Retro gaming is all the rage nowadays. With widespread access to emulators and consoles releasing older titles onto their own internal networks, it is easier than ever for people to find their favorite games from yesteryear. The question is, how can you join in?
What is the appeal?
There are any number of reasons for people to gravitate back towards some of the older games. One of them is, quite simply, nostalgia. Depending on what console you grew up with, playing these older titles can evoke childhood memories and can provide a form of escapism, especially during lockdowns when everyone needed that break from the real world. Part of it is also related to the difficulty of the games. Whilst the newer titles have endless restarts which can make games less frustrating (especially if you have a habit of randomly dying mid game), going back to older games, where you had limited lives and had to use strategies, can be more stimulating as they provide an opportunity to test yourself and really see what you can do when challenged.
How to get involved
There are so many ways to get involved in retro gaming. There are so many websites that house these games that quite often a simple web search can present you with hundreds of different options, many of which you might never have heard of. Ranging from arcade machines (remember the days of tokens?) to some of the classic Sega titles e.g. Sonic the Hedgehog, Ecco the Dolphin and even the likes of Aladdin and Super Street Fighter. There is something on these sites for everyone and if you take the time to look you might find a hidden gem that you never thought possible. They say do not give into peer pressure. Maybe this is one of those occasions where it could a good thing. With the Sega Genesis turning 30 a couple of years back, it might just be a case of better late than never.
They are so easy to access
With many titles being made available by gaming companies, it provides many people with easier access to a number of titles. The popularity of emulators also has a major role to play as people who cannot afford the consoles are now able to join in the fun and discover a whole new world of games. They can be added to computers, tablets and even phones, meaning you can get your gaming fix wherever you are, rather than being stuck in one room 24/7. Emulators should be treated with caution, though, as they can provide a security risk if not properly checked. Online gaming has many different forms though and more information can be found here. Times have changed and more people are playing games online, whether through slots or even just regular video games. There is something there for everyone, but it is just a matter of finding your niche.
Retro gaming is here to stay as the demand for fresher challenges and nostalgia trips is unlikely to wear thin any time soon. With millions of people gaming every year, it is now time to embrace is a long term trend and who knows, if you look hard enough, you might just find an older game you enjoy just as much as the new ones. Sometimes, newer is not always better.
