The world of video games has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1970s and 1980s. With the advent of modern technology, we now have a vast array of gaming platforms, consoles, and PCs to choose from, each offering their own unique experiences and challenges. However, there are still many games that hark back to the days of arcade machines, 8-bit consoles, and floppy disks. In this article, we will take a look at some of the classic titles from old school game companies, and what made them so special.
Nintendo: Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda
One of the most iconic game franchises in history is undoubtedly Nintendo’s Mario series. Starting with Super Mario Bros., released for the NES in 1985, the plucky Italian plumber quickly became a household name. With its charming graphics, intuitive controls, and addictive gameplay, it’s no wonder that Super Mario Bros. has sold over 200 million copies worldwide.
Another beloved title from Nintendo is The Legend of Zelda, which first appeared on the NES in 1986. This action-adventure game takes players on a quest to restore peace to the land of Hyrule, guided by the wise sage Link. With its expansive world, memorable characters, and engaging puzzles, The Legend of Zelda has become one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.
Sega: Sonic the Hedgehog and Phantasy Star
Another company that made a huge impact on the gaming industry in the 1980s and 1990s is Sega. One of their most famous creations is Sonic the Hedgehog, who first appeared on the Genesis console in 1991. With his lightning-fast speed, agile moves, and catchy catchphrases, Sonic quickly became a fan favorite. The game’s innovative use of parallax scrolling gave players a sense of depth and immersion that was uncommon at the time.
Sega also created Phantasy Star, which first appeared on the Genesis console in 1987. This sci-fi RPG takes place in the distant future, where humans are battling against an alien race known as the Phantoms. With its intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay, Phantasy Star has become a cult classic that continues to inspire new generations of gamers.
Atari: Pong and Space Invaders
No list of old school game companies would be complete without Atari. Founded in 1972, Atari was one of the first companies to bring video games into households across America. One of their most iconic titles is Pong, released in 1972 for the Atari 2600 console. This simple yet addictive table tennis game was a massive hit, selling over 15 million units and paving the way for future multiplayer games.
Another classic title from Atari is Space Invaders, which first appeared in arcades in 1978. This fixed shooter game features an army of aliens who march across the bottom of the screen, firing at the player with increasing speed and ferocity. With its simple yet challenging gameplay, Space Invaders has become one of the most successful video games of all time, selling over 30 million units worldwide.
Conclusion
As we look back on the history of video games, it’s clear that these old school companies played a crucial role in shaping the industry as we know it today.
