If there’s one industry that has massively developed in the past 20 years, it is gaming. Things have changed a lot from the blocky graphics of PS1 to the 4k ray-traced visuals of PS5. Sadly, this change also means that various great games have aged drastically, to the point that some of them now look unplayable.
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The short end of this stick goes to the earliest 3D games, as they have suffered the most. However, just because they look outdated doesn’t mean they aren’t worth trying anymore. In fact, some of these classics are more playable than some games released in 2022. Let’s take a look.
14Grand Theft Auto IV (2008)
This classic was a genre-defining game back in 2008 but aged horribly due to its experimental nature. But to this day,GTA 4is easily the bestGrant Theft Autostory ever told.
Anyone who decides to pick this one up will not be disappointed, as it’s a perfect blend of action, mystery, dark humor, and wacky characters. All in all,GTA 4is a blockbuster and a must-play forGTA 5fans.
13Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
The originalNeed for Speedseries picked up from the third installment and became one of the most popular racing games of the time. However, it was not until the original Most Wanted thatNFSgames became a must-play.
To this day,Most Wanted holds up in multiple areassuch as storytelling and gameplay. It is definitely worth a play for anyone who’s looking to try a classic racing game.
12Dark Souls (2011)
Without a doubt,Dark Soulsis a ten years old game that looks like it’s 15 years old. But, don’t let its visuals deceive you. If there’s one game on this list that’s a must-play, it is this From Software classic — and for multiple reasons.
Even in 2022, there isno other game like the originalDark Souls, from music to art direction and level design. Anyone looking to play a good action RPG and hasn’t played this should try it out.
11Half-Life (1998)
Basically everyone who has playedHalf-Life 2wants the third installment, and for good reason. The Valve classic has an excellent story, world, and design, as well as great gameplay, all of which live up to this day.
However, there’s a small problem. Whilemost people would easily recommendthe secondHalf-Lifegame, not many would recommend the first title, mostly because of how poorly it has aged. That being said, the originalHalf-Lifestill has a lot of life left in its action-paced gameplay and a story worth remembering.
10Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (2012)
WhileCS:GOstill maintains a steady player base, there was a time when it was extremely popular. However, due to the sudden rise of free shooter genres such as battle royale, many players are now looking to try different things. If that isn’t enough, various other new shooters like Valorant are around, which gives the playera similar competitive experience to Global Offensive.
With so many options in the market,CS:GOhas drastically aged. Still, it is a classic built on a formula that has worked for years and is still worth playing in 2022.
9The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
There is no other experience likeSkyrimout there, not even the olderElder Scrollsgames. It’sopen, full of tiny little details, and redefines the word “freedom"when it comes to games. It is a shame that, visually, it has aged more poorly than other titles of its time.
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However, do not let its graphics stop you from trying it. TheElder Scroll 5: Skyrimis the mother of all modern RPGs and deserves a playthrough. It is also quite mod-friendly, so the playability is truly endless.
8Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
New Vegas is a very similar case to Skyrim. Why? It’s a hardcore RPG shooter with an emphasis on letting the players be free with their choices. Sadly, the game aged horribly due to Bethesda’sold technology and engine limitation.
Still, nobody in the world can find a game that’s just as fine as New Vegas when it comes to post-apocalypticFallout-like RPGs. This game is not just worth playing once, but probably twice due to the number of secrets and choices.
7Prince of Persia Trilogy (2003)
Most new gamers probably won’t remember the granddaddy ofAssassin’s Creed,Prince of Persia. The original series consists of three main games, all of which are worth playing.
Sands of Time, Warrior Within, and The Two Thrones tell a tale of a prince lost in time, trying to make sense of it all. Thestories, the action platforming, and the time-bending gameplaystill hold up to this day. Moreover, these games are a must-play because of their good controls and puzzles.
6God of War (2005)
God of Waris a product of its time, and there will never be anything else like it, ever. The reason for that is the gradual change in people’s mindsets. Most newGod of Warfans will think of Kratos as a bold dad-like personality concerned about teaching his boy how to hunt. However, theoriginal Kratos was a true warrior.
After being deceived by theGod of Warinto killing his own family, the Ghost of Sparta embarks on a journey that makes him the real god. It is certainly a story worth discovering, making the original a must-play.
5Burnout 3: Takedown (2004)
The genre of games likeBurnouthas gone almost extinct in the last few years. But just because modern games are head over heels about realism doesn’t mean arcade racing isn’t fun to play anymore.
Burnout 3: Takedownis still just as challenging, thrilling, and fun to play as it was years ago. And it is all thanks to its fast-paced gameplay and great controls that still work perfectly in 2022.
