So to help you pass the time we’ve decided to compile our top 5 retro-inspired games to play in lockdown. We’ve tried to keep a mix of titles, and they are in no particular order.

For the sake of transparency, all titles in this list I have purchased myself, no publisher has asked to have a title included on this page. Affiliate links to each game on Amazon and ebay are included, any purchases made using these links go directly to the running of this site.

Sonic Mania Plus (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

No list that I create about classic games would be complete without a Sonic the Hedgehog title in there somewhere – so here it is.
For those of you who were living under a rock in 2018, Sonic Mania is Sonic’s triumphant return to the old-school Sonic the Hedgehog formula. With 13 stages, five characters, four-player versus mode and a new remixed ‘Mania’ mode.

For fans of classic 2D Sonic action, you cannot do better than Sonic Mania Plus. For those who already purchased Sonic Mania, the ‘plus’ features can be picked up as downloadable content for less than £4!

Stardew Valley (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, Android)

Looking for a title to relax to while in lockdown? Then look no further than Stardew Valley, the best Harvest Moon game that isn’t Harvest Moon!

Stardew Valley sees you take ownership of a dilapidated farm in a new town. Here you can spend your time tending to the crops, looking after the livestock, landscaping around your farm, building new structures, exploring the dangerous caves, befriending the local townspeople… *phew* let’s just say there’s plenty to do in this excellent farm simulator.

Stardew Valley is available on any modern device, including mobile. Priced at around £11.99 this game has hours and hours of gameplay – as well as an online co-op for up to four players!

Streets of Rage 4 (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

The most modern title on this list, Streets of Rage 4 is the sequel that took over two and a half decades to be released! Featuring the original cast; Axel, Blaze, and Adam, along with newcomers Cherry and Floyd, you’ll be exploring Wood Oak City to track down the mysterious new crime syndicate that’s taken over the city.

Featuring silky smooth 60 frames per second action, a new combo system, unlockable classic characters, battle and boss rush modes, as well as 4 player local co-op for the first time in the series’ history.

Streets of Rage 4 can be purchased digitally and is available as part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for both Xbox One and Windows 10 gamers. A physical release by Limited Run games is also available at launch.

Megaman Zero/ZX Collection (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

While not technically ‘retro inspired’, Capcom’s Mega Man Zero/ZX Collection is a fantastic compilations of six excellent Mega Man titles. Featuring the Game Boy Advance Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4 titles, as well as the Nintendo DS’s Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent, there’s a lot of brutally difficult 2D action to be had here.

On top of six full games you have the all-new Z Chasers mode, allowing you to compete in time attack style challenges against your friends, as well as a gallery and music player allowing you to view content from all six games.

Also, did I mention that this collection contains SIX GAMES? A must buy for any Mega Man and 2D action-adventure fans.

Wargroove (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

Back when the Game Boy Advance came out, the first game I had purchased was Advanced Wars. This little strategy game kept my glued to my little purple console for hours on end and now it’s spiritual successor, Wargroove, is available for Xbox, Switch and PC.

With four unique factions, 12 commanders and over 40 hours of content across single player, multiplayer co-op and competitive maps, there’s a plethora of content to keep you coming back again and again.

So that’s my top 5 retro inspired games to play while in lockdown, what are yours? We’d love to hear in the comments below.

The post 5 Retro Inspired Games to Play in Lockdown appeared first on Retro Ages.

Microsoft has recently released a beta version of their Microsoft Edge browser for the Steam Deck. As well as for instructions on how to add a shortcut to your Steam Library. Doing so allows you to access the streaming service as if it were a native title on your Deck.

Before you begin

In this guide, we will show you how to get set up and get playing. To get started you will need:

• Your Valve Steam Deck with an internet connection
• A Microsoft Game Pass Ultimate subscription (Amazon Affiliate)
• 5-10 Minutes
• Optional: Xbox Cloud Streaming artwork (Microsoft Link)
• Optional: A keyboard and mouse

Getting started

Now that you have everything ready, let’s go.

1. Switch your Steam Deck into desktop mode by holding the power button for 5 seconds and selecting ‘Switch to Desktop‘.
   
2. From the desktop select the ‘Discover‘ icon from the taskbar at the bottom of the screen – this appears as a blue shopping bag.
   If the icon is not in your taskbar you can press the Steam Deck icon at the bottom of the screen to open the application launcher and search for ‘Discover‘.
   
3. Within the Discover application, search for ‘Edge‘ to find the ‘Microsoft Edge Browser‘ and select ‘Install‘. Once Edge has finished installing you can close the Discover app.
   
4. Next, you should either transfer the Xbox Cloud Streaming artwork files to your Steam Deck or directly visit https://aka.ms/EdgeXboxDeckArt to download the files.
   To easily find these files later, we recommend saving these files to your desktop.
   
5. With Microsoft Edge open, right-click on the icon in the taskbar and select ‘Add to Steam‘. A new window will now appear, scroll down to find ‘Microsoft Edge (beta)‘ to tick the box next to it, and press the ‘Add Selected Programs‘ button.
   
6. Using the application launcher, search for ‘Konsole‘ and launch the application.
   
7. You will now be presented with a terminal window, we need to give Microsoft Edge some additional access to use your Steam Deck’s controller. Type the following command and press ‘Enter‘:
   flatpak --user override --filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.microsoft.Edge
   
8. Once completed, type the word exit to close the Konsole and then launch Steam from the desktop.
   
9. We’re almost there, time to tweak some settings to improve performance and add our artwork. Start by navigating to the Library tab and right-clicking on ‘Microsoft Edge (beta)‘ and select ‘Properties‘. From here we want to change the following:
   • Edit the shortcut’s name to ‘Microsoft Cloud Gaming (beta)‘
   • Next to the shortcut’s name is its icon. Change this to the ‘Xbox_Cloud_Gaming_Icon.jpg‘ file downloaded earlier. If this was saved to your desktop you can navigate to it using the following path:
     /home/deck/Desktop/EdgeXboxCloudGamingArt/Xbox Cloud Gaming/
     If your file does not appear, you may need to change the file type to ‘All Files‘.
   • Scroll to the ‘Launch Options‘ and add the following to the end of the string after the @@u @@
--window-size=1024,640 --force-device-scale-factor=1.25 --device-scale-factor=1.25 --kiosk "https://www.xbox.com/play"
     
10. Now that this is completed, close this window and locate ‘Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta)‘ in your Library. Right-click the icon and select ‘Manage‘ then ‘Controller Layout‘.
    
11. Within the Controller Configurator window, select ‘Browse Configs‘ and under ‘Templates‘ select ‘Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad’. Select ‘Apply Configuration‘. You have now configured your controls for use with Microsoft Cloud Streaming.
    
12. Finally, select ‘Xbox Cloud Gaming‘ from your and right-click the space just above where it says Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta and select ‘Set Custom Logo‘. Navigate back to your downloaded artwork and select ‘Xbox_Cloud_Gaming_Banner.jpg‘ – again you may need to change the file type to ‘All Files‘.

And that’s it. You’re all done. Restart your Steam Deck, launch your new ‘Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta)’ title and sign in to get playing. If you’ve found this guide helpful why not leave us a thumbs up and comment below.

The post How To Add Xbox Cloud Streaming On Steam Deck appeared first on Retro Ages.

With a hefty price tag, bold hardware upgrades, and launch titles creeping into next-gen pricing territory. All this means that Nintendo’s newest console is making headlines for more than just its specs. Here’s what you need to know about how much the Switch 2 will cost you—and whether it’s worth cracking open your wallet.

A Price Jump That’s Hard to Ignore

Nintendo officially launched the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, pricing the base console at an eye-watering £395.99 ($449.99 USD). That’s almost £180 more than the original Switch’s debut back in 2017. As well as the console only set, Nintendo have released a special Mario Kart World Bundle, which includes the console and Mario Kart World download for £429.99 or $499.99 USD.

Nintendo justifies the increase with a slate of improvements: a larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, 256GB of internal storage, and a 4K-capable dock. There’s also native voice chat, something fans have been begging for since the Wii U era – no more need for a mobile app.

Global tariffs, inflation, and rising hardware costs were all cited as reasons behind the premium pricing.

Game Prices Push Toward Premium

Launch titles are following the industry trend of creeping above the £70 threshold. First-party hits like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are launching as high as £74.99 for physical copies, with digital copies coming in a little lower at £66.99.

It’s not just Nintendo that have upped the price of their software, other launch titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate, Street Fighter VI, Hogwarts Legacy, and Civilization VII are following suit, with most new games falling in the £60-£70 or $69–$79 USD range. Now compare that to the original Switch’s launch where the most popular title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild cost only £49.99 for a physical copy.

Full Pricing Snapshot

So you’ve decided you’re getting a Switch 2. Well here’s what players are paying out of the gate for this next generation handheld:

That’s quite the shopping list to get up and running. For example I picked up a Nintendo Switch 2 at launch with Mario Kart World and a Switch 2 Pro Controller – enough to get me and my son up and running with some two player gaming. The total? An eye-watering £504.98 and that’s including the saving buying the bundle with the console and game included!

What Are Fans Saying?

Feedback has been mixed. While many gamers expected a price increase, the jump to £75/$80 USD per title caught some off guard. Critics argue that the price spike may discourage casual gamers and younger fans, groups that have traditionally been some of Nintendo’s strongest supporters during the Wii and Switch generations.

A UK gamer interviewed by the BBC put it bluntly:

“It makes it inaccessible, it’s a lot to drop on one game.”

Others see the pricing as inevitable, given the scale and polish of modern Nintendo titles. Full voice acting, expansive open worlds, and cross-generational upgrades come with development costs – but it’s difficult to argue that Mario Kart World really needs the same sort of development costs as huge AAA games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Grand Theft Auto.

Backward Compatibility Eases the Blow

Thankfully there is one welcome relief: Switch 2 supports backward compatibility with most Switch 1 games. Even better, many get enhancements to take advantage of the more powerful hardware, although whilst many titles offer free upgrades, many of the most popular titles require a one-off purchase. Nintendo is also pushing digital-first initiatives with special pricing on downloads versus physical copies, possibly hinting at a longer-term shift away from cartridges. Whilst the lower cost of digital titles compared to physical titles is welcome, the Switch’s relatively small 250GB internal storage and the requirement to use expensive Micro SD Express cards could actually make this prohibitively more expensive than many gamers realise.

As an example, if you wanted to purchase the official Nintendo memory cards for both the original Switch and the Switch 2 you would be looking at £19.99 for a 256GB card for the Switch, and a whopping 2.5x increase at £49.99 for the same (albeit faster) 256GB storage for the Switch 2. What’s more, with the improved graphical fidelity of the Switch 2 games will require larger amounts of storage compared to their Switch counterparts.

For example, the Switch version of Breath of the Wild is a little over 14.6GB in size, that same game on Switch 2? 24.1GB, a 65% increase in file size. What’s more, even if you buy a physical cartridge from a store, it’s not guaranteed that the game will even be on that cartridge. For example Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster can be purchased on a digital game key-card, and whilst I have issues with these explored in another article, the fact is you still need to download a 12.3GB file in order to play.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re a dedicated Nintendo fan, the Switch 2 offers some serious upgrades. The graphics are sharper, the performance is smoother, and the game lineup is already packed with high-profile releases – not to mention the ability to play almost the entire Switch 1 library. But between the £400+ console and £65+ game prices, the Switch 2 is easily the most expensive Nintendo console since the Nintendo 64 (adjusted for inflation).

The real question is whether gamers will adapt to this new pricing model. So far, early reports of sold-out pre-orders and long launch lines suggest that many are saying “yes”, at least for now. But could these early adopters be setting themselves up for hardship later on down the road when £80, £90 or even £100 titles are the norm?

Whilst the overall tone of this article may appear to be a bit of a downer, for Nintendo the new generation looks bright. Their new console is a welcome spec boost to their aging Switch, bringing along a host of impressive features such as VRR, HDR and likely many more three letter abbreviations.

Whilst the cost of the Switch 2 was high, and so far a month later I still only own a single Switch 2 title (Mario Kart World), the time I’ve spent playing with my seven year old son has been priceless – but if you’d like to save some money check out our Switch to Switch 2 Upgrade Guide.

The post Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: What Are Gamers Really Paying? appeared first on Retro Ages.

Having released on countless systems, the original Sonic the Hedgehog could be one of the most ported games ever released. Perhaps even giving the venerable DOOM a run for its money!

For those of you looking to get a nostalgia hit by replaying the spiky blue blur’s first console outing, we compiled a list of some of the best, and worst, versions of this 16-bit classic for you to play.

The Good

Sonic the Hedgehog

Format: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis | Release: 1991

The classic, and the original. Released on the 23rd June 1991 in North America. This was the title that made Sonic a household name around the world.

Even now, 30 years later, the Mega Drive classic is great to go back to. Sure, there’s some pacing issues, but the foundations of the series for years to come was laid down right here.

Sonic Jam

Format: Sega Saturn | Release: 1997

Sonic Jam for the Sega Saturn was, and perhaps still is, the definitive collection for the classic Sonic the Hedgehog quadrilogy.

Featuring enhanced ports of Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic and Knuckles, Sonic Jam adds the Spin Dash into Sonic the Hedgehog, along with new ‘easy’ modes.

There’s also a fantastic 3D world where you can view a whole range of artwork, videos, adverts and even cheats relating to the classic Sonic series.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Format: iOS and Android | Release: 2013

Playing Sonic on a mobile. You must be mad! Well, the mobile port of Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most feature packed releases of the original game around!

Want the Sonic 2 Spin Dash in Sonic 1? Want to unlock Tails and Knuckles? Want to use your bluetooth controller instead of on-screen controls? You’ve got it all here!

3D Sonic the Hedgehog

Format: Nintendo 3DS | Release: 2015

Released for the Nintendo 3DS, 3D Sonic the Hedgehog puts a new perspective on this beloved classic.

While there’s little in the way of extras, the excellent use of the 3D allow the backgrounds extend out to the horizon. You can also pick this title up as part of the equally excellent Sega 3D Classics.

The Bad

Sega Smash Pack: Volume 1

Format: Sega Dreamcast | Release: 2001

Released almost 10 years after the original, Sega Smash Pack Volume 1 contains the original Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as 11 other classic Sega titles.

It’s just a shame the version of Sonic in this bundle contains poor audio and slow down that wasn’t present in the Mega Drive original. Perhaps there was a reason that there was never a Smash Pack Volume 2 released for the Dreamcast?

Sonic the Hedgehog Genesis

Format: Nintendo Game Boy Advance | Release: 2006

Sonic Genesis was part of Sonic’s 15th Anniversary, having the misfortune of sharing a release date with the infamous ‘Sonic 06’. However, sharing a release date with what is considered one of the worst Sonic titles isn’t there only thing these two have in common.

Releasing with a myriad of technical issues, from a cropped view of Sonic’s world, terrible performance and shockingly poor audio, this is on version you’d be best steering clear of.

The Ugly

Sonic Jam

Format: Game.Com | Release: 1998

Certainly not to be confused with the excellent Sonic Jam on the Sega Saturn. The Game.Com version barely counts as a playable game.

This game is such a train wreck that they actually forgot to include Sonic the Hedgehog in the compilation. Instead you have a barely functional stage from each of Sonic 2, Sonic 3 and Sonic & Knuckles. Avoid!

The Winner

The iOS and Android version is easily the best way to play the classic Sonic the Hedgehog.

With new features such as the ability to play as Tails and Knuckles, the inclusion of the Spin Dash, the ability to switch between the US/EU version and the enhanced Japanese version and true widescreen support. It’s really no contest.

What’s more you can even play for free if you can put up with the ads, or £1.99 to play ad-free.

Then again, this port was created by the talented Christan Whitehead. The same Christan Whitehead behind the amazing Sonic Mania.

The post Sonic the Hedgehog: 30 Years Later – The Best Way to Play appeared first on Retro Ages.

But is this really a new problem, or has gaming always been expensive in one way or another?

Console prices: then vs now

This current generation certainly arrived with some hefty price tags attached. So before we start let us take a look at the launch prices for the current crop of home consoles.

• The PlayStation 5 disc version launched in 2020 at $499/£429 or $399/£359 for the Digital Edition.
• The Xbox Series X also launched in 2020 at $499/£449, with the Series S coming in at $299/£249.
• Nintendo’s Switch launched in 2017 at $299/£279, with the Switch 2 launched at an eye-watering $449/£395 in 2025.

When we look at the two dedicated flagship home consoles from Sony and Microsoft, prices over the previous generation don’t seem to be dramatically different at first glance. Both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both launched at around $399-$499/£349-£429 back in 2013. When you factor in inflation Sony’s console would be the equivalent to £440 in 2020.

Going back even further, the infamous PlayStation 3 launched at a painful $599/£425 in 2006. Which at the time felt incredibly expensive. If we once again adjust for inflation that would be the equivalent of £610 today. A huge expense but still less than the £789 that the PlayStation 5 Pro retails for.

What’s changed over the generations is the introduction of ‘Pro’ models that have higher specs. These are aimed at console enthusiasts willing to spend even more for the best image quality. Additionally the 2020s haven’t been the most stable decade so far which means we’ve also witnessed something unusual this generation. Instead of prices steadily falling over time, most regions have actually seen console price increases due to inflation, parts shortages, and currency fluctuations.

Price cuts aren’t as straightforward anymore

In older generations, waiting a few years almost guaranteed cheaper hardware.

The PS3 eventually dropped in price significantly after launch, the PS4 received official price cuts and later Slim models, and Microsoft quickly reduced the cost of the Xbox One after removing Kinect from the bundle. Back then, patience usually paid off.

Going back further you would also see console manufacturers releasing cost-reduced version of systems. Think back to the Xbox 360 E, PlayStation 2 Slim, PSone, Mega Drive II and so on. This isn’t to say that we don’t see cost-reduced versions of consoles anymore, but this is usually more “under the hood” changes that save the manufacturer, and not the consumer, money.

Instead it appears that home consoles are split into a few versions – Digital Editions, Disc Editions and Pro models. Rather than one simple permanent price drop, players are faced with more choices… and sometimes more confusion. Taking a look at Sony’s PlayStation 5 shows multiple models that vary in storage amount depending on when they were purchased, some with disc drives, some without that can be upgraded at a later date, and some that will never be compatible with a disc drive. Oh and of course there’s a Pro model available with and without a disc drive.

In all this means Sony has five main offerings of the PlayStation 5 not counting minor alterations, storage configurations or limited editions. All of this causes confusion and instead of the price reductions seen in previous generations, prices have even gone the other way. For example, Sony raised PS5 prices multiple times in several regions during this generation. Something that would have felt almost unthinkable in earlier console eras.

Games themselves cost more now

Hardware isn’t the only thing hitting wallets harder. For years, $59.99/£49.99 was the standard price for a big-budget new release. This generation changed that, with many major publishers moving to $69.99/£69.99 for new AAA games. Some companies have even experimented with higher prices for deluxe editions and premium releases.

Of course, gaming has always been expensive in some ways. Retro fans will remember certain cartridge games in the 90s costing an absolute fortune, especially on systems like the Neo Geo AES. To alleviate these costs many gamers could be patient. Many of the best selling games would get a budget re-release as a ‘Greatest Hits’ or ‘Platinum’ range, typically for around £19.99. But it appears that these ranges have been phased out, mainly due to digital store fronts.

These storefronts are seen as an evergreen source of sales for both publishers and the system manufacturers. This in turn help to maintain the higher costs of the physical versions. Just look at Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Breath of the Wild maintaining their current £54 price point 9 years after release!

Add on top of the cost of games the burden of players dealing with season passes, DLC, microtransactions, subscriptions, and collector’s editions. It’s no longer just about buying the console and a few games.

Inflation plays a big role

There’s an important bit of context that often gets overlooked when comparing generations: inflation.

While we touched on it earlier, A $399/£399 console in 2013 isn’t equivalent to $399/£399 today. When older consoles are adjusted for inflation, some of them actually end up looking surprisingly expensive. Many will point to modern consoles being more powerful than their predecessors – but this has been the case with every console generation to the next. Although it is worth knowing that since 2020 inflation has accelerated since the 2010s. Add component shortages and AI companies gobbling up the few vital components produced, it’s a miracle consoles are even being built.

Why gaming feels more expensive

So it is clear that there isn’t one single reason gaming costs more now. It’s a complex mix of several things happening at once:

• More advanced hardware requiring expensive components that are in short supply
• Longer and more costly game development cycles pushing game prices higher
• Inflation and currency fluctuations due to uncertain world events
• Growing reliance on subscriptions and digital services
• Publishers pushing premium editions and add-ons to extract more from each gamer

Even if the base console price doesn’t seem wildly different from previous generations. The overall cost of staying involved in gaming has definitely grown.

Is there any good news?

Thankfully, there are still ways to save money.

Waiting later into a console generation can still lead to better bundles and occasional discounts. Especially on the second-hand market. Subscription services can offer good value if you play a lot of games, even if their prices have gone up recently. Most non-Nintendo Physical games also tend to drop in price fairly quickly compared to their digital versions outside of sales.

Additionally the explosion of indie developers and titles means there’s a huge choice for the more budget conscious gamers. Especially those who enjoy retro-styled titles.

In some ways, gaming has always been an expensive hobby. The difference now is that the costs feel more constant. Instead of one big purchase every few years, modern gaming often feels like an additional steady stream of smaller expenses that quietly build up over time.

And honestly, that’s probably why so many retro gamers enjoy going back to older systems — once you owned the console and the cartridge, that was usually it.

Disclaimers

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, and purchases made through them help support and keep Retro Ages running at no extra cost to you.

AI tools were used during the creation of this article, including for research assistance and visual elements. All ideas, fact-checking, editing, and final written content were reviewed and created by a real person.

The post The Cost of Gaming: Gaming’s Increasing Price Tag appeared first on Retro Ages.

The newest entry in the series, Paper Mario: The Origami King releases on July 17th, welcoming an all-new set of players on the Nintendo Switch. With a brand new game right around the corner, it’s a great time to take a look back at the two most-retro games in the franchise and count down the best characters you can recruit. Chosen from Paper Mario on Nintendo 64 and Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door on the Gamecube, these are our picks for the top 5 party members in Paper Mario.

5. Ms. Mowz (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

The Paper Mario series is full of cutesy, small companions, but Ms. Mowz is the only party member in the game that is completely optional. Even so, we make sure to pick up this flirtatious and strategic mouse whenever we play The Thousand-Year Door. Although she’s not a powerhouse in battle, Ms. Mowz possesses a handful of invaluable abilities.

In addition to stealing enemy items and badges with her Kiss Thief move, Mowz can also bolster Mario’s health with a solid use of her Smooch move. Ms. Mowz is never one to forego a compliment, so we love keeping her at our side whenever possible.

4. Vivian (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

Vivian is one of three Shadow Sirens; dark-magic wielding sisters who attempt to capture Mario in the Boggly Woods. Although she’s originally out to defeat Mario, Vivian soon changes her mind, after Mario shows a simple act of kindness toward her.

Often dejected and lacking in self-esteem, Vivian slowly regains her confidence throughout your adventure in The Thousand-Year Door. Generally speaking, her abilities are great for damaging large groups of enemies, lighting them on ablaze using her Fiery Jinx and Shade Fist moves. Beyond her strength in combat, Vivian is a likable character with an endearing charm, easily earning her spot on our list of the top 5 party members in Paper Mario.

3. Kooper (Paper Mario)

When you first meet Kooper in the original Paper Mario, your journey is just beginning and your arsenal of moves is pretty weak. Despite his general inexperience, this young-yet-confident Koopa Kid is great for early battles, thanks to his hard-hitting Power Shell move. When enemies line up like bowling pins, Kooper knocks ’em down with ease.

Kooper has big dreams of exploring the world, which makes him an ideal companion throughout your adventure. Even as you progress further into the game and unlock party members with more strategic options, Kooper is always a reliable pick.

2. Mini-Yoshi (Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door)

The Paper Mario series is packed with plenty of unique characters, but sometimes it’s a classic Mario face that makes us the happiest. Look no further than Mini-Yoshi, your very own customizable, infant dinosaur, to prove that point. After collecting his egg in the Glitz Pit, you only have to wait a little while until Mini-Yoshi is born.

Full of life and attitude, this bottle-rocket of energy comes kicking right out of the shell. Possessing plenty of trademark Yoshi movies, like spitting enemies out as eggs or delivering a swift kick to the head, Mini-Yoshi is always fun to use in battle. In addition to having seven different possible colors, Mini-Yoshi is the only party member in Paper Mario that players can name themselves. If the level of customization isn’t enough for you, then his generally adorable face hopefully is.

1. Bow (Paper Mario)

When you think of the ghostly Boo characters in the Super Mario universe, you usually don’t think they’d be on Mario’s side. However, that’s not the case for Bow, a sassy female Boo who teams up with Mario to take down the ghost-eating boss named Tubba Blubba. Armed with her cute, red hair-bow and a mean backhand, Bow is arguably the best damage-dealing party member in the original Paper Mario.

This mostly stems from her Smack and Fan Smack abilities, both of which can damage an enemy up to six times with one attack. If you’re facing a particularly tough boss, Bow is also indispensable, due to her Outta Sight move that completely shields Mario from any damage. Whether you’re trying to seriously hurt your enemy, dodge attacks, or just look cool as can be, Bow is the best Paper Mario party member around.

So who is your favourite Paper Mario party member? We’d love to know in the comments.

The post Top 5 Paper Mario Party Members appeared first on Retro Ages.

Despite how fantastic and truly imaginative those mentioned games are, there are an equal number of Nintendo 64 games that were foolishly overlooked. Whether due to mismanaged marketing or just bad luck, there are some exceptionally underrated Nintendo 64 games. Today, we’re taking a look at five incredibly underrated N64 games that deserve their time in the limelight. If you missed these N64 gems the first time around, we highly suggest digging them up and trying them now. Without any further ado, here are our picks for the top five underrated Nintendo 64 games!

5. Jet Force Gemini

The developer RARE gets a lot of love for their many N64 hits, including Goldeneye: 007, Donkey Kong 64, Banjo-Kazooie, and many more. Unfortunately, one of their most violent and interesting titles, Jet Force Gemini, rarely gets the love it deserves. In this third-person shooter, you play as three space-cops in a fierce war against a disgusting army of insect drones. Each character has unique powers that help you progress through levels, such as the lovable dog Lupus’ hover ability. Apart from its quirky cast and interesting puzzles, Jet Force Gemini stands out due to its inventive levels and exceptionally bloody gunplay. Since you’re shooting at insects and not humans, RARE got away with quite a bit of gore, including tons of rainbow-colored blood, exploding bodies, and plenty of dismemberment. Any fan of third-person shooters or sci-fi action games should check Jet Force Gemini out.

4. Space Station Silicon Valley

There are plenty of weird platforming puzzle games on the N64, but Space Station Silicon Valley still manages to feel exceptionally odd. Playing as a tiny microchip, you must explore the titular space station, possessing the animal-robot hybrids that live onboard. Each animal has a specific set of abilities, allowing you to solve the various puzzles scattered in each level. This is all done in order to prevent the space station from colliding with Earth, as it has been overtaken by a rogue artificial intelligence with nefarious plans. It’s just as weird as it sounds and the gameplay reflects that, making Space Station Silicon Valley and absolutely underrated Nintendo 64 game that everyone should try. Plus, it was made by a little company called DMA Design. You might know them better by their new name, Rockstar North, the creators of games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption.

3. Buck Bumble

Buck Bumble is a quirky third-person shooter game where you play as a gun-toting, cybernetic bumblebee battling against an invading swarm of super-powered insects known as the Herd. Playing like a slightly-awkward Star Fox 64 with free-roam movement, you zoom around various garden-themed levels blasting down bugs. In addition to the nearly 20-level-long single-player campaign, there are competitive multiplayer modes as well. Predictably, you can face off against a pal in an aerial deathmatch known as “Buck Battle”, but I always preferred “Buzz Ball”, which was basically soccer with bees and guns. While the graphics and gameplay might not hold up as well as some other N64 classics, Buck Bumble is still pretty fun to play, thanks to its super weird story and short, easy-to-complete levels.

2. Mischief Makers

Developed by Treasure and released in 1997, Mischief Makers is a 2D, side-scrolling platformer that didn’t wasn’t received the best upon launch. Criticized for its “dated” gameplay and occasionally confusing objectives, the game never managed much success in the N64 market. That said, underneath the seemingly straightforward surface, Mischief Makers is a wildly inventive and colorful game with some truly remarkable mechanics. Most of the game revolves around the main character’s “shake” mechanic, which allows you to use items in a variety of ways. Some items help you solve puzzles, while others attack enemies. Through some exceptionally bright and joyful sequences of platforming fun, Mischief Makers stands as one of the Nintendo 64’s most refreshing side-scrolling games.

1. Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

Although the Mystical Ninja series caught on in Japan, this expansive and imaginative adventure series never gained footing further West. That’s truly a shame, as the second Mystical Ninja game, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, is easily one of the best 3D adventure games on the entire system. In this wacky game, you play as the unlikely hero Goemon and his friends as they attempt to prevent an evil gang from overthrowing Japan and turning it into a musical theater. The admittedly wacky plot, characters, and dialogue are juxtaposed against the beautiful countryside and villages of rural Japan, which you must explore during your journey. Like The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon is an unforgettable adventure with awesome boss fights, well-designed puzzle dungeons, and plenty of memorable side-quests and characters.

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