Top Retro Games to Enjoy on Steam

Steam, the formidable digital distribution platform owned by Valve, serves as the grand vault for video game history. Within its digital shelves lie offerings of all kinds—from sprawling AAA giants to hidden indie gems. While there are several platforms like Steam, none match its reputation and breadth.

Retro Wonderland on Steam

Amid this vast sea of games, numerous classics have resurfaced, inviting a new generation of gamers to experience them. These aren’t just old favorites like Half-Life; rather, they’re foundational games, many created long before Valve introduced Steam.

Dragon’s Lair: The Animated Epic

Release Date: June 19, 1983
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable

Dragon’s Lair stands as a pioneering arcade creation, brought to life by animator Don Bluth. It plays like an animated short packed with quick-time challenges. You, as Dirk the Daring, embark on a daring mission to rescue Princess Daphne from the clutches of Singe, an evil dragon ensconced in a sprawling castle. The simple, yet addictive gameplay requires precise timing to avoid perilous ends. Available for $9.99 on Steam, Dragon’s Lair remains as challenging on your PC as it was in arcades.

Alone in the Dark: The Haunted Investigation

Release Date: Circa 1992
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable

Considered a vanguard in survival horror, Alone in the Dark invites players into the ghostly Hartwood mansion. Your choice is between Edward Carnby, a savvy investigator, or Emily Hartwood, on a quest to uncover family secrets. As spirits loom and the supernatural takes hold, the chilling atmosphere hearkens to the granddaddy of survival horror. At $14.99 for the Alone in the Dark Anthology on Steam, it’s a hauntingly memorable piece of gaming history.

Commander Keen: Platforming Pioneer

Release Date: December 14, 1990
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable

Commander Keen is an early foray into PC platform gaming, engineered by the masterminds who later gave us Doom. It’s a trilogy where the protagonist, Keen, navigates through alien worlds. Each episode brings eclectic challenges, all pivotal in charting the developers’ future. For $4.99, the Commander Keen Complete Pack offers a nostalgic romp through its digital world, including its notable sequel.

Earthworm Jim: A Comedic Classic

Release Date: Circa October 1994
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable

Earthworm Jim burst onto the scene with its oddball humor and vibrant platforming adventure. Jim, an earthworm transformed via a space suit, embarks on an absurd journey against quirky foes to save the whimsically named Princess What’s-Her-Name. While the SNES version holds high esteem, its PC iteration on Steam gives enthusiasts a fitting alternative. The collection, for $19.99, bundles sequels Earthworm Jim 2 and Earthworm Jim 3D, ensuring hours of laughter and action.

Disney Double Feature: Aladdin & The Lion King

Release Date: October 19, 1993, and November 4, 1994
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified

Beloved Disney tales transition into engaging side-scrolling adventures with Aladdin and The Lion King. Both games blend their cinematic stories into cheerful platforming. Collectively on Steam for $19.99, these cherished titles include add-ons, enriching the nostalgic experience with classics like The Jungle Book.

Tomb Raider: Adventures Await

Release Date: October 24, 1996
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unsupported

Tomb Raider introduced the world to Lara Croft, a trailblazing figure in action-adventure gaming. Scaling perilous terrains in pursuit of ancient relics, Lara’s debut game continues to enchant players. Available on Steam for just $6.99, it’s a must-play for those seeking a taste of fundamental gaming adventure.

Metal Slug 3: Run and Gun Excellence

Release Date: March 23, 2000
Steam Deck Compatibility: Unsupported

Metal Slug 3, a hallmark of arcade shooters, excels with its engaging gunplay and charismatic visuals. Whether solo or co-op, it offers explosive entertainment as you thwart the recurring villain, General Morden. Priced at $7.99 on Steam, it’s a fantastic dive into a beloved arcade classic.

Wolfenstein 3D: FPS Origins

Release Date: May 5, 1992
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable

Wolfenstein 3D sits proudly as a forerunner to modern FPS titles, echoing through the corridors of gaming history. As William Blazkowicz, players navigate Nazi-fortified halls, innovating FPS tactics along the way. For $4.99 on Steam, it opens a window into the origins of a genre that shaped the gaming landscape.

Quake: The Precursor to Greatness

Release Date: June 22, 1996
Steam Deck Compatibility: Playable

Quake capitalized on Doom’s episodic flair, propelling FPS players into chaos-stricken realms. Ranger stands between Earth and annihilation, with Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor lending his voice to the action. Experience its creative level design and atmospheric soundtrack by purchasing it on Steam for $9.99.

Doom: Unleash Hellfire

Release Date: December 10, 1993
Steam Deck Compatibility: Verified

Doom, an undying classic, invites players to navigate hellish dimensions, blasting away demonic adversaries. Its intuitive mechanics remain a captivating draw, decades on. Available on Steam for $9.99, this package grants access to Doom II as well, delivering quintessential gaming history at its best.

These gems on Steam transcend mere nostalgia, offering a glimpse into foundational landmarks of gaming’s past. Whether reliving memories or discovering them anew, each of these titles holds a piece of the gaming mosaic that continues to entertain and inspire.