Twitch is synonymous with online gaming these days. It’s one of the most popular platforms to stream games, but also to watch others play. You’ll find comments, unique fights, top players and even walkthroughs, let alone communities.
When it comes to retro games, they have a special spot in everyone’s hearts. And despite ultramodern games being released on a regular basis, the truth is retro games still have their audience. If you’re thinking of starting to stream retro games on Twitch, here are a few titles that will never go out of fashion.
Prince of Persia caters to old-school players, but it’s just as attractive to those who never played it a few decades ago. Released in 1989, it’s just as exciting today. And no matter how good you are, people will still sigh whenever you make a jump, as it always looks like you are about to fall. Its fluid animation and tense platforming feel fresh, making your every stream engaging.
The game can be tricky to complete. It’s not necessarily about avoiding traps or fighting guards, but mainly about those potions you had to drink. It was a matter of pure luck. Plus, you must complete all this before Jaffar kills your princess.
There are more variants of the game, but the classic MS-DOS option is the most famous one.
Mega Man 2 is similar to Prince of Persia. Practically, you’ll face a series of jumping and fighting challenges, but most importantly, you’ll struggle with each of them. There are newer variants of the game too, yet the classic from 1988 is the top option to try.
While the concept is a game, the playthrough can trigger your deepest fears and anxiety. There are moments when Mega Man 2 can become extremely frustrating, but that’s probably why it’s still so popular today. People love to watch a streamer make it through the challenges of Mega Man 2, and this creates a shared experience of dramatic highs and lows.
There are dozens of games in the series, but if you truly want to draw an audience, focus on the retro options. The Legend of Zelda was released in 1986. It’s been through a few upgrades, including some revamped versions of the classic. As long as remakes stick to the original, you’ll be fine.
This 8-bit variant is exciting to play, but just as nice to watch. You’ll need to embrace trial and error in order to complete the game, so arm yourself with patience. Many items are secret, so you’ll have to use your intuition as well.
Everyone’s tried out different variants of Frogger, including variants that didn’t even feature a frog. Nothing beats the original though, especially when those pixelated graphics kick in.
Sure, it’s a basic game, and there’s not much to learn from it. But from many points of view, it feels like watching a sporting event, so you’ll definitely draw some audience.
Watching Frogger is an addictive experience for your viewers, but it’s even better if you’re controlling the main character. Stick to games released in the early 1980s for an authentic experience.
Dungeons and Dragons takes the retro gaming industry to another level. It’s easy to understand why. Released in 1974, it was so ahead of its time that even by today’s standards, it would still be considered a hit.
Sure, don’t expect the graphics to stand out, but the classic RPG will leave plenty of room for fantasy and imagination. It’s the type of game that triggers your senses while trying to complete quests. And think about it for a second, it’s about half a century old.
Forget about modern games, but find the classic release from 1991 instead. If you’re after something speedy and more intense, you just can’t go wrong with this game. There’s something special about watching the crazy blue hedgehog speed through ramps and loops like there’s no tomorrow.
Even Sega admitted that Sonic is one of the most recognizable characters in the gaming industry. The game shows how far 16-bit graphics can go. It’s a beautiful 3D experience that both you and your viewers will love. Train a little before streaming, so you can impress with speedy moves and tricks.
The Final Fantasy release from 1987 showcases what’s truly important when you stream a game. Most people won’t watch you just to see what happens in the end. They enjoy the actual journey instead. And that’s exactly what makes Final Fantasy such a cool option.
Keep in mind that while it’s one of those relaxing RPGs, Final Fantasy will also give you some challenging quests. It’s a simple game with an outstanding adventure, so it’s pretty common on Twitch. You’ll actually have some competition there, but the storytelling and character development offer many opportunities for compelling commentary.
Make sure to comment as you play the game, as that’s often what makes the difference.
In terms of speedruns, nothing beats the classic Super Mario Bros. Stick to the original version from 1985 if you truly want to stand out. While there are quite a few streamers out there, many of them go for newer versions. It’s just not the same effect.
Super Mario Bros becomes even better to watch if you know what you’re doing. From this point of view, you shouldn’t spend too much time thinking about what to do next. Constant movement is the secret to drawing an audience, so practice a few times before going live.
Despite its age (it came out in 1981), Donkey Kong is still a popular feature on Twitch, with plenty of streamers killing time doing one level after another.
The idea is pretty simple. Defeat the big boss and save the princess. Then do it again and again. While it does feel basic, these simple games often get the most views on Twitch.
It may sound boring, but the classic Chess game is a top choice for Twitch. Released about half a century ago, it’s a slow game that you can stream while having a cup of tea. Your commentary on tactics is the most important part of the stream.
Bottom line, retro games are less likely to go out of fashion, mainly because we’re at a time in history when they represent the beginning of the gaming industry. Streaming such top hits will always bring in an audience, especially if you look like you know what you’re doing.