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PC Authority > Features > Retro Gaming: Why it’s cool (and profitable) to love the '80s again

Retro Gaming: Why it’s cool (and profitable) to love the '80s again

by Daniel Long on Nov 11, 2008

5 Comments

Game: Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s

Inspires memories of: 80's big hair, glam, power ballads

Platform: PS2

Why? Like the GTA series that debuted around the same time, the Guitar Hero games are a collection of hot tunes turned up all the way to 11. And just like GTA Vice Stories, Guitar Hero has based much of their popularity on the introduction of retro hits to their youngest demographic; a school of rock in classics and music education to a generation raised on a diet of MySpace and sugary-sweet top 40.

In many cases, the youngsters playing the game had never heard the songs before the series, helping to stage sales revivals for many of the bands, including an upshot in digital sales from download sites such as iTunes.

Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s is an ode to those hair metal 80s anthems, where one could happily take out a lighter and raise an arm to the sky without being fined or arrested. The gameplay takes addictive Guitar Hero elements and fuses them with a memorable blend of catchy 80’s hooks including Twisted Sister ‘s I wanna rock and Heat of the Moment by Asia. Guitar Hero: Legends of Rock also features some dynamite 80s classics and scores an honourable mention.

Game: Pain

Inspires memories of: The Hoff, James Bond

Platform: PS3 download ($12.95)

Why? Because it’s the Hoff, that’s why. Need there be any other excuse to poke fun at the great one? The same man who brought us Freedom from the Berlin Wall, the coolness of K.I.T.T or the bronzed beach bod from Baywatch? It’s actually hard to think of anybody more 80s kitsch than the Hoff. And so we were pretty chuffed when we heard that the Hoff was getting his own video game.

While we’re hoping the gameplay isn’t as painful , the Hoff endorsed mini-game was designed specifically as a PS3 download that allows players to take the Hoff through a maze of painful and chaotic set pieces. Players compete for the aptly named Gettin’ Hoff trophy in three different Hoff outfits, navigating their Hoff hero through a custom designed Hoff related universe. The object of the game is to do as much damage to the Hoff as possible while collecting points and trophies - sounds like fun right?

And if that isn’t enough to give you Hoff love, there’s a very special Hoff cover of Culture Club’s ‘Do you really want to hurt me?’ on the game.

Now if only Chuck Norris could hurry up and get his own PS3 game – that would be really sweet.

Game: Rock Band 2

Inspires memories of: 80’s rock bands, electronic drums, old school beats

Platform: Xbox 360, P3P, wii

Why? Guitar Hero isn’t the only music game with 80s out there. Even though Rock Band was released slightly later, the quality of their music catalogue makes it a big winner in our books. And while this isn’t an 80s release that is strictly devoted to the music of that era as Guitar Hero may be, the tunes of Rock Band and its excellent sequel provide plenty of 80s fodder for the devoted.

Rock Band 2 also utilises drum kits. And there isn’t much more 80s than hashing out a set on the electronic drums to a backing track from Bon Jovi’s Wanted Dead or Alive. Big name 80s artists are attractive drawcards and include the thundering vocal chords of Bon Jovi, David Bowie, Metallica and Deep Purple.

Are there any games we've missed? What's your favourite 80s game? Are the 80s still relevant? Let us know.

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Comments: 5

totoaus Nov 14, 2008 4:02 PM	While it's perhaps off-topic, this article raises a big question: why do we have to cringe about our past? The whole idea of "an embarrassing past" permeates this article (well I stopped reading at the end of page one). Why is it that when I tell people that I never stopped liking ABBA, they look at me as though I belong in a straight jacket? I mean shouldn't we be comfortable with our heritage, that's what I was taught. Comment made about the PC Authority article: Retro Gaming: Why it’s cool (and profitable) to love the '80s again ? With a new Ghostbusters game coming in 2009 and released by original '80s kings Atari, we pay homage to those games that honour the '80s best. Have the '80s become better with age or are just kidding ourselves? What do you think? Join the discussion.
Slatts Nov 15, 2008 11:07 PM	Toto... Abba? Some things are best not uttered in public.:-# My youngest has a memstick full of retro 2D games and simulators. I found him today happily playing a game featuring Astro Boy. if that's not retro I don't know what is.
.:Cyb3rGlitch:. Nov 15, 2008 11:10 PM	Ha! My favorite game at the moment is Tetris! =P
Slatts Nov 15, 2008 11:21 PM	personally, I own at solitaire\:d/
Nat.W¿LL¿ Nov 16, 2008 10:07 AM	personally i dont even know how to play solitair:( but frogger and pacman all the way! there is nothing wrong with the 80's lol