Emulators allow modern gamers to revisit classic video games from past console generations. With the ability to play Nintendo, Sega, Sony and Microsoft titles on one device, emulators breathe new life into timeless games.
While the legal standing of emulators is muddy, they remain popular for preserving gaming history. This list showcases 20 must-play retro experiences to try on your emulator of choice. Whether your favorite genre is platformers, RPGs or arcade-style action, these monumental titles offer hours of nostalgic fun.
1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
The quintessential Mario platformeer, Super Mario Bros. 3 built on previous games with new power-ups like the Tanooki Suit and Frog Suit. Huge, diverse levels covered themes like giant world and cloud world, crammed with secrets. From the iconic raccoon ears to the Hammer Bro enemies, SMB3 is Mario magic.
Release Year: 1988
Ideal Emulator: Nestopia UE
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
Considered one of the greatest Zelda titles, A Link to the Past popularized many series traditions. Dark World transformed familiar Hyrule into a twisted reflection, while dungeons were puzzle-box masterpieces. Exploring, swordplay and adventure made this 16-bit opus a SNES showpiece.
Release Year: 1991
Ideal Emulator: Snes9X
3. Street Fighter II (Multi)
Street Fighter II sparked an arcade fighting craze in the early 90s. Allowing players to battle head-to-head as World Warriors like Ryu, Ken and Chun-Li, SF2 depth came from combo timings and competitive mindgames. Later editions added more speed and new fighters.
Release Year: 1991
Ideal Emulator: MAME
4. Super Metroid (SNES)
This atmospheric adventure saw interstellar bounty hunter Samus explore planet Zebes to retrieve a stolen Metroid creature. Expertly paced, with a gloomy, isolated feel, players gradually opened up new areas Metroidvania-style. Bosses, music and visuals were exceptional on 16-bit SNES.
Release Year: 1994
Ideal Emulator: Snes9X
5. Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation)
While preceding Final Fantasy titles found success, FFVII went supernova as a PlayStation flagship. Cinematic visuals, an elaborate magic/tech world and the memorable cast won fans over. The story of Cloud, Aerith and their clash with corporate overlord Shinra resonates.
Release Year: 1997
Ideal Emulator: DuckStation
6. Metal Gear Solid (PlayStation)
Blending cinematic flair and stealth action, Metal Gear Solid followed special operative Solid Snake. Infiltrating Shadow Moses island to defeat the terrorist group FOXHOUND, the gripping story popularized the radio chat of Colonel Campbell and friends. A PlayStation masterpiece.
Release Year: 1998
Ideal Emulator: DuckStation
7. Soulcalibur (Dreamcast)
Soulcalibur took weapons-based 3D fighting to new heights with visuals harnessing the Dreamcast power. Smooth animations and battle dynamics, alongside the diverse fighting styles and elaborate arenas, made this a technical showpiece. Character creator was a first for the genre.
Release Year: 1999
Ideal Emulator: Flycast
8. Tony Hawk‘s Pro Skater 2 (Multi)
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 built upon the original‘s skateboarding foundations for bigger, better vert sessions. New tricks, created skaters and park editor expanded the addictive combo chaining, while extra modes like graffiti kept the party going with friends.
Release Year: 2000
Ideal Emulator: PCSX2
9. Super Mario Sunshine (Gamecube)
Super Mario Sunshine brought everyone‘s favorite plumber to the tropical Delfino Island…and armed him with a water-spouting pal. FLUDD the robotic backpack created unique gameplay applications for spraying water, hovering and blasting enemies. Vibrant locales met Mario charm.
Release Year: 2002
Ideal Emulator: Dolphin
10. Metroid Prime (Gamecube)
Bringing the Metroid series into stunning 3D realms, Metroid Prime immersed players on planet Tallon IV. Blending FPS and platforming mechanics, players guided heroine Samus through abandoned mines and mutated alien landscapes in one atmospheric adventure.
Release Year: 2002
Ideal Emulator: Dolphin
11. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Multi)
Blending platforming grace with swordplay and time manipulation, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was acclaimed for its fluid animation and clever mechanics. Reversing and slowing time mid-jump proved a revelation in traversal and combat across lavish Persian vistas.
Release Year: 2003
Ideal Emulator: PCSX2
12. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Multi)
This RPG brought the Star Wars universe to new heights, letting players create a Jedi padawan centuries before the Skywalker saga. With morality systems impacting the story, the twist reveal of lead character Revan‘s true origins shocked gamers on release.
Release Year: 2003
Ideal Emulator: PCSX2
13. Katamari Damacy (PlayStation 2)
Possibly the most bizarre console game concept ever, Katamari Damacy charged players with rolling around adhesive balls to reconstruct the cosmos. Quirky visuals, catchy soundtrack and larger-than-life spirit made this a cult classic. Fun, fresh and totally unique.
Release Year: 2004
Ideal Emulator: PCSX2
14. Shadow of the Colossus (PlayStation 2)
Shadow of the Colossus brought down towering leviathans in cinematic clashes. Players rode Agro the trusty steed across forbidden lands to fell 16 Colossi, clinging to swaying giants using wit and skill. Minimalist, sombre and hauntingly beautiful.
Release Year: 2005
Ideal Emulator: PCSX2
15. Ōkami (PlayStation 2)
Okami let players take the role of sun goddess Amaterasu in wolf form, using Celestial Brush techniques to defeat evil spirits plaguing ancient Japan. Blending Zelda-esque adventure with woodcut visual flare and inspiration from Japanese lore, Okami dazzled Sony fans.
Release Year: 2006
Ideal Emulator: PCSX2
16. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Super Mario Galaxy flung Mario into space for gravity-bending spherical platforming. Planetoids with quirky physics offered fresh spins on the Mario formula. Meanwhile, Luigi went ghostbusting in the stellar sequel Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the same console.
Release Year: 2007
Ideal Emulator: Dolphin
17. LittleBigPlanet (PlayStation 3)
While touted as a ‘platform game for the 21st century‘, what made LittleBigPlanet special was its creation tools. Players could craft imaginative, quirky levels beyond the (brilliant) story mode to share with others online. Sackboy ply, scraps of cloth and pops of color brought this crafty platformer to life charmingly.
Release Year: 2008
Ideal Emulator: RPCS3
18. Batman: Arkham Asylum (Multi)
The spectacular Batman: Arkham Asylum let comic book fans finally experience a worthy interactive take on the Caped Crusader. Grappling and gliding between moody gothic buildings to defeat an island full of colorful villains set the template for super sequels too.
Release Year: 2009
Ideal Emulator: RPCS3
19. Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360/PS3)
Galloping horses, machine gun bandits and the wide plains of America…Red Dead Redemption granted players cowboy wish fulfillment beyond any spaghetti western. Following ex-outlaw John Marston‘s search for redemption through an engaging story, with multiplayer modes just adding to the Wild West atmosphere.
Release Year: 2010
Ideal Emulator: Xenia
20. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Multi)
From snow-swept mountains to gloomy dungeons teeming with undead draugr, exploring the high fantasy realm of Skyrim forged modern legends. An awe-inspiring open world powered by player choice, side quests feel as epic as main missions. "Fus Ro Dah!" shouts speak to Skyrim‘s influence.
Release Year: 2011
Ideal Emulator: RPCS3
Choose Your Emulator Wisely
With so many emulators available for systems like the SNES, PlayStation 2 and GameCube, carefully research which emulators offer the most accurate performance, visuals and compatibility with your desired game library.
Pay attention to emulator system requirements too, as some choices like Xenia and RPCS3 need potent PC hardware for smooth modern AAA titles.
Veteran emulator choices like ZSNES, EPSXE and Project64 have stood the test of time too.
Preserve Gaming History
Modern franchise iterations lure gamers with cutting edge graphics and features. However, by revisiting past console generation classics via emulation, enduring game design shines through early 3D teething troubles and pixelated aesthetics.
Beyond pure nostalgia chasing, exploring 20+ year old design informed landmark modern franchises like Assassin‘s Creed and Uncharted. What fire in Super Mario World lit the fuse Paper Mario‘s Bob-omb battles? How did mechanical enemies in Castlevania poison the beasts of Bloodborne?
Gaming is an iterative medium, so playing PS1 Crash Bandicoot may shed light on how PS4 Crash tweaked formula poised for 90‘s platforming dominance.
Ultimately, having key gaming texts preserved in playable condition ensures the history and fundamentals underpinning modern behemoths stays accessible in interactive form to tomorrow‘s game developers. Just like film students scouring Hitchcock, retro games offer an artistic lens no textbook can replicate.
Conclusion
This glimpse across past Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox generations reveals how genres solidified into forms familiar today. But expanding beyond flagpole finishes, secret power stars and ‘Game Over‘ screens offers deeper design truths.
Why is arriving in castle grounds in Ocarina of Time so awe-inspiring even sans-4K? How did early Resident Evil instill dread without elaborate gore? What lessons did 2D Sonic teach before boost buttons streamlined speed?
If above classics make your backlog, power up chosen emulator and dig in! Dissecting golden age formulas feeding modern favorites only deepens gaming passion.
