Emulators allow gamers to experience classic video games from past generations on modern hardware, making it possible to relive beloved titles from childhood or discover new favorites from the early days of gaming. Whether you’re a longtime fan of retro gaming or a newcomer looking to explore the roots of the medium, there’s a wealth of classic games available to play on emulators. In this article, we will take a look at 15 of the best games to play on emulators, ranging from timeless classics like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda to lesser-known gems like Chrono Trigger and Contra. So grab your controller and let’s dive into the world of retro gaming.
List of 15 Best Games to Play on Emulators
Emulators are software programs that allow users to play console games on a different platform, such as a computer. With emulators, gamers can enjoy classic games from older consoles and relive nostalgic memories. Here are the 15 best games to play on emulators:-
1. Super Mario Bros
Super Mario Bros. is a classic platforming video game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985 and has since become one of the most iconic and recognizable video games in history.
In the game, the player controls Mario, the mustached plumber, on a quest to rescue Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach) from the clutches of the evil Bowser. The player must navigate through eight different worlds, each with four levels, avoiding enemies and collecting coins and power-ups along the way.
The game’s controls are simple yet effective, with Mario able to run, jump, and shoot fireballs (when powered up) with ease. The game’s levels are also expertly designed, with hidden secrets and challenging obstacles that keep the game interesting and engaging.
Super Mario Bros. was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, cementing its place in video game history. Its influence can be seen in countless other platforming games that have followed in its footsteps.
Today, Super Mario Bros. remains a beloved classic and is often cited as one of the best video games of all time. It is also frequently emulated on various platforms, allowing new generations of gamers to experience the magic of this timeless classic.
Read:- 20 Best Xbox One Games For Female Gamers
2. The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986 and has since become one of the most iconic and influential video games of all time.
In the game, the player takes on the role of Link, a young hero who sets out on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon. The game takes place in a vast open world, with the player exploring various dungeons and interacting with non-playable characters to progress the story.
One of the most innovative aspects of The Legend of Zelda was its use of exploration and puzzle-solving to drive gameplay. The game was one of the first to offer a nonlinear gameplay experience, allowing players to explore the world at their own pace and in any order they choose.
The Legend of Zelda was a commercial and critical success upon its release, and it has since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, cementing its place in video game history. Its influence can be seen in countless other action-adventure games that have followed in its footsteps.
Today, The Legend of Zelda remains a beloved classic, and it is often cited as one of the best video games of all time. It has been re-released on various platforms and emulated on many others, allowing new generations of gamers to experience the magic of this timeless classic.
Read:- 10 Best iOS Emulators For Windows PC
3. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow
Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. They were released for the Game Boy in Japan in 1996 and later in North America and Europe in 1998. The games were the first in the long-running Pokemon franchise and have since become iconic titles in video game history.
In the games, the player takes on the role of a young trainer on a quest to become the Pokemon Champion. The game is set in the region of Kanto and allows players to explore various towns and cities, capture and train various Pokemon creatures, and battle other trainers.
The game’s popularity was due in part to its innovative use of trading and connectivity. Players could trade Pokemon with one another using a Game Link Cable, allowing them to collect all 151 Pokemon creatures in the game.
Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow were commercial and critical successes upon their release and have since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. The Pokemon franchise has become one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with over 350 million copies sold worldwide.
4. Super Metroid
Super Metroid is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was released in 1994 and is the third game in the Metroid series.
In Super Metroid, the player takes on the role of Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who returns to the planet Zebes to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a Metroid hatchling. The game features nonlinear gameplay, allowing players to explore the planet at their own pace and in any order they choose.
The game’s gameplay is centered around exploration, platforming, and combat. Samus is equipped with a variety of weapons and abilities that can be upgraded throughout the game, allowing her to navigate the game’s world and defeat enemies more efficiently.
Super Metroid was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a beloved classic in the video game industry. The game’s innovative use of nonlinear gameplay and exploration has influenced countless other games in the years since its release.
5. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the PlayStation console. It was first released in 1997 and has since become one of the most iconic and beloved games of all time.
The game’s story follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE as they fight against the corrupt Shinra Electric Power Company. The game features a unique material system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities and an emotional story that explores themes of identity, loss, and redemption.
Final Fantasy VII has been re-released on multiple platforms and has inspired numerous spin-offs, sequels, and adaptations, including a highly-anticipated remake that was released in 2020.
6. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid is a stealth-action video game developed by Konami and directed by Hideo Kojima. It was released in 1998 for the PlayStation and is the third game in the Metal Gear series.
In Metal Gear Solid, the player takes on the role of Solid Snake, a legendary soldier, and covert operative, on a mission to infiltrate a nuclear weapons facility and stop a group of terrorists from launching a nuclear attack. The game’s story is presented through cinematic cutscenes and features a complex plot with numerous twists and turns.
The gameplay of Metal Gear Solid revolves around stealth and tactical espionage. The player must avoid detection by enemy soldiers and complete various objectives without being detected. The game features a variety of weapons and gadgets that can be used to distract, incapacitate, or eliminate enemies.
Metal Gear Solid was a critical and commercial success upon its release and is often cited as one of the best games of all time. The game’s innovative use of stealth gameplay and cinematic storytelling has influenced numerous other games in the years since its release.
7. Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square Enix for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was released in 1995 and is widely considered to be one of the best RPGs of all time.
In Chrono Trigger, the player takes on the role of a young adventurer named Crono, who travels through time to prevent a catastrophic event from occurring. The game features a complex and branching storyline with multiple endings, and players must make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
The game’s gameplay is centered around turn-based battles, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The player controls a party of characters, each with their unique abilities and attacks, as they travel through various periods.
Chrono Trigger was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a beloved classic in the video game industry. The game’s innovative use of time travel and multiple endings has influenced numerous other games in the years since its release.
8. Contra
Contra is a classic run-and-gun action video game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was released in 1987 and is the first game in the Contra series.
In Contra, the player takes on the role of one of two commandos, Bill or Lance, who are sent on a mission to defeat an alien entity and save the Earth. The game features fast-paced, side-scrolling action, with the player running, jumping, and shooting their way through waves of enemies and obstacles.
The game’s gameplay is centered around power-ups, which grant the player new weapons and abilities that can be used to defeat enemies and bosses more efficiently. The game also features a cooperative two-player mode, allowing players to team up with a friend and take on the aliens together.
Contra was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a beloved classic in the video game industry. The game’s challenging difficulty and fast-paced action have influenced numerous other games in the years since its release.
9. Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II is a classic fighting video game developed and published by Capcom for the arcade in 1991. It was later ported to various home consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
In Street Fighter II, the player takes on the role of one of several iconic fighters, including Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li, as they battle their way through a series of opponents in one-on-one fights. The game features fast-paced, arcade-style gameplay, with players performing special moves and combos to defeat their opponents.
The game’s popularity was largely due to its diverse cast of characters, each with its own unique abilities and moves, and its competitive multiplayer mode. Players could challenge each other in head-to-head matches, either in person or online.
Street Fighter II was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a beloved classic in the video game industry. The game’s influence can still be felt in the modern gaming landscape, with many games still utilizing the classic 2D fighting mechanics and character designs.
Street Fighter II remains a popular game among fighting game fans and is often cited as one of the best games of all time. It has been re-released on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, and is also playable on emulators, allowing new generations of gamers to experience the excitement of this timeless classic.
10. Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country is a side-scrolling platformer video game developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994. The game was a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling games on the SNES.
In Donkey Kong Country, the player takes on the role of Donkey Kong and his nephew Diddy Kong as they travel through various environments to recover their stolen banana hoard from the game’s main villain, King K. Rool. The game features a variety of platforming challenges, including jumping over obstacles, swinging from vines, and riding in mine carts.
One of the most notable aspects of the game was its use of pre-rendered 3D graphics, which were created using Silicon Graphics workstations. These graphics gave the game a unique and visually impressive look that was not seen in many other games at the time.
Donkey Kong Country also featured a memorable soundtrack composed by David Wise, which included iconic tracks such as “Aquatic Ambience” and “Gang-Plank Galleon.”
The game was followed by several sequels and spin-offs, including Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest and Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble!, as well as various remakes and ports on different gaming systems.
11. Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2 is an action-platformer video game developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. It is the second entry in the Mega Man series and is widely considered to be one of the best games in the franchise.
In Mega Man 2, the player takes on the role of the titular character, a robotic hero, as he battles through a series of levels, defeating robot bosses and gaining their unique abilities. The game features fast-paced, challenging gameplay, with precise platforming and tight controls.
One of the most notable aspects of Mega Man 2 is its iconic soundtrack, composed by Takashi Tateishi. The game’s music is often cited as one of the best video game soundtracks of all time, with tracks such as “Dr. Wily’s Castle” and “Metal Man” becoming fan favorites.
12. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is an action-adventure game developed and published by Konami for the PlayStation in 1997. It is the 13th entry in the Castlevania series and is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made.
In Symphony of the Night, the player takes on the role of Alucard, the half-human, half-vampire son of Dracula. The game features non-linear exploration, allowing players to freely explore Dracula’s castle and uncover hidden areas and secrets.
Symphony of the Night also introduced RPG elements to the Castlevania series, with experience points and leveling up, as well as a vast array of weapons, items, and spells for players to discover and utilize.
The game’s soundtrack, composed by Michiru Yamane, is often cited as one of the greatest video game soundtracks of all time, with its haunting melodies and Gothic atmosphere adding to the game’s overall sense of immersion.
Symphony of the Night has been widely praised for its innovative gameplay, atmospheric world, and beautiful graphics and sound design. It has since been re-released on various platforms, including the PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 4, as well as being playable on emulators.
13. Star Fox
Star Fox is a scrolling shooter video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993. It was the first game to feature Nintendo’s “Super FX” graphics chip, which allowed for 3D graphics and advanced visual effects.
In Star Fox, the player takes on the role of Fox McCloud, the leader of a team of anthropomorphic animal pilots known as the Star Fox team. The game features fast-paced, high-octane space combat, with players piloting their Arwing spacecraft through a series of levels, shooting down enemy ships and dodging obstacles.
Star Fox was notable for its use of the Super FX chip, which allowed for impressive 3D graphics and a smooth, fluid framerate. The game also featured a memorable soundtrack composed by Hajime Hirasawa, with tracks such as the iconic “Corneria” theme becoming fan favorites.
Star Fox was a critical and commercial success upon its release and has since spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Star Fox 64, Star Fox Adventures, and Star Fox Zero. The original game can be played on emulators or through the Nintendo Switch Online service.
14. Tetris
Tetris is a tile-matching puzzle video game developed by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984. It was originally created for the Electronika 60 computer but gained widespread popularity when it was released on the Game Boy handheld console in 1989.
In Tetris, players must arrange falling blocks of various shapes to create complete rows, which disappear and give the player points. As the game progresses, the blocks fall faster and the player must think quickly to keep up.
Tetris has been praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay and its ability to appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. It has been ported to countless platforms and has sold over 495 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Tetris has also been the subject of numerous studies and research projects, with some scientists even suggesting that playing Tetris can help with certain mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cravings for addictive substances.
15. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a platform video game series developed by Sega. The first game in the series, Sonic the Hedgehog, was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis console.
In Sonic the Hedgehog, players control Sonic, a blue hedgehog with superhuman speed, as he races through various levels, collecting rings and battling enemies. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and memorable soundtrack composed by Masato Nakamura.
The success of the first game led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Sonic Adventure, Sonic Heroes, and Sonic Forces. The series has also been adapted into numerous other media, including comic books, animated television shows, and a feature film.
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time and has sold over 800 million copies worldwide. The series is known for its fast-paced gameplay, memorable characters, and catchy music, and has remained popular with fans for over three decades. Sonic the Hedgehog games can be played on various platforms, including Sega consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
FAQ’s
What is an emulator?
An emulator is a software program that allows a computer or other device to imitate the functions of another device or system. In the context of gaming, an emulator allows you to play classic video games from past generations on modern hardware.
Is it legal to use emulators?
The legality of using emulators varies by country and jurisdiction, but in general, emulators themselves are not illegal. However, using emulators to play games that you don’t own may be considered piracy and is illegal in many countries.
What platforms can I use to play emulated games?
Emulators are available for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more. Some emulators are platform-specific, while others are designed to work on multiple platforms.
What are some of the best emulators?
There are many different emulators available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular emulators include RetroArch, Dolphin, PCSX2, and MAME.
What are some of the best games to play on emulators?
There are countless classic games available to play on emulators, but some of the most popular titles include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow, Chrono Trigger, Contra, Street Fighter II, Donkey Kong Country, and Metal Gear Solid.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 15 games are just a small selection of the many great games that can be played on emulators. Emulators allow gamers to experience classic games from older consoles and relive nostalgic memories. It’s important to note that while emulators are legal, downloading and playing copyrighted games on them without owning a physical copy of the game is illegal.
