Journey Back to ’85: Why Mario, Zelda, and Ghosts Made Us All Game Addicts

1985 was a magical year for video games. It was the year when pixels became our playgrounds, and characters like plumbers and heroes became household names. These games didn’t just entertain; they shaped the culture, created legends, and even made some of us cry (I’m looking at you, “Game Over” screen).

Let’s journey back to 1985 and explore the top five video games that captured our hearts and imaginations. These titles weren’t just popular; they were phenomena that transcended the screen and left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. From groundbreaking gameplay to unforgettable glitches, let’s dive into the digital wonders of ’85.

Whether you were a joystick wizard or a button-mashing newbie, these games had something for everyone. They were the talk of the town, the reason for schoolyard bragging rights, and the cause of countless “just one more level” moments. But like every great story, they had their quirks and flaws, which only added to their charm.

• Discover the groundbreaking games of 1985
• Uncover the glitches and cheats that made these games legendary
• Learn why these games were beloved and how they influenced modern gaming

Super Mario Bros.

In 1985, Nintendo dropped a bombshell with Super Mario Bros. This wasn’t just a game; it was a revolution. The game featured Mario, a mustachioed plumber who became an unlikely hero. With his brother Luigi, Mario set out to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. The side-scrolling platformer was a game-changer, literally. It introduced players to the Mushroom Kingdom, a world full of secrets, power-ups, and warp zones.

What made Super Mario Bros. a standout was its perfect blend of simplicity and challenge. The controls were intuitive, yet mastering them required skill. The levels were meticulously designed, offering a gradual increase in difficulty that kept players hooked. And let’s not forget the music—Koji Kondo’s iconic soundtrack is still humming in our heads decades later.

But no game is without its quirks. Super Mario Bros. had its fair share of glitches and exploits. The infamous Minus World glitch allowed players to access a never-ending underwater level. And if you were clever with your jumps, you could skip entire sections of the game using warp zones. These glitches only added to the game’s mystique, turning it into a playground for curious minds.

• Over 40 million copies sold worldwide
• Introduced the first warp zone concept
• Koji Kondo’s soundtrack is considered one of the most iconic in gaming history
• Glitches like the Minus World became legendary

The Legend of Zelda

Before open-world games were a thing, there was The Legend of Zelda. Released by Nintendo in 1985, this game was a revelation. It introduced players to Link, a young hero tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and saving the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil Ganon. The game’s top-down perspective and vast, interconnected world were unlike anything players had seen before.

The Legend of Zelda was groundbreaking for its non-linear gameplay. Players could explore Hyrule at their own pace, discovering secrets, solving puzzles, and battling enemies. The game also featured a revolutionary save system, allowing players to continue their adventure without starting from scratch. This was a game that encouraged exploration and rewarded curiosity.

But with great innovation comes great bugs. The Legend of Zelda had its share of glitches, such as the famous screen warp glitch, which allowed players to move between screens in unintended ways. There were also numerous ways to exploit the game’s mechanics to gain unlimited rupees or bypass difficult sections. These quirks only added to the game’s allure, making it a playground for adventurous gamers.

• First game to feature a save system
• Introduced the open-world concept in gaming
• Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the mind behind Mario
• Glitches like the screen warp became part of its legend

Gauntlet

Arcade games were all the rage in 1985, and Gauntlet was the king of the arcade jungle. Developed by Atari, Gauntlet was a multiplayer dungeon crawler that allowed up to four players to team up and battle through hordes of enemies. Players could choose from four characters: Thor the Warrior, Merlin the Wizard, Thyra the Valkyrie, and Questor the Elf. Each character had unique abilities, making teamwork essential for survival.

Gauntlet was a quarter-eater, designed to keep players pumping in coins to stay alive. The game’s fast-paced action, cooperative gameplay, and challenging levels made it a hit in arcades. It was one of the first games to feature voice synthesis, with memorable lines like “Wizard needs food badly!” becoming iconic catchphrases.

However, Gauntlet wasn’t without its flaws. The game was notorious for its difficulty spikes, which could frustrate even the most skilled players. There were also numerous exploits, such as the ability to farm enemies for extra points or use the walls to avoid damage. Despite these quirks, Gauntlet’s innovative gameplay and cooperative fun made it a standout in 1985.

• First game to feature voice synthesis in arcades
• Allowed up to four players to play simultaneously
• Iconic catchphrases like “Wizard needs food badly!”
• Exploits like enemy farming added to its charm

Ghosts ‘n Goblins

If you were looking for a challenge in 1985, Ghosts ‘n Goblins was the game for you. Developed by Capcom, this side-scrolling platformer was known for its punishing difficulty. Players controlled Sir Arthur, a knight on a quest to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the demon king Astaroth. Armed with a variety of weapons, Arthur had to battle through waves of enemies and treacherous levels.

Ghosts ‘n Goblins was infamous for its brutal difficulty. One hit would strip Arthur down to his underwear, and a second hit would mean instant death. The game required precise timing, quick reflexes, and a lot of patience. Despite its difficulty, Ghosts ‘n Goblins was addictive, with players determined to conquer its challenges.

The game’s difficulty also led to some interesting exploits. Players discovered ways to manipulate enemy patterns and use invincibility glitches to their advantage. These exploits became essential strategies for those looking to beat the game. Ghosts ‘n Goblins was a true test of skill, and its unforgiving nature made it a memorable experience.

• Developed by Capcom
• Known for its punishing difficulty
• One hit would strip Arthur down to his underwear
• Exploits like invincibility glitches became essential strategies

Commando

In 1985, Capcom delivered another hit with Commando, a top-down run-and-gun shooter. Players took on the role of Super Joe, a soldier on a mission to rescue POWs and defeat enemy forces. Armed with a machine gun and grenades, Super Joe had to battle through waves of enemies and challenging levels.

Commando was praised for its fast-paced action and responsive controls. The game required quick reflexes and strategic thinking, as players had to dodge enemy fire and take out enemies efficiently. The game’s difficulty increased as players progressed, keeping them engaged and on their toes.

Like many games of its time, Commando had its share of glitches and exploits. Players discovered ways to manipulate enemy spawns and use invincibility glitches to their advantage. These exploits added an extra layer of strategy to the game, making it even more appealing to players looking for an edge.

• Developed by Capcom
• Fast-paced run-and-gun action
• Players controlled Super Joe
• Exploits like enemy spawn manipulation added to its appeal

The video games of 1985 were more than just entertainment; they were cultural milestones that shaped the future of gaming. These titles introduced new gameplay mechanics, challenged our skills, and created unforgettable experiences. They were the reason we spent countless hours glued to our screens, and they continue to inspire game developers today.

While these games had their flaws and quirks, they were part of what made them special. The glitches and exploits became part of their legacy, adding an extra layer of intrigue and challenge. These games taught us that even in the digital world, imperfection can be endearing and memorable.

So, whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or a curious newcomer, take a moment to appreciate the games of 1985. They laid the foundation for the gaming experiences we enjoy today and remind us of a time when pixels and sprites were the keys to new worlds and adventures.

References

1. Nintendo
2. Capcom
3. Atari
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