In simpler times, when today’s youth weren’t around yet, the main type of TV we had at home was known as Cathode-Ray Tube Television (or CRT for short), which served as our primary screen before the advent of flat screens.
In the 80s and 90s, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) served as the initial television format for homes, and we spent our gaming hours on these very same devices.
CRTs aren’t the standard format anymore, mostly relegated to novelty purposes.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve come across numerous titles that strive to replicate the cozy glow of these gadgets by incorporating in-game filters.
In certain games, you may find some visual options that aren’t necessary but can be activated in the game settings. On the other hand, some games come with these features already turned on, primarily for storyline or aesthetic reasons.
10. Cyber Shadow
Right Out Of An NES
The pixel art in Cyber Shadow intentionally evokes a sense of nostalgia for the 8-bit games featuring ninjas that were popular during the NES era, like Ninja Gaiden and Shadows of the Ninja.
Back in the day, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a game-changer, literally! After the infamous video game crash of ’83, it played a pivotal role in resurrecting the gaming industry. That’s why, as a dedicated fan, I can’t help but pay tribute to this iconic console and its remarkable library of games whenever I get the chance.
As a gamer, stepping back into the ’80s gaming vibe is a breeze with Cyber Shadow. You can crank up the nostalgia by tweaking the settings to apply an optional CRT filter, making it feel like you’re playing 8-bit games right on your living room TV!
Apart from the curved screen and scan lines, there’s an additional feature called “Bad Wires” that simulates a slight screen flicker or ghosting for a more genuine gaming or viewing experience.
9. Blasphemous
Low-Def Old Testament
Although Blasphemous features pixel art visuals, it doesn’t seem to directly pay homage to any specific vintage game, beyond the obvious resemblances to Metroid and Castlevania.
Even so, you don’t need to make a particular reference to bask in the stylings of the retro era.
If you’re looking to give your spiritual journey a more pixelated feel, the game “Blasphemous” allows you to adjust that with its customizable CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) filter setting.
As an enthusiast, I’d say, “I’ve found this filter to be quite fascinating! It offers four unique settings. The initial setting gives a retro vibe with added scan lines. The second setting introduces screen curvature for a more cinematic feel. Lastly, the third and fourth settings desaturate the colors, offering a washed-out effect.
8. Yooka-Laylee
Back To The N64
Right from the start of its Kickstarter campaign, it was evident that the game Yooka-Laylee harkened back to the classic Rare titles of the Nintendo 64 era.
Most of the game’s elements were clear send-ups to the collect-a-thon 3D platformers of ages past.
Of course, since we used to play games such as Banjo-Kazooie on old CRT screens, it would be fitting for Yooka-Laylee to present a comparable visual style as a nod to the past.
One of the game’s special features that can be unlocked is called “64-bit.” This Tonic transforms the entire game into a visual style similar to old Nintendo 64 games.
As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the nostalgic charm of my game world: the simplified, low-poly models, the faded, dreamlike environments, and let’s not forget the vintage CRT filter adorned with grainy scan lines.
7. Sonic Mania
Genesis Did What NintenDon’t
Back in 1991, the very first “Sonic the Hedgehog” video game made its debut on either the Sega Genesis or the Mega Drive console, depending on your preference.
In the early ’90s, we were deeply immersed in the era of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology, characterized by traditional side-scrolling stages adorned with endearing pixelated graphics and visible scan lines.
Playing Sonic Mania, I can feel the nostalgia as it’s like a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of Sonic. It even offers an adjustable CRT filter in the settings, giving me that classic retro gaming feel.
You have two options for CRT filter settings: the Sharp setting, which offers a significantly higher contrast, and the Soft setting, which softens the edges slightly and enhances color saturation.
6. Fight’N Rage
Like A Cabinet In A Dim Arcade
CRTs weren’t only for home televisions; they were also integrated into arcade cabinets.
It was quite enjoyable during multiplayer beat ’em up games because the curved screen allowed everyone using a joystick to have a clear view.
Fight’N Rage has this same arcade display style, with a CRT filter enabled by default.
The design provides a noticeable arch shape to the overall game perspective, along with a few pixelated, static-like lines that evoke memories of the darkened arcades from the late ’90s.
You could turn the filter off if you wanted to, but why would you want to?
5. Narita Boy
Embodiment Of The 80s
80s pop culture might be recognized by some key components, such as bright neon lighting, synthesizer music, and colorful CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) televisions.
As a game steeped in 80s stylings, Narita Boy features all three as part of its overall aesthetic.
The game consistently employs a retro CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) effect, giving the impression that you’re constantly viewing it on an older, slightly faded monitor.
The game offers an entertaining experience that somewhat resembles the thrill of unboxing a VHS tape of ‘Tron’ in 1987, then enjoying it on your small, cozy bedroom television.
4. Hotline Miami
Scan Lines Warping Reality
In Hotline Miami, we experience the narrative and gameplay primarily from the perspective of a man going through a severe mental crisis, with his grip on reality appearing quite tenuous.
It does this by sprinkling 80s-styled CRT flavor throughout the game.
The hues appear noticeably faded, bordering on being hard to bear, reminiscent of an arcade game with a magnet stuck to it.
As I immerse myself in this game, the rough pixelated patterns and bird’s-eye perspective evoke a sense of peering at the main character’s destructive path through a vintage surveillance camera lens.
3. Katana Zero
Fast-Forward, Rewind
Just like how Hotline Miami does, Katana Zero employs a retro aesthetic to mirror the emotional condition of its main character.
In Zero’s case, it comes with his mysterious drug-induced precognitive abilities.
At the beginning of each phase, he pauses thoughtfully for a brief spell, with CRT distortion accompanying him, as he strategizes his course of action.
When I finish clearing a room, it feels like I’m watching a looped security footage, even rewinding or fast-forwarding gives me that screen distortion effect.
2. Loop Hero
Memories Of Graphical Interfaces
Besides being used for televisions and arcade games, CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes) were also employed in the early days of home computing as monitor screens.
Indeed, during the era dominated by text-based interfaces, there weren’t many visually stunning aspects to admire. However, when color graphics became mainstream, PC games began to receive a great deal of attention and appreciation.
Loop Hero seems to be a playful tribute to the intricate user interfaces and rough-edged pixel graphics that were common in later PC games.
To enhance the overall atmosphere, the game incorporates a consistent retro filter, which includes faint horizontal lines resembling old television screens in the visuals and a slight curve similar to vintage monitors.
1. Murder House
Like A Cheap VHS Tape
1980s stood out as an exceptional period for low-budget, suspenseful slasher horror films, where inexpensive special effects and budget equipment were skillfully used to create a chilling effect on the audience.
As a horror enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the nods to classic horror movies and early PlayStation one (PS1) era survival-horror games like Resident Evil in the creation of “Murder House”. Just like those terrifying experiences were optimized for CRT screens, so too does Murder House immerse you in an unsettling atmosphere that’s best enjoyed on a similar display.
This leads to a game that’s not only filled with classic CRT scan lines, but also includes the faint static and warping that you might find on an old, worn-out VHS cassette.
The experience is quite intense and overwhelming as designed, offering a heavy and oppressive ambiance, whether within or beyond the game’s environment.
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2025-02-14 19:19