Retro games with a twist
Many new and innovative concepts have been developed in the 21st century, with the gaming world being one of the main benefactors of innovative technology. Nowadays, games are almost unrecognisable from the options available throughout much of the 20th century, with developers taking advantage of huge advances in graphics, software programming and hardware. Even so, there is still a huge appetite for retro-inspired games, proving that nostalgia still holds an essential allure for many UK audiences.
This isn’t just applicable to the video gaming world – in fact, some of the most notable examples come from other areas. For example, the monumental success of Wordle over the last few years borrows directly from the classic word game Scrabble, explaining why it very quickly gained a devoted audience across various age groups. Elsewhere, the rise of online bingo platforms has brought a retro game, once almost exclusively loved by the older generation to young people across the country, with many people looking to play bingo for real money from their smartphones.
With regard to video games, some of the best retro concepts with a modern twist can be found in the online casino industry. The evolution of online slots owes it all to the 20th century’s bright, arcade-style video slots, while modern live dealer table games deliver classic casino entertainment via an entirely new medium. Keep reading for an in-depth breakdown of some of the best retro games with a twist.
21st century word-based games
Wordle was originally designed by a software engineer called Josh Wardle, taking essential inspiration from the 1950s games Jotto and the TV show Lingo. It also has huge similarities to the legendary Scrabble board game, which is another reason why Wordle took off so quickly in December 2021.
Wardle initially created Wordle to play with his partner, allowing them to test themselves while they were both at work. He decided to make the game public in October 2021, causing a huge wave of excitement bolstered by people sharing their scores on social media platforms like Twitter.
It didn’t take long for the big brands to start circling, and the New York Times quickly snapped up the game for a massive seven-figure sum. Devoted fans were initially worried, but the media giant has kept the same free model, bringing generations together with the retro power of words.
Live dealer casino games
Casino table games, especially the well-established world of roulette, blackjack and other famous card games, have been captivating audiences for hundreds of years. These retro options have evolved considerably over the past few decades, first with the development of random number generator-based video technology and secondly, with the even more modern, live dealer world.
Video poker, first invented in the late 1970s, is arguably the most popular example. Players use a video screen to create the best poker hand out of the randomly generated options.
Live dealer casino games are even more popular, resolving many of the problems that gamblers had with video-based table games. The use of real cards and croupiers unlocks many more possibilities and creates a much more immersive casino feel. You can use a different version of roulette strategy with live dealer titles, and the same goes for other games like blackjack.
The evolution of bingo
Bingo is another quintessentially retro game that has evolved considerably over the past decade or so. It was once one of the defining games across 1960s Britain, but was slowly becoming something solely for the older generation. The gradual decline of physical bingo halls exemplifies the shift in attitudes, although the new online bingo industry has done much to arrest the slide.
Online bingo can appeal to a far wider audience than traditional land-based bingo, offering more unique rules and massively increased practicality. But that isn’t the only bingo twist making waves at the moment.
New and exciting companies like Bongo’s Bingo have blended nightclub entertainment with bingo, making the game appeal to a whole new younger audience. These twists on the retro game involve dancing games, karaoke and various other fun additions. They have proved incredibly successful, travelling the UK and attracting an ever-increasing number of revellers.
Arcade-style online slots
Online slots are another genre of retro games that have been given an unmistakable modern twist. Some of the most famous games like Starburst are directly inspired by arcade options, with bright, flashing graphics and sound effects contributing to the overall experience. Developers are constantly adding modern game mechanics and bonus features, providing a fresh twist on a retro original.
