Growing up in the ’90s, we were used to hearing our parents say, “Don’t sit too close to the TV,” or “Stop playing those computer games, they will rot your brain!” Well, gaming is now bigger than it has ever been. And hell, now those same basement nerds can make some serious dough by just picking up the sticks. With everyone looking forward to giant releases like Grand Theft Auto VI or the latest edition of Madden, we look at a handful of retro titles that should make a comeback sooner than later.

4 Retro Video Games that Could Use a 2026 Touch-up

Zombies Ate My Neighbors

The original Zombies Ate My Neighbors was released in 1993 for the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. Now I know there was a rerelease in 2021 along with the sequel, Ghoul Patrol, so before you attack me, let me explain. The 2021 version seemed to be just a smoother version of the original.

We need Zeke and Julie back, this time with better graphics and a different neighborhood being infested by new zombies, werewolves, ghouls, goblins, and ghosts. Give us a few updated weapons, stages, and tasks, but keep the original’s simplistic gameplay. As a 38-year old casual gamer, I hate to admit that some video games are just too intimidating when it comes to button combinations. Keep it simple and fun!

Mutant League Football

Are you tired of the same sports games being released every year, with only slightly different rosters as the main change? Mutant League Football was originally released in 1993 for the Sega Genesis. An alternate universe where monsters, superhumans, and aliens all come to a unique gridiron to see whose superior amongst the rest at the game of football.

Imagine the graphics of Madden or NCAA Football with intergalactic fields and turf. Then add landmines, player boosts, firepits, and all types to mutalate your opponents, leaving them as a literal pile of dust as you score the winning touchdown!

Road Rash

This was one of my favorite games as a kid. Take motorcycle racing, and add the use of baseball bats, chains, and crowbars, and that is Road Rash in a nutshell. The original game came out in 1991 again for the Sega Genesis. It took ordinary racing to a whole new level.

Now, picture GTA‘s detailed graphics in an all-new Road Rash! This game may not stop at just racing, but also includes the ability to complete tasks during a race or hidden weapons throughout an open-world concept. Then, when your player is ready, you roll over to a spot where some illegal street racing is going down and come away with a butt-load of cash! Sounds like a great rainy Saturday afternoon to me!

Roller Coaster Tycoon

I know, this is a PC game and not really made for the console, but hey, let’s bring it back. Roller Coaster Tycoon was a staple of computer games in the early 2000s. Who doesn’t love the challenge of creating a profitable amusement park? A place for friends and family to eat well, ride some rides, take a selfie with a mascot, and take the park to new heights! And honestly, if you’re not into all of that, then just make your guests throw up, walk around in disgusting trash, and build an open-ended coaster that brings your guests to their tragic death!

Final Thoughts

Growing up, I could game for hours and hours before going outside like a normal kid without a phone or tablet. Since gaming is more popular than ever, these video games should get the opportunity to entertain this generation’s childhood. So please, all those video game designers and engineers out there, bring back some of our childhood favorites for all to enjoy once again! I mean, how many renditions of Monopoly are there? Sometimes, a reboot is exactly what the gamer asked for.