PixlBit

RETROspective is a new series I'm starting about retro games and gaming. The last few months I've really been getting into retro gaming, going to different Game Forces in my area and buying classic games. I am just LOVING it! I really enjoy doing Retro Game of the Week (and I hope you do too), but I thought we could take a deeper look into gaming with this series. I'll post one of these every now and then (certainly not every week). I hope you'll look forward to it. 

So we'll start things off with the best retro sports games. Now understand, I'm not a sports game kind of guy (except Mario sports games, but those really don't count, do they?). But there are a few classic sports games that really stick out to me which I have enjoyed through the years. In my opinion, these are the best retro sports games; and believe me, they're still fun to play today. Let's look at six great games. 

Punch-Out!!

NES, 1987, Nintendo

This unique boxing game put you behind the boxer instead of giving you a side view, something different that worked very well. PO is not so much a boxing game as it is a puzzle game; learning your opponent's moves and figuring out how to best him was the key to winning. As you know, PO became a huge success, one of the best NES games for sure. Defeating a tough opponent was so satisfying after losing to him time and time again; PO really made you feel like a champion. I highly recommend Super Punch-Out!! and Punch-Out!! for Wii as well. 

Ice Hockey

NES, 1988, Nintendo

This game is simple and fun. You choose your team and the position of your four players, and the game begins. The flashing character is the one you control, and when your opponent gets close to your goal with the puck, you automatically take control of the goalie. Nintendo made this one simple to play, giving it a cartoony look and easy controls, and the result is a game that is tons of fun. The game is even more fun when playing against a friend. 

Super Dodge Ball

NES, 1988, Technos Japan

A dodgeball video game? Who would've thought! But here it is, and it is a fantastic game. Choose a country and let the ball hurling begin! Four players are inside the boundary and there are a few outside; stategy is everything in this game. You can throw the ball to your team mates outside and have them chuck the ball quickly in order to catch the other team off-guard, or you could just hurl it straight at them. The controls are simple: A to pass, B to throw; on defense, A to duck and B does nothing. This game is about timing and strategy. When a player gets hit enough, he will turn into an angel and fly to heaven. SDB is surprisingly fun, and it eventually got a sequel for the GBA in 2001. 

Tecmo Bowl

NES, 1989, Tecmo

Football games can get complicated, but Tecmo Bowl kept things simple. There are only four plays: 2 pass plays and 2 run plays. Half the fun is keeping your opponent guessing at what play you're going to do next. The action is at a steady pace, the players not moving too fast for your eyes to keep up. Just like Nintendo's Ice Hockey, Tecmo Bowl is a very simple game, but it's also tons of fun. And the game was obviously made for America since many of the teams are represented with identical colors. Once again, playing against a friend is a blast. 

NBA Jam

SNES/Genesis, 1993, Midway

NBA Jam is a port of an arcade game, and this game is not realistic at all. For one thing, it's two on two action only. Pick your team (both leagues are in the game with full rosters) and the CPU will automatically choose your opponent (or a friend chooses a rival team). The controls take a moment to get used to, but once you have them down, you can really play competitively. The A or B buttons will shoot the ball; the longer you hold down the button, the longer the player holds onto the ball; release the button for him to release the ball. Slam dunks are easy to pull off, and they are over-the-top as the player jumps 20 feet into the air (it's possible to shatter the backboard and even catch on fire). The announcers are fun to listen to, and the voices are pretty good on the SNES version (I don't know about the Genesis version). Not to mention, Jam had loads of extras and unlockables, such as the ability to play with big heads, or the fact that you could unlock Bill Clinton and Mortal Kombat characters. Overall, this is a fantastic game and is oodles of fun, especially with a friend. Boomshakalaka!!!

NFL Blitz 2000

N64/PlayStation/Dreamcast, 1999, Midway

In this game, there are no rules. That's right, after a play is over, go ahead and pile-drive that opponent into the ground again; no one cares. Blitz 2000 is an incredibly fun 3D football game, and I have nothing but fond memories of playing it with friends. It's another Midway game, which explains the fact that your players can catch on fire (just like in NBA Jam). Tackling is the fun and satisfying part; players can perform wrestling moves on opponents, such as the German suplex, elbow drop, and leg drop (on a downed player). Here's another over-the-top game that is tons of fun.