticated home consoles of the early 2000s, each era brought revolutionary advances that shaped the entertainment industry forever.

The Dawn of Gaming (1970s)

The commercial video game industry began with Atari's Pong in 1972, a simple table tennis simulation that captivated the public. Throughout the 1970s, arcade machines became fixtures in shopping malls, bars, and dedicated game rooms across America and Japan. Landmark titles like Space Invaders (1978) and Asteroids (1979) proved that video games could generate massive revenue and cultural impact.

The Atari 2600, released in 1977, brought the arcade experience home for the first time. While its graphics were primitive — even by the standards of the time — it demonstrated the enormous consumer demand for home gaming.

The Golden Age of Arcades (1980-1983)

The early 1980s saw an explosion of creativity in arcade gaming. Pac-Man (1980) became a global phenomenon and the first video game character to achieve mainstream celebrity status. Donkey Kong (1981) introduced the world to Mario (originally called "Jumpman") and his creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, who would go on to become the most influential game designer in history. During this golden age, the arcade industry generated more revenue than both the American film industry and pop music combined.

The Crash and Nintendo's Revival (1983-1989)

The North American video game crash of 1983 nearly destroyed the industry. Overproduction of low-quality games (epitomized by the infamous E.T. for Atari 2600) led to consumer distrust and massive financial losses. The industry's savior came from Japan: the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), released in North America in 1985, rebuilt consumer confidence with strict quality control policies and landmark titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.

The 16-Bit Console Wars (1989-1994)

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the legendary rivalry between Nintendo's SNES and Sega's Genesis. This "console war" drove both companies to produce some of the finest games ever made. Sega marketed aggressively to older teens with Sonic the Hedgehog and edgier content, while Nintendo cultivated a family-friendly image with masterpieces like Super Mario World and A Link to the Past. Competition benefited consumers enormously, as both companies pushed hardware and software boundaries.

The 3D Revolution (1994-2001)

The mid-1990s brought the seismic shift to 3D gaming. Sony entered the market with the PlayStation in 1994, followed by Nintendo's N64 in 1996. Super Mario 64 established the template for 3D platformers, while The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time showed how 3D could enhance narrative and exploration. Sony's PS1 dominated the era with groundbreaking titles like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Crash Bandicoot.

The Golden Age of Handhelds (1998-2006)

Portable gaming reached its zenith during this period. The Game Boy Color brought Pokemon to the masses, the Game Boy Advance delivered SNES-quality gaming on the go, and the Nintendo DS and PSP pushed portable gaming to new heights. The Pokemon franchise alone became one of the highest-grossing media franchises in history, proving that handheld gaming could match home consoles in cultural impact.

Why Retro Games Endure

Despite decades of technological advancement, retro games remain beloved and actively played. Their enduring appeal lies in the purity of their gameplay, the creativity born from hardware limitations, and the nostalgia they evoke. Platforms like OldGames.Games ensure that these important works of interactive art remain accessible to new generations of players, preserving gaming's rich heritage for the future.

How to Use Save States: A Complete Guide

Save states are one of the most powerful features of emulation, allowing you to save and restore your exact game progress at any moment. This guide explains everything you need to know about using save states effectively on OldGames.Games.

What Are Save States?

Unlike in-game saves (which only save at designated save points), a save state captures the complete state of the emulated console's memory at a specific moment. This means your exact position, health, inventory, score, and everything else is preserved exactly as it was. When you load a save state, the game returns to that precise moment instantly.

When to Use Save States

• Before boss fights — Save right before a difficult boss so you can retry without replaying the entire level.
• At tricky platforming sections — Games like Mega Man and Castlevania have notoriously difficult sections. Save states let you practice without losing progress.
• When you need to stop playing — Even if a game doesn't have a native save feature (most NES games), you can save your progress with a save state.
• Before making choices in RPGs — Save before a branching path to explore different outcomes.

How to Save and Load States

1. During gameplay, press Escape or tap the Menu icon to open the emulator menu.
2. Select "Save State" and choose an available slot (most emulators offer 4-10 slots).
3. A snapshot of your current game state will be saved.
4. To load, open the menu again and select "Load State", then choose the slot.

Save States vs. In-Game Saves

Both save methods work independently. We recommend using in-game saves for long-term progress (when available) and save states for quick saves during challenging sections. This dual approach ensures your progress is safe no matter what happens.

Top 10 Retro RPGs That Defined the Genre

Role-playing games (RPGs) were one of the defining genres of the retro era, delivering epic stories, deep customization, and hundreds of hours of gameplay. Here are 10 retro RPGs that every gaming enthusiast should experience.

1. Chrono Trigger (SNES, 1995)

   The undisputed king of retro RPGs. Time-travel across multiple eras, 13 unique endings, and a perfectly paced 20-25 hour adventure. Its Active Time Battle 2.0 system eliminated annoying random encounters and made combat feel dynamic and strategic.

2. Final Fantasy VI (SNES, 1994)

   With 14 playable characters and a story that takes a shocking, world-changing twist halfway through, FF6 represents the pinnacle of 2D RPG storytelling. The villain Kefka is one of gaming's greatest antagonists — a nihilistic clown who actually succeeds in his plan to destroy the world.

3. Final Fantasy VII (PS1, 1997)

   The game that brought RPGs to the mainstream Western audience. Cloud, Sephiroth, and the Materia system became cultural icons. Its FMV cutscenes were groundbreaking, and the story dealt with themes of identity, environmentalism, and loss in ways that resonated with a generation.

4. Pokemon Red/Blue (Game Boy, 1996)

   The games that launched the most profitable media franchise in history. Catching, training, and battling 151 Pokemon was instantly addictive. The social aspect of trading via link cable created a gaming community unlike anything before.

5. EarthBound (SNES, 1994)

   A deeply weird and wonderful RPG set in a quirky version of modern-day America. Instead of swords and magic, you fight with baseball bats and psychic powers. Its humor, social commentary, and surprisingly emotional moments make it truly one-of-a-kind.

6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998)

   While debates continue about whether Zelda qualifies as an RPG or action-adventure, Ocarina of Time's influence on both genres is undeniable. Its Z-targeting combat system, time-travel mechanic, and masterful dungeon design set standards that games still follow today.

7. Super Mario RPG (SNES, 1996)

   The unlikely collaboration between Nintendo and Square (now Square Enix) produced a charming, accessible RPG starring Mario. Its timed button-press combat system added skill to turn-based battles, and its writing was funny and heartfelt.

8. Golden Sun (GBA, 2001)

   Camelot's portable RPG showcased what the GBA could do with impressive pseudo-3D graphics, Djinn-based magic system, and challenging puzzles. It proved that handheld RPGs could rival console offerings in scope and quality.

9. Phantasy Star IV (Genesis, 1993)

   Sega's answer to Final Fantasy, Phantasy Star IV concluded the classic series with a space-opera story, manga-style cutscenes, and the innovative Macro system for automating combat strategies. It remains the Genesis's finest RPG.

10. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade (GBA, 2003)

    The first Fire Emblem game released outside Japan introduced Western audiences to tactical RPGs with permanent death. Its compelling character stories, rock-paper-scissors weapon triangle, and strategic depth launched a franchise that continues to thrive.