Time Travel to the 80s: Bringing Back Retro Gaming and Fashion

Imagine a world where the neon lights, synth-pop, and big hair never faded away. Where text-based adventures like Rogue and Nethack were the pinnacle of gaming entertainment. This world, although possibly not for everyone, holds a special place in the hearts of many older gamers and enthusiasts.

The 1980s did have its share of limitations, from text-based games with ASCII graphics and permadeath mechanics to the occasional graphically simple but thrilling adventures like Rogue. These games, despite their limitations, taught gamers to explore, experiment, and adapt. They were a source of endless replayability and often rewarded failure with interesting character deaths.

For this reason, it might be time for a revival of the 80s not just for nostalgia, but to appreciate the simplicity and elegance that was at the core of that era's games. It’s worth noting that many modern game genres, such as roguelikes, roguelites, metroidvanias, and soulslikes, trace their roots back to these classic games. They lacked the complexity and flashy graphics that are common in today's games, yet they offered pure, minimalistic gameplay that some gamers are now craving.

While I'm a big fan of the variety and complexity of modern games, sometimes I yearn for a more straightforward and nostalgic experience. The 80s games provided a rich world for exploration and problem-solving without the need for advanced graphics or elaborate mechanics. They fostered creativity and helped players overcome challenges in unique and unpredictable ways.

The 80s also left a significant impact on fashion and music, leading to several revivals over the years. These revivals have been both ironic and sincere, with fashion, music, and even art embracing the aesthetics and spirit of that era. For instance, the early 2000s saw an "electroclash" revival, where music and fashion combined to create a unique aesthetic. In the present, there's an early 80s post-punk revival that's overwhelmingly sincere, often seen in art and design.

It’s even possible to walk into a hair salon and see the 80s never ended. The quality of a hair salon, in my experience, is inversely proportional to the number of Nagel prints on the wall. It's a playful observation that reflects the enduring influence of 80s aesthetics and fashion on contemporary culture.

Luckily, it won't be long until the 80s and its era of fun and enjoyment come back around again. After all, what we're experiencing currently – a constant bombardment of screens and distractions – is far removed from the simple pleasures and adventures of the 1970s and 80s. We actually did things back then that don't involve constantly staring at a tiny TV screen known as a smartphone or iPad.

There's a lot to be said about revisiting the past and embracing the simplicity and elegance of a bygone era. As we move forward, let's not forget the lessons we learned in the 80s and how they can inspire us today. Perhaps, just perhaps, the 80s revival will bring back a sense of imagination, adventure, and pure gaming enjoyment that we may have lost along the way.