There’s just something about a classic, old school video game that hits differently. That’s not to say that all modern releases are bad. Far from it, in fact; there have been a lot of great games that have been released in recent years.
Having said that, there’s something about an old school classic that new games don’t have. Sometimes it might just be our nostalgia blinding us, but more often than not, these older games hold up extremely well today.
DOOM
One of the original old school boomer shooters still holds up extremely well today.
While the modern DOOM franchise does its best to adapt modern design while staying true to its roots, the original DOOM is still an absolute blast from start to finish.
The fast paced action and run-and-gun style of gameplay is unmatched by most games today.
Tetris
Tetris may be 40 years old, but there’s still nothing quite like it.
The puzzle game remains just as addictive as ever. Give it time, and you’ll be humming along with the music before you know it.
Several modern reinterpretations of Tetris have been released over the years, and while they’re all great in their own right, nothing beats the original.
Diablo 2
An old school game so beloved that it still sees an active and healthy player base today.
Blizzard made the excellent decision to remaster the game for modern platforms and consoles in 2021, including giving the game updated HD visuals.
The core gameplay remains the same, though, which is good because there are people who firmly believe that Diablo 2’s design will never be matched in the ARPG genre.
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Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Back in the day, the Mario and Sonic rivalry was a very real thing. Having grown up with a Sega Genesis instead of a Super Nintendo, I was firmly Team Sonic.
Of course, it helps when the games are as good as Sonic 2. One of the best platformers ever made, Sonic 2 delivers an excellent balance of speed and traditional platforming gameplay.
The level design is the best the series has ever seen, with one highlight being the surprisingly addictive multiplayer. It may have run sluggishly at times, but my sister and I still got our money’s worth, spending hours upon hours playing together.
Super Mario World
As good as Sonic was, I have to say, the older I get, the more I realize Mario may have had his number.
Super Mario World is an incredible accomplishment in gaming from start to finish. In many ways, it remains the gold standard for 2D platforming.
The move to the Super Nintendo brought so much life into this game. The graphics remain outstanding, the soundtrack is iconic, and the game is as fun today as it was over 30 years ago.
Donkey Kong Country
For all the good Mario and Sonic did for the platforming genre, Donkey Kong Country arguably has them both beat.
No other 2D platformer offers the right mix of precision platforming, challenging, and superb level design.
Where Donkey Kong Country truly shines, though, is the soundtrack. Yes, many people like me were blown away by the graphics, but the score is a true work of art.
Mega Man 2
Speaking of challenging games, Mega Man 2 is the high point in the Mega Man franchise.
It’s a fantastic retro game that still laps the competition, even if its brutal difficulty can be off-putting.
Don’t let that deter you, though. Mega Man 2 holds up exceptionally well today. Whether it’s your first time playing or your 100th, it remains well worth your time.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Nintendo‘s Metroid franchise birthed the Metroidvania genre, but Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is arguably the best game in the genre.
Its classic formula of non-linear exploration is the perfect marriage alongside its fantastic combat. Even by today’s standards, its gameplay is the Metroidvania gold standard that others aspire to be.
At release, many people derided its 2D visuals as outdated, but in reality, they’ve aged like a fine wine. The game’s presentation, graphics, and soundtrack are all in a league of its own.
Roller Coaster Tycoon
What’s the only thing better than riding a roller coaster and visiting an amusement park? Building your own!
Roller Coaster Tycoon is as much fun today as it was when I was a child. It’s still so incredibly easy to get lost designing rides and building your own theme park.
It may lack some of the modern amenities you see in today’s theme park games, such as being able to ride the rides, but it’s still a treat to play. The only thing that’s honestly changed is that I actively care about paying off my loans. That’s adulthood for you!
Chrono Trigger
A timeless JRPG classic, Chrono Trigger was ahead of its time. Despite now being 30 years old, nothing about the game screams outdated.
Instead, it’s a modern masterpiece where everything about the game, from its story and writing to gameplay and design, has aged exceptionally well.
The best part about Chrono Trigger is how it avoids the trappings of old-school JRPGs, most notably the requirement to grind levels. For that, we thank you very much, Chrono Trigger.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
We’re not talking about the recent remake of the first two Tony Hawk games, which are excellent, by the way.
The originals may look ugly thanks to the limitations of the PS1 and Nintendo 64 hardware. Don’t let that deter you from playing the original games.
What matters most is the gameplay experience, and that’s where these games deliver. Everything about the original game, from the pick-up-and-play design and incredible controls to the iconic soundtrack, belongs in a museum.
Crazy Taxi
Whether you’re playing at home on a console or at your local arcade, Crazy Taxi is still a good time.
Like Tony Hawk, its pick-up-and-play gameplay can be incredibly addictive. Sure, you’re racing against the clock, but that’s part of the joy of playing.
You’re looking to optimize your strategy and go further and further with each playthrough. While this was designed to drain your pocket of quarters, we’d like to think of it more like a roguelike than an
Galaga
Am I biased because I own a Galaga arcade cabinet? Possibly, but hey, the game’s still a blast to play.
Like several other classic games we’ve already discussed, Galaga‘s pick-up-and-play style was well suited for the arcade back in the day. Today, though, it’s transferred into an addictive gameplay loop that requires the perfect mix of strategy, tactics, and swiftness.
Once you know the strategy and gameplay, it’s all about pushing yourself to the limit and seeing how high a score you can achieve.
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