Game Genres
Explore retro games by genre - from action, adventure, platformer, RPG, racing, fighting and more
Retro Platformer Games
Super Mario Bros. is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo. The successor to the 1983 arcade game Mario Bros. and the first in the Super Mario series, it was released in 1985 for the Famicom in Japan. Players control Mario, or his brother Luigi in the multiplayer mode, as they travel the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser.
The true sequel to the original Super Mario Bros introduces new power-ups, enhanced physics, and a dynamic weather system. Mario and Luigi return with new abilities to save Princess Peach from Bowser's airship fleet across eight chaotic worlds.
The infamous 'true sequel' to Super Mario Bros. originally released only in Japan as 'Super Mario Bros. 2' for the Famicom Disk System. This brutally difficult expansion introduces poison mushrooms, backward warp zones, and deceptive wind mechanics across 32 deviously redesigned levels. Later became the 'Lost Levels' in Western compilations due to its extreme challenge.
Super Mario Bros. 3 is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the NES. Released in 1988 in Japan and 1990 internationally, it introduced revolutionary features like the world map, diverse power-ups including the Tanooki Suit, and advanced scrolling mechanics. Often considered one of the greatest video games of all time, it set new standards for platforming gameplay and creative level design.
The 1983 NES port of Nintendo's seminal 1981 arcade game that introduced Mario (as Jumpman) and Donkey Kong. Players ascend construction sites to rescue Pauline from the giant ape across four iconic stages: 25m, 50m, 75m, and 100m.
A compilation cartridge featuring both the arcade classic 'Donkey Kong' and its sequel 'Donkey Kong Jr.' Relive Mario's first appearances as he rescues Pauline from the giant ape, then play as Donkey Kong Jr. saving his father from Mario's clutches.
Retro RPG Games
EarthBound, known as Mother in Japan, is a role-playing video game developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, and published by Nintendo. The game follows Ness, a young boy with psychic abilities, and his friends as they journey across the world to collect melodies and defeat the cosmic horror Giygas.
The game that defined Japanese RPGs, Dragon Quest (known as Dragon Warrior in North America initially) introduced core mechanics that became genre staples: turn-based combat, experience points, and equipment progression.
The first JRPG sequel expands the adventure with three playable descendants of Erdrick. Journey across continents to defeat the malevolent Hargon in this groundbreaking title that introduced party mechanics and ship travel to the genre.
The epic conclusion to the Erdrick Trilogy, Dragon Quest III follows a young hero destined to defeat the archfiend Baramos. Featuring a revolutionary class system and expansive world, it set new standards for JRPGs and remains one of the most influential games in the genre.
Dragon Quest IV is a landmark JRPG that introduced a revolutionary chapter-based narrative structure. The game follows multiple protagonists whose stories eventually converge in an epic quest to save the world from the evil Necrosaro.
The game that saved Square from bankruptcy and launched one of gaming's most iconic franchises. This NES classic established core RPG mechanics like the job system, turn-based battles, and an epic fantasy narrative.
Retro Fighting Games
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! is a boxing sports game developed and published by Nintendo. Released in 1987 for the NES, it features Little Mac fighting through a series of colorful opponents culminating in a match against Mike Tyson. Known for its timing-based gameplay and memorable characters, it became one of the most iconic sports games of the 8-bit era.
TMNT: Tournament Fighters is a 1993 fighting game developed by Konami for the NES. Featuring characters from the TMNT universe, it offers one-on-one combat with special moves and unique stages. The game includes story modes for each turtle and a versus mode for multiplayer battles.
A unique fighting game spin-off from the Kunio-kun series featuring characters from River City Ransom and other Technos classics in tournament battles with RPG-style stat progression.
Yie Ar Kung-Fu is a classic one-on-one fighting game that predates Street Fighter, featuring 11 unique opponents with different fighting styles. Players master punches, kicks, and special moves to progress through increasingly difficult matches.
One of the earliest competitive fighting games where players face off in martial arts tournaments using a unique two-joystick control system for different attacks and blocks.
Retro Action Games
The third installment in the arcade Donkey Kong series shifts to a bug-spraying mechanic. Players control Stanley the Gardener to protect his greenhouse from Donkey Kong and insect hordes using a pesticide gun.
Kunio and his delinquent squad face international teams in this hyper-violent dodgeball adaptation, featuring special throws, court hazards, and RPG-like character stats across 12 global arenas.
This over-the-top soccer adaptation features brutal slide tackles, super shots, and RPG-style team customization across 16 international teams and 7 stadium types with varying terrain effects.
Bomberman II is a maze-based action game developed by Hudson Soft for the NES. It's the sequel to the original Bomberman and introduces new features like enhanced multiplayer modes and additional power-ups. Players control Bomberman as he navigates through maze-like levels, planting bombs to defeat enemies and find exits.
Retro Action-Platformer Games
The foundational vampire-hunting action game where players control Simon Belmont through Dracula's castle. Features the iconic Vampire Killer whip and sub-weapons like holy water and throwing axes.
The debut of Capcom's iconic Blue Bomber in a revolutionary non-linear platformer. Defeat Robot Masters to gain their weapons in any order, culminating in Dr. Wily's fortress.
The Blue Bomber returns with eight new Robot Masters in this genre-defining sequel, introducing the iconic weapon acquisition system and Energy Tanks across challenging nonlinear stages.
The Blue Bomber's third adventure introduces sliding mechanics, Rush the robotic dog companion, and eight new Robot Masters with improved weapon energy management across 14 action-packed stages.
The Blue Bomber returns to face a mysterious new enemy, Dr. Cossack, and his eight Robot Masters. Introduces the Mega Buster charge shot and the first appearance of Eddie, the item-delivery robot.
In this NES installment, Mega Man must uncover the mystery behind Proto Man's apparent betrayal while battling eight new Robot Masters. Introduces the Mega Buster charge shot and Beat the bird companion who assists in combat.
Retro Racing Games
Excitebike is a motocross racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the NES. Released in 1984 in Japan and 1985 internationally, it was one of the system's launch titles in North America. The game features physics-based motorcycle racing with overheating mechanics, ramp jumps, and a track design mode that was revolutionary for its time.
Classic top-down racing game where you dodge traffic and race against time. Features 5 stages with increasing speed and challenging obstacles.
R.C. Pro-Am is a pioneering radio-controlled car racing game featuring isometric perspective racing with weapon pickups. Players compete in championship circuits while collecting power-ups and avoiding hazards.
A unique racing game where players control a penguin named Penta who must navigate icy terrain, avoid obstacles, and reach checkpoints before time runs out.
An unlicensed Street Fighter racing parody where characters battle in go-karts using their signature moves. Features 8 playable fighters including Ryu, Chun-Li, and M. Bison racing through global-themed tracks with special attacks.
A top-down off-road racing game featuring monster trucks, based on the career of legendary racer Ivan Stewart. Players compete in muddy circuits while collecting power-ups and cash to upgrade their vehicles.
Retro Beat 'em up Games
The landmark beat-'em-up where brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee rescue Marian from the Black Warriors gang. Introduces combo attacks and upgradable moves in a single-player campaign.
Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this brutal sequel to avenge Marian's death, introducing new combat mechanics including aerial attacks and grapple throws across 9 stages of street brawling action.
The Lee brothers embark on a global quest to recover five mystical stones, featuring new playable characters Chin Seimei and Yagyu Ranzou with unique fighting styles across 7 international stages.
The ultimate team-up featuring the Battletoads and Billy & Jimmy Lee from Double Dragon. This crossover beat 'em up combines both franchises' signature combat with co-op gameplay and exaggerated cartoon violence.
The precursor to Double Dragon that established the urban beat-'em-up formula. Battle through 4 districts of New York using punches, kicks, and throws against street gangs.
This groundbreaking hybrid combines street brawling with RPG elements as Kunio and Riki fight through gangs to rescue Kyoko, featuring an open city to explore, shops to upgrade stats, and co-op gameplay.
Retro Sports Games
Blades of Steel is a classic ice hockey video game developed by Konami. Known for its fast-paced action and fighting mechanics, the game features five-on-five hockey matches with realistic penalties and power plays.
A chaotic sports-action hybrid featuring characters from River City Ransom in outrageous street competitions across five violent events: 100m hurdles, shot put, swimming, pole vault, and a brutal final fight.
A chaotic street basketball game featuring characters from the Kunio-kun series. Combines 3-on-3 basketball with fighting game elements, allowing players to punch, kick, and use special moves to steal the ball.
A chaotic track and field game featuring characters from the Kunio-kun series. Players compete in absurd sporting events like piggyback fights, eating contests, and obstacle course races with combat elements.
One of the earliest American football video games, featuring simplified 1-player vs CPU gameplay where players control the quarterback advancing downfield in 10-yard increments.
Golf for NES is Nintendo's first golf simulation game, released as a launch title for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. This simple yet challenging game established the template for future golf video games with its intuitive three-click swing mechanic and overhead course view.