Old is Gold
Despite all the new games that are released every year, plenty of players prefer to stick to the classics they grew up with. Who can blame them – after all, many of the older games are far better than the recent ones. With that in mind, here are 20 retro games that fans keep coming back to.
Arthur Ivanov from Moscow, Russia on Wikimedia
1. Age of Mythology
A classic and timeless game, Age of Mythology was many players' first strategy game. Choosing a God from the list of Greek, Egyptian, or Norse, and building your settlement defenses and army is a thrilling experience. And who can forget the classic sound effects of giving orders to your villagers?
2. Heroes of Might and Magic III
A video game series that just kept growing in popularity, Heroes of Might and Magic III was one of the best games of its time. Whether you enjoy playing through the story, or you just wanted to play one game, there were plenty of things for you to do. On top of being an extremely fun and exciting game to play, it has great replay value, as you can choose from a selection of quite a number of factions.
3. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2
Red Alert 2 was a huge hit in the real-time strategy game genre. You had the opportunity to play as a number of countries on the side of either the Allied or the Soviet forces. Just remember to build defenses for aerial attacks if you want your game to last longer than a few minutes.
Georges Seguin (Okki) on Wikimedia
4. Sims 2
A well-known name in the gaming community, Sims 2 is a masterpiece when it comes to those second-life roleplaying types of games. You get to control the outcome of your Sim's life, as well as decorate their house and build and expand it. Just don’t get upset if they get stuck between a plate on the floor and a newspaper behind them.
5. FlatOut 2
FlatOut 2 is an incredibly fun racing game with more than one twist to it. You are supposed to run into your competitors' cars and damage their cars so badly that they cannot continue the race. On top of that, there are so many mini-games within the game that are just so fun to play and set high scores on.
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6. Project I.G.I.
Project I.G.I., also known as Project I’m Going In, is one of the first computer games to feature realistic weapons and tactical combat situations. With missions ranging from very easy to quite difficult, this game keeps you on your toes. Although not as advanced in mechanics as modern first-person shooter games, this one holds a special place in many 90s kids' hearts.
7. Worms World Party
A very wacky and goofy video game beloved by almost every 90s gamer, Worms World Party is a blast from the past. You can customize your team of worms and take on another team, preferably your friends, and eliminate all of their worms. The fun comes when you realize that these worms are using actual weapons, as well as some made-up ones like the Old Woman or the Holy Hand Grenade.
8. Fable: The Lost Chapters
An incredible role-playing game, Fable is one of the most interesting and rewarding games to play. Every choice you make alters the rest of the game and changes how the world works around you. And we can’t forget the amazing story you play through as you try to become the greatest hero of Albion.
9. Jazz Jackrabbit 2
A fun and exciting 2D side-platformer, Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is a very fun and nostalgic game. You can choose to play the story, or if you want to make it a bit more competitive, challenges and modes with your friends. Just make sure you remember the controls and hidden passages within the game to get that advantage.
10. Hamsterball
A cute and cozy game, Hamsterball is one of those old treasure games many people forgot about. You play as a hamster inside a ball, and the goal is to get from start to finish. As simple as that sounds, there are levels that are extremely difficult, and if that’s not your thing, there’s a multiplayer race or battle arena mode that’s worth a shot.
11. Icy Tower
Icy Tower brings warm memories of setting a high score and watching your family or friends struggle to beat it. You are a groovy little guy trying to climb as high inside a tower as you can, doing combo bounce moves, fun sound effects, and unlocking new levels and skins. As simple as the game is, it's just as fun to play.
12. Pocket Tanks
A classic turn-based game where you choose powers and ammunition for your tank to use against your enemy. The goal is to score more points than your opponent by hitting them with projectiles, or trapping them in mud so they have to hit themselves and lose points. This game has very high replay value, as every time you start a game, there are different maps and powers to choose from.
13. Mugen
Although not really a game per se, M.U.G.E.N. was an extremely popular 2D fighter game engine in the early 2000s. The community all around the world created players from comic books, TV shows, cartoons, movies, real life, or simply custom-made ones. If you remember these games, you know just how overpowered it felt to download a Chuck Norris character file and obliterate anyone who went against you.
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14. Breakout
A very old and simple concept, Breakout is an incredibly nostalgia-inducing PS1 game. With so many surprises and constant excitement, you will be mesmerized by this game before realizing how much time has passed. From being chased by giant wolves, ancient mummies, going through Egyptian tombs or a dragon’s castle, there is no lack of fun when it comes to Breakout.
15. Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters
This classic Bugs and Taz game was a very fun and popular game for its time. A split-screen hot-seat multiplayer that takes you through time and makes you solve a multitude of puzzles using teamwork and clever thinking. Just don’t get into a fight about who plays Bugs and who plays Taz.
16. Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf
An incredibly fun puzzle game that requires lots and lots of thinking. You control Wile E. Coyote while trying to steal all the sheep from Sam the Sheepdog. You might think that you can beat this game quite fast, but you would be surprised just how difficult and tricky some of these levels can get.
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17. Chicken Invaders
A twist on the good old space invaders games, Chicken Invaders was a family name amongst 90s kids. An incredibly fun game where you collect different types of weapons to shoot chickens and eggs in space and defend from them. If you remember this game, you know just how exciting it was to wait for the next ones to come out.
18. AirXonix
AirXonix is a 3D remake of the popular Xonix game. You control an airborne device that moves around the field while trying to avoid balls and other enemies. The goal is to clear the balls and create an open field space while collecting bonuses and powers along the way.
19. Neo Sonic Universe
Sonic fans are sure to remember this one. Neo Sonic Universe has all the fan-favorite Sonic game aspects, while also giving you an option to play as Tails, Knuckles, Amy, and Shadow, but only after you rescue them. It’s a nostalgic game with graphics and music that are sure to give you warm feelings.
20. Crazy Chicken
This single-player shooter game has created a series of Crazy Chicken games after its huge gain in popularity in 1999. The game itself is pretty simple: you shoot crazy chickens, while also trying to find bonus items to trigger during the run. Just remember not to run out of bullets.
