In the decades since video gaming began, technology has evolved dramatically to support countless games in many genres, but not all of them have been well-preserved. Today, many games have become abandonware. Without support from their publishers, these classic games are rare physical finds.
Fortunately, dedicated fans have revived many of these retro titles as online browser games. So, instead of spending hundreds on old consoles and cartridges, you can play from the comfort of your modern computer. You’ll also skip the hassle of meddling with clunky emulators to run these digital masterpieces.
7Superior Soldiers (1993)
Irem’s Superior Soldiers isn’t the most recognizable retro game, but it has an interesting place in gaming history. Like many 1990s games, Superior Soldiers capitalized on Street Fighter’s popularity. It follows the same formula and control scheme, differentiating itself with little more than a coat of apocalyptic paint.
Nonetheless, Superior Soldiers offers some decent gameplay and a unique story. Astute gamers will also notice design trends similar to those in theMetal Slugseries. After Superior Soldiers, Irem was recruited to design characters and settings for SNK’s more iconic run and gun series.
6Q*Bert (1983)
It may not be the mostexcitinggame on the planet, but Gottlieb’s QBert series holds a special place in many retro gamers’ hearts. First appearing in 1983, QBert is an orange, trumpet-nosed creature. He bounces atop cubes, changing their colors, and completes levels by touching every block.
Unfortunately for QBert fans, he hasn’t appeared on shelves since the 2019 release of aniOS QBert game. But that doesn’t mean he’s any less important. Q*Bert’s legacy earned him a nod in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph series.
5Hoops (1996)
In 1994, Data East released Street Slam. The four-player basketball game used detailed pixel graphics to put Neo Geo owners in the middle of high-octanestreet basketball games. Two years later, Data East released a sequel, Hoops (or Hoops ‘96 for European players).
Like its predecessor, Hoops revolves around building energy to perform technical dunks. You can overpower opponents with power, speed, or strategy. These traits are defined by the allocation of eighteen points, which vary by each predefined team. The arcade version of Hoops, which is available online, functions identically to the home version.
4Virtua Fighter 2 (1993)
If you’ve ever played aTekkengame, you’ll be right at home playingVirtua Fighter 2. Today, Sega’s two-player fighting game may seem trite, but it was revolutionary for its time. At its 1993 debut, Virtua Fighter 2 was lauded for its eye-popping graphics and motion capture technology.
Today, those qualities give the game a sense of irreplaceable style. If you have an old Mega Drive lying around, you can play the 1997 cartridge. The most modern re-release revived the arcade classic for Xbox 360 in 2012. However, if neither of those options is viable, you can also turn to the Internet Arcade to get your fill of the iconic series.
3Street Fighter EX2 (1998)
As you may have guessed from its title,Street Fighter EX2is the sequel to the first EX game. The online version is the game’s arcade edition, which removes Hayate from the lineup. Nonetheless, it plays the same as its home console equivalent. You can punch, kick, and combo through computer enemies or play against a friend.
Despite a few subpar reviews,Street Fighter EX2was lauded as an innovative approach to the rising series. Today, it’s fondly remembered by savvy Street Fighter enthusiasts. Experienced fans often cite EX2 Plus — the console version of the arcade game — as the EX series’ most balanced entry.
2Tetris (1988)
Play TetrisThe world’s favorite block-stacking puzzle game debuted in 1985, but the most accessible browser version was initially released in 1988. It’s also in Japanese. Fortunately, you don’t need to know much to play Tetris. All you need is four arrow keys and patience.
Despite its age, Tetris still enjoys a massive following. Competitive leagues are only slightly less common than they were in the 80s, and gamers continue to push the limits of this classic game. Of course, you’ll also find manymobile-based versions of Tetris.
1Sonic The Hedgehog (1993)
The world metSonic the Hedgehogin 1991. At the time, fans could only control the spiky speedster with a Sega Genesis (known internationally as the Mega Drive). However, after realizing its mascot’s newfound fame, Sega released an arcade cabinet version in 1993. Now, that coin-driven iteration of Sonic’s debut adventure is freely available for internet users worldwide.
Unlike thehome console game, this Mega Play arcade edition limits you to three lives and five zones. Fortunately, you have no coin limit; just add some more imaginary coins to keep playing. Astute fans may also notice some graphical tweaks, although these don’t impact gameplay.
