19 Classic Video Games That Still Hold Up Today

Nostalgia is a powerful thing, but some video games aren’t just old memories—they’re timeless classics that still have the power to captivate, frustrate, and entertain. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer who grew up with these titles or a newbie curious about the past, these games are worth revisiting. So, grab a controller (or a keyboard) and prepare for a trip down memory lane that might just turn into a brand-new obsession.

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

The game that launched a thousand plumbers. Super Mario Bros. is not just a classic; it’s a rite of passage. The tight controls, creative level design, and memorable music make it as playable today as it was nearly four decades ago. Even if you’ve seen Bowser’s ugly mug a thousand times, stomping on Goombas and jumping flagpoles never gets old.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Considered by many as the greatest game of all time, Ocarina of Time isn’t just about saving a princess—it’s about exploring a world so richly designed, it set the bar for all future open-world games. The dungeons are clever, the story is epic, and the music… well, it might just be the soundtrack to your childhood. Whether you’re fighting Ganon or just riding around on Epona, it’s an adventure that stands the test of time.

3. Tetris (1984)

Simple, yet impossibly addictive, Tetris is proof that sometimes all you need are falling blocks and a good sense of timing to create a masterpiece. It’s the kind of game you can play for five minutes or five hours, and it’s always just as satisfying when you finally clear those four lines at once. Plus, the music is so iconic, it’s probably still stuck in your head.

4. Street Fighter II (1991)

Before esports were even a thing, Street Fighter II was the ultimate test of skill, reflexes, and maybe a bit of button-mashing. Whether you were mastering Hadoukens with Ryu or spamming Chun-Li’s lightning kick, this game was the king of the arcades. Its simple, yet deep combat system ensures it’s still just as competitive and fun to play now as it was when you were huddled around a cabinet.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Back when Sega was still trying to take down Mario, they gave us Sonic, the blue blur that ran at a breakneck pace through loop-de-loops and Badniks. Sonic the Hedgehog’s speedy gameplay, bright colors, and catchy tunes make it as exciting now as it was when it first hit the Genesis. Sure, there’s been a few bumpy patches since then, but the original Sonic still knows how to roll with the best of them.

6. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

If you cried when Aerith died, you’re not alone—Final Fantasy VII is a masterpiece of storytelling and character development. With its sprawling world, epic battles, and an emotional rollercoaster of a plot, it’s no wonder this RPG has been remade and re-released more times than Cloud has had bad hair days. The original still holds up, offering a deeply engaging experience that newer games often struggle to match.

7. Pac-Man (1980)

Pac-Man is the granddaddy of video games, and he’s still gobbling up ghosts and pellets like it’s 1980. The premise is as simple as it gets: don’t let the ghosts catch you, eat everything in sight, and maybe grab a power pellet for a quick revenge snack. Yet, despite its simplicity, Pac-Man is endlessly challenging and just as fun to play now as it was when you first heard that iconic waka-waka.

8. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)

The perfect blend of action, puzzle-solving, and exploration, A Link to the Past is often hailed as the pinnacle of 2D Zelda games. The Light World/Dark World mechanic was revolutionary, and the tight gameplay, memorable dungeons, and timeless pixel art make it a game you’ll want to play again and again. If you’ve only played the 3D Zeldas, this one will show you where it all began.

9. Doom (1993)

Before first-person shooters were all about online multiplayer, there was Doom, the game that let you blast your way through demons in corridors of pixelated blood and guts. With its fast-paced action, iconic weapons, and a soundtrack that could fuel a metal concert, Doom still feels fresh and exhilarating. It’s the original FPS, and it’s still as intense as ever—just don’t forget where you put the red keycard.

10. Metroid (1986)

The original Metroid introduced gamers to the joys of exploration, backtracking, and, of course, a twist ending that blew everyone’s minds. As you guide Samus Aran through the alien planet of Zebes, you’ll find yourself getting lost in its maze-like structure, looking for power-ups, and battling space pirates. The atmosphere is eerie, the gameplay is rewarding, and the sense of isolation is unmatched even by today’s standards.

11. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Symphony of the Night is a masterclass in game design, blending action, exploration, and RPG elements into a Gothic adventure that’s as haunting as it is captivating. Alucard’s journey through Dracula’s castle is filled with secrets, upgrades, and enemies that will test your mettle. With its non-linear gameplay and beautiful sprite work, it’s no wonder this is considered one of the best games ever made.

12. Half-Life (1998)

Half-Life didn’t just change the way stories were told in games—it changed the entire landscape of first-person shooters. With its immersive world, smart AI, and a narrative that unfolds seamlessly as you play, it’s a game that’s hard to put down once you start. The moment you step into Gordon Freeman’s HEV suit, you’re in for a ride that’s still as thrilling today as it was when it first hit the scene.

13. Mega Man 2 (1988)

Mega Man 2 is the gold standard of platformers, combining tight controls with creative level design and some of the best 8-bit music ever composed. The game’s difficulty is legendary, but it’s never unfair—you’ll keep coming back to master each stage and defeat the Robot Masters. The sense of accomplishment when you finally take down Dr. Wily is unmatched, and the journey to get there is just as fun every time.

14. Chrono Trigger (1995)

Chrono Trigger isn’t just a game; it’s an epic adventure through time that remains one of the most beloved RPGs of all time. With its rich story, memorable characters, and innovative battle system, it’s a game that has aged like fine wine. Whether you’re traveling to the prehistoric past or the dystopian future, every moment in Chrono Trigger feels like a journey worth taking, again and again.

15. Super Metroid (1994)

Super Metroid took everything great about the original and cranked it up to eleven. The atmosphere, the exploration, and the sense of loneliness on the alien planet of Zebes are even more pronounced in this sequel. The gameplay is tight, the bosses are memorable, and the game’s structure encourages exploration in a way that feels natural and rewarding. It’s the kind of game you can play dozens of times and still find something new.

16. Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Before Resident Evil became all about punching boulders, there was Resident Evil 2, a survival horror masterpiece that still manages to send chills down your spine. Whether you’re running from zombies in the Raccoon City Police Department or solving puzzles to escape a nightmare, the tension is palpable. The game’s atmosphere, story, and scares are just as effective today, proving that sometimes, old-school horror is the best kind.

17. Portal (2007)

Portal might be the youngest game on this list, but it’s already considered a classic, and for good reason. The game’s innovative use of physics, combined with its dark humor and the unforgettable GLaDOS, makes for an experience that’s as mind-bending as it is entertaining. Even if you know all the solutions, there’s something endlessly satisfying about placing portals and solving puzzles. The cake might be a lie, but the fun isn’t.

18. Super Mario 64 (1996)

The jump to 3D was a big one, but Super Mario 64 made it look easy, setting the standard for 3D platformers for years to come. The game’s open-ended levels, precise controls, and sheer creativity make it a joy to play, even decades later. Whether you’re collecting stars or just goofing around in the castle courtyard, Super Mario 64 is a game that still feels fresh and fun every time you play it.

19. Metal Gear Solid (1998)

Before games were filled with endless cutscenes, there was Metal Gear Solid, a game that expertly blended storytelling with gameplay. Stealth was the name of the game, and sneaking around guards and avoiding detection was as tense as it was satisfying. The story, filled with twists and memorable characters, is still compelling, and the gameplay, while challenging, remains rewarding. It’s a game that changed the way we think about video game narratives and is just as impactful today.