Unbelievable Fantasy Games from the 80s That Shaped Gaming History

Summary

Gauntlet revolutionized cooperative play and influenced future multiplayer and action RPGs.
Wizardry set the standard for deep RPG mechanics and influenced Western and Japanese role-playing games.
The Legend of Zelda redefined fantasy gaming with open-world exploration, non-linear design, and environmental storytelling.

Back in the ’80s, I was part of an incredible era for gamers. With each passing year, we saw more consoles and games hitting the market, offering us not just a quick burst of entertainment but fully-fledged adventures that would go on to be gaming legends. Developers dared to push boundaries, some exploring contemporary themes while others delved into futuristic landscapes. However, many of the games from this time sprang from imaginary realms teeming with dragons, knights, and endless quests for adventure.

In the realm of fantasy game development, there’s an abundance of creative paths to traverse. These range from somber, overcast landscapes to cheerful, sun-kissed locales that seem less foreboding than the ominous depths hidden beneath. This era was a golden one for establishing dynasties, with numerous games launched during this time that have since become synonymous with homes worldwide and continue to leave an indelible impact on the global scene, approaching half a century later.

8. Gauntlet

Dungeon Crawling Together

Release Date: October 15, 1985
Platform(s): Arcade, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Apple II, Apple IIGS, Mac, Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit, MSX, Master System, NES, Genesis, ZX Spectrum, MS-DOS, PlayStation
Developer(s): Atari Games (arcade), Tengen (NES)
Genre(s): Hack and slash, dungeon crawl

With an increasing number of home consoles appearing on the market, arcades were gradually fading away, but their legacy lived on through some unforgettable games that left a lasting impression in the gaming community. Among these classics was Gauntlet, which rejuvenated excitement within arcades upon its release. This game offered players an adrenaline-pumping, dungeon-delving experience, focusing heavily on cooperative play. Characters to choose from were diverse and represented the familiar RPG classes such as the warrior and wizard, each with their own set of special abilities, enabling them to fight off waves of enemies while navigating intricate mazes in search of loot and survival.

The game Gauntlet , renowned for its engrossing gameplay mechanics, played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of multiplayer and action RPGs throughout subsequent decades. Its pioneering work in cooperative play, character health management, and narrative voice-overs significantly influenced how developers crafted fantasy and dungeon-based games. Remnants of Gauntlet‘s design are still evident in numerous contemporary titles today, solidifying its status as one of the most influential 1980s fantasy games.

7. Wizardry: Proving Grounds Of The Mad Overlord

The Perfect Party RPG

In recent times, the popularity of dungeon exploration has grown significantly, and one game that stands out as a prime example is Wizardry. This game welcomed players into a genuine role-playing world where complex mechanics met an extremely demanding gaming experience. The players would gather a group of adventurers and delve into a sprawling, multi-tiered maze teeming with lethal traps, formidable creatures, and secret riches reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. The turn-based battles and in-depth character customization provided a level of depth that was scarcely seen at the time, making it an exceptional choice for enthusiasts of fantasy and strategy.

The impact of this game on the role-playing game (RPG) genre is immense and undeniable. Wizardry played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation for numerous Western and Japanese RPGs, including iconic series such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. By introducing strategic planning, exploration, and character development elements, it became an essential game for fantasy fans and a significant landmark in gaming history whose influence is still strongly felt today in modern RPGs.

6. Ultima

Opening Up The World

Initiating an extended lineage of enduring classics, Ultima paved the way for one of the most impactful fantasy Role-Playing Game series in gaming history. By amalgamating open-world discovery, character personalization, and a unique fusion of medieval fantasy with intriguing science-fiction components, the game granted players an unparalleled level of freedom for its era, immersing them into a captivating world unmatched by others. The players were charged with vanquishing the malevolent sorcerer Mondain, which involved gathering resources, enhancing gear, and even embarking on space journeys – a daring decision that underscored the game’s audacious design and a genre-bending approach that was quite revolutionary in its day.

Ultima didn’t just exceed technical limitations; it also set the bar for narrative and world-building in fantasy video games, showing that they could offer more than just basic gameplay. Its vast world and nontraditional approach to progression were groundbreaking, influencing numerous role-playing games, whether on computers or consoles. For those who love fantasy gaming, Ultima is a seminal work that significantly shaped the direction of the genre in the ensuing years.

5. Ghosts ‘N Goblins

A True Run-And-Gun

Back in the ’80s, I found myself immersed in one of the most gripping and tough-as-nails fantasy adventures – none other than the legendary game, Ghosts ‘N Goblins. As a fearless knight, Arthur, I plunged headfirst into a realm of enchantment and secrets, fighting tooth and nail against swarms of spectral beings, demons, and gargantuan bosses in an attempt to save my abducted princess. The game’s precise platforming, relentless enemy designs, and distinctive armor system truly set it apart from the rest, offering a formidable test even for seasoned gamers back then – and that’s still true today.

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring legacy of Ghosts ‘N Goblins. Despite its notorious difficulty, it became an unprecedented success, leaving an indelible mark on the action-platformer genre that echoes to this day. The game’s dark fantasy ambiance, chilling soundtrack, and pulse-pounding gameplay have spawned a multitude of sequels, spin-offs, and spiritual successors, all bearing its genetic imprint. To this day, it stands as a monumental benchmark for challenging fantasy games, renowned for its unforgiving design and the significant role it played in shaping the future of action-fantasy gaming.

4. Dragon Quest

Fighting For Honor And Glory

In simpler terms, the game “Dragon Quest” revolutionized the role-playing game (RPG) genre by making it more user-friendly for a larger audience. This paved the way for one of the most cherished fantasy series ever, with numerous spin-offs and follow-ups that remain popular today. In this game, you play as a powerful hero who embarks on a quest to traverse a vast kingdom, vanquish the wicked Dragonlord, and bring tranquility back to the realm. The game offers turn-based combats, adorable monster designs, and an inviting environment that makes RPG adventures enjoyable without compromising complexity or challenge. “Dragon Quest” is still a fascinating play to revisit, as it shows where the genre originated from and how it has evolved over time.

The influence of this game on the realm of fantasy and role-playing games (RPGs) is massive, significantly boosting the popularity of RPGs not only in Japan but globally. It served as a catalyst, sparking numerous copies and shaping a model that would impact series like Final Fantasy and more. The game’s focus on exploration and compelling character narratives paved the way for the fantasy genre to have a lasting presence on future gaming consoles.

3. Final Fantasy

The Start Of The Saga

Initially conceived as a last resort by its creators, Final Fantasy eventually transformed into one of the most influential fantasy games in history. Nowadays, it’s not just cherished by role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts but appreciated by gamers across various categories. Players assumed control over a quartet of Warriors of Light, each assigned traditional RPG roles, and embarked on a mission to reestablish harmony in a world disrupted by elemental turmoil. This epic journey took place within an extensive universe filled with intricate dungeon exploration and a grand quest that traversed numerous continents. The game expanded upon the foundations laid by earlier RPGs and propelled the genre to unprecedented heights.

The achievement of Final Fantasy not only rescued its creator but also initiated a series that would revolutionize narrative structure, environment creation, and ingenuity in role-playing games. Although it wasn’t the first in the genre or pioneered many new concepts, the blend of story development, character design, and outstanding world-building made the game truly exceptional – and the reason the franchise remains captivating and awe-inspiring to fans across 15 main sequels.

2. Castlevania

A Genre All On Its Own

Castlevania immersed gamers into an unique gothic horror-fantasy world, which later grew into a distinct genre. As Simon Belmont, players wielding the legendary Vampire Killer whip navigated Dracula’s castle teeming with monsters such as werewolves and mummies. They engaged in strategic combat and enjoyed platforming challenges that made each level a test of skill and perseverance, confronting the Count himself along the way.

Instead of providing free-roaming exploration like other fantasy games from that period, Castlevania emphasized precision, timing, and learning intricate enemy patterns, much like modern titles. Its impact transcended the 1980s, serving as a foundation for the “Metroidvania” genre and influencing decades of action-fantasy games, both within its own universe and beyond. Few games managed to capture the dark, atmospheric essence of fantasy as effectively as Castlevania , earning it the title of a true 1980s classic.

1. The Legend Of Zelda

A World Unlike Any Other

Immersion into an expansive universe brimming with mysteries, dungeons, and concealed riches, gamers were equipped with a basic sword and the liberty to forge their unique journey. Unlike conventional games, The Legend of Zelda did not guide players’ steps; rather, it fostered a spirit of inquisitiveness, exploration, and determination, traits seldom seen in games previously. Each fresh screen presented the potential for a prize, a peril, or a fresh hint, turning discovery into an integral aspect of gameplay. This was further enhanced by its distinctive sound effects and music that still captivate players to this day.

Redefining the boundaries of what constitutes fantasy gaming, this sense of endless exploration brought about a new dimension. The game The Legend of Zelda quickly earned the title of a classic, establishing benchmarks for non-linear gameplay, storytelling through the environment, and repeatability that many games have attempted to emulate since, with only a select few successfully achieving it. Its influence in gaming history continues to be one of the most robust, demonstrating that an exceptional fantasy realm does not merely tell a tale, but invites players to experience it themselves.

2025-04-26 05:36