8 Video Games That Changed The World

7. Super Mario Bros & The Legend Of Zelda - Saving The Gaming Industry In America

Following the debacle and implosion of the Atari 2600, Nintendo saw an opening in the West - one where if they'd only play their cards right; focus on creative visions and quality control rather than making a quick buck, video games could matter again.

Only a year had passed since E.T. was buried in New Mexican desert, but in came the legendary Nintendo Entertainment System, and two immediately memorable franchise-starters: Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda.

The former was designed with literal pixel-perfect precision to appeal to as many people as possible, with loveable affectations like Mario's moustache, overalls and level aesthetic aiming to create memorability from moment one.

Shigeru Miyamoto wasn't done there though. His next masterwork was The Legend of Zelda, inspired by how his imagination would run wild when exploring the forest behind his old house, and how discovering a cave made him wonder about all the possibilities within.

Both of these games prioritised artistry, the former still regarded as one of the best platformers of all time, and the latter laying down a template for exploration and wonder that's followed to this day.

Brilliantly, Nintendo offered NES units and signage to video game stores for free, only taking a cut if the systems sold. This encouraged outlets to stock consoles once again, and you can thank this whole movement for video games existing in the West to this day.