To experience The Oregon Trail in its original form, you'll need to track down a floppy disk and an Apple II computer—or do you? Explore the surprisingly active world of retrogaming. Some gamemakers are even finding success in creating games that feel like vintage ones. Discuss with your team: should people learn to play vintage games before they play modern ones? You may also want to explore the subgenre of kusoge—old video games that are broken, incoherent, or poor in quality. What might explain their appeal?

• Link 1 explores the popularity of retro games and games with retro aesthetics. It discusses how playing these games triggers nostalgia and positive memories from childhood by activating the brain's reward pathways. The familiar sounds, graphics and gameplay of retro games can transport players back to their younger days. This nostalgic experience provides comfort and helps boost mood, especially for those experiencing anxiety or depression during uncertain times. While nostalgia plays a role, retro games are also appealing due their timeless and challenging gameplay. The article mentions several retro games that are still popular today, including "Super Mario Brothers," "Mortal Kombat," "Street Fighter," "The Legend of Zelda," and "Donkey Kong." These games have enduring appeal and continue to attract players due to their nostalgic value and timeless gameplay.
• Link 2 discusses modern retro-style video games that are inspired by classics from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras but introduce new innovations. It explores why such games are popular, the history of notable retro-inspired indie hits, and highlights some modern retro games like Shovel Knight, Celeste, and Undertale that have blended nostalgia with new ideas. Nostalgia plays a role in retro gaming's appeal simpler and more focused gameplay, along with innovations, ensure their wider popularity among new fans as well.
• Kusoge is a Japanese term used to describe a video game that is considered to be of low quality or poorly designed. In Japanese it literally means shit. Your favorite games may be kusoge :) Watch this video about kusoge games.
  • I think an excellent example kusoge game is Overwatch. Trust. I’ve been hard stuck in high platinum since Overwatch 1, then when Overwatch 2 came out I climbed quickly but this also lets other players rank high too. Everyone basically got a rank boost for the minimum. Once a season ends, everyone gets deranked 2-3 tiers than their previous. You’d be a previous plat 1 player playing with other previous plat 1 players in a plat 3-4 match. I once reached dia 3 then deranked cuz I didn't play for 2 seasons and I’m back to plat 1. Someone in game told me “you won’t be able to escape the plat disease.” I love this game but I cannot stomach the rank system.