Time is ruthless, and not every game can stand the test of it. Some start off with a bang, riding high, but eventually fade into obscurity. However, there are exceptions, games that became legendary series and continue to satisfy fans even today.
What’s special is that some game franchises actually began in the 1980s and are still thriving now. Here are the top 7 iconic titles that prove this.
Street Fighter
Street Fighter is one of the most influential fighting games ever, first launching in the late 80s. It debuted as an arcade cabinet game where you control Ryu, battling a series of tough opponents in a martial arts tournament.
Since that first release, the series has evolved a lot, especially with the introduction of character selection. Back then, Street Fighter introduced fresh, unique features that completely changed the fighting game genre forever.
Final Fantasy
Since its debut in 1987, Final Fantasy has built an impressive lineup of games for its fans. Most entries take place in fantasy or sci-fi worlds blended with RPG elements.
Each installment has its own unique style, sparking endless debates among players about which is best. What ties them together is consistently beautiful character designs and captivating storytelling.
Madden NFL
The early Madden games were simply called John Madden Football before EA secured the NFL license. Unlike today’s annual releases, Madden games weren’t published every year until the 90s.
One thing that’s stayed the same since the 80s is Madden’s reputation for delivering the most realistic and immersive American football simulation available at the time of each release.
The Legend Of Zelda
Link’s first adventure kicked off in 1986. In that game, he rescues Zelda from the evil Ganon, sparking an epic battle in Hyrule. Since then, the formula hasn’t changed much. Sometimes Link saves Hyrule instead of Zelda, but Ganon’s mark is always there.
Each game adds its own charm. Over the decades, the series has evolved with better graphics and gameplay, offering both 2D and 3D versions to attract new players. The core formula still works, which is why Zelda games consistently sell well and rarely flop.
Wolfenstein
Wolfenstein launched in 1981 with Castle Wolfenstein. Due to tech limits back then, it looked very different from today’s Wolfenstein games and wasn’t even a first-person shooter. It was a 2D action-adventure with stealth elements.
It wasn’t until the 90s that the series evolved into an FPS with Wolfenstein 3D, which hugely influenced later FPS games. Bethesda’s 2014 remake blends elements from Wolfenstein 3D and the original stealth gameplay, earning praise for graphics and gameplay.
Pac-Man
With its super simple and easy-to-understand gameplay, Pac-Man has stood the test of time. It thrived through the 80s and has lasted over 40 years into our era. Since the original 1980 release, the gameplay hasn’t changed much: you control a yellow smiley face eating dots and avoiding ghosts.
Of course, there have been many variations and visual updates, but the core elements remain, still bringing joy to players despite the passing years.
Super Mario
Mario is one of the most famous fictional characters ever, both in gaming and pop culture. He first appeared in 1981 as “Jump Man” in Donkey Kong, but quickly got his own game in 1985, spawning the Super Mario series with many genres, from racing in Mario Kart to fighting in Smash Bros.
From the mid-80s to mid-90s, multiple Mario games were released. Then the series took a break, replaced by Super Mario Sunshine from 1997 to 2005.
By the late 2000s, the original series returned and has been releasing games steadily ever since. The core story remains about plumber Mario defeating Bowser to save Princess Peach, with fresh ideas but always rooted in the original game’s spirit.
