“If life doesn’t kill me, nostalgia will,” is a quote I have been seeing on social media and did not think much of the weight that its meaning holds until now. As a senior in high school and a recently-turned adult, I have found that it is true when your teachers say that these four years go by extremely fast and to not take it for granted. It is strange to hear that and understand it now because I still remember playing Minecraft with my cousins, but suddenly all of that stopped one day because we all just grew up and had other responsibilities to focus on. It got me thinking, “What were the best video games I’ve played growing up?” and “What made them so great?” With that being said, this is my ranking of the most nostalgic games that you can play—even after all these years—at the comfort of your own phone.
Honorable Mentions:
No list is complete without an honorable mentions section. Some of my favorites include Subway Surfers, Bitlife, Crossy Road and Fruit Ninja. These games were key staples I always enjoyed and somehow always seemed to have downloaded despite not playing them often. They’re good classics that I revisit every now and then, but have tendencies to get boring quickly in the long run. However, their simplicity is what makes them honorable.
7. Bloons TD 5
I remember playing “Tower Defense” for the first time on Blooket and thinking “Is this not just Bloons TD 5?” Being released in 2011, the fact that Blooket also made a similar minigame was what made this game memorable and a great game to fall into a loophole every now and then. It is a straightforward concept, strategically setting up defense towers against enemy “bloons” from reaching the end of the map. It’s engaging and the perfect game to play during your free time.
6. Roblox
Roblox- a distinguished game even to this day. I would rank this a lot higher if it felt more “nostalgic” to me, but it is undoubtedly still a prominent game now. The invasion of younger generation users have made this game feel more childish to me instead, but despite that, it is a fun game to play with friends and family and the array of choices Roblox offers is truly its redeeming quality.
5. Geometry Dash
Recently, I have been seeing a resurgence in the popularity of this game, which inspired me to create this list. I do think it can be more of an acquired taste game since some people can find the levels to be difficult. Either way, the range of electronic and dubstep music as well as the ability to build your own courses makes it a standout compared to other games.
4. Supercell Games (Heyday, Clash Royale, Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars)
In all honesty, Supercell has some of the best nostalgic games that were hits with always having something for everyone. From defensive strategy games to a productive farming game, Supercell adhered to something all ages can enjoy and its overall design has remained the same after all these years which allows fans to appreciate its authenticity.
3. Five Nights at Freddy’s
This game is a true classic that shaped a lot of childhoods. The iconic characters and extensive lore is incredible, and with the release of the movies, I had to include the FNAF franchise on this list. This game definitely is not for everyone, but those who get it, get it and the creators have only released banger after banger games and updates.
2. Minecraft
I think it is moderately safe to assume that every gamer appreciates the beauty of Minecraft. Not only is it accessible for all ages, but there is just so much to do whether it is by yourself or with friends and family. The possibilities are truly endless, and I can’t deny that Minecraft has created arguably the best in-game music that really feels nostalgic.
1. Plants Vs. Zombies
A hidden gem and possibly a hot take. When I rediscovered this game my sophomore year, I found myself hooked like I used to be and the best part was that it inspired some of my friends to revisit this game, too. The adventurous music, the cute plants and the overall vibe brings about a transformed excitement and the motivation to “max out” everything possible in the game is strong. If I were to ask anyone to revisit an iPhone game from the early 2000s, it would 100% be Plants Vs. Zombies.
