|
What are some classic video games that aged well and are still worth playing today?
|
I was thinking about this the other day. There are so many old games that just don't hold up anymore, but then there are those classic video games that aged well and still feel amazing to play. I'm talking about games that were designed so well that they're still enjoyable decades later.
For me, Super Mario World on SNES is a perfect example. The controls are tight, the level design is brilliant, and it just feels as good today as it did in the 90s. Chrono Trigger is another one that holds up incredibly well. The story, characters, and battle system are all timeless.
What are your picks for best retro games still playable today? I'm especially interested in games that don't feel dated despite their age.
Great topic. I completely agree about Super Mario World. That game is practically perfect. The level design teaches you everything you need to know without a single tutorial. I'd add Donkey Kong Country to that list too. The pre-rendered graphics still look amazing, and the gameplay is tight and challenging.
For me, Tetris is the ultimate classic video game that aged well. It's timeless. The Game Boy version specifically has this perfect simplicity that modern versions sometimes overcomplicate. The music, the feel of the blocks falling... it's just perfect game design that will never get old.
Chrono Trigger is definitely one of the best retro games still playable today. The pacing is so good that it doesn't feel dated at all. No random encounters, meaningful side quests, multiple endings... it was ahead of its time.
I'd also throw in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. That game created a whole genre and still plays better than most of its imitators. The exploration, the weapons, the soundtrack... it's a masterpiece that holds up incredibly well. The pixel art is some of the best ever made too.
From the Sega side, I think Sonic 3 & Knuckles is a classic that aged beautifully. The level design is fantastic, the music is incredible, and the gameplay is still super satisfying. The way the levels connect and the special stages work... it's just brilliant game design.
Also, Streets of Rage 2. The beat 'em up genre has evolved, but this game still has some of the best combat and music in the genre. The controls are responsive, the enemy variety is great, and it's just pure fun from start to finish.
Super Metroid is my pick. That game is a masterclass in atmosphere and exploration. The way it teaches you mechanics without words, the interconnected world, the sense of isolation... it's perfect. The controls are tight, the upgrades are meaningful, and the sequence breaking community shows how well designed it is.
Also, Mega Man X. The controls in that game are so responsive. The dash mechanic, the wall jumping, the weapon system... it all comes together perfectly. It's challenging but fair, and the level design encourages experimentation.
I think StarCraft is a classic that aged incredibly well. The balance between the three races is still studied today, the campaign is excellent, and the gameplay holds up perfectly. The remastered version just proves how solid the original design was.
For something older, Doom. The gameplay loop is timeless. Run, shoot, find keys, repeat. The level design encourages exploration, the weapons feel great, and the modding community has kept it alive for decades. It's one of those games that's just as fun today as it was in 1993.
|
