Blast From The Past: Games That Still Hold Up ‘Till Today
We could still recall the good old times when we were 5, holding our GameBoy Color with no backlight.
Games were all in 8 or 16 bit, but graphics didn’t matter as we were more invested in the gameplay experience and the friends and relatives we played with.
As such, many games stood the test of time, whether it is due to nostalgic reasons or memorable characters, these games have a special place in every gamer’s heart.
1. Super Mario Kart
Released Date: 1992
Developers: Nintendo
Platform: SNES
It’s easy to make a case for the original Mario games but we have decided to go with its highly acclaimed spin-off.
Super Mario Kart is almost a must at every house party or gathering. The game setup is like any other racing games, only that you’re using different characters from the Mario franchise.
Another thing that separates this mushroom racing game from the racing genre, is that it is very whimsical with its approach, throwing in playful elements like traps and bombs to its gameplay.
Super Mario Kart is very innovative for its time, as they were one of the few that pioneered the ‘out-of-the-box racing genre that attracts not just racing enthusiasts.
2. World of Warcraft
Released Date: 2004
Developers: Blizzard Entertainment
Platform: PC
Most MMORPG out there have been forgotten or have died out due to their ageing player base. World of Warcraft is one of the few exceptions.
Having updates and expansions for its contents, World of Warcraft has amassed an insane player base that has since evolved to a form of cult following.
That said, we have to give credit where credit is due. The WoW is just as immersive as it is addictive and forming parties and guilds to complete a quest or objective is extremely fulfilling.
So whether you’re an old-timer coming back or joining in fresh, you can purchase the World of Warcraft Prepaid Game Card with us today!
3. The Sims
Release Date: 2000
Developers: Electronic Arts
Platform: PC, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox
We think it is safe to say that The Sims is the father of all simulation games.
Like the Persona series that have surpassed the Shin Megami Tensei games, The Sims is a spin-off from its mainline game—SimCity—and have eclipsed over it.
We often talk about games serving as an escape from reality and The Sims literally provides the player with an alternate reality to live their desired life.
And having been hailed as one of the best simulation games of all time, The Sims have launched many expansion packs and sequels, with the latest one being The Sims 4.
However, we still believe that the one that started it all back in 2000, with its ‘scuffed and pixelated’ graphics is the defining game of the Sims series and will forever remain as one of the games that have defined a genre.
4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Release Date: 1998
Developers: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 64, GameCube, iQue Player
The Legend of Zelda series has many memorable titles like the Majora Mask and the Wind Waker games but we think that Ocarina of Time takes the cake for the best one.
On top of an immersive storyline, Ocarina of Time boasts top-tier gameplay for its time. Even something as mundane as dungeon crawling is made enjoyable with stunning music and intuitive puzzles.
Enemies and bosses are well-crafted, each of them having its own specialties that require players to devise different strategies to approach them. This also goes to show that Nintendo made the game’s appeal to more than just kids.
5. Digimon Rumble Arena 2
Release Date: 2004
Developers: Bandai
Platform: Playstation
Digimon Rumble Arena 2 can be considered as one of the OGs of battle royale. Picking from a huge roster of Digimon characters, 4 players will get to battle it out in an extreme arena.
The arenas designed in this game are beyond excellent. The concept behind each arena is carefully crafted with its own uniqueness.
Hence, players would need to adapt to these arenas and try to survive or knock out their opponents. This chaotic gameplay is very suited for a huge crowd and is a staple when you have gaming friends over for a game night.
6. Shadow of the Colossus
Release Date: 2005
Developers: Japan Studio, Team Ico
Platform: PlayStation 2
‘Less is more’ is a saying used mainly by creatives, and when applied to gaming, Shadow of the Colossus is a stellar example of it.
Set in an atmospheric forgotten land, the game requires you to move around a minimalistic world to save a girl.
While the plot might be generic, the game itself has often been hailed as one of the best video games ever made. Mostly because during its time, developers generally preferred heavy contents like the Kingdom Hearts series and the God of War games.
Take nothing away from those games though, as they are brilliant in their own right, but there is something so little about the Shadow of Colossus that possibly had lasting effects on games like Dark Souls and Horizon Zero Dawn that have also used its atmospheric setting spectacularly.
7. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
Release date: 2003
Developers: Marvelous Interactive
Platform: GameBoy Advance
Arguably the best farming simulator there is. Inheriting your late grandpa’s farm is no easy task, especially when you are a kid. But Friends of Mineral Town teaches you more than just building a top-notch farm, but also to build bridges with those around you.
Every day you would play as a young farmer working to revive a dead farm while trying to start a family on your own. You would have to take on every aspect of the farm from managing your resources to raising your domestic animals.
The NPCs in the game are very iconic and are still remembered to this day. Friends of Mineral Town will also encourage you to bond with these characters and unlock the secrets of Mineral Town.
The game is so iconic that it has inspired many spiritual sequels and have arguably influenced widely acclaimed games like Stardew Valley and Littlewood.
