We can all agree that video games and the entertainment industry around them are very mainstream and popular these days. Modern games are everywhere; they are constantly being reviewed, commented on, praised, and hated. However, some two or so decades ago, gaming was not nearly as big, nor was it the main hobby of so many people around the world. It was more niche and private, as only like minded people who shared the interest took part.
Early hits were usually of the same or similar genres, and they established the whole industry we know today. However, many contemporary fans missed out on it, but these games are making a comeback. Many studios are making games inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s classics with modern twists and mechanics in what is a revival of the golden age of gaming. With that in mind, here is a look at the most popular genres of old school games making a comeback.
Shoot ‘Em Ups (Shmups)
As the name suggests, the shoot ’em ups, often called “shmups”, are fast paced, reflex intensive games where players control a ship or character that fires a constant barrage of projectiles at endless waves of enemies. The enemies come from the top of the screen in waves while the player character is at the bottom. The genre includes classics like Space Invaders, Galaga, Gradius, and R-Type. Shmups can be both side scrolling and vertically scrolling, and emphasize dodging bullets while eliminating threats in chaotic scenarios.
Despite the simple premise, shoot ‘em ups are recognized and beloved for their difficulty, tight controls, and adrenaline infusing gameplay. Arcades dominated coin machines for years and featured high score tables that encouraged high level competition. They may appear niche today, but the genre has a passionate following, and indie developers constantly release new titles. Many also inspire modern betting games, so utilize the bitcoin casino bonus and check them out.
Beat ‘Em Ups
The beat ’em up genre gained immense popularity during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It offered the players a thrilling mix of action, hand to hand combat, and cooperative gameplay. Games like Double Dragon, Final Fight, and Streets of Rage defined the genre with their multiple stages and waves of enemies. Players control martial arts experts or street fighters and battle thugs and bosses across urban environments. The genre emphasized timing, crowd control, and memorization of enemy patterns, but also special moves and strategy.
Most games had local multiplayer that added arcade appeal. Visually, this genre featured colorful sprites and exaggerated animations. While it faded with the rise of 3D gaming, the influence remains in modern action games and retro indie titles. There were games based on Marvel Comics, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a whole slew of IPs and franchises. Beat ‘em up titles are still very popular and still utilize popular characters and intellectual properties.
Side Scrollers (Platformers)
Side scrolling platformers are probably the most iconic genre of classic video games from the last century. They dominated with iconic games like Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, Kirby, and Mega Man, thus revolutionizing home and arcade gaming. The gameplay and mechanics emphasized precision jumping, exploration, and defeating enemies and bosses across linear or branching levels. Players would move left to right across vibrant environments, avoid hazards like pits and spikes, all while collecting power ups, coins, extra lives, etc.
Some platformers introduced unique mechanics like Mario’s power mushrooms, Sonic’s speed, Kirby’s power ups, or Mega Man’s weapon upgrades. The genre was the foundation for game design principles, it established norms for level structure, and experimented with difficulty scaling. As 3D took over, side scrollers evolved into the fan favorite “2.5D” hybrids and indie successes like Celeste and Shovel Knight. The timeless mechanics and charm ensure they will never go out of style. Just look at the new game, Terminator 2D: No Fate.
Run and Guns
Run and gun games can be thought of as a blend of a few titles, depending on their premise and theme. They combine the constant action of shoot ’em ups and beat ‘em ups with the mobility of platformers. In this genre, it is all about high octane gameplay as the players control characters that move horizontally and/or vertically across stages while shooting in multiple directions and navigating obstacles. Contra, Metal Slug, and Gunstar Heroes are prime examples that defined generations and are all time classics.
These games are known for their tough as nails difficulty and challenge. They require players to memorize enemy patterns, manage weapon pickups, maintain perfect timing to survive, and defeat powerful bosses that are usually too big to fit on the screen, as you only see a part of them at a time. They also offer cooperative play where more players can complete the levels together. Visually, the games have flashy explosions, detailed sprite work, and amazingly detailed art. There are always new indie games based on these premises, both as spiritual successors to the classics and completely new games for a modern audience.