The more we move into modern gaming, the more I see titles come and go like the wind, only worth giving a second glance to if there’s DLC on the way. Even marquis titles with bank-breaking marketing pushes prior to release are brushed aside no more than a month after launch, with everyone screaming about what’s coming out next. It got me thinking about some of the true classics out there that made us forget about the “next big thing,” games that even today we could pick up and get absolutely lost in. Here are ten games that have stood the test of time.
Bejeweled
I would typically be loath to even mention a browser-based game on a mainstream gaming site, but in this instance, credit must be given where it is due. Bejeweled is a true pioneer in the video game industry, almost single-handedly infusing the ailing puzzler genre with newfound life. Of course, it ushered non-gamers into our world by the millions, but at least those “gamers” are playing games themselves now rather than telling us we shouldn’t be playing. Win-win I think. Bejeweled has had a few offspring, and an innumerable amount of copycats, but there’s no arguing what title is the 21st Century Tetris. You may not want to admit ever playing this puzzler, but with over two-hundred million copies sold and downloaded, odds are you’ve had a few guilty pleasure moments with Bejeweled.
Contra
Before 3D environments became the new standard, games like Contra were our shooters. Contra was an early entry, but like GoldenEye for the FPS genre, it was the template to be followed. The platforming required precision timing, the variety of guns fit the gameplay perfectly, and with co-op play, it was literally a blast with a friend. If you’re tired of the same regurgitated first-person experience on current-generation consoles, spend a few bucks to download this gem (it’s available on XBLA, PSN, and the Virtual Console). Oh, and don’t forget the Konami Code.
Diablo II
After the initial retail success of Diablo III, hardcore fans of the series suddenly became disillusioned with the lack of end-game content. Heck, even Blizzard acknowledged the flaw. The game was worth the cost in hours played, but the design was meant for indefinite replayability, and that just didn’t come to fruition. Diablo II is still being played over a decade after its release, and, though technically inferior to the most recent entry, it retains its charm and leaves us with a comfortable and fulfilling experience for our continued enjoyment. Passing this decade-long time test give Diablo II a solid place on this list, a place Diablo III will likely never earn.
Chrono Trigger
Despite Squaresoft’s legacy with the Final Fantasy series, the more action-oriented Chrono Trigger was arguably the most memorable RPG experience on the Super NES. Everything from the sound to the graphics to the gameplay was just well above anything that had come before it. Mix in the definitive motley crew of playable characters and a story that shifts between time periods (eventually at your leisure), and Chrono Trigger easily gets an A+ in every department. Its successor, Chrono Cross, did amazingly well itself, but when itching for an old school RPG experience, Chrono Trigger is the clear choice.
Pokémon Red & Blue (and Yellow)
The Game Boy was notoriously good at draining the juice out of batteries. So when the original Pokémon games took the gaming community by storm, it was an absolute necessity to purchase an AC adaptor. Trying to capture every creature, level them up, and battle against trainers was a full-time commitment, but it was a grind that most were happy to endure. We all know how far the series has come and the other mediums it has engulfed since then. We’ve even just been blessed with news of Pokémon X and Y coming to the 3DS this fall. But don’t you just have this itch to find a bulky, old Game Boy and pop Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow into it? Good times.
Sonic the Hedgehog
SEGA’s indisputable mascot was the perfect competitor to Nintendo’s Mario, one that fit the SEGA brand and audience to a T. Never before had we experienced gameplay at such speed, with the thrill that ultimately accompanies it. And quite frankly, even today’s speed-driven titles have a hard time holding a candle to The Blue Blur. Sonic himself has tried to adapt to new technology and 3D visuals, but the results have been substandard. SEGA even tried to rekindle the lost love with the recently released Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episodes I & II, but they still lacked the perfection of their ancestor. No, the original Sonic the Hedgehog has been, and quite possibly may always be, our one true outlet for a speed rush.
Banjo-Kazooie
Mario may always have bragging rights as being the first foray into 3D platforming, but every Nintendo 64 owner knows Banjo-Kazooie was the ultimate 3D action-adventure game of the era. The textures were gorgeous, the level design was top-notch, we were blessed with new and endearing characters, and the game had an overall level of polish that made even the big boys at Nintendo rethink future designs in the genre. Banjo-Kazooie was a Rare title, the juggernaut game developer of the time. The company is now owned by Microsoft, so if you’re an Xbox owner I strongly advise you to at least try the free demo. If you like it (which you will), a mere 1200 points will give you hours of possibly the best 3D platforming you’ve ever played.
Baldur’s Gate
Before Baldur’s Gate, many believed the computer RPG genre was headed in a downward spiral toward oblivion. No developer could seem to figure out how to evolve the genre. Baldur’s Gate single-handedly resurrected interest, as millions glued themselves to their monitors long after the game’s release (this writer included). The Forgotten Realms-based story was epic, open to expansion, and it contained a plethora memorable NPCs. The player characters finally had emotional substance, led by your conversation choices. The areas to explore were vast and filled with secrets only to be found by those meticulous with their cursors. We’ve now been blessed with an Enhanced Version and a promise that Baldur’s Gate III will grace us at some point in the future. Until then, I’ll return to the Sword Coast once more and pull my party out of retirement for another adventure.
Fallout
Now don’t get me wrong, Fallout 3 is an amazing game; it’s certainly the best in the series and is probably bound for the gaming Hall of Fame as one of the best games ever. But its success must give an incredible amount of credit to the pioneer title of the series. Few would classify Fallout 3 as an FPS, but rather a first-person role-playing game with guns. There are quests, character customization, strategic pausing during combat, and rewards for exploration. These are all features of the original game. It may use a fairly outdated isometric camera shot, but the first Fallout game had many elements that still feel modern in today’s ever-changing gaming universe. Find a copy of this gem to play for yourself, and Fallout 3 will make a whole lot of sense.
Mega Man 2
With today’s gaming design standard including checkpoints, infinite lives, and few penalties, there’s still something to be said for the raw skill that was a necessity a couple of decades ago. If you were a gamer back then, Mega Man is probably the first series that comes to mind when asked about a fiendishly challenging experience. Mega Man 2 was the pinnacle entry, and its success enticed Capcom to spawn dozens of offspring and spin-offs. Throughout its lifespan, the series has evolved with the technology, but there’s really nothing like a classic. With a craving for a Mega Man 2-like experience, Capcom produced a ninth and tenth installment, both of which stripped away the modern pizzazz and left us with that naked-yet-satisfying challenge. Many thanks to you, Mega Man 2.