Nostalgia
Ongoing coverage on Nostalgia.
Latest coverage
8 Reasons why WoW Forever is ensuring the iconic MMO remains immovable
World of Warcraft: Forever aims to blend the nostalgia of WoW Classic with the quality-of-life improvements found in the Retail version. The preview highlights eight key features, including enhanced crafting, over 1,000 new quests, simplified server structures, new race/class combinations, improved visuals, and a renewed focus on player interaction and community building.
Dragon Nest smashes the big red nostalgia button with the launch of Dragon Nest Classic
Eyedentity Games has launched Dragon Nest Classic, a separate server inspired by the early days of the action MMO Dragon Nest. This classic server features content from the game's early release, with a level cap of 32, and includes adjustments like a beginner's guide system and lowered skill acquisition levels. The launch is accompanied by various in-game events designed to engage players and celebrate the return of classic content.
MapleStory Classic World with its ‘true nostalgia’ cruises into a full global launch
MapleStory Classic World has officially launched globally, offering players a "true nostalgia" experience with legacy mechanics, five base classes, and a fresh economy on unique servers. Available as a free-to-play title on Nexon's launcher and Steam, the game also includes new content and zones, with login rewards available during the launch period.
Final Fantasy Resonance review for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
Final Fantasy Resonance revitalizes the series' turn-based roots with HD-2D visuals and a deep combat system, offering a console-centric experience based on Final Fantasy Brave Exvius. The game features fully voiced dialogue, cinematic cutscenes, and a rewarding progression loop that blends exploration, combat, and a transformed Vision system. It successfully captures the essence of classic Final Fantasy while appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans.
Toy Story: Retro Roundup! Review – Some Toys Age Better Than Others
Toy Story: Retro Roundup! offers a collection of games from the Toy Story and A Bug's Life franchises, with enjoyment varying significantly between titles. While the PlayStation 1 version of Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue is a highlight, many of the older Game Boy and even some PlayStation 1 titles feel primitive and suffer from technical issues like input lag and poor camera controls. The collection serves as a decent preservation effort, providing nostalgic value and some enjoyable diversions, but a rough presentation and the dated nature of some games limit its appeal to a broader audience.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 ports on PS4 and PS5 taught Activision there's "pent-up demand" to return to "good old days," so Modern Warfare 4 is doing just that
Activision found significant success with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2, indicating a strong "pent-up demand" for nostalgic multiplayer experiences. Chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl stated that these learnings are being applied to future titles, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, to recapture the "good old days" of playing with friends.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 Re-Releases Taught Activision to Lean More on Nostalgia, Says Exec
Activision's chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl stated that the successful re-releases of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 taught the company to lean more into nostalgia. He noted the pent-up demand for playing with friends and how these ports informed future game development, including the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which will conclude the current Modern Warfare series. Activision is also working on a new sub-franchise, aiming for innovation and fresh experiences after the mixed reception of Modern Warfare 3.
The Live-Action Street Fighter Movie Curse Has Yet To Be Broken
The latest live-action Street Fighter movie continues the franchise's streak of poorly received adaptations, failing to establish a consistent tone or compelling narrative. Despite strong performances from some cast members and impressive animated sequences, the film suffers from weak dialogue, questionable casting choices like Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki, and a rushed plot that does a disservice to iconic characters like Chun-Li.
League of Legends Classic will become a thing of the past in January 2027, though it may one day be resurrected as a limited-time event
Riot Games has announced that the "Classic" mode for League of Legends, which offers a version mirroring the game's early days, will be discontinued in January 2027. While the mode has been fun for players, most have returned to the main game, and Riot believes there isn't enough sustained interest to keep it as a permanent addition. The company plans to bring back Classic mode in the future, likely as a limited-time event with adjustments.
Riot has already called time on League of Legends Classic, will turn it into an event instead
Riot Games is discontinuing League of Legends Classic less than three months after its launch, with the mode set to end in January 2027. The developer plans to bring it back as an event mode with adjustments. The decision comes as most players have returned to the modern version of League of Legends, with Riot acknowledging that the Classic mode did not retain its initial appeal.
3 months after launch, Riot announces League of Legends Classic will be killed in January: 'most have gone back to…
Riot Games has announced that League of Legends Classic will be shut down in January 2027, just six months after its launch. The mode, which aimed to capitalize on nostalgia for older versions of the game, failed to maintain player interest beyond its initial release. Riot plans to explore future iterations, potentially as an event mode, and will issue refunds for obsolete content.
Sverige-exklusivt! The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake
This preview of the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time highlights its impressive visual fidelity and detailed environments, particularly in Kokiri Village and the Forest Temple. The game aims to balance nostalgic elements with modern enhancements, offering new character details and updated gameplay mechanics.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Dragon Pearl of Destruction's lunchbox is as '80s as a collector's…
Limited Run Games is releasing a collector's edition for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction, a Streets of Rage-style brawler developed by Bitmap Bureau in collaboration with Mattel. The $99.99 edition includes a nostalgic '80s-style lunchbox, a mini Power Sword, an acrylic standee, a pin set, a mini comic book, and a physical copy of the game with an alternative steel case. Pre-orders are open until November 22.
Forever Ago Review – Bygone Days
Forever Ago is a narrative-focused adventure game that relies heavily on its story and presentation, but struggles with repetitive gameplay. While the cinematography and voice acting are top-notch, the core mechanic of walking becomes tedious in many segments. The game explores themes of nostalgia and grief, but ultimately feels competent rather than special.
Kingdom Hearts Collection [I-III] Review – I See a Lightness
The Kingdom Hearts Collection [I-III] offers the Dark Seeker Saga in its most updated form, benefiting from modern hardware with smoother performance and faster loading times, especially on Nintendo Switch. While it provides a convenient way to experience the series, it offers little new for existing fans and can be confusing for newcomers due to its convoluted story and lack of guidance on essential entries. Despite dated mechanics in early titles and narrative complexity, the series' core themes of friendship and identity remain relevant and shine through.
My most-played album of 2026? Sorry, Mitski—it's Final Fantasy 10: House Grooves, a real thing that exists
Square Enix has released Final Fantasy 10: House Grooves, a remix album featuring dance music interpretations of the classic RPG's soundtrack. While some tracks like 'To Zanarkand' evoke a lounge-like atmosphere and 'Phantoms' fits well with chillwave influences, others struggle to mesh the original mood with the new genre. Despite some questionable pairings, the album is a satisfying, albeit pandering, release for fans.
This One Hilarious Line Sold Me On Final Fantasy Resonance
Final Fantasy Resonance, a console RPG revival of Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, stands out due to its self-aware humor and playful approach to series tropes. The game's use of '2D-HD' graphics and nostalgic elements, reminiscent of Final Fantasy VI, is enhanced by meta-commentary, such as a villain pointing out the heroes' use of potions, which the author found particularly amusing and indicative of the game's celebratory spirit.
PS6 to launch with wave of retro revivals including Sly Cooper and Killzone
A new rumor suggests Sony is considering reviving dormant franchises like Sly Cooper, Killzone, and Ape Escape for the PlayStation 6 launch window. External studios are reportedly being invited to pitch new game ideas for these beloved series, potentially filling out the console's release schedule.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX preview - a nostalgic return to Duel Academy
Yu-Gi-Oh! Tag Force GX is a remake of the 2008 PSP game Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Tag Force 3, set to release on February 16, 2027, for Nintendo Switch and PC. The game aims to evoke nostalgia for the mid-2000s PSP era and the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX anime, focusing on character relationships and Tag Duels while incorporating new cards and smoother gameplay inspired by modern Yu-Gi-Oh! titles.
How Silent Hill: Townfall’s “Creepy Game Boy” Weaponizes Nostalgia For The Better
Silent Hill: Townfall's writer, Jon McKellan of Screen Burn, discusses how the game weaponizes 1990s nostalgia through its CRTV device, a 'Creepy Game Boy' inspired gadget. This analogue aesthetic grounds the horror experience, making the unfamiliar feel relatable and enhancing immersion.