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!

Top 6 TV Idents of All Time – My Personal Favorites

As someone who’s spent years collecting and analyzing television idents, I’ve come across some truly iconic ones. From surreal animations to futuristic branding, TV idents have shaped the way we remember certain channels. Today, I’m ranking my Top 6 TV Idents of All Time – let’s dive into some nostalgia!

5: ITV (2006-2013) – The Scenic Identity

ITV’s 2006 idents feature stunning, slow-motion visuals of different landscapes with subtle branding overlays. These idents felt cinematic, atmospheric, and beautifully designed, creating a seamless transition between programming.

4: BBC Two (1991-2001) – The Experimental Era

This series of BBC Two idents is legendary. Each ident featured the number 2 in a variety of bizarre, creative scenarios – being cut in half, set on fire, or interacting with different environments. It was unique, unpredictable, and gave BBC Two a quirky personality that stood out.

3: Channel 4 (1982-Present) – The Ever-Evolving Blocks

Channel 4’s original 1982 ident was groundbreaking. The bold, colorful 4 made of blocks assembling dynamically was a technical marvel at the time. Over the years, the channel has continued innovating, using creative cinematography and CGI to reinvent the logo while keeping its distinct feel.

2: MTV (1981-2009) – The Logo That Never Stopped Changing

MTV’s idents were always ahead of their time. Instead of sticking to a single look, they constantly evolved, showcasing stop-motion animations, CGI, and abstract visuals. The branding felt raw, energetic, and rebellious – perfectly reflecting the channel’s music revolution.

1: E4 (2001-2002) – The Purple Surrealism

My top pick goes to E4’s 2001 idents, it defined a generation! With their absurdist humor, strange CGI creatures, and iconic purple branding, these idents made E4 instantly recognizable. This surreal style resonated with younger audiences and still holds a cult following today.

What’s Your Favorite?

There are so many great TV idents, and it’s tough to narrow them down. What’s your favorite? Drop a comment and let’s discuss the most iconic idents of all time!

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!