10 Best Video Games Ever Made (1980 – 1990)

The first video game purely for entertainment may have been created in 1958, but it was in the 1970s that the video game industry hit the ground running. This was the dawn of the first wave of arcade machines, ushering in the 1980s, fondly referred to as the “golden age” of arcade games. Here’s when the gaming industry also began to make the transition from the arcades to home video game consoles, with the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) at the forefront of progress.

The year 1980 to 1990 is a significant time in gaming’s history that, in addition to establishing “gaming from home,” also ushered in the most iconic classic titles. We’re talking Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Mega Man, Prince of Persia, and so much more. Some of these have received remakes and remasters, but most remain legendary even in their original state. Going down history lane, let’s take a look at the best video games ever made from 1980 to 1990.

10. Final Fantasy (1987)

If you can believe it, the beloved Final Fantasy first stepped into the gaming scene in 1987. And boy was it a first bold step into the world of RPGs. Later in 1990, the original made its way to North America, simply because it was that good, grossing millions over the years. Launching on the NES by SquareSoft, now Square Enix, the entry introduced us to a magical world meshed with technology.

Characters you’ll find here are mages and knights with unique magical and physical abilities, going up against a primary antagonist. They carry diverse weapons and items against enemies in party-based, turn-based combat. With more wins, you gain new powers and equipment for your hero and their companions, leveling up your skills and weapons over time.

9. Metroid (1986)

Another franchise that needs no introduction is Metroid, also released on the NES, and making its way to North America in 1987. It’s an action game that merges “metro” and “android” concepts, following bounty hunter Samus Aran’s adventures on planet Zebes. Uniquely at the time, players both explore the planet using the unique Morph Ball ability, discovering power-ups, and taking down the Space Pirates’ leader, Mother Brain.

8. Contra (1987)

While the Contra arcade version came out in 1987, the NES version hit the shelves in 1988. This time, Konami took the reins in developing a run-and-gun game most known for its brutal difficulty, but also the famous “Konami Code,” a cheat system players used to gain 30 extra lives. It’s pretty intense in its battles, allows for a partner to co-op with, and will have you leaving with sweaty palms.

7. Pac-Man (1980)

For most old schoolers, Pac-Man will be their favorite of the best video games ever made from 1980 to 1990. It became a family favorite, thanks to the bright idea of diverging from violence and shooting enemies to navigating mazes, eating colored dots representing food. Beating the level happened when the player consumed all the dots and successfully evaded the four “ghosts” chasing them. And thus, the maze-chase action gaming genre was born.

6. Prince of Persia (1989)

The popular cinematic platformer/action-adventure, Prince of Persia, gave you only 60 minutes to rescue the princess from evil Jaffar, dodging deadly traps and solving clever puzzles. At the time, the game was pretty well-designed with advanced graphics and innovative ideas. 

5. SimCity (1989)

City-building simulation wasn’t left behind either from 1980 to 1990. In fact, SimCity was pretty much the pioneering trailblazer, introducing the brilliant ideas of building and managing a city. It’s SimCity that inspires the beloved The Sims, leaving a lasting mark on the genre and industry at large. While you could build a city from scratch, you could also manage real-life cities like Boston, setting up electricity, infrastructure, and government policies. 

4. Donkey Kong (1981)

We all know Donkey Kong, ranking in fourth place among the best video games ever made from 1980 to 1990. It’s a classic platformer, which surprisingly features Mario as the main character, rescuing Pauline from the giant ape, Donkey Kong. As you run, jump, and climb platforms, Donkey Kong hauls barrels at you. 

3. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

For many gamers, The Legend of Zelda is among the best video game franchises ever. And it all began in 1986, introducing us to Link and their adventures saving Princess Zelda from King Ganon. It’s the first time we enter the kingdom of Hyrule, unraveling a fairy tale story and a fantasy adventure.

Exploration is a huge part of the series, as is exploring for collectibles, and discovering secrets and enemies. You also have the surface world and dungeons, all providing plenty of puzzles, items, quests, and bosses to go around. 

2. Tetris (1984)

From the Soviet Union to the Nintendo Game Boy and the entire world, Tetris is no stranger to everyone, impacting gaming in ways we can’t fathom. Such a seemingly simple concept of falling blocks that you rotate to form a complete row became so addictive across the globe.

While there are so many variations today on virtually every platform, the original mechanics remain firmly in place. There’s simply no rewriting the novelty of Tetris or its impact on the gaming world: a true classic, indeed.

1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

About the same can be said of Super Mario Bros. 3, the top-ranking entry to our best video games ever made from 1980 to 1990. Sure, the dimensions, art style, and mechanics may have become more strategic and in-depth. But the core essence of Mario’s platforming remains. There’s just something special about the level designs of Super Mario, with its vibrant colors and bustle of creative objects and ideas.

And Nintendo is just always adding onto it, even spanning karting, RPG, and fighting game worlds. Super Mario Bros. 3 is said to be the best entry, expanding on the mechanics, content, and polish. It’s a true masterpiece, still considered the benchmark for the platforming games of today.