24 April 2025
Ah, the golden era of gaming—a time when pixelated worlds felt alive, soundtracks gave us goosebumps, and stories pulled us into unforgettable adventures. Do you remember the good ol' days of huddling around an old CRT monitor or blowing into a cartridge to make a game work? (Don’t deny it, we’ve all been there.) Retro adventure games weren’t just pastimes; they were portals to new realms. And, guess what? Many of them are still just as enjoyable today as they were back then.
In this article, we’re diving into the favorite retro adventure games that still hold up today. Whether you’re a nostalgia junkie or a newcomer curious about these classics, this list has something for everyone. So grab a snack, cozy up, and let’s take a virtual walk down memory lane!
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)Let’s kick it off with a timeless masterpiece: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This iconic SNES title is an emotional ride packed into a beautifully crafted, pixel-perfect world. From exploring the mystical land of Hyrule and its dangerous dungeons to battling evil wizards, there's never a dull moment.
What makes this game still hold its charm? It’s the perfect mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and epic storytelling. Even after several decades, the game's top-down gameplay feels incredibly polished, and the visuals, despite their simplicity, remain absolutely charming. Plus, that soundtrack? Instant goosebumps. Seriously, even modern Zelda games owe so much to this retro gem.
2. Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge (1991)
Platform: PC, Amiga, SEGA CD (originally)If you think pirates are cool and love a good laugh, Monkey Island 2 will steal your heart. Here’s the scoop: You play as Guybrush Threepwood, a wannabe pirate trying to uncover buried treasure while navigating slapstick humor, sassy dialogue, and bizarre puzzles. Unlike today’s overcomplicated systems, the game uses a simple, intuitive point-and-click mechanic.
What makes Monkey Island 2 stand the test of time is its wit. The humor is ageless, and the writing feels fresher than some modern blockbusters. Whether you're reminiscing about the “insult sword fighting” or yelling "Why won’t this work?!" at an obtuse yet oddly satisfying puzzle, there’s no denying its charm.
3. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)If someone made a Mount Rushmore of retro games, Chrono Trigger would be up there with a cape flapping in the breeze. This legendary RPG adventure combined elements of fantasy, time travel, and character-driven storytelling into one unforgettable package.
What’s wild is how well it plays today. The art style (primarily designed by Dragon Ball Z's Akira Toriyama) still feels vibrant and timeless. And don’t even get me started on the music—it’s pure nostalgia on steroids. The branching storylines and multiple endings make every playthrough uniquely rewarding. Did we mention there’s a talking frog warrior? That alone is worth a replay.
4. Grim Fandango (1998)
Platform: PCTake a noir detective story, throw in Day of the Dead-inspired visuals, and toss it into the afterlife—that’s Grim Fandango for you. You follow Manny Calavera, a skeleton travel agent, as he uncovers a conspiracy in the Land of the Dead.
Even now, Grim Fandango holds its own thanks to its quirky characters, sharp dialogue, and unique aesthetic. The puzzles are challenging (sometimes intentionally ridiculous), but they form part of the charm. Plus, its remastered version brings updated visuals and controls, making it accessible for newcomers while still satisfying the purists.
5. Secret of Mana (1993)
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)When it comes to action-adventure RPGs, Secret of Mana is like peanut butter and jelly—it just works. This SNES classic offers a vibrant fantasy world filled with lush forests, hidden treasures, and epic boss battles.
What sets Secret of Mana apart from other retro RPGs is its real-time combat. Instead of turn-based battles, you hack and slash your way through enemies in a way that never feels outdated. The co-op feature (up to three players) was groundbreaking at the time, and even today, it’s a blast playing with friends and reliving the magic together.
6. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
Platform: PlayStationMany consider Symphony of the Night the pinnacle of the Castlevania series—and honestly, they’re not wrong. This Metroidvania masterpiece dumps you into Dracula’s sprawling castle, armed with nothing but your wits, a sword, and some killer vampire-slaying vibes.
This game is still immensely playable thanks to its non-linear exploration, RPG mechanics, and atmospheric storytelling. The pixel art is to die for (pun intended), and the gothic soundtrack oozes style. If you’ve never played this one, you’re seriously missing out.
7. King’s Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow (1992)
Platform: PC, MacSierra’s King’s Quest VI is one of those games that perfectly epitomized the 90s adventure scene. Players take on the role of Prince Alexander, who embarks on an epic journey to save the love of his life. Along the way, you'll encounter puzzles, witty dialogue, and a world filled with quirky details.
The hand-drawn backgrounds still look stunning even by today’s standards, and the voice acting (a rarity for games back then) adds personality to the already rich storytelling. Sure, the puzzles can be maddeningly difficult, but isn’t that half the fun of an old-school adventure game?
8. EarthBound (1994)
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)Can we just admit that EarthBound is unlike anything else out there? This quirky, offbeat RPG takes place in a modern suburban setting, where you control a group of kids battling bizarre enemies like garbage can monsters and cultists.
Its humor, heart, and heaps of personality have cemented EarthBound as a cult classic. The unique combat system remains fun, and its satirical take on Americana never gets old. Plus, how many games can you name where you literally call your dad to save your progress? It’s weird, wonderful, and totally worth revisiting.
9. Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars (1996)
Platform: PC, PlayStationPoint-and-click adventure fans, take note—this one’s a must-play. Broken Sword blends historical conspiracy theories with heart-pounding storytelling. You play as George Stobbart, a tourist caught in a spiraling mystery involving secret societies and ancient artifacts.
The game’s hand-drawn animations still look gorgeous today, and its gripping narrative wouldn’t feel out of place in a Netflix series. Throw in some clever puzzles and witty dialogue, and it’s clear why this classic still resonates with gamers.
10. Super Metroid (1994)
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)Wrapping up our list is the icon that birthed an entire genre: Super Metroid. This seminal action-adventure game is all about exploration, atmosphere, and uncovering secrets. You play as Samus Aran, a bounty hunter on a mission to recover a stolen alien lifeform.
What keeps Super Metroid at the top of so many “best games ever” lists is its attention to detail. The interconnected world is designed so perfectly that you'd think a team of mad scientists created it. Its gameplay loop of discovery and reward still feels satisfying all these years later.
Yvonne McGowan
Great list! It’s amazing how these retro adventure games have stood the test of time, bringing nostalgia and fun to both old and new players!
April 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM