games to play

For those of us that like to spend time indoors, read on. When the temperature plummets, these old favourites will make you feel like you are enjoying the winter splendor without the chill factor. Sit back and relax, and have a crack at these great winter games:

Winter Games [C64]

Epyx could do no wrong in their ‘Games’ series. Winter Games is no exception. Eight great events to beat your friends in – from skiing, jumping, skating to bobsledding. Just like the other ‘Games’ series, make sure you stay for the closing ceremonies.

Mario Kart 64 [N64]

Mario Kart 64 (MK64) is by far the slickest and well rounded Mario Kart incarnation. It is easy to pick up and play, with varied tracks, surfaces and obstacles. The perfect winter track in MK64 has to be Frappe Snowland. Pick your favourite Nintendo character and get driving, slipping and sliding.

NHL ’94 [SNES] / Hit The Ice [PC-Engine] / Blades Of Steel [NES]

What is a winter video games list without some ice hockey thrown in! Instead of one hockey game, we have chosen three retro classics: NHL ’94 [SNES] for the realism, Hit The Ice [PC-Engine / TurboGrafx-16] and Blades Of Steel [NES] for some ‘not so serious’ ice hockey shenanigans.

Frostbite [Atari 2600]

This one is a bit of a Frogger rip-off. Frostbite extends the Frogger concept by introducing an architectural element to the game – you, as Frostbite Bailey, must avoid all sorts of animals and other pesky obstacles to get to the other side and build your igloos.

Tecmo Super Bowl [NES]

Culminating with the Super Bowl in the northern hemisphere winter, Tecmo Super Bowl is the perfect football game to blast away those winter blues. This is the finest example of an American football game on any 8-bit machine. Forget ‘4th and Inches’ on the C64, this is better. “Set! Blue 80, Blue 80, Hut-Hut!”.

There is nothing better than enjoying games with a tinge of winter from the comfort of your own armchair. Which video games will occupy your time this winter?

PS: If you are lucky enough to be in the opposite season, then check out the five best games to play during summer.

When the temperature soars outside, there is only one thing to do – turn on the air-conditioner and grab a video game that will keep you cool and simulate that summer experience.

Australian Retro Gamer digs deep into the old video games library and pulls out five titles perfect for some summer gaming delight.

Wave Race 64 [N64]

Grab your jet-ski and hit the waves. This early N64 title has realistic water effects and an array of differing environments and courses that will keep your heart racing. Play on your own or call a friend over, you will have an absolute ball. Bonsai!

California Games [Lynx]

When you think of California, you think of sun, surf and lots of obscure sports, right? California Games on the Atari Lynx brings four events which will have you playing till the batteries run out. Connect the Lynx to a power outlet and have some fun in the sun.

Virtua Tennis [Dreamcast]

With all the Grand Slams being in summer, it is perfectly natural to pull out your Dreamcast and start playing Virtua Tennis – the best tennis video game ever, period! Practice makes perfect, and the mini games are equally entertaining as blasting your opponent on clay, grass or even hard courts.

Summer Games II [C64]

No summer games list can be complete without Epyx’s seminal favourite. From the triple jump to the cycling event, grab seven of your mates, a sturdy joystick and have some fun! Make sure you watch the closing ceremony fireworks – a perfect touch to a perfect game.

Out Run [PC-Engine]

Jump in your red Ferarri, crank up the stereo, swing past your girlfriend’s place and hit the road. Feel the wind in your hair as you race down the highway to make it to the next checkpoint. Make sure you enjoy those cool and refreshing tunes along the way.