Retro Gaming Articles & Opinions

Video games weren't always meant to be finished. You didn't "complete" Pong; you played a match and moved on. But somewhere between the arcade era and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's 90-hour average playthrough, the purpose shifted: games became something to finish. So how did we get here, and is longer actually better?

I sunk 120 hours into Elden Ring. Felt like eating too much junk food after. But after 30 years of gaming, I still say video games are not a waste of time.

The TurboGrafx-16 was an underdog in the console wars. Still, its collection of arcade-quality shooters makes it my second-favorite system ever, behind the NES.

In 2001, I tried to show my college composer group that video game music was worth serious attention. They gave me blank stares. Today, game soundtracks win Grammys and sell out orchestral halls. Turns out I was right.

Kart racing hooked me in the early 90s and never really let go. Here's how the genre followed me from high school through adulthood, and what my kid and I have been playing together now.

Life Force can feel slow, but it has its moments. Gun Nac seems corny until the chaos begins. Zanac's smart AI will challenge you. Here’s what makes each NES shooter worth your time.

A 5-screw Mike Tyson's Punch-Out sells for $250 while the 3-screw version goes for $47 - the screw count isn't just trivia, it's the difference between common and collectible.

Super Mario Bros 3's "Left Brothers" box variant sells for $200 while the regular version goes for $80 - here's how to identify first print NES games worth double or triple the standard price.

An honest answer to 'Is The Old School Game Vault legit?' with proof, reviews, and how to verify us yourself.