Summary

  • Retro gaming has seen a surge in popularity, with old-school games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time still being enjoyed today on various platforms.
  • These iconic games were selected for their groundbreaking mechanics, compelling narratives, and enduring impact on the gaming community.
  • Whether you're a fan of platformers, action-adventure games, shooters, RPGs, or fighting games, there's a classic title worth revisiting to satisfy your nostalgia or experience the origins of these genres.

Retro gaming—when controllers had fewer buttons than a microwave, and 'saving your game' often meant scribbling down a 30-character code on a scrap of paper or buying a special cartridge for games like 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Ocarina of Time. If those memories don't hit you right in the nostalgia, then maybe you're too young to remember dial-up internet.

Related: 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Classic Games Exclusive To PC

In the last few years, retro gaming has skyrocketed in popularity, and it's not just among those who grew up in the '80s or '90s. New generations are discovering the joys of side-scrolling adventures and text-based quests. With platforms like Steam re-releasing classics and consoles like the NES Classic flying off the shelves, it's clear that old-school gaming has found its place. In this article, we'll delve into iconic games that are over ten years old that are worth revisiting.

The games featured here were selected based on their groundbreaking mec꧂hanics, compelling narratives, and their enduring impact on the gaming community.

10 Supeওr Mario 64 𒈔

Super Mario 64 glitching out to reach the impossible coin

Released
🌟 September 26, 1996 🥃
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
N64

Launched in 1996, Super Mario 64 broke new ground with its 3D platforming and open-world exploration. The game's timeless controls and imaginative levels make it just as enjoyable today, whether you play it on the original Nintendo 64 or via a modern emulator. You can also play it using Nintendo Switch Online's access to a collection of wildly popular Nintendo 64 classics!

9 ဣ The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Link and a Big Poe in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Released
🍌 November 21, 1998
Developer(s)
Nintendo
Publisher(s)
Nintendo

Debuting in 1998, Ocarina of Time revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its innovative mechanics, like "Z-targeting." The game's captivating storyline and challenging puzzles have ensured its place in the hearts of fans young and old.

Related: 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Vide൲o Games With Big Speed๊running Communities

Thanks t🐭o a dedicated fan base and committed developers, you can play Ocarina of Time on the Nin𝓡tendo 3DS and the Wii U.

8 ꧟ Half-Life 2

Alyx talking to resistance members in Half-Life 2 Episode Two

Released
November 16, 2004 ♉
Developer(s)
Valve
Publisher(s)
Valve

H🅠alf-Life 2 launched in 2004 and set new standards in narrative and physics-based gameplay. Its story is still compelling, and its game mechanics remain innovative, making it a must-play on platforms like Steam.💮 Though it does show its age, you can clearly see the large strides it originally took for the FPS genre in every memorable segment of the game.

7 Halo: Combat Evolved 🍌 🧜

A close up of Master Chiefs helmet in Halo Combat Evolved the game
Halo: Combat Evolved

Released
November 15, 2001 🦄
Publisher(s)
🧸 Microsoft Game Studios

Released in 2001, Halo: Combat Evolved defined the first-person shooter genre for consoles. Its blend of engaging single-player and iconic multiplayer action makes it a classic that's easily accessible through the Halo: Master Chief Collection. There's even an option to turn off the anniversary graphics so that you can play Halo CE exactly as it looked when it first came out all those years ago.

6 🍨 Final Fantasy 7

Cloud holding the Ultima Weapon received from the monster of the same name

This 1997 masterpiece redefined RPGs with its in-depth story and unique battle system. Despite its age, Final Fantasy 7 remains a compelling journey. While there's a visually stunning remake available, the original version still holds its own and is available on various platforms, including its original PlayStation version. Plus, the remake changes a lot of things within the game. If you want the pure retro experience of play FF7, you can still nab it on the PS4 and Switch!

5 Metal Gear Solid 2: 🌼Sons Of Liberty

Solid Snake from Metal Gear Solid 2 pulling a face

Released
November 13, 2001 ๊
Developer(s)
Konami
Publisher(s)
Konami
Platform(s)
PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS Vita

Metal Gear Solid 2 introduced complex narratives to the world of gaming in 2001. With its stealth-based gameplay and intricate story, it's a timeless classic that can be enjoyed on multiple PlayStation platforms. For those interested in updated graphics and gameplay, there's also "Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes," a remake that was released for the GameCube.

Perhaps even better, you can now enjoy a shiny new versioꦫn of Sons of Liberty on Nintendo Swi꧙tch, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S thanks to the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Volume 1, which features the first game, Sons of Liberty, and Snake Eater.

4 ꦇ ♏ Super Smash Bros. Melee

Super Smash Bros. Melee Title Screen Nintendo Gamecube

Released
December 3, 2001 🦹 🌜
Developer(s)
﷽ HAL Laboratory
Publisher(s)
Nintendo
Platform(s)
GameCube

Super Smash Bros. Melee took the fighting game genre by storm when it was released in 2001. Known for its fast-paced action and wide character roster, it's still popular in competitive gaming circuits. The franchise has continued to evolve, with the latest installment, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, offering an even larger roster and new gameplay mechanics. But if you're itching to play Melee, there are a few ways you can do so. Ideally, you have a working GameCube complete with the original disc.

3 🅰 World Of ꩵWarcraft

Jaina Proudmoore World of Warcraft

Released
🌠 November 23, 2004
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Blizzard
Platform(s)
PC

World of Warcraft redefined the MMORPG genre upon its 2004 release. The game's expansive world and strong sense of community make it a timeless classic that continues to receive updates and expansions.

Related: 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Best Hidden Enemies In Gaming

You can currently play it on PC via the official website for WoW or you can make use of Blizzard's BattleNet.

2 Ch꧅rono Trigger ൲

Chrono Trigger gameplay blue portal like structure

Chrono Trigger captured imaginations with its time-traveling narrative when it was released in 1995. Whether you're a fan of its intricate story or its turn-based combat, you can play this classic on multiple platforms today.

1 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Repub✃lic🍷

Revan has a lightsaber battle with Darth Malak in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Knights of the Old Republic offered a unique twist on the Star Wars saga when it debuted in 2003. The game's decision-based narrative and extensive character customization make it a standout title that's still accessible on modern platforms.

This classic game has not only stood the test of time but has also had a lasting impact on the RPGs we play today. Whether you're revisiting it for the nostalgia or playing for the first time, KOTOR offers something for everyone.

Next: 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Best Retro Horror Games