Gamers like to discuss whether retro or modern games are superior. Let’s see what has changed over the years and which one of them is actually better!
Surprisingly, many gamers choose older action games over modern ones in 2024. They back up their words with different perspectives regarding technology, graphics, or storytelling. We already know newer titles are technically superior, so what is the appeal of retro gaming?
You can find on G2A.COM: More Action Games
Visuals
At first glance, modern action games look much better. Titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) offer smooth animations, 3D environments, and realistic characters.
Everything looks much more lifelike than in older titles featuring pixelated or blocky graphics. New action games do better, but why do so many gamers play retro titles? Well, pixelated counterparts like Ninja Gaiden (1988) or The Legend of Zelda (1986) are often perceived as more charming. And when paired with extraordinary story and gameplay, retro games feel more immersive than modern alternatives.
There is a reason why cozy indie titles like Stardew Valley are so popular.
Storytelling
In this comparison, it’s a tie, as both older and modern titles can boast fantastic and weak narratives. The only detail that works in favor of new action games is that voice acting or visuals can significantly magnify the immersion in the story.
If the world feels real, we want to believe in everything it offers.
Take Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) or The Last of Us Part II (2020). These modern games became legendary for their complex stories and challenging choice-making, influencing the flow of the plot. They also emphasized these qualities with highly realistic environments that feel incredibly lifelike.
We can’t say the same about Contra (1987) or Super Mario Bros. (1985) – but ultimately, these games didn’t conquer the world for no reason.
Gameplay
Similar to storytelling, the quality of gameplay depends on the title in question. Retro games win regarding rules and controls, as they are much less complicated when compared to their modern alternatives.
You can also launch your favorite title, play it for as long as you want, then save your progress and return to the game anytime. On the other hand, they lack in the difficulty and accessibility department.
Retro games are often too challenging to beat and don’t offer as many features to tailor the gameplay to one’s needs.
So, are modern action games superior? Their stunning visuals, multiplayer modes, voice acting, open-world environments, and complex mechanics make them immersive and engaging. But according to players on Reddit, this freedom often feels like too much. Vast worlds, the need to stay online, hundreds of gigabytes of downloads, and excessive complexity can paradoxically tire the player out in the long run.
And there’s another massive problem – microtransactions. That, coupled with the fact that new action games often come out unfinished (like Cyberpunk 2077), rely too much on server stability, and overvalue visuals over actual content, means that more and more players opt for the simplicity of older titles.
Conclusion
So, who is superior? Choosing between retro and modern video games comes down to personal preferences. Since we can access both, we can freely enjoy what they offer without limiting ourselves to just one category.
Every period in gaming history has seen massive successes and flops, so we recommend thorough research before deciding on a specific title, regardless of how old or new it is.