- 2 days ago
From retro classics to early 2000s hits, these video games have aged like fine wine. Whether you love 8-bit nostalgia or high-definition remasters, this list celebrates the titles that are still as fun and engaging today as when they were first released.
We’re talking iconic gameplay, unforgettable stories, and graphics that still impress even after decades. From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda, these timeless gems prove that great game design never goes out of style.
📌 If you’re a gamer, collector, or retro enthusiast, this is the ultimate nostalgia trip!
We’re talking iconic gameplay, unforgettable stories, and graphics that still impress even after decades. From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda, these timeless gems prove that great game design never goes out of style.
📌 If you’re a gamer, collector, or retro enthusiast, this is the ultimate nostalgia trip!
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GamingTranscript
00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the video games whose gameplay,
00:12graphics and overall quality hold up to date.
00:2130.
00:22Mega Man X
00:28The Mega Man franchise in general tends to be pretty ageless, but the first entry in the Mega Man X series is the gold standard.
00:34Super Nintendo games have a timeless 16-bit look that's just so clean.
00:38The side-scrolling gameplay is endlessly entertaining, putting X against eight Maverick bosses in stages you can tackle in any order.
00:44The story is minimalistic, but conveyed wonderfully.
00:47Plus, every single music track in the game is an absolute banger.
00:50Whether you're new to the Blue Bomber or replaying it for the dozenth time, Mega Man X is a game that still hits like an X Buster shot today.
00:58Number 29.
00:59Bioshock
01:08Would you kindly listen to us extol this game's virtues?
01:13Despite being released in the mid-2000s, Bioshock still looks incredible.
01:16Set in the underwater city of Rapture, the game is dripping with atmosphere and inventiveness.
01:22The combat has a great mix of weapons and atom-powered superpowers.
01:25The morality system isn't complex, but it still lends plenty of replayability.
01:29And of course, the story and themes of Bioshock remain timely and excellently written.
01:33Rapture may not live up to its name for its residents, but playing Bioshock is a blissful experience even today.
01:38I've got a family. I need to get them out of here.
01:43Number 28. Burnout 3 Takedown
01:46Most racing games that strive for realistic graphics tend to be left in the dust fairly quickly.
01:54However, Burnout 3 Takedown distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack not only with crisp visuals, but also its incredible gameplay.
02:01The arcade racer's emphasis on aggressive and highly destructive driving is as entertaining now as it was upon release.
02:07The cinematic slowdowns heighten every crazy crash to an epic level of spectacle.
02:11The variety of modes and soundtrack that's a time capsule of its era help make Burnout 3 Takedown a racing game that's difficult to burn out on.
02:24Number 27. Grand Theft Auto Vice City
02:27Many of the early GTA games hold up surprisingly well, and none of them more so than Vice City.
02:37Set during the 1980s, the game perfectly immerses the player in the time and the Miami-like setting.
02:42Its story takes cues from some of the greatest gangster movies ever made and features an all-star vocal cast, including the likes of Ray Liotta and Burt Reynolds.
02:50And sure, the graphics aren't exactly great by today's standards, but Vice City remains a solid open-world game, given that it also helped pave the way for the genre's modern games.
02:59He's the one that helped me set up this deal well away from Vice City's established thugs, okay?
03:04Number 26. Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater
03:07Fight like a warrior, Volgan.
03:10But of course.
03:13We're still in a dream, Snake Eater, and we don't want to wake up.
03:17Metal Gear Solid 3 Snake Eater takes the cinematic presentation and gripping labyrinthine story this franchise is known for to new heights.
03:24Often regarded as a high point for the series, Snake Eater takes the stealth action gameplay back to the Cold War, and introduces improved combat and survival elements.
03:31Although its visuals are somewhat dated, if you really want the story and gameplay with better graphics, there's always the upcoming remake.
03:37Personally, the original still gives us a thrill.
03:40You are a true patriot.
03:43Number 25. Ratchet & Up Your Arsenal
03:47And yet, you deny your own destiny. You choose to bow and scrape before the squishies!
03:54While there is much debate on which of the early Ratchet & Clank games holds up best, our pick goes to the third game, Up Your Arsenal.
04:00The platforming the series is known for isn't emphasized as much, and the shooting mechanics are among the most satisfying, with a great progression of upgrades throughout the game.
04:08In addition to the highly replayable single player, it also introduced multiplayer to the series, giving Up Your Arsenal even more reasons to return to it.
04:15The cartoony aesthetic and goofy humor give the game an ageless appeal, while its story contains some surprisingly mature elements.
04:21It's just a really solid title.
04:25Perhaps now you will tell me what Dr. Nefarious is planning.
04:28Number 24. Batman Arkham Asylum
04:31Today is the Joker's big homecoming, and you're the guest of honor!
04:34You have one chance to surrender.
04:36This game changed everything for superhero video games.
04:39Batman Arkham Asylum tells an immersive original story of the Dark Knight trapped in the titular prison with some of his greatest foes, with voice acting from Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, some legendary names from Batman Animation.
04:50The game features incredible combat, and an emphasis on stealth and exploration.
04:54So many aspects of its gameplay have proven influential on later titles, that it feels practically modern.
04:59Despite spawning a franchise, Arkham Asylum holds up well on its own merits, and it doesn't take the world's greatest detective to figure out why.
05:06A toy color won't stop me from killing you, Batman!
05:10Number 23. Uncharted 2 Among Thieves
05:13The Uncharted games are among the most celebrated action-adventure games, and they really hit their stride with the second entry.
05:23Uncharted 2 Among Thieves has a spectacular story, with incredible set piece after incredible set piece.
05:28The characters are fun, engaging, and unforgettable.
05:31Between the combat, platforming, and puzzles, the gameplay never stays in one mode for too long.
05:36The game is always moving on to the next thing, which helps keep the experience fresh, no matter how many times you've played it.
05:42With how well it's aged, Uncharted 2 Among Thieves is among good company.
05:46Drake!
05:52Number 22. Gears of War
05:54Here, put this on. You'll need it.
05:57You could get in a lot of trouble for doing this.
06:00Not anymore. Things have changed.
06:03The progenitor of the successful third-person shooter franchise that shares its name, Gears of War still plays as great today as it did when it first released.
06:10The series hasn't changed the core gameplay since the game debuted, and why change this kind of perfection?
06:15The cover-based shooting and chainsaw guns remain incredibly satisfying, and incredibly gory.
06:19The story, while nothing special, is still gritty and arresting.
06:23The co-op and multiplayer are also fantastic, and make going through the campaign with friends, or duking it out, an absolute blast.
06:30Gears of War may require some oil, but it still gets our motors running.
06:34Watch the side!
06:35You missed!
06:36It'll map their tunnel, so that we can hit those sons of bitches where they live!
06:43Number 21. Super Metroid
06:51One of the definitive examples of the Metroidvania genre, more on that later, Super Metroid immerses the player in a two-dimensional sci-fi epic.
06:58Exploring claustrophobic alien environments is both a wonderful and nail-biting experience today, as unlocking each new area brings with it new weapons and upgrades, but also new dangers.
07:08The 16-bit graphics are gorgeous, the combat is fun, the bosses are huge and challenging, and the music is iconic.
07:14Even after all these years, there may still be new secrets to uncover, or at least new records to beat for speedrunning.
07:20Number 20. The Secret of Monkey Island
07:30Point-and-click adventure games tend to age pretty well overall, since the overall gameplay has largely remained the same over the decades.
07:38The Secret of Monkey Island is one of the genre's kings.
07:42Following the adventures of hapless wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood, the player must solve puzzles through dialogue and performing various actions.
07:54The retro-pixelated look certainly gives the game a classic feel, but it's one that never really goes out of style.
08:00The biggest draw here is the story and characters, both of which are hilarious.
08:05The Secret of Monkey Island has aged better than a bottle of rum.
08:10Number 19. Left 4 Dead
08:16One of the more recent games on our list, Left 4 Dead is a zombie survival game focused on teamwork.
08:29A group of four survivors must navigate the apocalypse by making their way from safe house to safe house while avoiding hordes of zombies, including mutated ones with special abilities.
08:39The visuals still hold up well over a decade later, but it's the core gameplay that has really kept players invested in Left 4 Dead and its sequel.
08:52The need to cooperate with your teammates, as well as the constant danger, keeps the experience thrilling every time you play.
08:58It's like being in a zombie movie, but without the risk of infection.
09:01Unlike its zombies, Left 4 Dead hasn't decayed one bit.
09:04Number 18. Tekken 3
09:19Tekken 3 was graphically impressive for a PS1 game.
09:22But while it may not hold a candle to visuals of modern installments in the franchise, it's still a very solid fighter.
09:28The third entry in the franchise truly took things into the third dimension,
09:31with fighters able to move in more directions than left or right, and up or down.
09:41The variety of fighters is remarkable, and they all feel distinct from one another.
09:45Playing as a bear or a dinosaur with boxing gloves takes some getting used to,
09:49but these unconventional combatants really add to the experience.
09:52You win.
09:56Number 17. Half-Life 2
09:59A much beloved FPS, Half-Life 2 was such a huge hit that even a decade and a half after its release,
10:13it remains the standard by which comparable games are judged.
10:16Its physics engine allowed for new levels of interactivity with the environment through the awesome gravity gun.
10:21It immerses players in the dystopian sci-fi narrative by omitting cutscenes and keeping you in the action.
10:35Its just an all-around excellent gaming experience.
10:38While it might not seem revolutionary today, that's only because every other FPS has since taken cues from Half-Life 2.
10:45If and when Half-Life 3 comes out, it has a lot to live up to.
10:57Number 16. Chrono Trigger
11:00Chrono Trigger is more than just that time travel RPG.
11:07The world and characters are all brilliantly realized and change based on the actions you take in the past and the future.
11:13Its engaging story flies by, yet it feels richer and more detailed than games twice its length.
11:19The combat is turn-based, but is based on timed meters and allows for team-up attacks.
11:31There are also no random encounters.
11:33Basically, it doesn't waste your time.
11:35Chrono Trigger could be made today and still be hailed as a masterpiece of an RPG.
11:39Its just that timeless.
11:41Number 15. Pac-Man
11:55Simplicity often translates to a game aging well, and they don't get much simpler than Pac-Man.
12:00Waka waka your way through a maze, eat the pellets, avoid the ghosts, or eat them with a power pellet, go to the next stage.
12:06It's a repetitive gameplay loop, but it's so fun and satisfying that it has been remade and remixed countless times.
12:20You can search Google right now and play the game right in the search engine.
12:23That's how widespread it is.
12:25Pac-Man has never lost his appetite for pellets, and gamers have never lost their appetite for Pac-Man.
12:31No. 14. Mario Kart 64
12:44Racers in general tend to age better than most games, and Mario Kart 64 is no exception.
12:49The game still handles great and has a ton of fun tracks to race on.
12:53While the 2D pre-rendered racers and items certainly date the game, the core gameplay is as fun as any of the newer Mario Kart entries.
13:00If you have it, popping it in with some friends to play battle mode or race through the Grand Prix is still a blast.
13:12And sure, getting hit with a blue shell might induce some rage, but it's not like those are restricted to 64.
13:18No. 14. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 New Age of Heroes
13:29Fighting games come and go, but Marvel vs. Capcom 2 will never die.
13:41Marvel's superheroes and villains squaring off against Capcom video game characters in massive 3v3 matches, what could be better?
13:48MVC 2 is one of the flashiest, most broken fighters out there, and it's all the better for it.
13:53The game is still frequently seen at tournaments, and it's because casuals and pros alike can appreciate the absolute insanity that occurs in matches.
14:12Plus, the animated art style and the oh-so-smooth soundtrack make for a perfect pairing in any decade.
14:25You win!
14:27Number 12. Diablo 2
14:37Decades after its release, people are still playing Diablo 2.
14:40It's one of those undisputed kings of action RPGs.
14:43Part of the reason behind its longevity is the addictive gameplay.
14:46Sure, a lot of it is just clicking a mouse, but the progression of defeating the next enemy, or finding that next bit of loot that will help you defeat the next enemy, is incredibly satisfying.
15:03The degree of customization with your characters also ensures that you'll be playing the game for a long time.
15:08Number 11. Donkey Kong Country SNES Trilogy
15:29We usually like to restrict our entries to single games in a series, but the Donkey Kong Country games from the 90s were all so good and released so close together, we couldn't choose just one.
15:38The trio of platformers has distinctive pre-rendered sprites that still look good today.
15:49Featuring a barrel full of levels, a ton of secrets, and iconic music, the Donkey Kong Country series has definitely aged better than Cranky Kong.
15:57Whether you're looking for challenging platforming, or just something fun to pick up, the first three Donkey Kong Country games are sure to drive you bananas, in the best way possible.
16:09Number 10. Combat Evolved
16:21The original Halo was a game-changer for its time, bringing fast-paced FPS gameplay to consoles, while also delivering a sweeping space epic and addictive multiplayer.
16:29Although some aspects of its level design haven't aged gracefully, the majority of the game has.
16:42Combat Evolved really lived up to its name, proving incredibly influential on the FPS genre, which is perhaps why it continues to hold up so much better than its contemporaries.
16:48Playing through the campaign or multiplayer with friends is still as fun as it ever was.
16:55And that epic soundtrack will never, ever get old.
16:59Number 9. Final Fantasy VI
17:12Final Fantasy games are the gold standard of RPGs, and its sixth installment has aged like fine wine.
17:17The last in the series for the Super Nintendo, Final Fantasy VI features a story that subverts many of the tropes the franchise is known for, while also dealing with mature subject matter.
17:37It also features one of the biggest casts of playable characters in the series, which allows for a lot of variety in how you approach battles.
17:44The 16-bit graphics have an enduring appeal, and they still manage to make things like the opera scene moving, or Kefka's laugh terrifying.
17:59FF6 may not have some of its successors enduring popularity, but it has arguably held up better.
18:05Number 8. Sonic the Hedgehog 2
18:26These days, it can be easy to forget that Sonic was once one of the biggest names in platforming, and he had earned it.
18:32While all his Genesis-era games are excellent, the second installment is our pick for the one that holds up the best.
18:45The game introduces tails to the franchise, while also featuring more branching level design, as well as upgraded moves like the spin dash.
18:53While the pseudo-3D bonus stages certainly show their age, overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has enough high-speed gameplay that any low points are quick and easy to breeze right into.
19:02While the game is in the past.
19:03Number 7. Castlevania Symphony of the Night
19:09Castlevania Symphony of the Night
19:11Castlevania Symphony of the Night
19:15Castlevania Symphony of the Night wasn't the game that started the series' non-linear approach with interconnected maps and RPG elements, but it certainly popularized it.
19:20Symphony of the Night features a sprawling detailed castle to explore, fun and creative combat, and one of gaming's most celebrated musical scores.
19:38The gorgeously detailed pixelated graphics still look excellent today.
19:50Like any good piece of music, Symphony of the Night will give you a different experience every time you return to it.
19:55The voice acting is admittedly pretty cringy at times, but the game's depth and absorbing gameplay have helped it stay as ageless as Dracula.
20:03Or Alucard, for that matter.
20:06How? How is it that I've been so defeated?
20:10You have been doomed ever since you lost the ability to love.
20:15Number 6. The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
20:19Most games in the Zelda franchise have aged incredibly well, but if there's one entry that fans keep returning to, it's Ocarina of Time.
20:32It's widely regarded as one of the best and most influential 3D games ever made.
20:36The sense of adventure and satisfaction you get from exploring Hyrule on your quest to save the world is hard to beat.
20:42The characters and world grim with life and charm, and the music is utterly unforgettable.
20:53Of course, there are some clunky elements, and the graphics are no longer cutting edge, but despite this, Ocarina of Time is a timeless masterpiece.
21:01Number 5. Doom
21:11Given that it practically invented the FPS genre, or at least popularized it, you'd think Doom would be incredibly dated.
21:24And to be sure, there are some aspects of this game that are very much products of its time.
21:29From the mostly 2D visuals, to the focus on gameplay over story, Doom shows its age.
21:34But these aren't necessarily bad things.
21:41Heck, it even does some things modern shooters don't, but should do more of.
21:45Like allowing you to pit enemies against each other.
21:48Doom is a constant barrage of enemies, awesome guns, and progressive metal music.
21:53Killing demons on Mars will never stop being cool.
22:03Number 4. Super Smash Bros. Melee
22:13The Super Smash Bros. franchise has had some great titles in it, but few of them have the enduring popularity of Melee.
22:19Its graphics have aged more gracefully than even some of its successors.
22:22But where Melee truly shines is in its gameplay.
22:24While it's of course a fun party game that pretty much anyone can pick up and enjoy, pitting famous Nintendo characters against each other is deceptive in its simplicity.
22:41Hiding beneath its accessible veneer is a surprisingly rich fighter, whose precise controls have given it lasting popularity in esports.
22:48Whether you're a casual or hardcore gamer, Melee will never die.
22:52Number 3. Resident Evil 4.
23:02A singular entry in this horror franchise, Resident Evil 4 is fantastic.
23:05The thrilling action takes the player on a rollercoaster ride of one amazing set piece after another.
23:20The story is linear, but gives players options in how to approach encounters.
23:24Sure, the QTEs are a pain for some, and the inability to move while shooting can take some getting used to.
23:38But the game is built around them, so it's fine.
23:40All in all, RE4 influenced so many third-person shooter games that it honestly doesn't feel out of place among the big action titles of today.
23:48Number 2. Tetris.
24:03Of course Tetris has aged well. It's Tetris. It's THE puzzle game.
24:07Align different shaped blocks into rows to eliminate them until they stack up too high and you lose.
24:12Its addictive gameplay scratches that itch and all of our brains while increasing the pace to keep us invested.
24:17Such a simple concept, but it's because of the simplicity that Tetris has been copied, remixed, and remade for decades.
24:30It may not be our number one, but Tetris will probably outlast all the rest of our entries, and maybe even then some.
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24:57Number 1. Super Mario World.
25:11We could have chosen almost any Mario game for this list, but Super Mario World is arguably the most timeless title in the storied video game franchise.
25:18The Mario franchise had arguably already reached the peak of 2D platforming, but Super Mario World polished it to perfection.
25:25The expansive world has a ton of levels, and even if you gun it to the final boss, there are still a plethora of secrets to uncover.
25:36The visuals and music leap off the screen, and are just as appealing to the senses today as they've ever been.
25:42Super Mario World, like Mario's mustache, will never go out of style.
25:57Did you enjoy this video? Check out these other clips from WatchMojo, and be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
26:05We'll see you next time.
26:06Bye.
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