The top vintage video games of 2024
It might be challenging to choose the greatest retro games for you because of the increasing impact of these titles. Some may merely be cashing in on the retro porting fad, while others may be so intricate and antiquated that they need a strategy guide.
But that's not the situation here. Whether they are new or old, our selection of the greatest retro games for the Switch and mobile devices is unbeatable. Take a look at our lists of the top 2023 mobile games and the finest Final Fantasy games if you're searching for even more suggestions.
All right, let's get right into our selection of the top vintage games for Switch and mobile devices.
Switch and smartphone versions of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
The greatest video game ever produced? It's definitely excellent, but probably not. The pinnacle of a series that gave rise to a whole new genre that is now available on the Nintendo eShop (Metroidvania, but more on that subgenre later) is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. It is easy to overlook the gameplay advances when there is so much beauty, such as an epic music and a magnificent atmosphere, that makes the game a classic. In any case, it's among the greatest games ever made and a must-have for Metroidvania fans.
Final Fantasy VII - Switch and mobile
Super Mario World on the Switch The greatest video game ever produced? Indeed! No, but in my (right) view, the greatest one on this list. After fifteen years of developing on the best 2D platforming games, Super Mario World was released in 1990, and it pulled everything together flawlessly. It has Yoshi, which makes it the most thrilling platforming experience I've ever had, and it should be regarded as the greatest game ever made.
Doom: Mobile and Switch
It appears that with all these old games, we are unable to escape Wikipedia's "list of video games considered the best" page. Although Doom wasn't the first first-person shooter per se, it was the first in essence since no other game had been able to match John Carmack and John Romero's speed and responsiveness. Not only was the technology revolutionary, but the level design is excellent and replete with intense metal energy. You'll enjoy yourself playing any of them, but the first thing to figure out is where to begin.
Switch - Resident Evil 4
The renowned survival horror and third-person shooter game Resident Evil 4 expertly blends stunning visuals with an absurd plot. It is still influential in the genre today and is another timeless masterpiece. The offset third-person camera's usage alone contributed to its widespread popularity in a large number of subsequent games. Is this a classic game? Most likely. Play it now.
Switch
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's AwakeningInitially, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was meant to be a Game Boy version of A Link to the Past. The game evolved beyond its initial goals under Takashi Tekuza's direction, becoming perhaps the oddest Zelda game to date. An amazing experience is created by the unusual atmosphere (inspired by David Lynch's Twin Peaks) with the original Zelda gameplay.And if you're feeling really adventurous, there's a full-fledged toyetic recreation available on the Switch that plays at around seven frames per second. It's a terrific game, but for some reason, it doesn't seem very vintage.
Switch and mobile versions of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Most people undoubtedly know Bioware from the Mass Effect series, or even from Dragon Age. However, prior to everything, there existed .Knights of the Old Republic in Star Wars. KOTOR is a heavy, captivating role-playing game that has one of the greatest Star Wars tales available. It offers you the option to become a criminal smuggler or live the life of a Jedi that you have always imagined. An authentic Star Wars dream. See our review of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on the Switch. if you're considering trying it out.
Mobile version of Dragon Quest VIII
Though any of the Dragon Quest games will suffice, Dragon Quest VIII is perhaps the greatest. Though VIII isn't precisely ancient, more recent installments are perhaps a little simpler to get into. Upon its release in 2005, the game received a 39/40 rating from Famitsu and is widely regarded as the series' comeback. For those who like old gaming, I'm not sure about all that, but the series is a must-play. The first three games in the series are also available on Switch if you'd want something more traditional.
Switch
OkamiOkami, the greatest Zelda game that isn't a Zelda game, tells the tale of a wolf deity rescuing the planet after a catastrophe. Throughout the game, you may control the wolf's many abilities, accomplish objectives, and go on adventures by using a paintbrush. It was well praised upon release, and the most recent HD remaster to hit the Switch is among the greatest experiences on the system.
Sonic 2 - Mobile and Switch
I'll be honest with you, okay? Sonic doesn't appeal to me. I have one Sonic cup and two Sonic tees. However, I don't like the games. I apologize. However, if I were to like any of the games, this would be my favorite. It is almost entirely superior to the original game and plays a significant role in Sega's history. It's a fairly significant vintage game, so if you enjoy Sonic and haven't played it, you really should.
Super Mario 64 on the Switch Often times, the greatest games ever are just the ones who figure something out first. Forever, game developers have struggled to create a functional camera in a 3D environment, and many current games still use shaky cams. However, Super Mario 64 performed something close to a miracle. It has passable camera control and converted Mario's magic into a three-dimensional environment without ruining it. Though not flawless, it was revolutionary. View our Super Mario 3D All-Stars review to determine whether the compilation of old school games is worthwhile.
Pac-Man: Mobile and Switch
Pac-Man is very incredible. Those who have played it will know, but those who haven't may be surprised by how captivating it is even today. Its design defied the prevailing trends of the period, its character is based on a pizza with a piece removed, and the sensation it produced is still spoken about today, making it a legendary creation. It seems like games have advanced much since Pac-Man, but I've played Pac-Man more than Cyberpunk, so..
Super Metroid – Switch
One of the greatest shocks for me when I first began delving into old games was Super Metroid, which is, in case you hadn't guessed, the second half of the Metroidvania genre. Even though the majority of my encounters still felt a bit awkward, I persisted because I knew it would be worthwhile to see everything. not with Super Metroid, however. I became engrossed in it and remained so until the very end. It's fantastic—far superior than Metroid Dread, really.
Flip and mobile in Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 ()
When I was younger, I spent many hours playing simulation games, and Roller Coaster Tycoon is one of my favorites. Placing you in the role of a theme park manager, you get to create your own park with unique rides, oversee the employees, and ensure that your patrons are satisfied. It is a really enjoyable vintage retro game that you must play.