Defining PC games as retro

[Super Grover]

I was wondering at what point PC games become regarded as retro?

Its fairly easy to define from a console pov, is PC gaming co-related in that respect? Ie. once a console and its software become classed as retro, are PC games in the same era classed the same?

Views please.

[Kerberus]

When you have to switch the OS to "compatible mode" lol ?

[samanosuke]

Its fairly easy to define from a console pov

I disagree. Some consider consoles such as the DC and PS2 to be retro whereas others, myself included, don't. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that the 32-bit generation was an evolutionary period, whereby traditional sprite-based 2D games lived alongside their 3D counterparts, I wouldn't even consider the likes of the Saturn and Playstation retro. For instance, I don't consider the N64 to be retro as it was primarily a 3D machine, and for all intents and purposes it delivers mostly the same style of gaming seen in contemporary consoles. I have read other opinions on retro forums that even 16-bit machines aren't truly retro so, regardless as to whether it's a computer or console, the issue is still very much subjective.

My personal opinion with regards to what should be regarded as retro on a PC boils down to whether it is run in DOS or not. Games that can run through Windows (excluding simple games like Solitaire, of course) represent the aforementioned shift in gaming style as 3D games can make use of external libraries such as Direct-X etc.

[MikeRox]

I think there are often blurry lines, I think age rather than generation is probably a better way of doing it. FIFA 11 is on PS2 for example yet Dreamcast, GameCube and Xbox are all considered retro, if it's a new game is it retro?

Also some countries the PS2 only launched this past year. So in theory, is state of the art there. I dunno...

[Cepp]

I just go with anything that's 10+ years old personally. Doing it by OS works as well I guess (anything before XP).

[dragonfly10]

Well I would agree on calling PC games retro if they are DOS games. Some early Windows games (Win 3.1) might fit into the retro category by now, too.