Looking for classic games that stand the test of time? Here are 10 must-play retro games that are just as fun today as they were at launch.

Introduction

Most of us remember our childhood days. Spending time with friends playing games like Super Mario and Street Fighter. Today these games are considered ” retro”…. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy them. Most of these games still hold their own in a very huge gaming market. Maybe it’s how they were designed or maybe, it’s the fact that they were just so addictive. The point is, is that we still love them, we still play them and we can pass the fun to the younger generations. Let’s dive in!

What Makes a Classic Game Still Playable Today?

A classic game remains playable today due to a combination of timeless design principles, engaging mechanics, and strong emotional or nostalgic connections. Here’s what makes a classic stand the test of time:

• Simple yet deep mechanics ensure that a game remains fun and engaging.
• Responsive controls and fluid gameplay keep players coming back.
• Balanced difficulty offers both challenge and satisfaction.

• Pixel art, cel-shading, and stylized graphics age better than early 3D realism.
• Clear and readable design ensures the game remains visually appealing.

• Well-crafted levels that encourage exploration and mastery.
• Multiple playstyles, secrets, or random elements add to replayability.

• Memorable soundtracks that evoke nostalgia and enhance immersion.
• Well-designed sound effects that provide feedback and engagement.

• Couch co-op and online multiplayer help games stay relevant.
• Community-driven content, mods, or competitive scenes extend longevity.

• Easy to learn, hard to master—great games welcome newcomers but reward skill.
• Simple controls ensure that even new players can jump in without frustration.

• Strong narratives or compelling characters keep players invested.
• Themes and messages that resonate across generations.

• Mods can refresh a classic, keeping it relevant with new content.
• Remasters and re-releases introduce games to new audiences.

The Top 10 Must-Play Classic Games That Still Hold Up

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Original Platform: Nintendo 64

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a 1998 action-adventure game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64 console. As the fifth installment in The Legend of Zelda series, it was the first to feature 3D graphics. Players control Link, a young hero tasked with stopping the evil Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce, a sacred relic that grants its holder ultimate power. The game introduced innovative mechanics, such as a targeting system for combat and puzzle-solving, and has been widely acclaimed for its immersive gameplay and storytelling. It has influenced numerous subsequent video games and is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.

Fun Fact: Find A Free Hylian Shield

In Kakariko Village’s graveyard, a hidden grave conceals an underground passage. Within this eerie tunnel lies a chest containing a gleaming Hylian Shield. However, if Link already possesses one, the chest will instead hold a blue Rupee.

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Original Platform: Nintendo 64

Super Mario 64 (1996) is a landmark 3D platformer developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. Directed by Shigeru Miyamoto, it revolutionized video games with its open-world exploration, dynamic camera system, and innovative gameplay. Players control Mario as he travels through Princess Peach’s castle, collecting Power Stars to stop Bowser. The game’s success has had a lasting influence on the gaming industry, inspiring numerous sequels and adaptations.

Fun Fact: Boo’s Cackle

The sound for the Boo’s cackle was the sound effect used for Bowser’s laugh sped up. When the sound is played at normal speed it’s a group of people laughing. Usually, when you get the eight red coins in a level, the camera switches to show you where the star has appeared.

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Original Platform: Sony Playstation

Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing game developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in 1997 for the PlayStation. It is one of the most influential and beloved RPGs of all time. The game follows Cloud Strife, a former soldier who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to fight the corrupt Shinra Corporation, which is draining the planet’s life force. Along the way, Cloud and his allies uncover a deeper threat posed by the game’s primary antagonist, Sephiroth.

The game features a turn-based battle system, a rich storyline, and groundbreaking 3D graphics for its time. It was a major success both commercially and critically, helping popularize Japanese RPGs in the West. The game has since spawned spin-offs, a feature film (Advent Children), and a full remake series, starting with Final Fantasy VII Remake in 2020.

Fun Fact: PlayStation wasn’t the first platform

Although the game was released on PlayStation the original development was intended for the Nintendo 64, The switch was due to the expanded storage space the disc games provided over the cartridge. The developers also looked at PC and Sega Saturn as possible platforms.

DOOM (1993)

Original Platform: MS-DOS

Doom (1993) is a groundbreaking first-person shooter developed by id Software. It follows a space marine (often referred to as “Doomguy”) who battles hordes of demons unleashed from Hell after an experiment on Mars’ moon, Phobos, goes wrong. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay, 3D environments, and pioneering multiplayer deathmatches.

It played a crucial role in shaping the FPS genre, introducing mechanics like modding and custom levels. Doom was a massive commercial success and influenced countless games. Its legacy continues with sequels, reboots, and an active modding community.

Fun Fact: Doom is playable on just about everything.

Modding culture has made this amazing game push the limits of tech by making it playable on many unusual devices including:

Pokemon Red/Blue (1998)

Original Platform: Nintendo Gameboy

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow are the first-generation Pokémon games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. Released in Japan in 1996 (as Red and Green), and later in North America (1998) and Europe (1999) as Red and Blue, these games kicked off the global Pokémon phenomenon. Pokémon Yellow was released in 1998 (Japan) and 1999 (internationally) as an enhanced version with elements inspired by the Pokémon anime, featuring Pikachu as the starter Pokémon.

Players take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer, traveling through the Kanto region to catch and train Pokémon, battle Gym Leaders, and ultimately challenge the Elite Four to become the Pokémon Champion. The goal is also to complete the Pokédex by capturing all 151 Pokémon. The games introduced turn-based battles, type advantages, and the ability to trade Pokémon via Game Link Cable, encouraging social interaction.

Fun Fact: Rhydon, Clefairy, and Lapras were the first Pokémon ever created for the game.

Pokémon designer Sugimori confirmed that Rhydon, Clefairy, and Lapras were the first Pokémon ever created for the game. These Pokémon were designed early on as the development team focused on creating creatures that could live alongside human characters, with abilities like carrying items or providing transportation across the sea by carrying people on their backs.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

Original Platform: Nintendo (NES)

Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) is a platformer game by Nintendo for the NES. Players control Mario or Luigi to save Princess Toadstool and seven other kingdoms from Bowser. The game introduces key Mario elements like the Koopalings, new abilities like flight, and a world map for non-linear level progression. It became a seminal title in the Super Mario series, influencing many later games.

Fun Fact: World 3 looks like Japan

The castle islands in World 3 resemble the islands of Japan. The castle itself is geographically placed where Nintendo Headquarters is located in Japan.

Goldeneye 007 (1997)

Original Platform: Nintendo 64

GoldenEye 007 (1997) is a first-person shooter based on the James Bond film. Developed by Rare for the Nintendo 64, the game follows James Bond as he prevents a criminal syndicate from using a satellite weapon. It features both single-player missions and a popular multiplayer deathmatch mode. Initially developed as a rail shooter, it became a revolutionary first-person shooter. The game was a massive success, praised for its visuals, gameplay, and multiplayer, and sold over eight million copies. It also won several prestigious awards.

Fun Fact: The Donkey Kong Country team was asked to make it first

Nintendo was approached by the James Bond creators about making a GoldenEye game, and passed the opportunity to Rare, a UK studio with experience in licensed games. Rare founder Tim Stamper sent members of the Donkey Kong Country team to a Bond movie set event. While they weren’t initially interested, Martin Hollis decided to take the initiative and proposed creating the game. Stamper approved, and Hollis was given the green light to start working on the design.

Battletoads (1991)

Battletoads (1991) is a beat ’em-up platform game developed by Rare. It features three humanoid toads—Rash, Zitz, and Pimple—who must rescue their kidnapped friend and a princess from the villainous Dark Queen. The game, known for its difficult gameplay, includes a variety of levels, such as racing and climbing. It was well-received for its graphics but criticized for its high difficulty. It has since gained a reputation as one of the hardest video games and was later included in Rare Replay (2015).

Fun Fact: Battletoads was intentionally hard to beat.

In 2012, Yahoo! Games stated that the game was still widely recognised as one of the most difficult games ever made, particularly noting the chance of players accidentally killing their partner in two-player mode. Nerdist remarks that Battletoads’s sudden difficulty spike was intended to combat the video game rental industry; if the game was more difficult, then it would take longer to complete, and consumers would be more likely to purchase a retail cartridge instead of renting one.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000)

Original Platform: Sony Playstation, Windows PC

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is a skateboarding video game released in 2000, developed by Neversoft and published by Activision. As the second installment in the Tony Hawk series, it built upon its predecessor by introducing new gameplay mechanics, notably the manual, which allows players to link tricks for extended combos. The game features a roster of professional skateboarders and offers various modes, including Career Mode, where players complete objectives to unlock new levels and equipment. Critically acclaimed for its addictive gameplay, expansive environments, detailed graphics, and a soundtrack blending punk rock and hip-hop music, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is often regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made. It was initially released for the PlayStation and later ported to multiple platforms, including Windows, Dreamcast, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo 64.

Fun Fact: The Hanger level location is a reference to Neversoft president Joel Jewett

The Hangar level is set in the fictional locale of Mullet Falls, Montana. This is a reference to Neversoft president Joel Jewett, who had a mullet during development and is from Great Falls, MT.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2011. Set in the northern province of Skyrim, 200 years after the events of its predecessor, Oblivion, the game follows the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero on a quest to defeat Alduin, a dragon foretold to destroy the world. Players can explore an open world, engage in various quests, and develop their character’s skills across combat, magic, and stealth disciplines. The game received critical acclaim for its expansive world design and depth of gameplay, leading to multiple re-releases, including the Special Edition in 2016 and the Anniversary Edition in 2021.

Fun Fact:  Charles Martinet also voiced Mario

Paarthurnax, a wise dragon sage in Skyrim, is one of the last surviving dragons—a closely guarded secret of the Greybeards. The decision to kill or spare him is among the game’s most impactful choices.

Interestingly, Paarthurnax is voiced by Charles Martinet, best known as the voice of Mario from the Mario franchise, a role he has played since 1992, starting with the Super Mario Bros. pinball machine. While the two characters are vastly different, Martinet delivers a standout performance in both.

Gran Turismo (1997)

Original Platform: Sony Playstation

Gran Turismo is a 1997 simulation racing video game developed by Polys Entertainment (now Polyphony Digital) and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation console. Directed by Kazunori Yamauchi, the game offers two main modes: Arcade Mode, where players can freely select cars and tracks, and Simulation Mode, which requires players to obtain licenses, earn credits, and win championships to progress. Featuring 140 cars and 11 tracks (with reverse variations), Gran Turismo was praised for its realistic physics, graphics, and extensive car selection. It became the best-selling PlayStation game, with 10.85 million copies sold worldwide, and is regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time

Fun Fact: 140 cars to drive. All different from each other.

Every car in the games was uniquely designed to be authentic. All of the cars in the game are replicas of real-world counterparts, including power, handling, engine sounds, and more.

Summary

To date there are over 20,000 games that were created for us to enjoy… so making this list was very hard. I know there are so many more that should be on the list but these 10 retro games still hold their own in today’s world. These games are breakthroughs in gaming technology and innovation. They are challenging as well as rewarding. I hope you will give these games a chance and enjoy playing them.