Today, video games are huge. New games, new systems, online games, and amazing and realistic graphics — all of these contribute to the amazing games we see being played and streamed all over the internet. But every once in a while, every gamer needs to take a step back and play the classics — but what are the classics today?
Ten-to-twenty years ago is now "old," but there are games from those decades always worth playing again. Even though the graphics aren't as amazing as they are now, sometimes it's good to be nostalgic and pick up and "older" controller.
Here are 20 games that you need to play again, for old times' sake.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Still considered the best "Smash Bros." games by many competitive players, everyone can play their favorite franchise characters to create combos and knockouts against your friends. A simple classic!
2. Sonic Adventure 2 Battle (2001)
This game has an awesome story mode with multiple playable characters and an introduction to Sonic's enemy, Shadow, which you can play as well. It takes all the speed of a Sonic game and combines it with a number of levels, and a cute Chao Garden.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
One of the best (if not the best) Zelda games, "Ocarina of Time" sets the bar for the open world gaming and following an incredible story. "Ocarina of Time" is a coming of age story with an amazing set of supporting characters, sweet music, and... the water temple.
4. Super Mario World (1990)
There's debate over whether "Super Mario Bros 3" or "Super Mario World" is better, but the appearance of Yoshi changed Mario gaming for years to come. The challenges and new visuals created one of the best Mario games of all time and a great replay. If you play "Super Mario Bros 3," you'll see why there is such debate and determine your personal fav yourself!
5. Pokemon Yellow (1998)
What's better than a Pokemon game? A Pokemon game where Pikachu travels with you! "Pokemon Yellow" is the classic adventure with updated anime-like sprites. Get out there and catch them all!
6. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
This game turned out to be the game that appeared in the right time, being the first in the series to use 3D computer graphics. Classic characters, almost unparalleled gameplay and story, and one of the most memorable moments in not just Final Fantasy history, but video game history.
7. Animal Crossing: Wild World (2005)
"Animal Crossing" is one of the most relaxing games of all time. Happy animal neighbors, cute little tasks, and comforting music make up this game. Fish, catch bugs, and finish tasks for your neighbors to pay off your own home. If you're ever in a bad mood, the townsfolk are bound to help you cheer up!
8. Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (2005)
This game is tough, slightly frustrating, with great battles around every corner of the story. Although many gamers were disappointed about its lack of portability, the RPG still stayed a favorite for GameCube fans. Fantastic charismatic characters, decent 3D animations, and an in-depth story that balances the themes and the adventure of the game.
9. Tales of Symphonia (2003)
A game that crosses old school and the modern times (at the time!), it offers a unique battle system, a storyline that really makes you feel for the characters, great puzzles outside of combat plays, and introduces some dark themes that are still easy to understand. While the characters feel a bit flat at first, they slowly develop over the course of the story to create great character moments. A must play as one of the best "Tales Of" series.
10. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
"Grand Theft Auto" is one game series everyone knows of and will continue to play, but the third one in the series is where things got interesting. It created storylines aimed at adults, brought in big deal celebrities to voice multiple characters, showed the importance of a great soundtrack, and added onto the great genre of open-world gaming with a vivid and realistic world in a time where most open world gaming consisted of a fantasy element. A great way to get the true taste of GTA, especially if you add in any mods.
11. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)
Castlevania is a unique gaming series, but "Symphony of the Night" is overall fun to play, has one of the best soundtracks in gaming, and has an incredible level design. The gameplay wasn't super hard yet not super easy, with some mindblowing twists.
12. Tomb Raider II (1997)
Better than the first, the multitude of locations, tricky challenges, call to detail, and pure exploration all create one of the best "Tomb Raider" games of all time. Although, like every Tomb Raider game, death comes around quite frequently. Yet, this is still a great way to get in some classic raiding.
13. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
The Halo series brought new experiences to the first person shooter genre, yet there's something about "Combat Evolved" that always stays in a gamer's memories. The game introduced a vivid universe with huge levels, and one of the most ferocious enemy AI yet to be seen.
14. Mortal Kombat (1992)
The game that brought the phrase "finish him!" to existence. Not the best "Mortal Kombat" video game out there, but definitively one to bring back memories. For its time, it was a great game that started a series. Now, it's on this list so you can go back and relive this violent game in its originality once more.
15. The Sims (2000)
The game where you play God and control the multiple lives inside your tiny world. A home designer and character creator, this game allows you to basically do whatever you want with your sims, whether it's building a beautiful house for your new family, or removing the ladder from the swimming pool and letting the grim reaper find his way over.
16. Super Metroid (1994)
Another game that had detailed visuals and great music is "Super Metroid." On top of its amazing level design, the game also allowed the player to explore, make wrong decisions and get lost, as well as an almost perfect integration of tools and weapons. Above all, the finale is something you need to experience.
17. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
This game tried for the 3D graphics in a time where that was difficult to accomplish. "Metal Gear Solid" introduced a compelling story, memorable characters, and even plays with the fourth wall when no other game did. It was revolutionary in its day and is still one amazing play.
18. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
This game is one of the most decent games when it comes to setting the mood. Grey skies, corpses, and overwhelming enemies truly set up the game from the very start. Facing monsters you never believe you can defeat, the impressive over-the-shoulder camera, and amazing gunplay are only some of the reasons to replay this game.
19. Earthbound (1995)
Although "Earthbound" wasn't the best game when it came to marketing, it's still as familiar as any "Pokemon" game. The game is a great adventure where you run into a variety of people ranging from street thugs to crazy policemen, but the main character doesn't really have any big "superpowers." In the end, you meet interesting characters while following simple gameplay and you still feel like you had a fantastic adventure.
20. Pokemon Emerald (2004)
The region, the Pokemon, the legendary Pokemon, the music, and a concise plot all come together to create one of the best Pokemon games ever. "Pokemon Emerald" has consistently been a fan favorite since its release and we still beg for a 3DS remake. This game is so great that it simply has to be on the list with "Pokemon Yellow."
