10 Modern Games With Retro Throwback Sections

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these video game Easter eggs never cease to amuse me. It’s always fascinating to see developers pay homage to their roots and create these little nods to classic games within their own creations.

It reminds me of when I was a kid, spending hours on end playing Atari 2600 or Nintendo Entertainment System. Back then, finding hidden levels or secrets was like striking gold! These modern-day Easter eggs are the digital equivalent, and they bring a smile to my face each time I stumble upon one.

Speaking of which, have you ever tried playing Wolfstone 3D while sipping on a nice cold Pilsner Urquell? Now that would be a true homage to Wolfenstein’s roots! Just remember to save your game first; you don’t want to end up like poor B.J., stuck in a digital Nazi prison for eternity!

Regardless if it’s a pastime or a business, gaming typically shares a common trait: it honors its origins.

Back in the day, games might have seemed simple compared to what we play now, with their pixelated visuals and basic mechanics. But it’s those very games from yesteryears that laid the foundation for today’s elaborate graphics, immersive gameplay, and captivating presentations. I’m eternally grateful for the pioneering spirit of those early developers who brought joy to our lives!

Many people in the field today often have roots in the timeless games of yesteryear. Whenever feasible, they incorporate tributes to their cherished ones, either as optional side-games or even crucial narrative segments.

It’s worth noting that certain of these retro-inspired instances draw inspiration from traditional games, whereas others faithfully recreate entire concepts from those classics.

10. Space Harrier On A Missile

Bayonetta

In the games that renowned game director Hideki Kamiya oversees, it’s quite common to find references to one of his beloved arcade games – often one or more such nods are included.

Among the games, it’s arguably Bayonetta that makes the most obvious homages. It subtly references Afterburner, while its tribute to Space Harrier is more explicit.

In the second scenario, Bayonetta uses her magical abilities to commandeer a missile and soar through hordes of celestial adversaries. Accompanied by a reworked Space Harrier soundtrack, she playfully sets the stage for this adventure with, “Welcome to my personal fantasy realm!

9. Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine

Sonic Mania

Sonic Mania was carefully crafted as a heartfelt homage to the iconic side-scrolling Sonic games of yesteryears. Yet, it’s important to remember that the appeal of Sonic goes beyond just side-scrolling games.

Instead, at the conclusion of Chemical Plant Zone, instead of a typical fight against Robotnik, you’re given command over the long-neglected Mean Bean Machine.

To engage in the main battle against the zone’s boss, it’s necessary that you conquer Robotnik first in a direct match of Puyo Puyo.

As someone who has spent countless hours solving complex puzzles and riddles throughout my life, I can confidently say that even if you’re not accustomed to these types of games, you have nothing to fear when playing with Robotnik. He seems to be severely out of practice, and his lack of skill makes it easier for you to take advantage of the situation and enjoy the game to its fullest extent.

8. Midway Arcade Games

LEGO Dimensions

LEGO Dimensions incorporated numerous toy-based interactive items to introduce a vast array of settings and characters hailing from popular films, video games, and television programs.

One of the game kits offered had a theme inspired by iconic Midway Arcade games. Not just did it include an entire level based on different Midway games, but you could immerse yourself in the experience by fixing up arcade machines to play the actual games themselves.

As a gamer, I can jump right into 23 iconic Midway arcade games, like Joust, Rampage, Robotron, Spy Hunter, and many others, all from the comfort of my gaming setup.

7. Punch Out The Resourceful Rat

Enter The Gungeon

In the game “Enter the Gungeon,” you’ll find numerous entertaining nods to different aspects of popular culture, like the Quad Laser inspired by “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and the Wind-up Gun reminiscent of “Futurama.

As a seasoned gamer with years of gaming under my belt, I can tell you that most games follow a similar pattern when it comes to gameplay. But let me tell you, the secret boss fight against the Resourceful Rat in this game is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. With my fingers poised over the controller and my heart racing, I found myself completely taken aback by its unpredictable moves and challenging mechanics. It was a breath of fresh air, breaking up the monotony of the consistent gameplay and keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the fight. Truly a memorable moment in my gaming journey!

In the initial two stages, the battle resembles typical firefights. However, in the third round, it transforms into a boxing match reminiscent of Punch-Out, featuring evasive maneuvers and powerful punches.

We have no idea why you’d want to box with an oversized rat, but who doesn’t like Punch-Out?

6. Holotape Games

Fallout 4

In the hypothetical timeline of the Fallout series, it’s likely that no gaming companies familiar to us today emerged because a nuclear catastrophe occurred instead.

It seems that some individuals with a knack for gaming were employed by Vault-Tec and RobCo, as evidenced by the presence of video games in the Fallout universe, notably in Fallout 4.

You can discover unique holographic tapes hidden worldwide, which enable you to run modified versions of timeless video games on your terminal or Pip-Boy. These retro titles encompass Donkey Kong, Missile Command, Pitfall, Space Invaders, Robotron, and The Bard’s Tale.

5. Classic Kingdom Games

Kingdom Hearts 3

Did you know this interesting tidbit? Nintendo’s popular Game & Watch game series featured two collaborations with Disney, centered around Mickey Mouse. The initial game in this collaboration, named merely “Mickey Mouse,” turned out to be one of the highest-selling Game & Watch games ever released by Nintendo.

In recognition of those classic LCD games, the game Kingdom Hearts 3 offers a collection of unveilable mini-games known as Classic Kingdom.

Though you won’t find the actual Game & Watch games in this collection, possibly because of copyright issues, it’s hard not to notice that the pixelated, beeping characters share a striking resemblance with Nintendo’s first-generation portable devices, and the gameplay is reminiscent too.

4. Pitfall At Murderworld

Marvel Ultimate Alliance

In Marvel Ultimate Alliance, the antagonist Arcade confines our superheroes within his malevolent amusement park, Murderworld. During their struggle to escape, they cross paths with a mind-controlled version of Jean Grey whom they must engage in combat.

To reverse her mind control, Arcade makes you play a game at a nearby machine, cautioning that there may be some obstacles or difficulties during the process.

As a seasoned gamer who grew up in the ’80s, I can attest that the developers truly captured the essence of the classic Atari game Pitfall when they designed this level for my hero. The holes, swinging vines, and scorpions brought back memories of countless hours spent trying to navigate through the jungle, all while keeping an eye out for those pesky scorpions. It’s a testament to their skill that only by masterfully jumping over obstacles can I save Jean from her precarious predicament.

3. Super Bowser Bros.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

In a subtle, yet noticeable manner, it’s been apparent that Bowser harbors a bit of envy towards Mario’s jumping abilities in the gaming world. Whenever given a chance, he doesn’t hesitate to mimic or challenge his rival’s prowess.

After the events in Chapter 2 of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Bowser embarks on a journey to Petalburg with the intention of finding Peach. To reach this destination, he tramples his way through a precise replica of World 1-1 from Super Mario Bros.

Instead of mushrooms, striking blocks in this mini-game produces chunks of meat which cause Bowser to expand enormously. Towards the end of the level, he becomes so large that he simply steps on the flagpole with a single stomp.

2. Saints Of Rage

Saints Row 4

As a fervent fan, I found myself immersed in Saints Row 4 where the sinister alien overlord Zinyak had trapped us in digital realms reflecting our darkest fears. Unearthing that my old buddy Johnny Gat was also ensnared, I charged headfirst into his tormenting simulation.

In a heartbeat, I’d describe my personal terror as a side-scrolling brawler game known as “Saints of Rage.” It’s an unmistakable tribute to the legendary Streets of Rage series.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve joined forces with The Boss and Johnny, battling our way through the pivotal moments of the first two Saints Row installments. Our journey culminated in helping Johnny confront the tragic demise of Aisha at the hands of the Ronin in the second game, bringing some sense of closure to his heartache.

1. Wolfstone 3D

Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

In the game Wolfenstein 2, the colossal German submarine known as Eva’s Hammer serves as the headquarters for the resistance group. Compared to other submersibles, it’s not a bad abode, offering private quarters and a cozy tavern.

Inside the bar, B.J. discovers an old arcade game, remnant from the ship’s previous occupants – an oddly recognizable first-person shooter game named “Wolfstone 3D.

In essence, this replicates the classic Wolfenstein 3D video game experience, featuring numerous similar map designs and functions.

Given that the vessel is associated with the Nazis, it wouldn’t be logical for enemies within the game to be Nazi soldiers. Instead, the soldier characters are substituted with troops from America, Britain, and Russia.

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2025-01-02 17:09