Guess the retro game from a vague description, no images allowed

[Cobalt Pilgrim]

Old school forum guessing game. I describe a classic game using only vague, slightly misleading clues, no pictures allowed, first person to guess correctly posts the next description

Starting clue: you spend the whole game running right, occasionally jumping on things that are unhappy about it, and a princess is somehow always in another location entirely

[NightOwl]

Super Mario Bros, obviously, though I appreciate the effort to make it sound mysterious

[Cached Warden]

My turn, you're a blue hedgehog who is extremely impatient about literally everything and collects shiny rings for no clearly explained reason

[Anchor77]

Sonic the Hedgehog, easy one, my turn next, you're a small yellow creature that apparently just wants to be caught by everyone constantly

[Adam75]

Pokemon, has to be, alright here's mine, you're an italian plumber's brother but everyone forgets you exist until a specific year

[ReacherLynx]

Luigi, obviously, this game is such a fun format, keep it going somebody

[SammyZayn]

That's Luigi, specifically Luigi's Mansion when he finally got the spotlight.

Green hat, nervous energy, ghost vacuum, the whole deal. Took years for him to step out of Mario's shadow

[StormForge62]

Luigi's Mansion for sure, the "specific year" clue gives it away.

Alright here's one: you're a blue character who runs fast but somehow spends most of the time collecting rings instead of finishing quickly.

[Marnie]

Sonic the Hedgehog, no doubt. Speed is optional, ring collecting is mandatory

Next one: you fall blocks into place while music slowly increases your stress levels.

[BiscuitTin]

Tetris the best game ever invented, the anxiety simulator in disguise.

Here's mine: you're a yellow circle eating everything in sight while being chased by colorful ghosts.

[Connor75]

Pac-Man, classic arcade chaos.

Next: you climb ladders to avoid barrels thrown by a very annoyed ape.

[AsteroidCandle]

Donkey Kong my fav, early platforming legend.

Try this one: you're a space pilot shooting waves of enemies that move in oddly satisfying patterns.

[VoidWalker63]

Galaga, those formations are unmistakable.

Alright, here's one: you wander a dungeon, breaking pots and somehow that's considered acceptable behavior

[EventHorizon Crossing]

That's got to be The Legend of Zelda.

New one: you drive around a track, throw items at friends, and ruin relationships in the process.

[Bob93]

Mario Kart, friendship tester

Here's mine: you're constantly jumping on mushrooms and turtles while trying not to fall into pits.

[PulseRider]

Super Mario Bros, haha the original formula.

Next: you explore a side-scrolling world, collecting power-ups and fighting aliens with a blaster.

[ReasoningCore87]

Metroid, that lonely exploration vibe gives it away.

Here's one: you're in a maze, placing bombs, and hoping you don't trap yourself.

[Memory Jamie]

that would be Bomberman, equal parts strategy and panic

Next: you control a small ship shooting asteroids that split into smaller ones.