The 13 Best Retro Video Game Posters Of All-Time, Ranked
Classic titles may get a lot of flack, but their designs were second to none, so we’ve decided to rank them! These posters highlight some of the best classic titles out there – along with some beautifully recreated and original illustrations.
For the sake of transparency, ‘retro’ has been defined here as anything that was released before the eighth console generation. So, before the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch’s release.
It might sound scary, but some of your favorite titles might be just considered ‘old-school’!
13. Borderlands
The success of the Borderlands series is reason enough to pick up a copy of any of its titles. However, the consistently awe-inspiring key art used in its box cover and promotional marketing is a very close second.
Borderlands‘ success has rested on the amazing gunplay, witty dialogue, and excellent character designs of its cast of heroes (and villains!)
As such, it makes sense that if posters were to be made to symbolize the whole series, then who better to place front and centerthan a Psycho. The Psycho enemy has become the face of the series in some respects – having appeared on almost all the games’ cover art in one way or another.
Using the iconic, provocative imagery from the games’ cover art for the title, marketing for all of 2K’s Borderlands has receivedheavy backlash. However, the visually striking use of color and instantly recognizable design of the series has since become synonymous with the franchise.
12. Virtua Fighter
Releasing in arcades in 1994, and being ported to Sega’s own Saturn system in 1995, Virtua Fighter and its much-beloved sequel were a graphical tour de force.
Hailing from a time when titles couldn’t hide with flashy, pre-rendered cinematics, these titles laid everything bare. Sega was sure that the visuals it had to deliver were of that high a standard.
Posters likethis oneby AudricDemers project that same self-confidence, consisting of minimal background design and characters in action poses. Simple, effective, and impressive.
As one Reddit user fondly remembers;
‘The graphics were god-tier at the time that I could just sit there at the arcade and watch the demo for hours on end’
11. Metal Slug
The Metal Slug seriesis renowned for crazy arcade action, and sleek and beautiful pixel-art sprite work. Wow, that’s a lot to fit onto a poster!
As such, the best posters of the Metal Slug franchise choose to encapsulate all of these aspects in a single image. For example,this onewhich uses the cover art for Metal Slug X.
The series’ hyper-stylized designs, along with the eponymous tank, are depicted in loving detail. Redbubble designerMysteriosshophas arranged the game’s artwork and produced ahighly collectible poster.
10. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is abeloved video game character; running beyond his games to television shows,highly-successful movies, and merchandising since his original title. However, he has gone through many design alterations since his 1991 game debut.
Segalanded on a classic look recentlythat has pleased old and new fans alike. While the lanky-legged, smart-talking design of ‘modern’ Sonic still exists, this ‘classic’ design has curried favor with many long-time fans.
Referencing Sonic the Hedgehog’s blazing speed and classic 90s design, posters likethis minimal yet explosiveartwork will surely please Sonic fans from any stage of the blue blur’s gaming career.
9. Crash Bandicoot
While it seems like we were waiting for years for a return to form for Crash Bandicoot, the recent resurgence in Crash Bandicoot’s popularity can be seen with the release ofCrash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.
Regardless if it’s playing the original titles or the newest in the series, it feels good to be back in control of everyone’s favorite orange video game mammal (sorry,Daxter!)
This modern interpretationof the classic cover art for the PS1 title Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back showcases the classic title, while embracing the aesthetic of the newer art style. As such, you can enjoy it on posters and other themed merchandise.
Perhaps that is why it’s so endearing. The seamless blending of the original title with one which a new generation of fans has become familiar with. This is especially potent considering the continued success of the series’recent remasters.
8. Grand Theft Auto
The illustrated design ofStephen Blisshas become synonymous with Rockstar’s titles as much ascontroversyandgeneration-defining experienceshave.
After the success of the North American box art for Grand Theft Auto III after animpromptu last-minute change, Rockstar consolidated their key art under one style. They proceeded to use Bliss’ stylings as cover art, loading scenes, and promotional work for the title from that point on.
Posters likethis stylish onefrommattilynnsucceeds on the merit that it places Bliss’ artwork front and center.
7. The Legend of Zelda
If there’s one thingThe Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Maskis, it’s unusual. Its dark tone and unnerving visuals confounded gamers at the time, alongside Nintendo’s macabre twist of the Zelda formula.
This posterbyoriotocontinues this trend by emphasizing the darkness of the setting along with the scale of the game’s moon. The starlight and falling meteors in the background of the poster also highlight the shadows of the clock tower and surrounding mountains.
As such, the scale of the task given to you in Majora’s Mask is made apparent. Beyond that, the repercussions if you don’t succeed are put into perspective.
The title has been included on the company’sNintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass service.As a result, more people are playing classic Zelda titles than ever. Whether you’re new to the perils of Termina or have saved the world time and time again, this illustrated poster is sure to delight you.
6. Centipede
Centipede is a game that needs no introduction. Published by Atari in 1981, the arcade title is one of the formative titles for the entire video game industry.
Even 40 years ago, the appeal for this title was obvious. Many marketing and promotional works were commissioned to broadcast this latest Atari title. As a result, many gamers were inducted into spending as much as they could in the arcades.
Posters like thisretro metaldecoration highlight the original arcade cabinet’s aesthetic through its presentation of the illustrated centipede design.
It could be argued thatGeorge Oppermanalone could be credited with the centipede design. However, as stated in Video Games magazine,June of 1983: ‘It is his responsibility, along with a 12-person staff, to create and produce all artwork for Atari’s arcade games’.
The poster design has had such a lasting impact that American rock band The Strokes incorporated it well beyond its 1981 release. In 2003, they released theirhit song ‘Reptilia’– which has a familiar insect emblazoned on its single artwork.
5. Super Mario Bros.
When decorating a room with videogame paraphernalia, you only want to represent the best of the best.
As such, it’s no surprise that a stylish poster of Super Mario Bros. 3 is no doubt high on your list.One of the best Mario games of all time, even 36 years after its original release, Super Mario Bros. 3 revolutionized the series in the eighties.
From all-new power-ups, a connected series of levels on a world map, and incredible graphical power for the Nintendo Entertainment System – Super Mario Bros. 3 amazed.
In 1988 players all around the world thought that game developers had maximized the potential of what the NES hardware. Then Super Mario Bros. 3 released.
Who wouldn’t want aposter of the platforming plumberafter all that? Luckily, the cover art for Super Mario Bros. is as simple and stylish as it was back in 1988.
4. Pokemon
Pokemonis arguably bigger now than it ever has been. From the continued popularity of thePokemon GO mobile titleand an ever-expanding list of creatures andregions to collect and explore.
With that in mind, many still hold a special Pokemon-shaped place in their heart for the original titles and Nintendo is very aware of this.
The original Pokemon creature designs are referenced and revered in almost every aspect of Pokemon media – ensuring that every Pokemon fan knows them all by name!
As such,this Pokemon posteris an excellent decision for those who lovethe original 151 pocket monstersor are just fans of the series overall. Featuring artwork from the series’ original artist Ken Sugimori, this Kanto-based poster is a league above the rest.
When excited gamers in 2007 picked up their copies of Microsoft’s latest installment in the Halo franchise, they were met with a beloved added extra.
The much-appreciated miniature poster, featuring artwork from artistAshley Wood, was bundled into all early copies of the title – with the controller layout on the reverse side.Posting on his blogon September 25, the day of Halo 3’s release, he proclaimed: ‘I was lucky to be part of the legend in a very small way’.
This piece, while small, has continued to be adored by fans new and old. So much so that it was celebrated with alimited print-run of the artworkbeing recreated through Displate, last year.
Redbubble userpharaoh618, has elegantly formatted Wood’s original piece and has made it more readily available throughthis poster.
Incorporated into the title’s promotional work and even used as the game’s box art,Doomis a classic retro poster design if there ever was one.
Designed by the prolific science fiction and contemporary artistDon Ivan Punchatz, his mastery of the craft is generally acknowledged even by those outside of the video game industry.
His artwork for Doom has been so influential that it was evenincorporated into the game’s alternate coverwhen the series returned to its roots in 2016. Since then, these newer titles have gone on to spawnanother sequel,and arecently-announced prequel.
Arranged byJefferyWellham1,this posteraccentuates the original art with a stylish black border.
1. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Libertyis the memorable sequel to the much-beloved original Metal Gear Solid title on the PlayStation 1. Where Sons of Liberty diverges from the original is in its controversial sidelining of the first game’s protagonist in place of the new character, Raiden.
Many fans have since come around to Raiden’s inclusion and the superb quality of Sons of Liberty as a sequel. As such, we have been able to appreciate posterslike this one.
The minimalist poster – arranged byPFCpatrickC– features the original artwork for the title from series illustratorYoji Shinkawa.
