The Famicom was released in 1983. If the Famicom was the pioneer in developing the home computer game market, then the history of computer games is over 40 years old.
Although 40 years is still a short period in market history, those elementary school children from back then are now approaching middle age. A certain culture and history have indeed been formed.
In this article, I want to discuss the appeal of old games, often called retro games.
Unless they are researching games, most fans generally prefer playing new or currently popular games. In that sense, collecting and playing retro games might seem like an unusual hobby.
However, retro games are fascinating when considered as a hobby.
One reason is that it’s a very cheap hobby.
Super Famicom and PlayStation games used to be expensive, but now you can buy second-hand games for a fraction of the cost. Aside from rare and valuable items, most can be purchased for just a few hundred to a few thousand yen.
While the prices of game consoles have increased recently due to overseas demand, you can still find some for under 10,000 yen, with most costing tens of thousands of yen at most.
Many people who play retro games to reminisce about the past are likely working adults. For them, spending tens of thousands of yen on a hobby is probably not a significant expense. Moreover, as long as the consoles don’t break, you can play them indefinitely. Retro consoles like the Famicom, Super Famicom, and PlayStation are extremely durable, making retro gaming a worthwhile hobby.
If you don’t want to invest in retro consoles, you can play retro games using the online function of the Nintendo Switch. I highly recommend giving it a try.
The fun of playing retro games isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s also about enjoying games in their original, unaltered form.
As an adult, you might find it more challenging to complete games due to skill level or time constraints, but the satisfaction of revisiting these games remains.
Retro gaming is a hobby I would recommend to young gamers, as long as it suits their interests.
Exposure to older entries in popular series like Final Fantasy and Monster Hunter can deepen your appreciation and love for these franchises.
Most retro games don’t require an internet connection, allowing you to enjoy them on your own terms. This is a highly recommended aspect. Modern games, even offline ones, often have elements tied to the internet, like DLC and strategy wikis. Retro games, created before the internet era, let you fully immerse yourself in the experience.
However, many strategy sites exist for retro games too, so feel free to play without consulting them.
However, if you ask me whether retro games are more interesting than modern games, the answer is no.
With advancing technology, the possibilities in games are expanding rapidly.
Modern games surpass retro games with stunning graphics, sophisticated UI, and ease of use.
When playing retro games, you might find some parts confusing or difficult to operate.
Nonetheless, retro games are still worth playing. Games are creative works, like novels, movies, and manga, and many were shaped by their historical context. There are many games we couldn’t make today, and experiencing them is the true thrill of retro gaming.
Retro games excelled at making engaging experiences within limited hardware performance. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are better games, but the ingenuity in their functions and scenes contributes to gaming culture. As a game geek, realizing this is truly fun.
These are my recommendations for retro games.
Currently, at SQOOL’s YouTube channel, we provide a variety of information to everyone. We also aim to show you how to enjoy retro games in today’s environment through our videos, so stay tuned!
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