There's no arguing that modern games are visually very impressive. The newest consoles are great for offering high-performance and increasing catalog of exciting games. But, they also offer retro titles. A lot of these older games are being re-released onto these newer consoles. This means that older players are reliving their younger days, while the younger generation is being treated to these retro games for the first time. And retro is currently cool. So what makes these games so popular, even with their somewhat less than top-quality graphics?
Massive nostalgia
Okay, so it's not everyone who gets retro games. Many are still somewhat confused by their popularity, especially given the dated look and limited game features. It's obvious that nostalgia is hitting hard for many players. Retro games allow gamers to go back to their younger days. Potentially even to a game that kick-started it all for them. Typically, these games have a strong fan base and evoke some major emotions in older players. As they don't get modern releases, the classic vibe is very much intact too. Let's not forget, that without some of these charming older games, the modern gaming world would not be what it is right now.
Affordable games
Another probable reason for the recent surge in retro game playing is the cost. Many of the modern games are costly. Getting new game consoles just to play the games can break the budget of the average player. And then, accessories and the cost of the games themselves is often out of reach for many. In contrast, retro games don't need expensive consoles. Instead, they can be played on a smartphone. This is similar to the way crash games like JetX can be played — via a casino app or desktop browser. Retro games can also be played on older, classic consoles which are cheaper to purchase too. Many developers like Atari and re-releasing their retro games to meet this need.
Less realism
While many players really enjoy the hyper-realism provided in modern day games, some don't. This is likely why there is still such a divide between gamers when it comes to retro games. Those that enjoy the realism of modern games are unlikely to see the appeal of retro games. However, for many players, jumping into a world that doesn't look anything like the real world is exactly what they are looking for. This type of escapism is why movies and books set in fantasy or sci-fi worlds are so popular. Retro games have a charming look, large pixelated graphics and not much resembling the real world. Many of these games are less graphic too, offering a gentler, more relaxing gameplay. This alone is likely a major reason for their popularity.
Simplicity
Following on from this point, retro games tend to be simpler. Due to the advancement of technology, modern games often have tons of intricate and detailed gaming mechanics. These elevate the games considerably, but often require a lot of thought. Think DOTA 2 or Counter Strike, and you will understand just how much concentration and strategy is needed.
With simpler retro games, the goal is often just to have fun. Games like Street Fighter II, Prince of Persia or early Mario Kart games really did not have much in the way of complex gameplay. Yes, there were goals and an overarching story to keep the interest, but the rest is simple. Simple arrows and few other buttons performed the actions. And this allows gamers to play but relax at the same time. Sometimes the simple mechanic of jumping high enough to grab some coins is the perfect amount of entertainment.
With this in mind, let's not forget that some of the most popular modern games have similar simple gameplay. The huge popularity of Angry Birds, goes a long way to show how much influence retro games have had. While not retro, Angry Birds' premise and simple design is probably the best modern version of a retro game to this day.
Of course, at the end of the day, each gamer has their preference. But, there's no denying that there's something quaint and inherently appealing to a simple game of Pac-Man or Snake to get you through the day.
