The video game industry has undergone significant evolution and many gameplay elements of the past are forgotten for good. Despite that many modern games try to preserve some of the best features that we enjoyed back then in classics.

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They bring out feelings of nostalgia while you experience the traditional mechanics you once loved. Modern games are inventive in their features but many of them are inspired by classical formats. Linear gameplay may have been in decline since open-world games were introduced, but a lot of games such as Astrobot and It Takes Two bring out the charm of traditional features.

7 Sonic X Shadow Generations

A Blend Of Classic And Modern

via Sega

Sonic X Shadow Generations

Platformer 4.0/5 9.2/10 Released October 25, 2024 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Sonic Team Publisher(s) Sega Engine Hedgehog Engine 2 Franchise Sonic the Hedgehog Steam Deck Compatibility Verified PC Release Date October 25, 2024 Xbox Series X|S Release Date October 25, 2024 PS5 Release Date October 25, 2024 Nintendo Switch Release Date October 25, 2024 Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S OpenCritic Rating Strong Powered by Expand Collapse

The Sonic franchise went through major changes over several years till it evolved into a 3D platforming game. However, it seems it didn't forget its 2D roots, and we see it getting a revival in Sonic X Shadow Generations. As it pays an excellent homage to its origins, the game is a must-try for every Sonic fan.

The game combines the journeys of both classical and modern Sonic giving you a thrilling experience of both gameplay types. You can play as Classical Sonic through the old stages that you remember and love. These old stages are re-imagined through the perspective of Modern Sonic, so you can notice how the series has come so far.

6 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Revival Of Side-scrolling Hack And Slash Games

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Beat 'Em Up 4.5/5 Released June 16, 2022 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Tribute Games Inc. Publisher(s) Dotemu Engine FNA Multiplayer Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op Franchise Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Number of Players 1-6 Split Screen Orientation N/A (Shared Screen) Platform(s) Android, iOS, PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One How Long To Beat 3 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 1 GB (November 2023) Metascore 85 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium Local Co-Op Support 1-4 Players OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Those old-school Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games were fun back then in the Sega Genesis era. Playing these challenging side-scrolling games was a one-of-a-kind experience, especially with friends. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a modern game that aims to replicate similar vibes.

You can select any of the four turtles to embark on a side-scrolling action game. The best part is that you can even clear it with your friends during co-op. The game has pixelated graphics to further give players the exact classical experience. Defeating storming enemies that appear one after the other adds a classical charm to the game.

5 Persona 3: Reload

New Take On One Of Persona Classics

Persona 3 Reload

JRPG 4.0/5 Released February 2, 2024 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) P-Studio Publisher(s) Atlus Engine Unreal Engine 4 Franchise Persona Platform(s) PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5 How Long To Beat 50 Hours OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Persona 3: Reload preserves the classical format of turn-based JRPG gameplay that the Persona series is known for, and it also introduced some new mechanisms to be more inventive. Yet the game itself feels like playing classic Dungeon Crawlers, especially when you are exploring Tartarus.

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You can also cause your party members to split and find items while you try to find the stairs to the next floor. The dungeons are randomly generated, which also adds to its traditional gameplay. If you liked the original Persona 3 back then on PlayStation 2, you can now experience a classical modern JRPG with better cutscenes and graphics.

4 Stardew Valley

Harvest Moon GBA Revived

Stardew Valley

RPG Simulation 9.4/10 Released February 26, 2016 ESRB E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco) Developer(s) ConcernedApe Publisher(s) ConcernedApe Engine Proprietary Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC Cross Save cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game Number of Players 1-4 Split Screen Orientation Vertical or Horizontal Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 1 GB (November 2023) Metascore 89 Local Co-Op Support 1-4 Players OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Stardew Valley sets up a great standard for all modern farming RPGs. Harvest Moon defined the genre during the Nintendo DS and GBA eras, and Stardew Valley returns back to the classical format of these games, while also maintaining a new formula. The heavily inspired game ended up in the limelight in modern times.

The game has well-designed pixel graphics, and you unlock many new areas as you progress. You can try some dungeon crawling in the mines if that was your thing in classical games. You can also raise a wide variety of animals and process your crops similar to how you did in the original Harvest Moon games.

3 It Takes Two

Split-screen Co-op Done Right In Modern Times

It Takes Two

Action Adventure 8.0/10 Released March 26, 2021 ESRB T for Teen: Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Language Developer(s) Hazelight Studios Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer Number of Players 2 Split Screen Orientation Vertical Only PC Release Date March 26, 2021 Xbox Series X|S Release Date March 26, 2021 PS5 Release Date March 26, 2021 Nintendo Switch Release Date November 4, 2022 Platform(s) PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Switch How Long To Beat 12 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 44 GB (November 2023) Metascore 88 PS Plus Availability N/A Local Co-Op Support 2 OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

While split-screen co-op games are dying and becoming a thing of the past, Hazelight Studios are trying to keep it alive, and It Takes Two was a successful attempt at doing so. The game is best enjoyed on a couch with your loved ones. There are various mechanisms in the game that you can solve only by teaming up.

The gameplay requires both you and your partner to collaborate to get through the challenges. The platformer and boss designs are reminiscent of classical designs. You visit several whimsical stages and also participate in retro minigames.

2 Vampire Survivors

Castlevania Reimagined As A Roguelike

Vampire Survivors

Roguelike Released December 17, 2021 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Violence Developer(s) Luca Galante Publisher(s) Luca Galante Engine unity Multiplayer Local Co-Op Franchise Vampire Survivors Number of Players 1-4 Split Screen Orientation N/A (Shared Screen) Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X How Long To Beat 6 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 1 GB (November 2023) Metascore 95 PS Plus Availability N/A Local Co-Op Support 1-4 Players OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Vampire Survivors shouts old school with pixel-style graphics. However, the art isn't enough to call it retro, Vampire Survivors has retro elements from early roguelike games, which defines it as a modern classical game.

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Vampire Survivors developers claimed to have taken some inspiration from Castlevania, so you are sure to enjoy it if you liked the combat elements in the latter game. There is a wide variety of weapons which you can use in precise combat, and that is going to spring up some nostalgia.

1 Astro Bot

Brought Back Charm To The Gaming Industry

Astro Bot

Platformer 5.0/5 11 9.8/10 Released September 6, 2024 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence Developer(s) Team Asobi Publisher(s) Sony Interactive Entertainment Engine Proprietary Engine Franchise Astro Bot Platform(s) PlayStation 5 PS Plus Availability N/A OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

The main reason why everyone seems to love Astro Bot is how it makes them feel nostalgic with its classical gameplay elements. These mechanics are mostly abandoned in modern games but Astro Bot uses them right.

This charming platformer utilizes some of the best platformer mechanics introduced in the genre. It will give you the vibes of some of those classic ones you might have played during the Nintendo 64 era. Astro Bot also utilizes motion sensing well, giving you a feel of playing in those vintage arcades.

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