I have a friend who's only ever played modern games and wants to explore retro games that hold up. He's specifically looking for games that won't feel frustrating or dated, but will give him a genuine appreciation for old school video games.
I'm thinking of starting him with something like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It's challenging but fair, the controls are responsive, and the world design is still amazing. Maybe also Super Metroid for its atmosphere and exploration.
But I'm curious what other people think. What are the best retro games still playable today for someone who didn't grow up with them? I want to avoid games that rely too much on nostalgia and focus on ones that are genuinely great experiences by modern standards.
A Link to the Past is a perfect choice. It's challenging but fair, the world is beautifully designed, and it establishes so many Zelda conventions that are still used today. The pacing is excellent too - you're constantly getting new items and exploring new areas.
I'd also recommend Super Mario World. It's accessible but has depth, the controls are perfect, and it's just pure fun. The secret exits and Star Road give experienced players something to chase, while beginners can just enjoy the main path.
Tetris is always my go-to recommendation. It's immediately understandable, has infinite depth, and doesn't rely on any nostalgia. The Game Boy version specifically has this perfect purity to it.
For something with more narrative, I think Chrono Trigger holds up incredibly well for modern players. The lack of random encounters, the multiple endings, the pacing... it feels surprisingly modern. The characters are well-developed, and the story deals with time travel in a way that's still compelling today.
Sonic 2 is a great entry point. It's fast, colorful, and immediately fun. The controls are responsive, the levels are well-designed, and it has that classic easy to learn, hard to master" quality. The special stages are challenging but fair.
For something different, I'd recommend Streets of Rage 2. Beat 'em ups are having a resurgence lately, and this is still one of the best. The combat is satisfying, the music is incredible, and it's perfect for co-op. It's challenging but never feels unfair.
Super Metroid might seem intimidating, but it's actually a great introduction to metroidvanias. The way it teaches you through gameplay is brilliant. You're never told what to do - you learn by exploring and experimenting. The atmosphere is incredible, and the sense of progression is so satisfying.
Mega Man X is another good one. The controls are tight, the level design encourages experimentation, and the boss fights are memorable. It's challenging but fair, and when you finally beat a level you've been struggling with, it feels amazing.
Doom is surprisingly accessible. The gameplay loop is simple but satisfying, and there's a reason it's still being played and modded today. The level design encourages exploration, the weapons feel great, and it's just pure fun.
For strategy games, Warcraft II holds up really well. The controls are intuitive, the campaign teaches you gradually, and the gameplay is still engaging. The art style has aged beautifully too - the pixel art is charming rather than dated.