The Internet Archive is like the Citizen Kane Rosebud – it takes me back to the good old days. Here are the top ten best retro games in the Archive.
10) Double Dragon – These two dragons were close, very close, and loyal to each other like no other. They went through some tough times, and a lot of bad dudes, but they stuck together. I love them dudes and I love this game!
These dudes were tight!
9) Archon – Nothing complex here. Just chess and an action-packed battle. Ain’t no pawns here. Everyone fights, no one quits. Awesome!
Kick-butt fantasy chess action.
8) Ultima IV Quest of the Avatar – A game that teaches you to seek goodness and the truth. RPG to help you achieve Nirvana.
The beautiful Britannia harbor.
7) Wolfenstein 3D – the first truly satisfying Nazi-blasting game. Many others followed, but none like the original. Take this, Hitler!
Everyone had a chance to take out Hitler.
6) Phantasie – No cinematics, voice actors, or fancy animation. Not much more than paper and pencil RPG, but freaking engaging.
Don’t need fancy graphics for quality gameplay.
5) King’s Quest – Sierra dominated back in the day. Their King’s Quest series was the best of the best, at least the earlier games. Nothing more rewarding than typing “Throw meat at lion” and seeing it actually work!
Explore, type and become King.
4) M1A1 Abrams – Top-notch tank simulation of the ‘80s. Strategic and first-person gameplay. The A-10 Warthog kicks butt!
Blast them Soviets!
3) Jordan versus Bird One on One – Commodore 64 anyone? I would have preferred Magic versus Bird, but still the best basketball game even before his Airness even had a title.
Jordan didn’t even have a ring when this game came out.
2) Heroes of Might and Magic – Secure resources, maximize each factions’ strengths, and defense is your best offense. Best fantasy/RPG/strategy series of the ‘90s.
Black dragons were difficult to beat.
1) Ancient Art of War – the most replayable strategy war game of the ‘80s. Play in-game scenarios or build your own. Both strategic and tactical gameplay. Establish and hold key strongholds, keep your men healthy, and design key formations to dominate the battlefield.
Hills were good, if you’re going down.