Top 10 Nostalgic Barbie Computer Games

#10: “Barbie” (1984)

Sometimes, all a baddie wants to do is look pretty and go on fancy dates – when she’s not running the world, of course! Luckily, that is the entire goal of this game. Ken asks Barbie out on dates, and she must curate the perfect outfit for each outing. She goes shopping in her chic convertible, gets glammed up, and must get back home in time for the date. Such a game would probably not fly today, especially considering the sexist undertones. However, the dress-up aspect is undeniably fun, and the speech feature was quite impressive for the 80s.

#9: “Barbie as Rapunzel: A Creative Adventure” (2002)

Our heroine has a lot on her plate in this game. She’s throwing a masquerade ball with Prince Stefan, and Gothel is understandably not on the guest list. Angered, the witch wrecks Rapunzel’s home and turns her man to stone. Now, she not only has to fix her place, collect gemstones, and save her prince, but she also has to get ready for the big party! The game has something for everyone: catchy music, colorful visuals, a dragon BFF, home decoration, and fashion! Even if you haven’t watched the film it is tied to, that is, “Barbie as Rapunzel”, you’re bound to enjoy the play nonetheless.

#8: “Barbie of Swan Lake: The Enchanted Forest” (2003)

This gorgeous game is the definition of whimsy. The Enchanted Forest has been drained of its magic, and Odette, the protagonist of the film “Barbie of Swan Lake”, must save it. The player gets to enjoy cozy mini games, which include making potions and painting murals, to bring magic back to the forest. There are multiple locations to explore, each one more mesmerizing than the next, and a picnic to look forward to. Odette has her work cut out for her, but the atmosphere is so comforting that players would hardly mind spending their day on all the different tasks.

#7: “Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus” (2005)

This game offers a lovely adventure, much like the eponymous film it is based on. Princess Annika’s kingdom has been petrified by the evil Wenlock. To save her people, she’ll need to find a Wand of Light. So, Annika sets out on the mission, joined by her little pet polar bear, Shiver, and her sister-turned-pegasus Brietta. Players can experience some of the most beautiful parts of the movie in the game, such as ice-skating and riding a majestic pegasus through the sky. With levels set across five breathtaking locations, “Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus” never gets boring.

#6: “Barbie and the Three Musketeers” (2009)

The ladies of this game sure know how to wield swords in style! In “Barbie and the Three Musketeers”, players become the main characters from the film of the same name: Corinne, Aramina, Renée, and Viveca. They can even play as the adorable kitty, Miette! The girls work together to protect a prince from danger and make their musketeering dreams come true. The French scenery, showcasing rustic charm and Parisian elegance, is a true delight, but don’t mistake the beauty for ease. The levels offer ample challenge, which makes the gameplay even more satisfying.

#5: “Barbie Fashion Designer” (1996)

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this title revolutionary. After all, it is said to have kick-started the girls' games movement. “Barbie Fashion Designer” is an elite dress-up game, where you can design Barbie’s outfits and watch her rock a runway wearing your looks. What’s even better is that you could print your designs and put them on your actual Barbie dolls! According to Polygon, the genius idea came from a young lady named E.J. Rifkin, whose father, Andy Rifkin, brought it to Mattel. Today, it has a place in the World Video Game Hall of Fame, which is very well-deserved, to say the least.

#4: “Secret Agent Barbie” (2001)

Our leading lady is a globe-trotting spy in this title. When Teresa’s fashion show is thrown into chaos after her fabric is stolen, she enlists Barbie’s help. It turns out, the culprit plans on constructing an invisibility suit. To thwart their plans, Barb and her squad of covert operatives travel across the world, from New York to Paris, Egypt, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro. Naturally, a Barbie game is not complete without fashion. So, you get to pick Barbie’s clothes at different turns, too! With music that offers complete immersion, exciting elements like stealth and gadgets, as well as plenty of action, “Secret Agent Barbie” is a riveting experience.

#3: “Barbie Horse Adventures: Riding Camp” (2008)

This open-world title turns the multitalented doll into an equestrian. Barbie arrives on an island, where she must take care of the horses in her family’s stable. There are five wonderful horses in the game, and they all interact differently with her. She learns to ride and train them and even participates in competitions. At the same time, she goes on side quests, helps locals with various tasks, and is free to wander the island at her leisure. As always, players are in charge of Barbie’s clothes, and as a bonus, they also have the option of giving her horses matching tacks. What’s not to love?

#2: “Detective Barbie” (1998-2000)

When the peppiest private eye around needs your help solving tricky cases, you report for duty. The “Detective Barbie” series includes two PC games, each one offering a new mystery to solve. In “Detective Barbie In the Mystery of the Carnival Caper!”, Ken goes missing, and “The Vacation Mystery” revolves around a jewelry theft. Players must hunt for clues across different locations, take on puzzles, and complete mini-games to help Barbie clear her mission. The glamorous gumshoe even calls you by your chosen name if you pick one from the game’s database. The cases are challenging and thoroughly entertaining, albeit time-consuming. We doubt anyone’s complaining, though. The third game of the series, “The Mystery Cruise”, was released for PlayStation.

#1: “Barbie: Explorer” (2001)

The blonde boss babe takes a page out of Lara Croft’s book of adventures for this game. In “Barbie: Explorer”, she’s a reporter who sets out to restore a precious mirror by finding the four pieces it is missing. The search takes her to gorgeous international locations like Tibet, Africa, Egypt, and Babylon, but the game isn’t just about prancing around. The levels, which mainly involve navigating tricky platforms, traps, and puzzles, are considerably tough. To add to the difficulty, our girl must steer clear of animals in her way. Thankfully, her capabilities get boosts throughout the game. “Barbie: Explorer” may have been kid-friendly, but it was no child’s play.

Which of these was your favorite Barbie game? Tell us in the comments!