In today's instant-gratification society, it's easy to forget about the many games from the past that helped shape the video game industry as we know it today. With technology advancing at an incredible pace, older video games are at risk of being lost to history. To the newest generation, the games that came before they were born might as well be ancient relics, stored in a digital museum somewhere out of reach. However, what many may not realize is that some of these "relics" are actually hidden gems, truly exceptional retro games that, with a little exploration, can still provide hours of enjoyment and challenge.

These hidden gems are the best retro games you never knew existed. They have been forgotten by many but remain some of the industry's most beloved titles. They represent a golden age of gaming, when creativity, innovation, and true passion were driving forces behind the creation of video games.

These games may have been developed in a bygone era, but they still hold up remarkably well today. Their 8-bit and pixelated graphics may seem crude compared to today's high-definition versions, but for many gamers, the charm of these games lies in their simplicity. They represent a unique time in video game history when imagination and storytelling were just as important as graphics and sound.

Despite their age, these games still offer plenty of excitement and entertainment. They provide an excellent opportunity to see how far the video game industry has come and to appreciate the creativity and innovation that went into creating these timeless classics.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog, released on the Sega Genesis in 1991, completely changed the gaming scene. It was the first game to truly rival Nintendo's popular Mario franchise and was a major hit with fans. This game was revolutionary for its time, introducing players to a blue, spiky-haired hero who could run at incredibly high speeds. The game was challenging, but also incredibly fun to play, leading it to become a beloved classic to this day.

Sonic's appearance was a huge part of what made the game stand out. Prior to his introduction, most gaming protagonists were either generic or had a defined appearance, like Mario. Sonic, on the other hand, was a completely original character with a unique look and personality. His speed was also a major selling point, as it made the game feel more fast-paced and exciting than most other platformers at the time.

Despite its popularity, many younger fans may not be familiar with Sonic's origins. The franchise has seen numerous adaptations over the years, including animated series and feature-length movies. While these adaptations have brought Sonic's character into the modern era, they don't capture the essence of what made the original game so groundbreaking.

Guitar Hero

The Guitar Hero video game series was a pioneer in the music rhythm video game genre, which it revolutionized and popularized. The series was first launched in 2005 by Harmonix, and it quickly became an essential sensation among gamers and music fans alike. The game's unique gameplay, which involved playing plastic guitar-shaped controllers in rhythm with music notes on-screen, was deeply immersive and thrilling, making the player feel like a real rock star. The series' success led to the production of several sequels and spin-offs in the succeeding years.

Guitar Hero's impact on the video game industry cannot be understated. It served as a precursor to music-themed games such as Rock Band, which Harmonix also developed, which went on to eclipse Guitar Hero in popularity. The game's success also opened a new market for specialized gaming peripherals such as instrument controllers, which were eye-catching, innovative devices that had players feeling more engaged with their games than ever before.

Despite its success, Guitar Hero has since seen a decline in popularity, leading to the franchise's eventual hiatus. This downturn is attributed to the oversaturation of the genre in the market, with too many sequels and spin-offs launched too quickly. The demanding practice of acquiring expensive instrument peripherals and even the rise of mobile and online gaming is a significant contributing factors to the decline of Guitar Hero. The result of this decline is that a new generation of gamers may never get to experience the magic embodied by the game series, nor would they get to enjoy the feeling of being a rock star at home.

The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda series is one of the longest-running and most beloved series in video game history. Since its first release in 1986, it has become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, with an impressive 19 mainline entries to its name. The series has captured the hearts of players of all ages and backgrounds, thanks to its unique blend of action, puzzles, exploration, and storytelling. However, despite its enduring popularity, many gamers of the new generation may not be aware of the series' earlier entries, which can be considered some of the best retro games ever released.

While the most recent entry in the series, Breath of the Wild, is a masterpiece in its own right, it owes much of its success to the groundwork laid by the earlier titles. The original Legend of Zelda, released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, set the standard for open-world and nonlinear gameplay, with a sprawling overworld to explore and secrets to uncover. Its sequel, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, introduced an RPG-style leveling system and side-scrolling segments, both of which are now considered staples of the series.

Other entries, such as A Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time, are widely regarded as some of the best games ever made. A Link to the Past, released in 1991 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the 2D Zelda games, with a rich world, a captivating story, and an unforgettable soundtrack. Ocarina of Time, released in 1998 on the Nintendo 64, is often cited as one of the greatest games of all time, with revolutionary 3D graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an epic storyline that takes players on a journey through time. It is important that newer players of the current generation understand that the Zelda series has a long legacy and that even older games still hold up to this day.

Retro gaming is one of the most exciting and exhilarating experiences that any gamer can engage in today. With a vast selection of hidden gems to uncover, old-school gamers and modern-day enthusiasts alike can explore a world of fascinating and diverse content. From the fast-paced and thrilling adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog to the mesmerizing melodies of Guitar Hero to the fantastical and mystical worlds of The Legend of Zelda series, there is no shortage of incredible retro games to discover.

If you're a retro gaming enthusiast looking to dive into the world of classic gaming, then look no further than the experts at Retro Gaming of Denver. Retro Gaming of Denver offers a wide variety of classic games, consoles, and accessories to suit every player's needs. Whether you are looking for your next favorite retro game, or simply want to get your hands on an old-school console or accessory, Retro Gaming of Denver is the perfect place to start.