Meet everyone’s favourite companion as a child – the Gameboy. Well, not everyone’s because some of us chose to find those Jeopardy words answers instead of game. The Godfather of gaming consoles, Nintendo’s iconic invention has certainly been revolutionary in popularizing the video game industry. With this beloved gadget that just turned 28 last month (gasp), let’s commence on a maaaaaajor throwback journey with a few of these childhood favourites! 

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1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening 

The one and only Zelda instalment for the Gameboy console, this memorable game was considered to be a critic’s favourite due to its interesting tweak into the regular gameplay. Cue your usual stranded-on-strange-island-and-finding-a-way-back-home plot, except that Link’s Awakening is sprinkled with a mysterious vibe throughout. Indeed not your usual clearcut game journeys, this amazing piece makes for a pretty engrossing experience.

 

2. Dr. Mario 

A funky twist to the hugely popular Mario & Luigi franchise, Dr. Mario is essentially based straight off a Tetris gameplay, by aligning capsules of matching colour in order to eliminate viruses. Understandably addictive with its relatively simple rules, this makes for the perfect boredom-killer accompanied with an infectious music.

 

3. Circus Charlie 

One of the first of its kind, Circus Charlie proved to be such a successful hit at the arcades that the developers soon invented a version compatible with the Gameboy to appease fans of all mediums. There are six stages to its engaging gameplay – all involved performing tasks and executing magic tricks until the game is complete and the player is taken back to Stage 1, but with a faster pace and higher level of difficulty.

 

4. Donkey Kong 

“It’s on like Donkey Kong!”

 

If you’ve always wondered about the origins of that phrase, wonder no more. Introducing an addictive twist to the classic gameplay, Donkey Kong starts off with an introductory four-stage level to newcomers to the game. After completing those, the real fun begins. Amassing up to a jaw-dropping number of 100 levels, this puzzle/action piece takes the player through countless forests, cities and jungles while running, jumping and climbing up the levels for a challenging yet addictive ride.

 

5. Tetris 

Having effortlessly withstood the test of time ever since its invention back in 1984, this classic arcade game still enjoys relative success in this modern age. It’s no surprise really – the highly simplistic gameplay that combines geometric shapes and a puzzle-solving angle owns the ability to engross even the biggest cynic of the game. Albeit repetitive in nature, Gameboy’s version of this beloved favourite managed to keep things fresh and interesting with a funky soundtrack and variety of puzzles.