There’s a constant procession of new games hitting the market on what seems like an almost daily basis, but some games have maintained their popularity throughout multiple generations despite the new competition.
The games we knew and loved in our childhood are now being recreated across various gaming platforms for the next generation to enjoy and become familiar with.
From classic puzzles and casino table games to online cooperative video games, each has stood the test of time and has become a classic in its own right.
The last few years have seen the emergence of classic consoles, such as the SNES. Old school games are now being revived to adapt to new consoles and technologies, and almost all of them have revived old-school classics we hold near and dear.
The Sims
The Sims has been around for just over 20 years and is showing no signs of losing ground in terms of popularity. A sandbox-style game where the user creates and manages their own world (without any pre-defined goals or quests), the developers have consistently kept the game fresh and culturally relevant through the release of different versions of the game, including spin-offs of the original classics.
The clever use of social media gaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube has kept the game current, with many online gamers building their own platform by livestreaming their plays.
The Sims has gained such a large following that it has even been the focal point for a The Sims Spark’d, a competitive reality show for the best Sims players of today’s generation.
In 2018, The Sims took to the mobile gaming platform, targeting a new audience on a wider scale. Players can now take their virtual world with them in their pocket.
Adapting the game with the development of new technologies, the developers of the game are able to keep the games fresh and relevant, proving the lasting appeal of old school games.
Blackjack
Classic casino games have been played for centuries in different formats. The game of blackjack, for example, can be traced back to 17th-century France. The popularity of these games has never wavered, and blackjack is among those enjoying a resurgence both in the casino and online.
The success of blackjack lies in the fact that it is simple to learn, but complex to master. The developments in technology mean that the game can be played almost anywhere – in person, on a console, on a computer, or even on the go on your mobile.
It is, however, important to really know how to play in order to maximize chances of success, as well as understand the etiquette of the game, which can be more complex than you think.
Thankfully, 888 casino has enlisted the help of an expert gambling author who has shared all of his knowledge, so once you’ve read his guide ,you’ll have a good idea of how to win at blackjack.
Pokémon
Pokémon cards were a staple in the gaming library of many children during the mid-1990s, a true example of old school games.
Essentially a deck-building game, players would collect cards and challenge their friends to duels, with the winner keeping their opponents’ captured cards.
Initially released in 1996, it was the top-selling toy in the strategic game sub-class by 2016. It has, to date, sold over 30.4 billion cards in 13 different languages.
The popularity of Pokémon cards is showing no sign of wavering, and the console versions of the game have also retained their timeless popularity.
From the release of the original Game Boy games in 1996, the developer has consistently released new games on new consoles to keep the magic alive, using developments in technology to keep the game fresh and relevant to a new audience.
The developers have also branched out into toys, television, and several films, including a live-action blockbuster release in 2019, further bringing the franchise to a new generation.
The release of the mobile app Pokémon Go, which players use to physically go outside and search for Pokémon, reached an even greater demographic, reaching over 1 billion downloads since its release in 2016.
RollerCoaster Tycoon
Rollercoaster Tycoon allows players to manage their own amusement park, reaching certain goals such as increasing the park’s value or building a certain number of rides.
Initially released in 1999 as a PC Game, developers made the move to the increasingly popular Xbox console in 2003 to keep up with the needs of their audience.
There have been several sequels to the initial game, as well as expansions, increased downloadable content, and a mobile version, which has ensured the franchise’s ongoing popularity over the last 20 years, keeping these old school games alive.
The franchise has also had a large social media presence with several user-created rollercoasters receiving media attention, as well as spawning a board game and pinball machine, a series of books, and a potential film currently in the works.
FIFA
FIFA was the first game to have an official license from FIFA itself, and has developed its audience consistently since its 1995 release.
While the initial games did little more than allow players to play with club teams, subsequent editions added to this, and by 1998, the graphics had improved and offered a refined gameplay.
As technology has continued to improve, game play has been refined with each new release, and a move onto networked consoles has allowed for patches and bug fixes, as well as the ability to play against opponents across the globe.
By 2010, the FIFA series had sold over 100 million copies, and FIFA 12 sold 3.2 million copies in the first week of its release.
Old School Games Legacy
The revival of old school retro games has been driven in part by the older generation, who now have the means to invest in retro games and consoles to share with their own children.
Undoubtedly, what has maintained the popularity of these games through the generations is that they have remained culturally and technologically relevant to their target audience throughout the years.
