Gaming Nostalgia: My Top 3 Retro Games That Still Hold Up Today

As a lifelong gamer, I’ve played countless games over the years. While modern titles push the limits of technology, some retro classics remain just as enjoyable today. Whether it’s the nostalgia, tight gameplay mechanics, or unforgettable soundtracks, these games still stand the test of time. Here are my Top 3 Retro Games That Still Hold Up Today.

3: Tetris (1984) – The Ultimate Classic

Few games have stood the test of time like Tetris. Its simple yet endlessly engaging gameplay makes it just as fun today as it was in 1984. Whether you’re playing the original version or a modern adaptation, Tetris proves that great game design is truly timeless.

2: Super Mario 64 (1996) – The Birth of 3D Platforming

Super Mario 64 revolutionized gaming by introducing fluid 3D platforming. Even decades later, it remains an incredibly playable and fun experience, with tight controls, charming worlds, and an undeniable sense of adventure. It laid the foundation for every 3D platformer that followed.

1: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) – Speed and Style

Sonic 2 took everything great about the first game and cranked it up. The levels are bigger, the controls are smoother, and the introduction of Tails added a new dynamic to gameplay. The iconic Green Hill Zone music alone is enough to make any gamer nostalgic.

What Are Your Favorite Retro Games?

These are my picks, but I’d love to hear yours! What retro games do you still play today? Drop a comment and let’s talk gaming nostalgia!

The Story Behind the E4 2001 Ident Compilation

Back in 2019, I uploaded what would become my most popular video – The E4 2001 Ident Compilation. At the time, I had no idea it would gain so much traction, but the nostalgia for these iconic TV idents resonated with thousands of viewers. Here’s the story behind how it all came together.

Why I Made It

I’ve always been fascinated by television branding, especially the idents that aired in the early 2000s. There was something special about the creativity and uniqueness of E4’s 2001 branding. The purple, the quirky animations, and the surreal humor all made it unforgettable.

I realized that many of these idents were hard to find online. Some had been uploaded in poor quality, while others were nearly impossible to locate. That’s when I decided to compile them all in one high-quality video, preserving them for nostalgic fans and media enthusiasts alike.

The Process

Creating the compilation wasn’t easy. I spent weeks tracking down old recordings, researching the history of the idents, and enhancing the footage. Here’s what went into it:

  • Research & Sourcing – Digging through archives, VHS recordings, and obscure corners of the internet to find missing clips.
  • Restoration & Editing – Enhancing video quality, adjusting colors, and ensuring smooth transitions between idents.
  • Narration & Context – Adding background information about each ident, explaining its significance.

The Unexpected Popularity

When I first uploaded the video, I thought it would be a niche hit among media nerds like me. But within a few months, it had racked up thousands of views, with people reminiscing in the comments about watching these idents as kids or late at night. It was incredible to see so many people share my love for this era of television branding.

One of the best moments was when someone who worked on the original E4 branding reached out to say they appreciated the effort I put into preserving their work. That kind of feedback made all the hours of editing worth it!

What’s Next?

Following the success of this compilation, I’ve continued making more videos on classic TV idents, deep dives into television branding, and media nostalgia. If you enjoyed the E4 compilation, stay tuned for my next project – a deep dive into the history of Channel 4’s idents through the years.

Watch the Compilation!

Let me know in the comments – do you have a favorite TV ident? I’d love to hear what nostalgic memories these bring back for you!

Welcome to My Creator Blog – Ethan D, The Angry English Guy!

Hey there! Welcome to my official blog, where I share everything about my journey as a content creator, my love for TV idents, gaming, and media. You might know me as Ethan D, aka “The Angry English Guy,” or from my YouTube content, including the E4 2001 Ident Compilation, which gained recognition back in 2019.

This blog is my new space to share behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive content, and my personal thoughts on media, television, gaming, and whatever else I feel like ranting about (in the best way possible, of course!).

What You Can Expect:

✔ Exclusive Content & Early Releases – Get sneak peeks at upcoming projects and never-before-seen clips.

✔ Behind-the-Scenes of My Videos – How I put together compilations, edit footage, and find those rare TV idents.

✔ Gaming Reviews & Thoughts – My take on classic games, underrated gems, and the latest releases.

✔ TV Idents & Media Nostalgia – Deep dives into classic television branding, idents, and promos.

✔ Creator Tips & Insights – Sharing my experience with video editing, content creation, and navigating the world of YouTube.

I’ll also be embedding videos, images, and interactive polls so you can engage with the content in fun ways!

A Little About Me…

I’m British, part of Gen Z, and have been passionate about content creation for years. My love for TV idents started young, and over time, I’ve built a platform sharing these nostalgic pieces of media history. Alongside that, I’m a gamer and love diving into both retro classics and modern titles. Oh, and yes, I have quite a few online aliases – you might have seen me as EDtheangryenglishguy, SuperEthanD, TheMarvolusEthanD, and TheSpectacularEthanD at some point!

This is just the beginning and I’m excited to share more with you, Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll take you behind the making of my most popular video – The E4 2001 Ident Compilation.

Let me know in the comments if you want to ask any questions, Let’s geek out together!

See you in the next post!