The 1980s marked a golden age for video games, introducing players to worlds and characters that would become legendary. From the pixel adventures of Mario to the strategic play of Madden NFL, these best-selling video games laid the foundation for franchises that continue to captivate millions around the world.
- Mario
In 1985, Nintendo introduced the world to Super Mario Bros., a game that would redefine platform gaming. Created by the visionary Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario quickly became an iconic character, capturing the imaginations of gamers worldwide with his quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the villainous Bowser. Over the years, Mario became one of Nintendo’s best-selling franchises and one of the most recognizable game characters.
Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the gaming industry with innovative gameplay, engaging level design, and memorable music. The game’s success helped solidify Nintendo’s position in the market, making Mario a household name. Mario’s adventures set a new standard for platformers, influencing countless games that followed it.
Since the 1980s, the franchise expanded rapidly, with numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise cementing its place in popular culture. Notable titles like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey continued to push the boundaries of game design. The Mario franchise’s enduring popularity is reflected in its staggering sales figures, with over 800 million units sold worldwide for its various game series.
Mario’s journey from a simple 8-bit character to a global icon is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Nintendo, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
- Final Fantasy
In 1987, Square (now Square Enix) released the original Final Fantasy, a game born out of desperation to save the struggling company. Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the game was aptly named, as it was intended to be Square’s final project if it failed. Instead, it launched one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in gaming history.
Final Fantasy introduced players to rich storytelling, complex characters, and expansive worlds, setting a new standard for role-playing games (RPGs). The first installment featured a turn-based combat system, an intricate plot, and memorable music composed by Nobuo Uematsu to captivate players. The game’s success played a significant role in popularizing RPGs in the West, a genre previously dominated by Western-developed games.
The Final Fantasy franchise has grown to include numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations across various media. Notable titles like Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy XIV have each pushed the boundaries of what RPGs can achieve, both narratively and technically. With over 185 million units sold worldwide, the series is a commercial powerhouse.
From its humble beginnings as a last-ditch effort, Final Fantasy has become a cornerstone of the gaming industry, celebrated for its creativity and depth.
- Madden NFL
In 1988, Electronic Arts (EA) released John Madden Football, the first game in what would become the legendary Madden NFL series. Developed with the guidance of football coach John Madden, the game aimed to deliver a realistic football simulation. Overcoming initial development challenges, the game’s attention to detail and authenticity set it apart from other sports titles.
Madden NFL revolutionized sports gaming by introducing realistic gameplay mechanics and strategies that mirrored real-life American football. The involvement of John Madden ensured the game stayed true to the sport, appealing to both fans and players alike.
The Madden NFL franchise has seen consistent yearly releases, each iteration improving on graphics, gameplay, and features. The series has adapted to new gaming technologies, from 16-bit consoles to modern-day platforms, keeping it relevant and engaging. With over 130 million copies sold, Madden NFL is not just a commercial success but has become one of the best sports video games to play.
Madden NFL’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and its significant impact on sports gaming. By faithfully recreating the excitement and strategy of American football, it has earned its place as one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
- The Legend of Zelda
In 1986, Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda, a groundbreaking adventure game created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. This game introduced players to the kingdom of Hyrule, where they embarked on a quest with the hero Link to rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon.
The Legend of Zelda revolutionized gaming with its open-world exploration, puzzle-solving elements, and intricate dungeons. The game’s non-linear gameplay was innovative, allowing players to explore at their own pace and discover secrets organically. Its success established the action-adventure genre, influencing countless games with its blend of exploration, combat, and narrative depth.
The Zelda franchise has grown to include numerous critically acclaimed titles, such as A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and Breath of the Wild. Each installment introduced new mechanics and deeper storytelling, consistently pushing the boundaries of game design. The series has sold over 153 million copies worldwide, cementing its status as one of the most popular video games to play.
The Everlasting Influence of Classic Games
These iconic titles not only introduced innovative gameplay and storytelling but also laid the groundwork for best-selling video game franchises that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Their legacy endures, proving that the magic of the 1980s still shapes the gaming industry today.
