- 1 year ago
These classic video games still hold up! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for video games that have aged like fine wine.
Category
🎮️
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.
00:21Number 30 – Mega Man X
00:28The Mega Man franchise, in general, tends to be pretty ageless, but the first entry
00:31in the Mega Man X series is the gold standard.
00:34Super Nintendo games have a timeless, 16-bit look that's just so clean.
00:37The side-scrolling gameplay is endlessly entertaining, putting X against eight Maverick bosses in
00:42stages you can tackle in any order.
00:44The story is minimalistic, but conveyed wonderfully.
00:46Plus, 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
00:54X is a game that still hits like an X-Buster shot today.
01:02Number 29 – Bioshock
01:10Would 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 – sometimes, literally
01:20– with atmosphere and inventiveness.
01:22The combat has a great mix of weapons and Adam-powered superpowers.
01:26The 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.
01:34Rapture may not live up to its name for its residents, but playing Bioshock is a blissful
01:38experience even today.
01:43Number 28 – Burnout 3 – Takedown
01:51Most racing games that strive for realistic graphics tend to be left in the dust fairly
01:54quickly.
01:55However, Burnout 3 – Takedown distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack not only
01:59with crisp visuals, but also its incredible gameplay.
02:02The arcade racer's emphasis on aggressive and highly destructive driving is as entertaining
02:06now 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
02:153 – Takedown a racing game that's difficult to burn out on.
02:24Number 27 – Grand Theft Auto – Vice City
02:32Many 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 Miami-like setting.
02:42Its story takes cues from some of the greatest gangster movies ever made and features an
02:45all-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
02:54a solid open-world game, given that it also helped pave the way for the genre's modern
02:58games.
03:04Number 26 – Metal Gear Solid 3 – Snake Eater
03:14We'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
03:21story 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
03:28back to the Cold War and introduces improved combat and survival elements.
03:31Although its visuals are somewhat dated, if you really want a story and gameplay with
03:35better graphics, there's always the upcoming remake.
03:38Personally, the original still gives us a thrill.
03:44Number 25 – Ratchet & Clank – Up Your Arsenal
03:54While there is much debate on which of the early Ratchet & Clank games holds up best,
03:58our pick goes to the third game, Up Your Arsenal.
04:01The platforming the series is known for isn't emphasized as much, and the shooting mechanics
04:04are 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,
04:12giving 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
04:19contains some surprisingly mature elements.
04:21It's just a really solid title.
04:28Number 24 – Batman Arkham Asylum
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
04:43prison with some of his greatest foes, with voice acting from Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill,
04:48some 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
04:58practically modern.
04:59Despite spawning a franchise, Arkham Asylum holds up well on its own merits, and it doesn't
05:03take the world's greatest detective to figure out why.
05:10Number 23 – Uncharted 2 – Among Thieves
05:18The Uncharted games are among the most celebrated action-adventure games, and they really hit
05:21their stride with the second entry.
05:23Uncharted 2 – Among Thieves has a spectacular story with incredible set piece after incredible
05:27set 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
05:35long.
05:36The game is always moving on to the next thing, which helps keep the experience fresh no matter
05:40how many times you've played it.
05:42With how well it's aged, Uncharted 2 – Among Thieves is among good company.
05:52Number 22 – Gears of War
06:03The progenitor of the successful third-person shooter franchise that shares its name, Gears
06:07of 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
06:14kind of perfection?
06:15The cover-based shooting and chainsaw guns remain incredibly satisfying and incredibly
06:19gory.
06:20The 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
06:27or duking it out an absolute blast.
06:30Gears of War may require some oil, but it still gets our motors running.
06:43Number 21 – Super Metroid
06:51One of the definitive examples of the Metroidvania genre – more on that later – Super Metroid
06:55immerses the player in a two-dimensional sci-fi epic.
06:58Exploring claustrophobic alien environments is both a wonderful and nail-biting experience
07:02today, as unlocking each new area brings with it new weapons and upgrades, but also new
07:07dangers.
07:08The 16-bit graphics are gorgeous, the combat is fun, the bosses are huge and challenging,
07:13and the music is iconic.
07:14Even after all these years, there may still be new secrets to uncover, or at least new
07:18records to beat for speedrunning.
07:25Number 20 – The Secret of Monkey Island
07:33Point-and-click adventure games tend to age pretty well overall, since the overall gameplay
07:37has largely remained the same over the decades.
07:40The Secret of Monkey Island is one of the genre's kings.
07:48Following the adventures of hapless wannabe pirate Guybrush Threepwood, the player must
07:52solve puzzles through dialogue and performing various actions.
07:55The retro-pixelated look certainly gives the game a classic feel, but it's one that never
07:59really goes out of style.
08:01The 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.
08:14Number 19 – Left 4 Dead
08:24One of the more recent games on our list, Left 4 Dead is a zombie survival game focused
08:28on teamwork.
08:29A group of four survivors must navigate the apocalypse by making their way from safehouse
08:33to safehouse while avoiding hordes of zombies, including mutated ones with special abilities.
08:44The visuals still hold up well over a decade later, but it's the core gameplay that has
08:48really 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
08:55experience 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.
09:11Number 18 – Tekken 3
09:19Tekken 3 was graphically impressive for a PS1 game, but while it may not hold a candle
09:23to 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, with fighters
09:32able 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, but these
09:49unconventional combatants really add to the experience.
09:56Number 17 – Half-Life 2
10:07A much-beloved FPS, Half-Life 2 was such a huge hit that even a decade and a half after
10:12its release, it remains the standard by which comparable games are judged.
10:16Its physics engine allowed for new levels of interactivity with the environment through
10:20the awesome gravity gun.
10:30It immerses players in the dystopian sci-fi narrative by omitting cutscenes and keeping
10:34you in the action.
10:35It's just an all-around excellent gaming experience.
10:39While it might not seem revolutionary today, that's only because every other FPS has
10:43since taken cues from Half-Life 2.
10:46And when Half-Life 3 comes out, it has a lot to live up to.
10:57Number 16 – Chrono Trigger
11:04Chrono 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
11:12take in the past and the future.
11:14Its engaging story flies by, yet it feels richer and more detailed than games twice
11:18its length.
11:26The 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.
11:39It's just that timeless.
11:47Number 15 – Pac-Man
11:55Simplicity often translates to a game aging well.
11:57And 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
12:04a power pellet, go to the next stage.
12:14It's a repetitive gameplay loop, but it's so fun and satisfying that it has been remade
12:18and remixed countless times.
12:20You can search Google right now and play the game right in the search engine.
12:24That's how widespread it is.
12:25Pac-Man has never lost his appetite for pellets, and gamers have never lost their appetite
12:30for Pac-Man.
12:37Number 14 – Mario Kart 64
12:44Racers in general tend to age better than most games, and Mario Kart 64 is no exception.
12:50The 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
12:57is as fun as any of the newer Mario Kart entries.
13:06If you have it, popping it in with some friends to play battle mode or race through the Grand
13:10Prix is still a blast.
13:12And sure, getting hit with a blue shell might induce some rage, but it's not like those
13:16are restricted to 64.
13:25Number 13 – Marvel vs. Capcom 2 – New Age of Heroes
13:38Fighting games come and go, but Marvel vs. Capcom 2 will never die.
13:42Marvel superheroes and villains squaring off against Capcom video game characters in massive
13:463v3 matches, what could be better?
13:48MVC2 is one of the flashiest, most broken fighters out there, and it's all the better
13:53for it.
14:04Huge cheat moves fill the screen, and the whole experience is pure, unadulterated hype.
14:08The game is still frequently seen at tournaments, and it's because casuals and pros alike can
14:13appreciate the absolute insanity that occurs in matches.
14:16Plus, the animated art style and the oh-so-smooth soundtrack make for a perfect pairing in any
14:22decade.
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
14:50enemy, or finding that next bit of loot that will help you defeat the next enemy, is incredibly
14:55satisfying.
15:03The degree of customization with your characters also ensures that you'll be playing the
15:06game for a long time.
15:17Number 11 – Donkey Kong Country SNES Trilogy
15:29We usually like to restrict our entries to single games in a series, but the Donkey Kong
15:33Country games from the 90s were all so good and released so close together, we couldn't
15:37choose 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
15:53Country 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
16:01three Donkey Kong Country games are sure to drive you bananas in the best way possible.
16:11Number 10 – Halo Combat Evolved
16:21The original Halo was a game changer for its time, bringing fast-paced FPS gameplay to
16:26consoles while also delivering a sweeping space epic and addictive multiplayer.
16:30Although some aspects of its level design haven't aged gracefully, the majority of
16:34the game has.
16:42Combat Evolved really lived up to its name, proving incredibly influential on the FPS
16:46genre, which is perhaps why it continues to hold up so much better than its contemporaries.
16:51Playing through the campaign or multiplayer with friends is still as fun as it ever was.
16:56And that epic soundtrack will never, ever get old.
17:13Number 9 – Final Fantasy VI
17:23Final Fantasy games are the gold standard of RPGs, and its sixth installment has aged
17:28like fine wine.
17:29The last in the series for the Super Nintendo, Final Fantasy VI features a story that subverts
17:33many of the tropes the franchise is known for while also dealing with mature subject
17:37matter.
17:38It also features one of the biggest casts of playable characters in the series, which
17:42allows for a lot of variety in how you approach battles.
17:52The 16-bit graphics have an enduring appeal, and they still manage to make things like
17:56the opera scene moving or Kefka's laugh terrifying.
17:59FFVI may not have some of its successor's enduring popularity, but it has arguably held
18:04up better.
18:17Number 8 – Sonic the Hedgehog 2
18:26These days, it can be easy to forget that Sonic was once one of the biggest names in
18:30platforming, and he had earned it.
18:32While all his Genesis-era games are excellent, the second installment is our pick for the
18:36one that holds up the best.
18:45The game introduces tales to the franchise, while also featuring more branching level
18:49design as well as upgraded moves like the spin dash.
18:52While the pseudo-3D bonus stages certainly show their age, overall Sonic the Hedgehog
18:572 has enough high-speed gameplay that any low points are quick and easy to breeze right
19:02past.
19:08Number 7 – Castlevania Symphony of the Night
19:22Castlevania Symphony of the Night wasn't the game that started the series' non-linear
19:26approach with interconnected maps and RPG elements, but it certainly popularized it.
19:31Symphony of the Night features a sprawling detailed castle to explore, fun and creative
19:35combat, and one of gaming's most celebrated musical scores.
19:47The gorgeously detailed pixelated graphics still look excellent today.
19:51Like any good piece of music, Symphony of the Night will give you a different experience
19:54every time you return to it.
19:56The voice acting is admittedly pretty cringey at times, but the game's depth and absorbing
20:01gameplay have helped it stay as ageless as Dracula, or Alucard for that matter.
20:15Number 6 – The Legend of Zelda – Ocarina of Time
20:24Most games in the Zelda franchise have aged incredibly well, but if there's one entry
20:29that 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
20:40save the world is hard to beat.
20:48The characters and world brim 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,
20:57but despite this, Ocarina of Time is a timeless masterpiece.
21:10Number 5 – Doom
21:18Given that it practically invented the FPS genre, or at least popularized it, you'd
21:22think Doom would be incredibly dated.
21:25To 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.
21:39Heck, it even does some things modern shooters don't, but should do more of, like allowing
21:46you to pit enemies against each other.
21:48Doom is a constant barrage of enemies, awesome guns, and progressive metal music.
21:53Defeating demons on Mars will never stop being cool.
22:03Number 4 – Super Smash Bros.
22:05Melee
22:13The Super Smash Bros. franchise has had some great titles in it, but few of them have the
22:17enduring popularity of Melee.
22:19Its graphics have aged more gracefully than even some of its successors, but where Melee
22:23truly shines is in its gameplay.
22:33While it's of course a fun party game that pretty much anyone can pick up and enjoy,
22:37pitting 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
22:46have given it lasting popularity in eSports.
22:49Whether you're a casual or hardcore gamer, Melee will never die.
23:01Number 3 – Resident Evil 4
23:11A singular entry in this horror franchise, Resident Evil 4 is fantastic.
23:15The thrilling action takes the player on a rollercoaster ride of one amazing set piece
23:19after another.
23:20The story is linear, but gives players options in how to approach encounters.
23:28Sure, the QTEs are a pain for some, and the inability to move while shooting can take
23:37some getting used to, but the game is built around them, so it's fine.
23:41All in all, RE4 influenced so many third-person shooter games that it honestly doesn't feel
23:46out of place among the big action titles of today.
23:53Number 2 – Tetris
24:02Of course Tetris has aged well.
24:04It's Tetris.
24:05It's THE puzzle game.
24:07Align different shaped blocks into rows to eliminate them until they stack up too high
24:11and you lose.
24:12Its addictive gameplay scratches that itch in all of our brains while increasing the
24:15pace to keep us invested.
24:23Such a simple concept, but it's because of this simplicity that Tetris has been copied,
24:28remixed and remade for decades.
24:30It may not be our number one, but Tetris will probably outlast all the rest of our entries
24:35and maybe even then some.
24:43Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified
24:48about our latest videos.
24:49You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
24:53If you're on your phone, make sure to go into your settings and switch on notifications.
24:59Number 1 – Super Mario World
25:11We could have chosen almost any Mario game for this list, but Super Mario World is arguably
25:16the most timeless title in the storied video game franchise.
25:19The Mario franchise had arguably already reached the peak of 2D platforming, but Super Mario
25:24World polished it to perfection.
25:29The expansive world has a ton of levels and even if you gun it to the final boss, there
25:34are 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
25:41as they've ever been.
25:43Super Mario World, like Mario's mustache, will never go out of style.
Comments