Red Tash's Blog

July 7, 2025

Cocktails & Caftans!

Cliffhangers & Cocktails by the Caftan Coven

I was privileged to be interviewed by these two wacky writer witches, and it was pure joy. Go and check out their podcast! I reckon it’s on YouTube, too…

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Published on July 07, 2025 09:20

June 12, 2025

May 31, 2025

Top 5 Iconic Movies of the 1980s That Defined a Generation

The 1980s were a golden era for cinema, producing films that have stood the test of time. Of course I’m a little biased and yet these movies not only captivated audiences then but continue to influence pop culture today. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through the top 5 iconic movies of the 1980s.

1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Dee Wallace

A young boy befriends a gentle alien stranded on Earth, leading to an unforgettable adventure. Spielberg’s masterpiece captures the essence of childhood wonder and the longing for connection. This movie didn’t pull any punches, there wasn’t a dry seat in the house when this movie played. It was the must see movie that summer.

Why It’s Iconic:

Became the highest-grossing film of the decadeIntroduced the iconic phrase: “E.T. phone home”Boosted the popularity of Reese’s Pieces

Legacy: Continues to be a beloved family film, inspiring generations of filmmakers.

🎥 Watch the Trailer:


📺 Stream Now:

Amazon Prime VideoApple TV2. Back to the Future (1985)Back to the Future

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson

Marty McFly travels back in time in a DeLorean, altering the course of his family’s history. This sci-fi comedy blends humor, adventure, and time-travel in a way that’s still unmatched. This movie had it all. Time Travel, a main character that everyone could identify with, and who wouldn’t want to drive the DeLorean into the future.

Why It’s Iconic:

Seamlessly combined time travel, teen drama, and comedyPopularized the phrase “Great Scott!” and hoverboard dreamsSpawned a trilogy that became cult classics

Legacy: A fan-favorite that still screens in theaters and film festivals today.

🎥 Watch the Trailer:


📺 Stream Now:

NetflixAmazon Prime Video3. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Director: Irvin Kershner
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher

The second installment in the original Star Wars trilogy, this film deepens the saga with darker themes and one of cinema’s most shocking revelations. This movie was dark for it’s time, and the plot twist had everyone talking. This was before it was considered polite not to blurt out spoilers – after opening weekend that little secret was being talked about everywhere.

Why It’s Iconic:

Introduced “I am your father”—arguably the most famous movie line everExpanded the Star Wars universe with complex storytellingElevated sci-fi into serious film territory

Legacy: Consistently ranked as the greatest Star Wars film and a blueprint for sequels.

🎥 Watch the Trailer:


📺 Stream Now:

Disney+Amazon Prime Video4. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Director: John Hughes
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson

Five high school students from different cliques spend a Saturday in detention, discovering they have more in common than they thought.

Why It’s Iconic:

Gave voice to the teen generation with an authentic, raw toneFeatured the unforgettable “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” soundtrackPushed the boundaries of what teen films could achieve

Legacy: A defining piece of 80s youth culture and required viewing in film studies.

🎥 Watch the Trailer:


📺 Stream Now:

NetflixAmazon Prime Video5. Ghostbusters (1984)

Director: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver

A team of parapsychologists starts a ghost-catching business in New York City, leading to hilarious and spooky adventures.

Why It’s Iconic:

Delivered blockbuster thrills with a comedic twistGenerated a massive franchise (cartoons, merch, sequels)Made proton packs, Slimer, and Stay Puft pop culture staples

Legacy: Still spawning reboots and merchandise 40 years later.

🎥 Watch the Trailer:


📺 Stream Now:

HuluAmazon Prime Video🎥 Final Thoughts

The 1980s weren’t just about big hair and boomboxes—they were a golden age for cinema. These five films not only broke box office records but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether it’s time travel, teen drama, or battling ghosts, the spirit of 80s filmmaking still echoes in today’s blockbusters.

Which of these 80s movies do you still watch on repeat? Or did we miss one that totally rocked your childhood? Drop it in the comments below 👇

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Published on May 31, 2025 06:04

May 30, 2025

10 Must-Have Templates for Obsidian Users

“Templates turned my chaotic vault into a well-oiled knowledge machine!”

Once you start using templates in Obsidian, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them. They save time, keep your notes consistent, and help you focus on what matters: your ideas.

Here are 10 essential templates that every Obsidian user should consider adding to their vault.

1. Daily Journal Template

Track moods, goals, and reflections daily with a consistent format.

# Daily Journal - {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}

## Morning - Mood: ##Top 3 goals: ## Evening - Wins: - Lessons learned: #tags #journal #daily

2. Meeting Notes Template

Stay organized during meetings by noting attendees, agenda, and action items.

# Meeting Notes - {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} **Attendees:** **Agenda:** --- ## Notes --- ## Action Items - [ ] #tags #meeting #work

3. Project Overview Template

Keep track of project goals, milestones, and resources in one place.

# Project: {{title}} ## Overview ## Goals ## Milestones ## Resources #tags #project

4. Book Notes Template

Capture summaries, key takeaways, and favorite quotes while reading.

# Book Notes: {{title}} **Author:** **Summary:** --- ## Key Takeaways --- ## Quotes #tags #booknotes #reading

5. Idea Capture Template

Quickly jot down ideas with context and priority.

# Idea: {{title}} **Description:** **Category:** **Priority:** #tags #idea

6. Weekly Review Template

Reflect on your week’s progress, challenges, and plan ahead.

# Weekly Review - Week {{date:WW}}, {{date:YYYY}} ## Wins ## Challenges ## Focus for next week #tags #review #weekly

7. Task List Template

Organize your to-dos with priority and deadlines.

# Task List - {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} - [ ] Task 1 - Due: - [ ] Task 2 - Due: #tags #tasks

8. Research Notes Template

Structure research findings clearly with sources and summaries.

# Research: {{title}} **Source:** **Summary:** **Key Points:** #tags #research

9. Meeting Follow-Up Template

Document post-meeting thoughts, decisions, and next steps.

# Meeting Follow-Up - {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} **Decisions Made:** **Next Steps:** #tags #meeting #followup

10. Content Planning Template

Plan blog posts, videos, or other content with outlines and deadlines.

# Content Plan: {{title}} **Type:** (Blog, Video, Podcast) **Outline:** **Deadline:** #tags #content #planning

Conclusion

These 10 templates cover a wide range of use cases and will help you build a solid foundation in Obsidian. Customize them to your needs, and watch your productivity soar!

💬 Which templates do you use most? Got any favorites to share? Drop them in the comments!

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Published on May 30, 2025 05:27

May 29, 2025

How to Create and Use Templates in Obsidian

“Templates transformed the way I work in Obsidian — no more starting from scratch every time!”

If you’re like me, sometimes starting a new note feels like a blank page stare-down. Where do I even begin? That’s where templates come in — reusable note structures that save time and keep your vault consistent.

Let me walk you through how to create templates in Obsidian and ways to use them that’ll make your note-taking flow effortlessly.

Why Use Templates?

Templates let you:

Standardize note formats (journals, meeting notes, projects)Quickly insert repeated info like headers, tags, or promptsKeep consistency in structure and style across your vaultSave tons of time so you focus on content, not formattingHow to Set Up Templates in Obsidian1. Enable the Templates Plugin

Go to Settings > Core Plugins and enable Templates.

2. Create a Templates Folder

Make a folder named Templates or anything you like in your vault.

3. Create Your Template Notes

Inside this folder, create notes with the structure and placeholders you want to reuse.

Example:

# Daily Journal - {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}

## Morning Thoughts -

Mood: -

Goals for today:

## Evening Reflection -

Wins: -

Challenges:

#tags #journal #daily

4. Configure Template Folder in Settings

Under Settings > Templates, set the folder location for your templates.

5. Use Templates in Notes

In any note, press Ctrl+P (or Command+P) to open the command palette and search for “Insert template.” Pick the template you want, and Obsidian will insert it with placeholders filled automatically.

Popular Templates to Start WithDaily Notes — journaling prompts, mood tracking, task listsMeeting Notes — attendees, agenda, action itemsProject Templates — overview, goals, milestones, resourcesBook Notes — author, summary, key takeaways, quotesIdea Capture — quick note format with tags and priorityUsing Template Placeholders

Obsidian templates support dynamic placeholders:

{{date}} — inserts current date{{time}} — inserts current time{{title}} — inserts current note’s titleCustom date formatting like {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}}

Using placeholders automates repetitive tasks so you don’t have to type the same info daily.

Tips for Template MasteryKeep your templates simple and adaptable — you can always customize after insertion.Use tags in templates to keep notes organized automatically.Combine templates with daily notes plugin for routine journaling or planning.Explore community plugins like Templater for advanced scripting and automation.Regularly update templates as your workflows evolve.Conclusion

Templates are like your note-taking shortcuts, making Obsidian faster and more consistent. Whether you journal, plan projects, or capture ideas, setting up just a few templates can save you hours.

Try creating your first template today — I promise it’ll be a game-changer.

💬 What’s your favorite template to use in Obsidian? Any cool hacks? Share below!

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Published on May 29, 2025 05:23

May 28, 2025

Obsidian Tags vs Links: Which Should You Use?

“Tags and links are like peanut butter and jelly—each great on its own, but when combined, they create something even better.”

I remember when I first started using Obsidian, I thought tags and links were basically the same thing. Just different ways to connect notes, right? Well…not quite.

Understanding when to use tags versus links can make your note-taking system way smoother and more powerful.

Let’s dive into how these two features differ, when to choose each, and how you can make them work together in your vault.

What’s the Difference Between Tags and Links?TagsTags are keywords or labels you add anywhere in your note using a # symbol.They categorize notes by theme, status, or any attribute you want.Example: #idea, #project/obsidian-series, #urgentLinksLinks are direct connections between two notes created with double brackets [[Note Title]].They create a clickable relationship that lets you jump from one note to another instantly.Example: [[Project Launch]], [[Daily Notes/2025-05-20]]When to Use TagsUse tags when you want to:Add broad categories or themes that apply across many notes.Mark attributes or statuses, like #todo, #in-progress, #reference.Group notes that don’t have a hierarchical relationship but share a common trait.Quickly filter and search by category without creating new notes.Example:

You’re writing journal entries. You tag each with #journal and #mood/happy. Later, you can filter all “happy” mood entries without linking every single one.

When to Use LinksUse links when you want to:Create specific, explicit connections between notes.Reference related ideas, projects, or resources directly.Build a network or graph of ideas that you can navigate.Connect detailed research or project notes that depend on each other.Example:

You’re writing about a project and link to your meeting notes, task lists, and key concepts inside the project note. This helps you jump around quickly and keeps related info connected.

Why You Need Both for a Balanced System

Here’s the truth: tags and links aren’t rivals. They’re best friends.

Think of tags as broad buckets and links as roadways between notes.

Tags organize notes by category, so you know what type of note you’re looking at.Links build meaningful relationships, showing how ideas and notes relate specifically.

Using both lets you:

Quickly filter by tags, then explore deeply via links.Use tags for statuses (#todo, #done), and links for context and detail.Build a vault that’s both searchable and navigable.Common Mistakes to AvoidUsing tags like links — e.g., creating a tag for every note title. This leads to tag clutter.Over-linking — linking every word to another note just because you can. It makes navigation noisy.Ignoring one entirely — some users rely solely on folders or tags and miss the power of linked notes.Inconsistent tag naming — mix of #todo, #to-do, #task makes filtering painful.How I Use Tags and Links Together

Here’s my system:

I tag notes with broad categories: #journal, #project/obsidian-series, #idea, #taskInside notes, I link to related topics, meeting notes, or research: [[Meeting Notes]], [[Project Launch]]I use nested tags like #status/in-progress or #status/done for task managementI review backlinks weekly to discover related notes I might have missed

This combo keeps my vault flexible but connected.

Conclusion

So, tags or links? The answer is simple: use both. They serve different but complementary purposes.

Use tags for quick categorization, filtering, and broad organization.Use links to create specific, meaningful relationships between your notes.

Together, they unlock Obsidian’s full power, turning your vault into a dynamic, interconnected knowledge base.

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Published on May 28, 2025 05:21

May 27, 2025

How to Organize Your Notes with Tags in Obsidian

“Tags aren’t just labels—they’re a way to find meaning across your notes.”

When I first started with Obsidian, I thought folders alone would do the job. Spoiler alert: folders are great for structure, but they can be too rigid.

Enter tags — those little #hashtags you sprinkle throughout your notes that make searching and organizing way more flexible.

Let me show you how to tag like a pro in Obsidian and why tags can be the secret weapon in your digital brain.

What Are Tags in Obsidian?

Tags are keywords prefixed by a hash # that you add anywhere in your notes:

#project #idea #urgent

They’re easy to spot and Obsidian treats them as metadata you can filter, search, and visualize.

Unlike folders, tags let you categorize notes across multiple topics without duplication.

Why Use Tags Instead of (or Alongside) Folders?

Folders give you a fixed hierarchy — a single place for a note. But ideas aren’t linear, right?

Tags let you:

Connect notes across projects, themes, or contextsCreate overlapping categories (e.g., #project and #research)Easily filter notes by tags using Obsidian’s search and tag paneQuickly add context to notes without moving files around

I personally combine both. Folders for broad categories, tags for dynamic sorting.

How to Add Tags in Obsidian

Simply type # and start writing your tag name. Obsidian will auto-suggest existing tags as you type, helping you stay consistent.

Example:

#journal #daily #meeting-notes

You can add multiple tags per note or even inline in the middle of sentences.

Tagging Best Practices1. Be Consistent With Tag Names

Don’t create #proj in one note and #project in another. Pick one naming style.

2. Use Hierarchical Tags Sparingly

Obsidian supports nested tags like:

#project/launch #status/in-progress

These can help organize large vaults but avoid overcomplicating.

3. Keep Tags Simple and Descriptive

Tags like #idea, #todo, #quote work well. Avoid too generic ones like #note.

4. Create Tag Index Notes

Some people create an index note that explains or groups tags:

# Project Tags

- #project/launch

- #project/research

# Status Tags

- #status/done

- #status/pending

This is great for teams or vaults with lots of tags.

Using Tags for Note Discovery

Obsidian’s tag pane gives you an overview of all tags in your vault and how many notes use each.

You can click a tag to instantly filter all notes containing it.

You can also combine tag searches with text search:

tag:#project AND meeting

This powerful combo lets you drill down quickly.

How Tags Complement Links

Links create explicit connections between notes. Tags add flexible, broad context.

For example, you might link:

[[Project: Launch New Website]] inside your meeting notes

But tag those notes with:

#project and #meeting-notes

This way you can group all project-related content, whether directly linked or not.

Real-Life Use Case: My Tagging System

Here’s a sneak peek into my tags:

#daily — all daily notes#journal — personal reflections#project/obsidian-series — everything related to this article series#idea — random ideas#task and #task/done — task statuses

When I want to review all open tasks, I search for tag:#task -tag:#task/done.

It’s like having a smart filter on autopilot.

Conclusion

Tags are your flexible sidekick in Obsidian. They help you organize, search, and discover notes without wrestling with folders.

Start small—add a few tags to your notes today. Over time, you’ll see how these little hashtags build a powerful web of context that makes your vault feel alive and organized.

🗣 What’s your tagging style? Do you use nested tags or keep it simple? Share your tips and tag hacks in the comments!

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Published on May 27, 2025 05:17

May 26, 2025

Ohio Scottish Arts School is next month?

I can’t believe it’s only a month until the Ohio Scottish Games, followed by Ohio Scottish Arts School.

When I first discovered OSAS, I sought something to keep my harpist engaged with her instrument of choice. She loves a challenge!

By chance, I found harpist Ashley Lake’s knowledgeable mother, Stephanie Taylor Lake, who let me in on Luneita Cotton’s tutelage. She’s just the right teacher for GiGi, no fooling around. And even with a sweet and smart kid like GiGi, it takes a village. Ms Cotton, OSAS’ amazing community of teachers and musicians, Courtney Raines, and Doug Elmore have put so much thought and attention into this kid harpist over the past year that she has just grown in her musicianship like a weed! Make that a thistle!

Of course, there was Esperance, an all-year project requiring tons of dedication from a 13-14 year old girl. (I certainly never felt that way about the piano. Maybe ballet.) She played for Bloomington’s Burns Dinner thanks to Albert Cross, and of course, received a scholarship and so much moral support from Clan Cunningham International. Oh, let’s not forget a scholarship courtesy Clan MacLeod, a pleasant surprise!

I have always been proud of my Cunningham heritage, but I hadn’t done much in that diaspora for so long. I sincerely was thinking only of GiGi and her harp when I chose to enroll her in OSAS. It was close (okay, 6 hours away, but that was closer than some harp programs), it was within our budget, and it fit our schedule. Hey, in this family, summer revolves around Camp Piomingo, and that’s that.

But now…I’ve gotten involved with Clan Cunningham International, I’m looking forward to the Games, I’m planning on attending other games, and I seriously considered hosting a tent at a Games this very morning. Me. The Introvert.

What. A. Difference. I had room for this in my life, but I didn’t realize it. I needed this in my life, but I had no clue. Through my daughter’s interests, I found my LITERAL Clan waiting for me. The people I have met through CCI and OSAS have been awesome. It’s just what my soul needed. As we look forward to our move to Bloomington, I know we will look forward to seeing our friends again, and at multiple venues. Honestly, I want to cry when I think about it. I’m just so very happy to be included and to belong. I didn’t know my emotions could still surprise me, but there they are. #aspergirls

So, will I see you in Cleveland? Bloomington? Indianapolis? Let me know. I’ll be one of the ladies in the gorgeous red, black, and white kilts.

PS I’m moving my email newsletter to Substack, if you prefer to follow me there.

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Published on May 26, 2025 10:20

How to Use Daily Notes in Obsidian for Journaling and Planning

“The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen.” – Lee Iacocca

Let’s be honest—keeping a journal or planner sounds great… until you forget to use it for three days straight.

That was me.

Then I discovered Daily Notes in Obsidian. It wasn’t just another blank page. It became the place I started my day—with thoughts, to-dos, and even random stuff like “why did I dream about raccoons in tuxedos?”

If you want a low-friction way to stay organized, clear your head, and plan smarter, Daily Notes can change the game.

What Are Daily Notes in Obsidian?

Daily Notes are time-stamped entries created automatically in Obsidian using the built-in Daily Notes core plugin. Think of them like your personal command center for each day.

Each note is named after the date and usually lives in a special folder like Daily or Journal.

You can:

Dump your thoughts (morning pages style)Track habits and tasksReflect on the dayCollect ideas, events, or even overheard conversations

I treat mine like a digital bullet journal—but lazier and smarter.

Step 1: Turn On Daily Notes in Obsidian

Super easy.

Go to Settings → Core PluginsEnable Daily NotesGo to Settings → Daily NotesCustomize:Location: Choose where your daily notes get saved (e.g., /Journal)Format: I like YYYY-MM-DD for sortingTemplate (optional): Use a pre-designed note layout (more on that soon)

Now, you’ll see a little calendar icon in the sidebar. Click it, and boom—a note for today appears.

Step 2: Create a Simple Daily Note Template

Don’t start from scratch every day. Use a template.

Here’s a starter I used for months:

# 📅 {{date:YYYY-MM-DD}} — Daily Note

## Morning Thoughts

---

## Top 3 Tasks

- [ ]

- [ ]

- [ ]

## Meetings / Events -

## Notes & Ideas -

## Evening Reflection -

What went well? -

What needs improvement?

Use the Templater plugin to auto-insert this when you open a new Daily Note. Trust me, it saves you from blank page syndrome.

Step 3: Use Daily Notes for Planning

Here’s how I plan my day with Obsidian:

Morning → Brain dump, set intentions, pick top tasksThroughout → Add notes, track ideas, adjust prioritiesEvening → Quick recap + personal reflection

I link tasks using Obsidian’s [[ ]] syntax:

- [ ] Finish [[Obsidian Smart Notes Article]]

And if something’s not done? I just move it to the next day’s note or mark it with a > [ ] for “deferred.”

It’s super lightweight but powerful when done daily.

Step 4: Use It for Journaling, Too

You can also journal in the same place. I have a tag for #journal entries and just brain-dump under ## Morning Thoughts or ## Evening Reflection.

Want to go deeper? Use prompts. Here are a few that live in my journaling template:

What am I excited about today?Where did I feel resistance?What’s one thing I learned?What drained me?What gave me energy?

You can mix structured reflection with free writing. Don’t overthink it—just show up.

Step 5: Enhance with Plugins

💡 Here are a few plugins that level up your Daily Notes game:

✅ Periodic Notes

Combines daily, weekly, and monthly notes into one system.

📆 Calendar Plugin

Visual calendar to click through daily notes.

⌛ Tasks Plugin

Lets you see tasks from all daily notes in one view.

📈 Review Plugin

Schedule regular reviews (weekly/monthly/yearly) to reflect on your notes.

Real-Life Use Case: My Obsidian Morning RoutineOpen Obsidian with coffee in handClick “Today” → Daily Note loads with my templateFill out “Morning Thoughts” — dump whatever’s in my headChoose 3 big tasks to focus onAdd events or meetingsThroughout the day, I log notes or random thoughtsEnd the day with a 5-minute reflection

No apps. No distractions. Just me and my brain on paper (sort of).

Conclusion

Daily Notes in Obsidian aren’t just digital diary entries—they’re an anchor for your mind. With minimal setup, you can build a system that keeps you grounded, organized, and evolving every single day.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up.

Start with a simple template. Add a few planning prompts. Link what matters. Before long, your daily notes will become the most valuable part of your second brain.

🗣 Do you use Daily Notes already? Got a favorite prompt or template? Share it in the comments below—let’s swap ideas!

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Published on May 26, 2025 07:10

May 25, 2025

🎮 The Top 5 Video Games of the 1980s That Changed the Game Forever

Ah, the 1980s. A time of neon lights, cassette tapes, big hair, and the unforgettable sound of quarters dropping into arcade machines. It was the decade that gave birth to video game legends—the kind of games that didn’t just entertain—they defined childhoods and launched billion-dollar franchises still going strong today.

So whether you grew up during the joystick era or you’re just here for some retro gaming knowledge, grab your favorite throwback snack and let’s dive into the Top 5 video games of the 1980s that absolutely changed the game—literally.

🕹 1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

35 Years Ago: 'Super Mario Bros.' Becomes Gaming's Biggest Hit

Platform: NES

Let’s be real—can you even talk about 80s games without mentioning Super Mario Bros.?  To this day the sound of Mario dying will still cause PSTD flashbacks for the Gen-Xers who played all summer while their parents were at work.  When this colorful side-scroller dropped with the Nintendo Entertainment System, it didn’t just give us Mario and Bowser—it revived the entire video game industry after the crash of ’83.

Fun, addictive, and polished gameplayIntroduced warp zones, fire flowers, and BowserSold over 40 million copies

👻 2. Pac-Man (1980)

[image error]

Platform: Arcade

Pac-Man was a global sensation. The game’s simple but addictive mechanics and colorful design made it a pop culture icon. It appealed to casual and female gamers—a first in a male-dominated market.  This is the game where I would drop a roll of quarters on a Saturday afternoon with  my father during the summer break are one of my fondest memories.

Ghost-chasing mechanics with strategic depthSpawned merchandise, cartoons, and even a hit songEarned over $14 billion in revenue

🗺 3. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Review - Nintendo-Online.de

Platform: NES

The Legend of Zelda introduced a whole new style of gameplay with its open-world exploration and non-linear story. It was the first NES game to let players save progress.  Which lead to the phenomenon called Nintendo thumb, a  repetitive strain injury which in my case, forced me into early retirement that summer.

First appearance of Link, Zelda, and GanonEncouraged exploration and puzzle-solvingSpawned a legendary franchise

🧩 4. Tetris (1984)

Tetris (Game Boy video game) - Wikipedia

Platform: Game Boy, PC, Arcade

Created in the Soviet Union, Tetris became an international hit thanks to its Game Boy release. It showed that simple ideas could result in infinite replay value.

Brainy, addictive puzzle gameplayAppealed to all ages and backgroundsSold over 500 million copies across platforms

🐵 5. Donkey Kong (1981)

Donkey Kong Returns 🕹 Play on CrazyGames

Platform: Arcade

Before Mario was Super, he was just Jumpman, dodging barrels and saving Pauline. Donkey Kong not only introduced two legendary characters, but also brought storytelling into platformers.

First appearances of Mario and Donkey KongPlatforming and storytelling innovationOriginally inspired by Popeye!

🧠 Quick Recap: Here’s the Top 5 AgainRankGameYearPlatformGame-Changing Move1Super Mario Bros.1985NESRevived gaming, platformer perfection2Pac-Man1980ArcadeGlobal hit, ghost-chasing strategy3The Legend of Zelda1986NESFirst real open-world adventure4Tetris1984VariousPuzzle king, brainy and addictive5Donkey Kong1981ArcadeMario’s debut, storytelling platformer

🎉 Final Thoughts + Play Them Today!

The 80s weren’t just about leg warmers and big hair—they were the dawn of gaming as we know it. These five games weren’t just popular; they laid the groundwork for everything from platformers to puzzle games to open-world epics.

Want to relive the pixelated magic for yourself? Here are some awesome retro gaming resources:

RetroGames.cc – Play classic arcade games right in your browserEmulator Games – Download ROMs and emulators for NES, SNES, and moreClassic Reload – DOS and arcade games from the 80s and 90sInternet Archive: The Arcade – Thousands of classic arcade games preserved for freeMAME UI – The ultimate arcade emulator

Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a curious newcomer, these games are proof that great gameplay never goes out of style. What’s your favorite 80s classic? Let us know in the comments below 👇

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Published on May 25, 2025 07:23