Introduction
The gaming industry has evolved rapidly over the past few decades, but many of today’s biggest hits still draw inspiration from classic games. From gameplay mechanics and level design to storytelling and even entire genres, modern games owe a lot to their predecessors.
In this article, we’ll explore how classic video games shaped modern gaming, highlighting key innovations, mechanics, and influences that still impact the industry today.
1. Super Mario Bros. (1985) → Platforming & Level Design
Impact:
- Super Mario Bros. introduced side-scrolling platformers with precise controls, hidden secrets, and creative level design.
- Inspired games like Rayman, Celeste, Super Meat Boy, and Ori and the Blind Forest.
- The concept of power-ups and progression-based level unlocking became industry standards.
Modern Influence:
Many modern platformers still follow Mario’s core mechanics, from jumping physics to level-based progression. Even non-platformers borrow checkpoint systems and difficulty balancing from Mario’s legacy.
2. The Legend of Zelda (1986) → Open-World Exploration
Impact:
- Zelda was one of the first games to offer non-linear exploration, an open-ended world, and secret-filled maps.
- Inspired franchises like Dark Souls, Skyrim, and The Witcher.
- Breath of the Wild (2017) redefined open-world mechanics, influencing games like Elden Ring and Genshin Impact.
Modern Influence:
Today’s open-world and adventure games owe a lot to Zelda’s freedom of exploration, puzzle-solving, and weapon durability mechanics.
3. Doom (1993) → First-Person Shooters (FPS)
Impact:
- Doom was one of the first FPS games with fast-paced action, multiplayer deathmatches, and modding support.
- Paved the way for Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Halo.
- Introduced fast enemy AI, weapons switching, and online gaming.
Modern Influence:
FPS games still follow Doom’s gameplay structure, including level-based missions, weapon variety, and multiplayer deathmatches. Even Doom Eternal (2020) builds on the original’s design.
4. Resident Evil (1996) → Survival Horror Genre
Impact:
- Resident Evil defined survival horror, with fixed camera angles, limited resources, and psychological tension.
- Inspired Silent Hill, The Last of Us, and Dead Space.
- Popularized inventory management, horror storytelling, and puzzle-solving in games.
Modern Influence:
Survival horror games still use Resident Evil’s mechanics, from jump scares to crafting limited ammo. Even action-horror games like Dying Light and Alan Wake borrow from its legacy.
5. Grand Theft Auto III (2001) → Open-World Sandbox Games
Impact:
- GTA III introduced fully open-world cities with freedom of action.
- Inspired games like Watch Dogs, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption.
- Introduced dynamic NPC behavior, radio stations, and emergent gameplay.
Modern Influence:
Most open-world games today replicate GTA’s formula, from mission-based progression to player-driven exploration. Even non-crime-based games like Minecraft and Skyrim borrow from it.
6. Dark Souls (2011) → Challenging Combat & RPG Mechanics
Impact:
- Dark Souls redefined game difficulty and risk-reward combat.
- Inspired games like Elden Ring, Nioh, and Hollow Knight.
- Popularized “Souls-like” mechanics, such as bonfire checkpoints, stamina-based combat, and environmental storytelling.
Modern Influence:
Difficult, skill-based games now follow Dark Souls’ combat system, where timing, strategy, and enemy patterns matter. Even mainstream games like God of War and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order incorporate Souls-like mechanics.
7. Minecraft (2009) → Sandbox Creativity & Procedural Generation
Impact:
- Minecraft introduced procedural generation, sandbox mechanics, and open-ended creativity.
- Inspired games like Terraria, Valheim, and Fortnite’s Creative Mode.
- User-generated content became a major trend in modern gaming.
Modern Influence:
Many modern survival and crafting games use Minecraft’s mechanics, such as resource gathering, exploration, and world-building. Even non-survival games like Roblox and Dreams encourage player creativity.
8. Metal Gear Solid (1998) → Stealth & Tactical Gameplay
Impact:
- Metal Gear Solid pioneered stealth mechanics, cinematic storytelling, and AI-driven enemies.
- Influenced Splinter Cell, Assassin’s Creed, and The Last of Us.
- Introduced hiding, enemy patrol patterns, and alert levels.
Modern Influence:
Stealth-based mechanics, like silent takedowns, enemy awareness meters, and cover-based movement, are now found in games across multiple genres.
9. The Sims (2000) → Life Simulation & Social Interaction
Impact:
- The Sims introduced real-time life simulation, character AI behavior, and sandbox storytelling.
- Inspired games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Second Life.
- Popularized player-driven storytelling and virtual social interactions.
Modern Influence:
Social simulation and AI-driven character interactions now appear in many modern games, including RPGs and MMOs.
10. Fortnite (2017) → Live Events & Battle Royale Dominance
Impact:
- Fortnite took the Battle Royale formula and redefined live in-game events.
- Inspired Call of Duty Warzone, Apex Legends, and PUBG updates.
- Created crossover events with pop culture, virtual concerts, and metaverse integration.
Modern Influence:
Battle Royale games now follow Fortnite’s formula, focusing on frequent updates, seasonal events, and real-time social interactions.
Conclusion
Classic video games have shaped the entire gaming industry, influencing modern titles in gameplay, storytelling, and technology. Whether it’s Zelda’s open-world exploration, Doom’s FPS mechanics, or GTA’s sandbox freedom, today’s games owe a huge debt to the pioneers of the past.
With AI, VR, and cloud gaming on the rise, the next generation of games will continue building on the foundation laid by gaming’s most legendary titles.