We are all dealing with the voluntary, and mandated, quarantines around the world best we can. One way to pass the time is gaming. That is why I have compiled a list of the five best retro games series to play during these times. Your list may be different, and that is cool, so please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Legend of Zelda A Link to the Past

Nintendo for various platforms (eBay/Amazon)

Taking control of Link one more time, you are tasked with saving the world of Hyrule. If you are into the Zelda timelines that Nintendo released years ago then you know the story here is a dark one. Things aren’t going well for the people of Hyrule and it is your job to turn that around.

Streets of Rage 2

Sega, various platforms (eBay/Amazon)

This one is here partly because it is so good and the hacks from the retro gaming community. Want to play Batman? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? There are wilder ones too as we have covered here on Retro Gaming Magazine. Check it out, even the plain vanilla Streets of Rage 2 is awesome (and there is a fourth entry coming).

Please note, to enjoy the hacks you will either need to play on a computer or have a flash cart available.

SimCity

Nintendo, Super Nintendo (eBay/Amazon)

I know, this one and the next on this list are also on computers. The difference is just ease of play here. Nintendo “consolized” the PC game changing things up a little bit. What fans got was a very “Nintendo” style take on the SimCity classic. Tons of challenge, especially if you play without the money hack, and almost endless fun with random maps available.

Doom series

Various companies, various platforms (eBay/Amazon)

The second title on this list that is also available on computers, Doom. I am going with the originals that were easy to play with controllers – hence why I am recommending the console editions. Sure, the levels are hacked a little bit, but the action is still there. My platform of choice here is the original PlayStation versions of this series.

If you want a more modern take check out Doom Eternal which just launched on modern platforms (it includes the Nintendo 64 version of Doom). No matter which version you take on they are still great fun. If you do go with the PC version

Street Fighter II series

Capcom, various platforms (eBay/Amazon)

I am going to catch hell for this one, but I am leaning towards the SNES versions. They were the ones I spent the most time with, but your choices may be slightly different.

No matter which version on consoles you pick, most are awesome. The replay value is high here, especially if you have a second player to play against.

There you go, five great retro console games worth playing while quarantined. What do you think? Let me know your list in the comments below.

Carl Williams

It is time gaming journalism takes its rightful place as proper sources and not fanboys giving free advertising. If you wish to support writers like Carl please use the links below. https://www.paypal.me/WCW https://www.patreon.com/CarlWilliams