Overview: Do any of these classic child games ring a bell? Give your kids the best you had with these classics
The 80s and 90s are known for introducing video and arcade games to the mainstream world. Although there were some basic ideas before the formation of arcade games, nothing was officially produced before 1980. Back then, arcade gaming was booming with all its might throughout the decades, and we remember some really iconic pieces that are still out there.
We talked about classic games in this blog, but we’re shifting gears a bit and focusing on how to introduce your kids to a pixelated enemy that’s easy to play. Here are five childhood arcade games to play with your kids (now that you’re the adult).
Classic Arcade Games You Can Play With Your Kid:
Pac-Man, 1980:
Pac-man is a floating yellow face emoji character that wanders through a maze of edible dots. Sometimes, fruits are worth points. There are ghosts named Pinky, Inky, Blinky, and Clyde chasing them. The fun part is that, sometimes, they’re edible too!
Why it rocks: Sometimes, the most uncomplicated games leave lasting impacts. With long summer afternoons, the 256 levels of play will act as a blessing for you. You and your kid would have to devote months to reach the end; however, the universal gameplay makes it super easy for kids of any age to play.
Donkey Kong, 1981:
The classic tale is where a man saves a beautiful damsel from a predator’s hands. With kids idealizing Batman and Superman as their heroes, they’ll enjoy playing this game. There are two main characters: Mario the carpenter and Donkey Kong the gorilla, whose goal is to hurt Mario.
You’ll control Mario from four playing fields dodging whatever Donkey Kong is throwing your way. If you’re successful, you’ll get rewarding points before moving to the next round. Your kids may not understand why the oil and wooden barrels are thrown their way, but they’ll learn to enjoy it (almost guaranteed).
Why it rocks: Kids like adventure, and this game offers them. With cool characters and actions to keep your kids active and entertained for hours, this game is easy to play, less violent, and more defensive.
Frogger, 1981:
In this arcade game, a family of frogs must cross a busy traffic road to go home. The catch is that they have to save themselves from the predators living in the lake below (such as snakes). It sounds simple, but don’t underestimate Frogger, as it requires quick analytical thinking and reactions.
Why it rocks: This is an addictive and easy game with many challenges to master. Besides, it doesn’t have any real story or folklore attached to it. It’s a page taken from nature and turned into gameplay.
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, 1991:
You know we couldn’t create a list of classic arcade games without listing Street Figther! If your kids are into wrestling or any physical sports, this game is for you guys! Choose one of eight fighters to go for a one-on-one fight or tournament in the greatest fighting game of all time.
Why it rocks: Besides the fact that Street Fighter has passed the test of time and is sitll going strong to date – only with new editions and variations — the natural beauty of the game is discovering the unique style of each character’s fighting. While it may take months for your kid to get there, guide them throughout.
NBA Jam:
Featuring superstars and legends with no complex plays and advanced control schemes, NBA Jam is a high-energy and fast-paced basketball arcade game that kids will love to play. Here, it’s a standard game of basketball. And one of the best parts about game is versatility — each player has a different skill and a good mix of players in the game gives a realistic element to the game, as kids will easily relate to it.
Why it rocks: Since the game features high energy and encourages cooperation, kids will learn to behave in the same manner when they’re in their physical life scenario. Besides, the game has some excellent catchphrases and visually stimulating setup.
Classic Childhood Games Every Generation Will Love :
From playing in the mud to drawing cute paintings and watching our favorite TV shows, we matured in no-time. Nostalgia is beautiful, and no one is ever too old to revel in it. And while we’re discussing childhood, when was the last time you let your inner child play? Probably a long time ago, so let’s relive those games we used to years ago with our kids now.
Red Rover:
Red Rover is one of the easiest and funnest games to play with your kids. This game originated in the United Kingdom in the 1800s and made its way to Australia, the United States, and Canada in later years.
Two lines of players stand across for about 30 feet apart with one person out. Each line of players holds hands and yell at their turns, “Red Rover, Red Rover let (kid’s name) come over.” The runner has to be quick and sharp here — as s/he runs while trying to break the link of hands on the team.
When the kid is successful in breaking the line, the team gets one point. The only downside is that for this game, you’ll gather a lot of kids to make teams.
Double Dutch:
If your kid is a restless soul like us, don’t miss out on the chance to make them play this game. Unlike Red Rover, this game requires only three kids with one jump rope. The two kids will flip the rope and the one in the middle jumps them with alternate feet and ropes.
Hide-and-Seek:
Probably everyone’s eyes blink when it comes to playing hide-and-seek. It was one of the best games we’ve played as kids and it’s the kind of game that everyone enjoys. It can be played with two players or more — here one kid goes aside and closes the eyes. The other kids in the meantime, have to hide in different places and the one counting finds them after finishing the counting.
In Summary:
From arcade games to physical games, our childhood contains the best memories to cherish. It was a beautiful time indeed when the biggest concern of the day was to choose a different crayon color. How simple life was back then! But no matter how much we evolve with time and engage ourselves in technology, childhood occupies a special place in our hearts. If you’re looking for classic and stylish arcade games, look no more.
