top 10 Must-Play Classic Video Games for Every Gamer

 Video games have come a long way since their inception, but there are certain games that still stand the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, these classic video games are a must-play for any fan of the medium. In this article, we'll take a look at 10 of the best classic video games of all time, exploring what makes them so special and why they're still worth playing today.

1Super Mario Bros. (1985) No list of classic video games would be complete without mentioning the game that started it all. Super Mario Bros. was a game-changer when it was released in 1985, introducing many of the concepts that are now standard in the platformer genre. From its colorful graphics to its catchy music, Super Mario Bros. is a timeless classic that still holds up today.

Sources:

• "The making of Super Mario Bros." by David L. Craddock (Polygon)
• "Super Mario Bros. retrospective: Why the classic game still rules" by Chris Suellentrop (The Verge)

2. The Legend of Zelda (1986) Another Nintendo classic, The Legend of Zelda was a groundbreaking game when it was released in 1986. With its open world, non-linear gameplay, and epic storyline, The Legend of Zelda set a new standard for adventure games that still influences game design to this day.

Sources:

• "The Legend of Zelda: The story behind the game that defined an industry" by Chris Kohler (Ars Technica)
• "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - The timeless classic that remains legendary" by Ben Lindbergh (Eurogamer)

3. Tetris (1984) Even non-gamers have heard of Tetris, the classic puzzle game that's been ported to nearly every platform under the sun. Simple yet addictive, Tetris remains a beloved game thanks to its satisfying gameplay and endless replayability.

Sources:

• "Tetris: The game that launched a billion puzzles" by Keith Stuart (The Guardian)
• "Why Tetris is still as addictive as ever" by Chris Suellentrop (The New York Times)

4. Doom (1993) First-person shooters owe a lot to Doom, the seminal game that popularized the genre. With its fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and impressive graphics, Doom was a revelation when it was released in 1993 and remains a classic today.

Sources:

• "Doom: An FPS that defined a genre" by Wes Fenlon (PC Gamer)
• "The story of Doom, part 1: The development of Doom and id Software" by David L. Craddock (Polygon)

5. Street Fighter II (1991) The fighting game genre has its roots in Street Fighter II, the classic game that introduced many of the concepts that are now standard in the genre. With its colorful cast of characters, deep gameplay mechanics, and memorable music, Street Fighter II remains a fan favorite to this day.

Sources:

• "Street Fighter II: The definitive history" by Richard Leadbetter (Eurogamer)
• "The enduring legacy of Street Fighter II" by Dave Thier (Forbes)

• 6. "Red Dead Redemption 2" (2018) Released in 2018, "Red Dead Redemption 2" is a western-themed action-adventure game that takes place in 1899 in the United States. Players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates the challenges of living on the run from the law. With a massive open world to explore, realistic graphics, and an engaging storyline, "Red Dead Redemption 2" is a must-play for any gaming enthusiast. It received numerous Game of the Year awards in 2018.

  7. "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" (2015) Released in 2015, "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" is an action role-playing game that takes place in a fantasy world filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. Players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled monster hunter, as he sets out to find his adopted daughter and prevent the end of the world. With its engaging storyline, complex characters, and vast open world to explore, "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" has become a beloved classic in the gaming community.

  8. "Fortnite" (2017) Released in 2017, "Fortnite" is a battle royale game that has taken the gaming world by storm. Players are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last one standing as the playable area shrinks over time. "Fortnite" has become a cultural phenomenon, with its emotes, dances, and skins being referenced in mainstream media and popular culture. The game has also spawned numerous spin-offs and collaborations with other brands.

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     "Minecraft" (2011) Released in 2011, "Minecraft" is a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore their own virtual worlds. With its blocky graphics and simple gameplay mechanics, "Minecraft" has become one of the most popular games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. The game's open-ended nature encourages creativity and has spawned countless mods, skins, and custom maps created by players.

  10. "Dark Souls" series (2011-2016) The "Dark Souls" series, released between 2011 and 2016, is a group of notoriously difficult action role-playing games that have gained a cult following among hardcore gamers. Players take on the role of a chosen undead warrior as they explore a dark, gothic world filled with monsters and bosses that can be challenging to defeat. With its punishing difficulty, intricate lore, and challenging gameplay, the "Dark Souls" series is not for the faint of heart, but it has earned a dedicated fanbase who appreciate its unique style and approach to game design.

  In conclusion, these 10 games are just a small selection of the many great games that the gaming industry has produced over the years. Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, there's something for everyone in the diverse world of video games. So why not pick up a controller, dive in, and explore all the amazing worlds that gaming has to offer?