In an era dominated by high-definition graphics, complex gameplay mechanics, and expansive open worlds, it can be easy to overlook the charm and simplicity of retro games. Yet, for anyone new to the world of gaming, there’s no better way to start than by diving into some of the classics that laid the foundation for modern video games. Playing retro games is not only a nostalgic journey for seasoned gamers but also an eye-opening experience for newcomers to gaming. It offers a chance to appreciate the roots of the industry while discovering timeless gameplay and stories that have endured for decades.

In this article, we’ll introduce five must-play retro games that every new gamer should experience. These titles, ranging from platformers to RPGs, will give you a taste of what made classic gaming so special while providing fun and challenging experiences.

1. Super Mario Bros. (NES)

Why You Should Play It:

No list of retro games would be complete without Super Mario Bros. This 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) classic is not just a game; it’s a piece of gaming history. It’s often considered the game that saved the video game industry after the infamous video game crash of 1983. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, iconic power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, and its colorful world set the stage for many of the platformers that followed.

As a new gamer, Super Mario Bros. is a fantastic introduction to retro games because it’s easy to learn but difficult to master. The objective is simple: guide Mario through a series of increasingly challenging levels to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. However, the tight controls, precise jumping, and enemies that require strategic movement make each stage feel rewarding and fresh.

What You’ll Learn:

• The core mechanics of platformers.
  
  

• How the simplicity of design can create an engaging and fun challenge.
  
  

• The influence of Super Mario Bros. on countless games today, including the Super Mario franchise, indie platformers, and more.
  
  

Super Mario Bros. is more than just an entry point into retro gaming—it’s a window into the future of game design.

2. The Legend of Zelda (NES)

Why You Should Play It:

If you’re a fan of adventure games, The Legend of Zelda (1986) is a must-play. As one of the most influential games ever made, this action-adventure game established many of the tropes and mechanics that we now associate with the genre. In Zelda, you control Link as he navigates the land of Hyrule to rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon. Along the way, you'll explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and collect items like bombs and the boomerang.

What makes The Legend of Zelda stand out is its combination of exploration and puzzle-solving, which was revolutionary at the time of its release. The open-world design, which encourages you to explore and tackle challenges in any order, was a significant influence on future games, including the Zelda series itself, which would go on to define modern open-world adventures.

What You’ll Learn:

• The appeal of top-down adventure gameplay with an emphasis on exploration.
  
  

• How puzzles and dungeons are key to progressing in adventure games.
  
  

• The roots of modern open-world exploration found in games like The Witcher 3 and Breath of the Wild.
  
  

The Legend of Zelda proves that the foundation of modern action-adventure games was built on simple yet innovative mechanics.

3. Pac-Man (Arcade)

Why You Should Play It:

For new gamers, there’s no better way to experience the allure of retro arcade games than by playing Pac-Man (1980). This classic arcade game is easy to pick up but difficult to put down. Your goal is simple: guide Pac-Man through a maze, eating dots and avoiding ghosts. The game’s endless chase for high scores and its iconic yellow protagonist have made it one of the most recognized games of all time.

While the premise may seem simple by today’s standards, Pac-Man remains an addictive challenge. It’s a great way to understand the early appeal of arcade games, which were designed to be played in short bursts but with plenty of replay value. Additionally, the game’s sound effects and iconic music add to its enduring charm, making it an essential title in the history of retro games.

What You’ll Learn:

• The fundamentals of arcade gameplay, including score-chasing and survival.
  
  

• How Pac-Man revolutionized gaming by introducing maze-chase mechanics.
  
  

• The appeal of games that are simple to play but challenging to master.
  
  

Pac-Man is a perfect introduction to the joys of arcade gaming and is guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.

4. Tetris (Game Boy)

Why You Should Play It:

If you're new to gaming and want to experience one of the most addictive and universally loved games of all time, Tetris (1989) is a must-play. Developed by Alexey Pajitnov, this puzzle game is based on fitting falling blocks (called tetriminos) into a grid, clearing lines as they are filled. The simplicity of the concept, combined with the increasing speed and difficulty, makes it endlessly challenging.

Tetris has been ported to countless platforms over the years, but the original Game Boy version is iconic for introducing the game to a global audience. This version is also the perfect representation of the game's universal appeal—easy to pick up, yet hard to put down.

What makes Tetris a must-play for new gamers is its elegance. It’s a game where the rules are simple, but mastering the flow of falling blocks requires practice, strategy, and quick thinking. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive high-score chaser, Tetris offers something for everyone.

What You’ll Learn:

• The fundamentals of puzzle gaming and how simple mechanics can lead to deep gameplay.
  
  

• How Tetris pioneered the idea of games that are addictive through the pursuit of higher scores.
  
  

• The lasting impact of Tetris on game design and mobile gaming.
  
  

Playing Tetris will teach you the beauty of minimalism in game design and the excitement of perfecting your skills.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis)

Why You Should Play It:

Another essential title for new gamers is Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), the flagship game for Sega Genesis. Known for its lightning-fast platforming and vibrant levels, Sonic was designed to showcase the technological capabilities of the Genesis and provided a faster alternative to the more methodical Super Mario Bros. It follows the titular blue hedgehog as he races through loops, defeats robotic enemies, and collects golden rings in his quest to stop Dr. Robotnik (also known as Eggman).

One of the standout features of Sonic the Hedgehog is its emphasis on speed. Unlike other platformers of the time, Sonic rewarded players for zipping through stages as quickly as possible while still offering plenty of challenges. The game's signature loop-de-loops, colorful landscapes, and upbeat soundtrack have made it an iconic title that holds up well for new players experiencing retro games.

What You’ll Learn:

• The concept of fast-paced platforming and the importance of precision.
  
  

• How Sonic created a different style of platforming that focused on speed and fluidity.
  
  

• The lasting impact of Sonic on modern platformers and how it influenced subsequent game franchises.
  
  

If you're looking for a high-speed, action-packed retro experience, Sonic the Hedgehog is an absolute must-play.

Conclusion

For new gamers, retro games offer a fantastic starting point for diving into the history of video games. These classics not only showcase the evolution of gameplay and design but also offer timeless experiences that continue to resonate with players of all ages. By playing Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Pac-Man, Tetris, and Sonic the Hedgehog, you'll be able to experience the foundations of modern gaming while discovering why these titles have stood the test of time.