🎮 The Top 5 Video Games of the 1980s That Changed the Game Forever

Ah, the 1980s. A time of neon lights, cassette tapes, big hair, and the unforgettable sound of quarters dropping into arcade machines. It was the decade that gave birth to video game legends—the kind of games that didn’t just entertain—they defined childhoods and launched billion-dollar franchises still going strong today.

So whether you grew up during the joystick era or you’re just here for some retro gaming knowledge, grab your favorite throwback snack and let’s dive into the Top 5 video games of the 1980s that absolutely changed the game—literally.

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Platform: NES

Let’s be real—can you even talk about 80s games without mentioning Super Mario Bros.?  To this day the sound of Mario dying will still cause PSTD flashbacks for the Gen-Xers who played all summer while their parents were at work.  When this colorful side-scroller dropped with the Nintendo Entertainment System, it didn’t just give us Mario and Bowser—it revived the entire video game industry after the crash of ’83.

Fun, addictive, and polished gameplayIntroduced warp zones, fire flowers, and BowserSold over 40 million copies

2. Pac-Man (1980)

[image error]

Platform: Arcade

Pac-Man was a global sensation. The game’s simple but addictive mechanics and colorful design made it a pop culture icon. It appealed to casual and female gamers—a first in a male-dominated market.  This is the game where I would drop a roll of quarters on a Saturday afternoon with  my father during the summer break are one of my fondest memories.

Ghost-chasing mechanics with strategic depthSpawned merchandise, cartoons, and even a hit songEarned over $14 billion in revenue

3. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

Platform: NES

The Legend of Zelda introduced a whole new style of gameplay with its open-world exploration and non-linear story. It was the first NES game to let players save progress.  Which lead to the phenomenon called Nintendo thumb, a  repetitive strain injury which in my case, forced me into early retirement that summer.

First appearance of Link, Zelda, and GanonEncouraged exploration and puzzle-solvingSpawned a legendary franchise

4. Tetris (1984)

Platform: Game Boy, PC, Arcade

Created in the Soviet Union, Tetris became an international hit thanks to its Game Boy release. It showed that simple ideas could result in infinite replay value.

Brainy, addictive puzzle gameplayAppealed to all ages and backgroundsSold over 500 million copies across platforms

5. Donkey Kong (1981)

Platform: Arcade

Before Mario was Super, he was just Jumpman, dodging barrels and saving Pauline. Donkey Kong not only introduced two legendary characters, but also brought storytelling into platformers.

First appearances of Mario and Donkey KongPlatforming and storytelling innovationOriginally inspired by Popeye!

Quick Recap: Here’s the Top 5 AgainRankGameYearPlatformGame-Changing Move1Super Mario Bros.1985NESRevived gaming, platformer perfection2Pac-Man1980ArcadeGlobal hit, ghost-chasing strategy3The Legend of Zelda1986NESFirst real open-world adventure4Tetris1984VariousPuzzle king, brainy and addictive5Donkey Kong1981ArcadeMario’s debut, storytelling platformer

Final Thoughts + Play Them Today!

The 80s weren’t just about leg warmers and big hair—they were the dawn of gaming as we know it. These five games weren’t just popular; they laid the groundwork for everything from platformers to puzzle games to open-world epics.

Want to relive the pixelated magic for yourself? Here are some awesome retro gaming resources:

RetroGames.cc – Play classic arcade games right in your browserEmulator Games – Download ROMs and emulators for NES, SNES, and moreClassic Reload – DOS and arcade games from the 80s and 90sInternet Archive: The Arcade – Thousands of classic arcade games preserved for freeMAME UI – The ultimate arcade emulator

Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a curious newcomer, these games are proof that great gameplay never goes out of style. What’s your favorite 80s classic? Let us know in the comments below

The post 🎮 The Top 5 Video Games of the 1980s That Changed the Game Forever appeared first on Planet Tash.