Introduction:
I began playing video games at a young age, drawn in by the mesmerizing sights and sounds of my brother’s gaming sessions. Watching him bash away at the controller, I was captivated from the start.
My first foray into gaming came with the Commodore 64. While not a console, I spent countless hours watching my brother play, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. Though eager to join in, I was too young to fully master the joystick controls.
As I grew older and more skilled, my brother and I delved into competitive gaming. We spent hours immersed in 2-player couch co-op sessions, vying for high scores and racing to complete levels in record time.
Join me on this retro journey through time as we revisit the games that shaped my gaming experience. From personal favorites to timeless classics, and those revered as the greatest of all time, let’s explore the diverse landscape of retro gaming together.
Sega Master System.
My gaming journey began with the Sega Master System, igniting my lifelong love for gaming. Playing Sonic the Hedgehog for the first time, I knew gaming would become a huge part of my life.
The controller’s simplicity—featuring a straightforward D-pad and A and B buttons—made it easy to grasp, even at a young age. Some of the games I fondly remember from this era include Sonic the Hedgehog, Mickey Mouse Castle of Illusion, Asterix, and The Lucky Dime Caper starring Donald Duck.
Sega Mega Drive 2.
My next gaming adventure came with the Sega Mega Drive 2, a console that still holds a special place in my heart. To this day, I treasure my Mega Drive 2 along with a vast collection of games, often dusting it off for nostalgic gaming sessions. As I grew older, I found myself delving into more intricate and challenging games, fully immersing myself in the diverse experiences that console gaming had to offer.
One standout feature of the Mega Drive was its compatibility with the Sonic and Knuckles cartridge. This innovative addition allowed players to insert Sonic 2 or 3 into the top slot, enabling them to play as Knuckles in levels originally designed for Sonic alone—a feature I found truly ingenious.
The Mega Drive controller, with its larger size and familiar layout of D-pad, A, B, and C buttons, along with a start button, provided a comfortable and intuitive gaming experience. In North America, this was also known as the Sega Genisis.
Some of my favourite games from this era include Sonic 2, Theme Park, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, and WWF Raw, each of which continues to offer hours of enjoyment whenever I revisit them.
Sony PlayStation.
After many enjoyable years with the Mega Drive, my gaming journey took an exciting turn with the Sony PlayStation. While I still cherish my Mega Drive for its retro gaming sessions, the PlayStation marked a significant shift in my gaming habits. The leap in graphics and gameplay was staggering, captivating me in a whole new way.
The PlayStation’s controller, with its ergonomic design and array of buttons, offered a more immersive gaming experience compared to the simpler controllers of previous consoles. Additionally, the introduction of memory cards revolutionized gaming, allowing for saved progress and multiple playthroughs—an innovation that significantly enhanced the user experience.
It was on the PlayStation that I truly delved into gaming seriously. The games available at the time were nothing short of groundbreaking, with titles like Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 2, Theme Hospital, Tekken 2, Tomb Raider 2, Formula One 2000, and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace pushing the boundaries of what gaming could offer.
It was here that my love for racing games truly took off, with Gran Turismo becoming a staple in my gaming repertoire. The exhilaration of controlling a car around a race track was unmatched, and I spent countless hours honing my skills on the virtual circuits.
Each of these titles holds a special place in my gaming memories, representing a time when gaming was evolving rapidly, and each new release brought with it a sense of excitement and wonder.
Game Boy Colour.
The Game Boy Color marked my first foray into handheld gaming, a significant step up from my earlier experiences with my brother’s original Game Boy. While I had dabbled with gaming on the original Game Boy, I was too young to fully appreciate the comfort of kicking back on a sofa with a handheld console.
Hours upon hours were spent immersed in gaming on the Game Boy Color, a device that introduced me to the captivating world of Pokemon. Alongside my friends, we embarked on epic journeys, trading Pokemon and striving to complete the Pokedex before one another. Pokemon wasn’t the only franchise to capture my imagination during this time—it was also where I encountered my first Zelda game.
Among the standout titles that defined my Game Boy Color experience are Pokemon Red, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Silver, Pokemon Gold, Pokemon Crystal, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Each of these games left an indelible mark on my gaming journey, fostering a love for handheld gaming that endures to this day.
PlayStation 2.
Transitioning to the PlayStation 2 was a monumental leap in my gaming journey, sparking fierce competition and countless hours of couch co-op gaming with my brother. The graphical advancements from its predecessor, the PlayStation 1, were nothing short of breathtaking—a quantum leap in visual fidelity and gameplay smoothness.
One of the most significant upgrades was the introduction of the dual-analogue controller, a game-changer that revolutionized gameplay with its precise movement controls. This innovation, coupled with the elimination of D-pad style inputs, enhanced the immersive experience, particularly in racing games where precision is paramount.
The PlayStation 2’s library of games was a treasure trove of iconic titles, with sequels like Gran Turismo 3 and Gran Turismo 4 setting new standards in racing simulation. Meanwhile, groundbreaking titles like God of War and Grand Theft Auto 3 redefined storytelling and open-world gameplay, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry.
Among my favourite games on the PlayStation 2 are Gran Turismo 3, Gran Turismo 4, Onimusha, Onimusha 2, Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, and San Andreas. Each of these titles epitomizes the era of the PS2, a golden age of gaming that continues to influence and inspire gamers to this day.
GameCube.
Introducing the GameCube into my gaming repertoire marked my inaugural venture into the world of Nintendo consoles—a journey I look back on with fondness and nostalgia. With its impressive graphics and distinctive, quirky controller, the GameCube quickly won my affection. However, despite its strengths, I couldn’t help but feel that the console fell short in terms of game variety, seeming somewhat geared towards a younger audience.
Nevertheless, the GameCube boasted some standout titles that left a lasting impression. From the exhilarating dogfights of Star Wars Rogue Leader to the frenetic kart racing action of Mario Kart Double Dash, and the charming, cel-shaded adventure of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, there were moments of gaming magic to be found.
One aspect of the GameCube that I particularly appreciated was its compact design, both in terms of the console itself and the mini CD game disks—a refreshing departure from the standard format. Additionally, the inclusion of a memory card system ensured that progress in my favourite games could be saved and revisited at any time.
While the GameCube may not have had the most extensive library, the quality of its titles, such as Mario Kart Double Dash, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader, ensured that it holds a special place in my gaming memories.
Game Boy Advance.
Transitioning to the Game Boy Advance marked a shift in my handheld gaming experience, with its sleek, rectangular design offering a departure from the traditional Game Boy form factor. While I appreciated the versatility of the Game Boy Advance and its library of great games, I found myself less engrossed compared to my time with the Game Boy Color.
Despite this, the Game Boy Advance served faithfully as a travel companion, entertaining on the go during long journeys or downtime. While tabletop consoles may have held more allure for me, the Game Boy Advance still held its own with a selection of noteworthy titles.
Among my favourite games on the Game Boy Advance are Super Mario Advance 2, Mario Kart Super Circuit, and Jurassic Park Park Builder. Each of these games provided moments of enjoyment and excitement, even if my focus shifted slightly towards other gaming platforms during this period.
Xbox Crystal.
Acquiring an Xbox Crystal at a bargain price from a friend seemed like a perfect addition to my gaming collection. This console, ahead of its time, introduced revolutionary features such as the ability to save games directly to a hard drive—a trendsetting innovation that has since become standard across all gaming platforms.
The Xbox boasted an impressive lineup of console exclusives that left a lasting impression, including classics like Forza Motorsport and Project Gotham Racing. These titles showcased the console’s capabilities and cemented its place in gaming history.
The arrival of the Xbox sparked the infamous console war, igniting passionate debates among gamers worldwide. However, I’ve always believed in appreciating the strengths of both PlayStation and Xbox, recognizing that each offers its own unique experiences and top-tier titles.
Among my favourite games on the Xbox are Forza Motorsport, Project Gotham Racing 2, Conflict Desert Storm 2, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon. Each of these games provided countless hours of excitement and entertainment, further enriching my gaming journey.
Retro gaming to Next-Gen consoles: the future has arrived:
As I reminisce about my retro gaming consoles, it’s clear that my gaming journey is far from over. Join me as we delve into the next chapter of my adventures.
This next phase marked a monumental leap in console performance, heralding the dawn of what I consider the next generation of gaming. With the arrival of these consoles, gone were the days of memory cards, replaced instead by hard drives for saving data. Wired controllers became a thing of the past as wireless controllers became standard, making gaming more comfortable and convenient, especially for gatherings with friends in spacious rooms.
But perhaps most excitingly, these next-gen consoles were pioneers in connectivity, featuring built-in Wi-Fi capabilities that allowed for seamless online gaming experiences. It was an era of innovation and progress, where gaming transcended traditional boundaries and embraced the possibilities of the digital age.
Join me as I explore the wonders of these next-gen consoles and continue my journey through the ever-evolving world of gaming.
Xbox 360.
The Xbox 360 emerged as a powerhouse in the gaming world, renowned for its superb graphics and innovative features. One notable aspect that set the Xbox 360 apart was its diverse range of models, each offering unique price points and features. From the entry-level Arcade model with a small memory card to the more advanced versions like the Pro and Elite with larger hard drives, Microsoft provided options to suit every gamer’s needs.
One of the defining features of the Xbox 360 was its role in laying the foundation for some of gaming’s most beloved franchises. The Gears of War series, in particular, achieved iconic status as an Xbox exclusive, captivating players with its intense gameplay and gripping narrative.
Additionally, titles like Mass Effect and Assassin’s Creed made their debut on the Xbox 360, contributing to its reputation as a platform for groundbreaking gaming experiences, despite also being available on other consoles.
Among my favourite games on the Xbox 360 are Gears of War 1, 2, and 3, Assassin’s Creed 1, 2, and Brotherhood, Forza Motorsport 3, and Mass Effect. These titles exemplify the diverse and captivating gaming experiences offered by the Xbox 360, solidifying its place in gaming history as a true powerhouse of its time.
PSP.
The PSP marked PlayStation’s ambitious foray into the handheld gaming market, aiming to rival the dominance of Nintendo’s handheld consoles—and it largely succeeded. I found immense enjoyment in playing the PSP, as it offered a plethora of great games with unique twists on top-tier titles.
One of the PSP’s standout features was its superior performance and power compared to its main competitor, the Nintendo DS, providing a more immersive gaming experience on the go. I was particularly drawn to the PSP’s ability to deliver console-quality gaming wherever I went, thanks to its impressive capabilities.
One title that stood out to me was the Sega Mega Drive Collection. Being able to play some of my all-time favourite retro games on the go was an absolute delight, showcasing the PSP’s versatility and appeal to retro gaming enthusiasts.
Among my favourite games on the PSP are God of War: The Ghost of Sparta and God of War: Chains of Olympus, which offered epic adventures and immersive storytelling, further solidifying the PSP as a powerhouse in handheld gaming.
PS3.
The PS3 held a special place in my gaming heart, surpassing the Xbox with its immersive experiences and stellar lineup of titles. I have fond memories of spending countless hours with my brother, deeply engrossed in the NBA 2K franchise releases. The graphics and gameplay were top-notch, offering an unparalleled gaming experience.
One of the standout features of the PS3 was its innovative six-axis controller, Sony’s initial foray into motion controls. This paved the way for groundbreaking titles like Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series, which pushed the boundaries of exploration and action. With its dynamic mix of adventure, gunfights, and a robust cover system, Uncharted elevated the PS3 to new heights as a platform for superlative console exclusives.
In addition to action-packed adventures, I found myself drawn to the thrill of racing games on the PS3. The releases of Gran Turismo 5 and 6 provided unparalleled realism and excitement, while my newfound passion for Formula 1 games ignited with titles like F1 2010-2014. Despite my initial struggles with earlier F1 games, I found myself fully immersed in the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing.
Among my favourite games on the PS3 are Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, God of War 3, Gran Turismo 5 and 6, and the F1 series from 2010 to 2014. Each of these titles contributed to the rich tapestry of gaming experiences that defined the PS3 era, leaving an indelible mark on my gaming journey.
Nintendo Wii.
The Wii revolutionized gaming, propelling Nintendo to unprecedented success and showcasing the potential of motion controls. I vividly recall the frenzy that ensued as the console flew off shelves, captivating audiences worldwide with its innovative gameplay. With its intuitive motion controls, the Wii became a beacon of accessibility, bringing families together in shared gaming experiences.
Games like bowling and Mario Kart, enhanced by the immersive motion controls and wheel attachments, epitomized the sheer fun of the Wii. Whether hurling virtual strikes or racing through colourful courses, players were transported into the heart of the action. The Wii’s emphasis on physical engagement transformed gaming, encouraging players to leave the confines of the couch and embrace a more active gaming experience.
Among my cherished memories of the Wii era are the countless hours spent enjoying titles like Mario Kart Wii, Wii Sports Resort, and Mario Party 8-9. These games not only provided endless entertainment but also exemplified the inclusive spirit of the Wii, uniting players of all ages and skill levels in joyful gameplay experiences.
Nintendo 3DS.
Returning to handheld gaming after a prolonged hiatus, I opted for the Nintendo 3DS as my travel companion, reigniting my passion for gaming on the go. My decision was largely fueled by a desire to reconnect with beloved franchises, particularly Pokémon, which had undergone remarkable advancements since my last foray into the series.
The remakes of Pokémon Omega Ruby, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. Transitioning from the traditional top-down perspective to a fully immersive 3D adventure was nothing short of extraordinary, breathing new life into familiar worlds and characters.
As a fan of turn-based gameplay, I found myself drawn to other titles in the genre, such as the captivating Bravely Default series and the strategic Fire Emblem games. These experiences reignited my love for handheld gaming and continue to captivate me to this day.
Among my favourite games on the Nintendo 3DS are Pokémon X/Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, Bravely Default, Bravely Second, and Fire Emblem Awakening. Each of these titles offers a unique blend of adventure, strategy, and nostalgia, making them essential additions to any handheld gaming library.
Wii U.
The arrival of the Wii U was met with immense anticipation on my end, yet it swiftly turned into profound disappointment. Despite my initial excitement, I couldn’t help but feel perplexed by Nintendo’s missteps with this console. Except for a handful of titles, the Wii U fell short of expectations and left much to be desired.
Unlike its predecessor, the Wii U failed to capture the magic that made the Wii such a beloved console. While it did serve its purpose as a platform for couch co-op gaming, it paled in comparison to its predecessor. For me, the Wii U never emerged as a standalone console; instead, it served as a complementary addition to my gaming setup, with my trusty PS3 always at the ready.
Although my experience with the Wii U was underwhelming, there were still a few standout titles that managed to capture my attention. Among them were Mario Kart 8, Super Mario 3D World, and Mario Party 10. Despite its shortcomings, these games provided glimpses of the potential that the Wii U held, even if it ultimately fell short of expectations.
PS4.
With the arrival of the PS4, my anticipation reached new heights—I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one. While the PS4 did deliver better graphics and a plethora of sequels, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the leap from PS2 to PS3 was far more groundbreaking. The transition from PS3 to PS4, while noticeable, didn’t quite leave me as awestruck.
Nevertheless, the PS4 era brought forth a slew of games that either introduced me to new experiences or had me eagerly awaiting their sequels. The vast open-world landscapes of titles like The Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 beckoned exploration, offering immersive journeys into richly detailed realms.
One standout was the revitalization of the God of War franchise, which underwent a monumental overhaul. Shifting away from Greek mythology, the game embraced Norse gods, thrusting Kratos into a new chapter of his life.
Gran Turismo made a return with Gran Turismo Sport, offering a fresh perspective on the traditional racing genre with a focus on competitive online play. Meanwhile, my passion for racing games persisted with the annual releases of the F1 franchise.
A notable addition to my gaming repertoire was Assetto Corsa Competizione, a racing sim that delved deeper into the immersive world of virtual racing. My fascination with the genre led me to invest in my first sim racing setup, the Logitech G29.
Here are some of my favourite games from the PS4 era: God of War, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Fallout 4, The Witcher 3, and the F1 series from 2015 to 2020.
Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch, a groundbreaking hybrid console, revolutionized gaming with its seamless transition between handheld and docked modes. Combining the best elements of its predecessors, the Wii and Wii U, the Switch offers both family-friendly couch co-op experiences and high-performance handheld gaming.
I find myself gravitating towards the handheld mode, where I’ve had the pleasure of diving into a plethora of amazing games. While it may not match the raw power of its competitors, the Switch’s versatility and game library solidify its status as one of the greatest consoles of all time.
Among my favourite titles are Mario Kart Deluxe, Zelda Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Bravely Default, and Pokemon Sword.
PS5.
The PS5 serves as my go-to console, primarily for indulging in the immersive world of sim racing. Upgraded to a complete Fanatec setup from my Logitech G29, it seamlessly integrates with a variety of sim racing titles.
With its stunning graphics, the PS5 elevates the gaming experience to new heights, especially when coupled with the innovative PSVR2. My current game library boasts a mix of beloved franchises and exciting new releases, featuring Gran Turismo 7, EA WRC, F1 23 and Assetto Corsa Competizione.
In Conclusion.
In reflection, my retro gaming journey has traversed numerous consoles and genres, showcasing the remarkable evolution of gaming technology. From retro tabletop and retro handheld consoles to next-gen consoles, the advancements have captivated me, especially in racing games like Gran Turismo and F1.
Witnessing the evolution of these titles has been a source of constant enjoyment. Transitioning from a retro controller to a full sim setup has deepened my immersion in console sim racing, amplifying my passion for the genre. I only wish we had the direct-drive wheelbases of today back on retro gaming consoles.
While I’ve dabbled in PC gaming retro consoles always were my main source of gaming entertainment, Age of Empires 2 remains a timeless favourite and a retro game I play when I fire up my PC. The ever-evolving landscape of consoles promises exciting possibilities, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in gaming innovation.
Retro gaming will always be a mainstay in my gaming arsenal and I enjoy going back in time every time I switch my Mega Drive on. Maybe one day I can own all my favourite Retro consoles again.