There’s something magical about vintage video games. They transport us back to simpler times when the thrill of a new game could keep us glued to the screen for hours. I remember saving up my money for what felt like an eternity to buy my first Sega. I was so jealous of my best friend who had one at his home and how he would practice to beat most of us in Street Fighter matches (he knew how to create fireballs via Yoga Flame). He would always initially win, and I felt like if I just got a little more time with his Sega, I would become a “champion” too.

Finally, when I got my hands on my own Nintendo and later Sega, I was unstoppable. I became one of the highest-scoring players on all my friends' game boards. More importantly, it wasn’t just the thrill of winning; these games fueled my imagination. I later took to coding just to create some fun ones of my own. Here are my top vintage video games that are still worth playing today, not just for nostalgia, but because they are timeless classics that transport you to more light, fun, and creative times.

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

The first time I played Super Mario Bros., I was at my cousin Benjamin’s house, and he had just gotten a Nintendo Entertainment. We sat cross-legged on the floor far too close to the TV, controllers in hand, staring in awe. The excitement of guiding Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom, dodging Goombas, and jumping on platforms was amazing. When Super Mario Bros. came out in 1985, it felt like a revolution.

The level design was genius and the music was instantly iconic. Even today, Super Mario Bros. holds up because of its perfect blend of challenge and fun. The simplicity of the game design is its strength, and playing it now feels just as rewarding as it did back then.

2. Street Fighter II (1991)

Street Fighter II was a game-changer and my all-time favorite (I think it was probably THE favorite game of all my friends as well). We would gather at the local arcade, pockets full of quarters, ready to duke it out (my choice was always Chun-Li because, with her kicks, I could beat almost any challenger). The competitive aspect of the game was intense and thrilling. I spent countless hours learning combos and later perfecting my Hadouken, trying to be the best.

Today, Street Fighter II still shines because of its deep mechanics and balanced gameplay. The graphics and character animations were ahead of their time and still look great, and to this day, I appreciate the skill and the strategy involved.

3. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

The Legend of Zelda was my first real taste of adventure gaming. I remember the thrill of unwrapping it on my birthday and rushing to plug it into the console. Released in 1986, it was a groundbreaking game that offered a sense of exploration and discovery like no other; I can still recall the excitement of finding hidden caves and mastering the dungeons.

The non-linear gameplay and intricate puzzles were what made it so great. From this (adult) perspective, the game feels so great because the design encourages curiosity and problem-solving, which are timeless aspects of great gameplay.

4. Pac-Man (1980)

Pac-Man was a staple at every birthday party (probably for all the kids across the US and even the world at this time). I remember standing on a step stool to reach the controls, as I was too small when it first came out. The game's iconic sound effects and colorful graphics were mesmerizing for us, and what’s amazing is how well Pac-Man has aged!

The gameplay is easy to pick up but hard to master, making it addictive for even my own kids today. It’s a perfect example of how a straightforward concept can provide endless entertainment.

5. Tetris (1984)

The first time I played Tetris was when my older brother had brought home a Game Boy, and we huddled together, taking turns to see who could last the longest. Released in 1984, its concept of fitting falling blocks into rows was instantly great, and even to this day, it is so widely imitated. The music, especially the Russian folk tune, became iconic and got stuck in our heads for days.

What makes Tetris timeless is its perfect balance of simplicity but also its complexity. The game continually challenges you to beat your previous high score, making it great as the first gaming competition amongst friends. Today, Tetris is just as engaging, showing us that the simplest ideas are the best.

So, dust off that old console or find an emulator, and relive the classics— if you are anything like me, you won't be disappointed! For me, these games are such a cherished part of my past and a reminder of why the world of gaming is so wonderfully immersive and timeless!