For those of us who were young when the Nintendo Entertainment System first hit markets, it represents a childhood filled with countless gaming memories. Finally beating the last level on Super Mario Bros, giggling maniacally as we shot down ducks in Duck Hunt and nearly tossing the controller after a single bullet grazed my leg and killed me in contra. All the nes rpg games considered for the list are only NTSC "North America" NES version of the games. For the Record: I have the original game The Legend of Zelda on the list. Yes I'm full aware its more of an Action/Adventure game, but it's my site, my blog and Zelda ROCKs so it's listed! NES games & Role-Playing games have always been a staple of console gaming, and today we are going to take a look at the 10 of the best nes rpgs the Nintendo Console had to...
Today, we are going to take a look at the Best Games from the Super Nintendo stable. At The Old School Game Vault, we are fond of snes library and it would make us happy if you the reader can discover some of the games that gave us so many happy memories growing up. Without further ado, let us begin our list of the Best SNES RPGS Games. Final Fantasy III - Released in 1994 Final Fantasy III according to canon is one of the best RPGs stories ever told. A tale of great personal sacrifice and struggle, the game draws you in with its powerful, emotional narrative. It might have some of the tropes we have come to associate with RPG games of its kind – the bad guy wants to become a god and burn down everything that exists, and the protagonist is a green-haired hero who has...
Do you remember any of your favorite childhood dreams? We do. At least, if you’re anything like us, you dreamed about being a badass fighter pilot. How cool would it be to rocket past enemy lines, blasting baddies left and right with machine turrets to liberate entire planets? Well, the NES gave this experience to a whole generation of gamers through some of the most nostalgic shmups ever made. Today, we’re going to look at 10 NES shoot em up games that every retro gamer needs to try. Some of these are fantastic arcade ports, like Xevious, but many of them are NES originals. Now, load up, take aim, and reminisce about theses excellent NES shooters. 1. Gun Nac Gun Nac is one of the wackiest and most over-the-top shooters you will ever play. The enemies in this game are, to say the least, unusual. You’ll battle killer rabbits, trees, sentient...
Ho ho ho! It’s the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It’s that time of the year again, folks. Unwrapping gifts, decorating homes, and enjoying sumptuous meals with your family and loved ones. The best Christmas Themed Video Games But you and I know, there’s really one Christmas tradition that beats them all – playing the best Christmas Themed Video Games! That’s right. Getting together with your friends or siblings, your beverage of choice, and fragging or exploring new & old worlds together is what the holiday season is all about. And if the games you’re playing are true to the spirit of the holidays, there’s nothing quite like it. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best Christmas video games. Jazz Jackrabbit: Holiday Hare (PC, 1995) Made by the mad genius Cliff Bleszinski, Jazz...
The 1980s were a dreamer's paradise: a decade that thought it was the future. But the 90s were a lot more practical. That’s when we realized that most of our 80s dreams were nonsense and we actually started developing the ones that weren’t. Case in point: this era turned our dreams of handheld gaming devices and portable video games into a reality. The 90s saw an explosion of handheld game systems, most of which came on the heels of the popular Nintendo Game Boy. Which one ranks, pound for pound, as the best video game console? Below, we look in-depth at the history and stats of all the major 90s handheld consoles to answer this question. Check it out! Nintendo's Original Game Boy (1989) Though not technically the first handheld game console, the Game Boy was the first to become a true, worldwide phenomenon. Also, the Game Boy is actually an...
Before we begin, let’s get something out of the way. There’s literally no one on the planet who hasn’t dreamed of waking up one day, receiving a holographic phone call from a hot secretary who tells you “The world needs you. Now!” as you smirk out of bed, put on your suit, head over to the bay and strap yourself into a 40-foot machine built for absolute destruction. I mean, words and diplomacy can solve a lot of problems, without a doubt. But sometimes, you need to pilot a badass mech and just… Blow. Enemies. Away. Mech games are a lot of fun. When they’re done well, it’s almost too much fun. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best mech games of all time. Note that these aren’t in any particular order, they’re all awesome games. Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Full Boost – PS3/Arcade Extreme Vs. Full...
Any time a video game series inspires an entire genre of games, you know it’s doing something right. And from the very beginning, Castlevania has done many, many things right. True enough, Castlevania’s gaming catalog includes a few misses. But the overwhelming majority of Castlevania titles are all-time classics. Today, the series includes so many hit games that most gamers have lost count. For that reason, we want to highlight the 10 best retro Castlevania games that you should play before you die. Together, let’s remember our favorite vampire-hunting, ghoul-slaying, whip-brandishing moments in gaming history. 1. Castlevania (NES, 1986) Castlevania for NES is the most simplistic version of Castlevania you’ll ever play. And that’s why it’s so great. It perfectly embodies the heart and soul of the series without superfluous bells and whistles. There are no experience points, armor, or magic spells. There’s only a guy and his whip, some sub-weapons,...
“CHA-DING! CHA-DING! CHA-DING!” Every kid who grew up in the 80s knows that sound. Even today, hearing that melodious twang awakens a mighty surge of our fondest childhood memories. For those who don’t know, we’re referring to the nostalgic trigger sound of the NES light gun peripheral, the Zapper. This iconic accessory helped define 80s gaming and still stands as the coolest video game peripheral ever made. Why’s that, you ask? It instantly transforms your game room into a safe, kid-friendly shooting gallery.It looks like an awesome future gun for destroying evil robots.It makes a cool click/twang noise every time you squeeze the trigger.The noise also causes a slight recoil so it feels like you’re actually firing.Unlike the Power Glove, the Zapper actually functions the way it’s supposed to. Still, the most impressive thing about the Zapper is what we don’t remember—namely, any NES Zapper games. Despite all the Zapper’s renown...
It wasn’t easy for the N64 to earn its prestigious position in video gaming history. Despite a shocking lack of third-party support, the system made a name for itself with some of the best first-party titles ever made. Most often, the system is remembered for one-player cult classics like Super Mario 64, Star Fox 64, Donkey Kong and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But it also offers tons of excellent multiplayer titles that get far less credit than they deserve. Today, we’re going to remedy this injustice. The guide below lists the best N64 coop games you’ll ever play, period. If you’ve played all your other multiplayer games to death, try these additively competitive treats. 1. Super Smash Bros Yes, we know you’ve played several other games in this series. And that means that you know how unique each version is. Specifically, most versions have exclusive playable characters, stages,...
We were going to start this article with a question. But we already know the answer. No, you’re not interested in getting into the retro shoot ’em up games. We get it. It’s a difficult genre for the uninitiated to break into. For one thing, we mean that literally. Shoot ‘em up games, or “shmups” tend to be very challenging. Also, the 80s and 90s spawned thousands of these games every year. If you’re trying to get into these games now, where do you start? So glad you asked. You start right here, of course. Below are the best SNES shmups that money can buy—or at least some of them. There are several notable mentions that we’ll save for a follow-up article. In any case, you must try these 10 SNES shoot ‘em ups for yourself. 10. Super R-Type Obviously, we couldn’t list the best SNES shmups without mentioning at least...
Even though video game giants like Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft continue to release their "latest and greatest" hardware in the form of the Xbox Series X, the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 5, retro gaming is continuing to grow. Happily, the last five to ten years has seen the maturing video game industry solve all of these problems in various ways, bringing the first true retro renaissance to the field of video games and to gamers young and old. The ten main factors detailed below have combined to make it easier and more enjoyable than ever to play old school games. An interesting fact is that retro gaming Isn't growing only with people who are old enough to remember the original "Final Fantasy" or people who were around when specials about "Super Mario Bros. 3" aired on prime-time television. Retro gaming is also growing among the younger generation of gamers -...
Retro gaming has become a popular hobby for all kinds of gamers. Some want to revisit classic video games from their youth to relive the nostalgic magic. Others want to play these video games they've never had the chance to play before. Whichever way, it's now easier than ever to buy these games & retro gaming consoles online and enjoy some of the most amazing games from the past. From decades past and present from Atari to Nintendo, these consoles and games make for great buys for a gaming enthusiast, but they can also make for unique Christmas gifts for anyone in your life that loves gaming. If you want to enjoy some retro goodness, here are 10 of the best retro game systems you can buy & enjoy right now. Before We Start, Let's Define: Retro Gaming & What defines it Retro gaming has been around for a long time,...
We know what you’re thinking. With all the retro systems out there, why are we talking about the GameCube? What do GameCube party games have that you can’t get from other systems? Actually, a lot of the best party games ever made are found exclusively on the GameCube, like Super Smash Bros Melee. And yes, we know that most of the franchises on this list have moved on to newer, “better” systems. Ok, fine. So tell us, where else you can find another Mario Kart: Double Dash title besides the GameCube? The answer: nowhere. Double Dash is a super-unique Mario Kart game that was only released on GameCube. And this is just one of many GameCube exclusives we’re going to review for you today. Get your multiplayer retro gaming party on with these hit GameCube titles. Oh, and don’t forget: GameCube games are playable on Wii consoles, too. 1. Mario Kart:...
When most people think of the TurboGrafx-16 system—wait, let’s rephrase that. Pretty much no one thinks about the TurboGrafx-16 system, ever. After all, it’s just another console that lost the console wars because it wasn’t good enough, right? Wrong! Sadly, this wonderful console had a lot to offer before it bit the dust. And much of this content was exclusive to the system. Particularly, there are a lot of amazing TurboGrafx shmups that retro game enthusiasts are missing out on. Besides exclusive games, the system offers several arcade ports that are often better than the original. Read on to learn more about the best TurboGrafx shmups ever made. 1. R-Type R-Type is one of the most famous arcade shmups, and one of the earliest to be ported onto home game consoles. Notably, the NES port was an enormous success and is still popular among retro gamers today. Technically speaking, though, the...
Let’s face it. You’re here because you never get sick of playing the same retro NES titles over and over again. And it’s even more fun when you discover new things about these familiar favorites, even after all these years. That being the case, brace yourself. What follows is the ultimate, explorative, mind-blowing excursion into the hidden realms of your favorite NES titles (and one of your least favorites). How many times have you played Super Mario Bros. 3? Answer: Many. And how many times have you done so as a purple-suited Racoon Mario who swims through the air? Answer: Probably 0. But for those of you who own an NES Game Genie, that’s about to change. Without further ado, we give you the best nintendo games for using game genie codes. Experience these 10 familiar classics in wild new ways with these original nes game genie cheats. (Note: we at...
The Nintendo GameCube debuted in 2001 and sold nearly 22 million units during the lifespan of the console. The GameCube is a great gaming console that is perfect for beginners. It is affordable and has a variety of games to choose from. The GameCube is a great gaming console that is perfect for beginners. It is affordable and has a variety of games to choose from. If you are looking for an amazing gaming experience, a GameCube is a perfect choice for you. With its many features and options, you will be able to find the perfect game to fit your needs. Continue reading our guide to buying the best GameCube for sale for beginners What's the Nintendo GameCube Best Known For? The GameCube has a library of exclusive first-party titles, as well as a number of popular third-party games. It is also recognized for its unique design and controller. The GameCube hit shelves in 2001...
4 days ago, SNK tweeted an announcement that had retro-gaming nerds like us drooling in anticipation. Today, November 9, 2022, we see that promise fulfilled. SNK has just released its second volume of 10 long-lost Neo Geo Pocket Color games on Steam and Nintendo Switch. If you’ve read our recent account of the original console’s tragic failure, this is very uplifting news indeed. Even better, the 10 titles included in Neo Geo Pocket Color Vol.2 make up an awesome collection. This selection exhumes many exclusive spin-offs of familiar franchises, like SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters’ Clash. There are also sports games, a puzzle game, and one rare oddity that finally gets a worldwide release. Using our extensive nerd knowledge, we’ve reviewed each of these titles in detail. Read on to see why we’re super excited about Neo Geo Pocket Color Vol.2. 1. Rockman Battle & Fighters Rockman Battle & Fighters is...
Step back in time with the PlayStation 2 and discover the timeless classics that continue to captivate gamers today. With its iconic selection of video games, the PlayStation 2 has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking narratives, these must-play classics showcase the enduring quality that makes them just as enjoyable now as they were when they were first released. Unleash your inner hero with "God of War," an epic journey through ancient mythology filled with heart-pounding battles and breathtaking visuals. Or immerse yourself in the immersive world of "Shadow of the Colossus," where you'll navigate stunning landscapes and face off against towering colossal beasts. If you're in the mood for some classic role-playing action, "Final Fantasy X" and "Persona 4" deliver unforgettable stories and gameplay experiences that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the PlayStation 2,...
Chances are, the reason you’re visiting The Old School Game Vault is that you’re interested in building your retro game collection. Lucky for you, we’re about to make that a whole lot easier. You see, rather than buying retro games one cartridge at a time, you can purchase classic game anthologies that include several games. And, below, we’ll tell you how to get your hands on the best classic game compilations for PS1. Why PS1, you ask? The original PlayStation is one of the best platforms for collecting retro game anthologies, for several reasons. One: the PS1 has a lot of truly excellent anthologies—some of the best, really. A few of these contain bonus content, enhancements, and other PS1-exclusive features. And many include unaltered ports of original arcade games as opposed to the inferior ports that were released on previous consoles. Two: PS1 discs are (usually) also playable on the PS2...
Embark on an electrifying journey through the most iconic Mega Man video games that have revolutionized the gaming industry! These legendary titles not only captured our hearts but also pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve. With breathtaking graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable boss battles, these Mega Man games elevated our gaming experience to unprecedented heights! From the nostalgic charm of the original Mega Man to the cutting-edge 3D excitement of Mega Man X, each entry on this list showcases the evolution and enduring popularity of this beloved franchise. Join us as we celebrate the thrill of battling alongside the Blue Bomber, outsmarting evil Robot Masters, and uncovering the mysteries of Dr. Wily's nefarious plans. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the Mega Man universe, this list promises to take you on an exhilarating journey through the very best of the Mega Man series. So, grab...
