The renaissance of classic gaming is upon us! Recently we’ve seen the re-releases of titles like Spyro: The Reignited Trilogy and Resident Evil 2; all of which were remastered entirely and remade for future generations, as well as for the gamers who wanted to revisit those old stomping grounds. Although those games are an absolute treasure to be able to play again, there are some that we remember from our childhoods that may not be getting the beauty treatment.
The 10 Best Games of Childhood
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best older titles that many gamers have fond memories of, whether they’ve been remastered along the way or have been forgotten by time.
10. Crash Bandicoot (1996)
Most people will remember this crazy animal and his crazy adventures (no he’s not a dingo, he’s a bandicoot). And those that don’t, there is a remastered version that released in 2017 called the N. Sane Trilogy, featuring the first three games. It was a fantastic platforming game that was both addictive and challenging, making for some great memories.
9. Spyro the Dragon (1998)
We’ll go ahead and get the next remastered title out of the way and leave the rest for the games without the new facelift, but we absolutely had to place this classic on the list, mostly because of the remaster proved how good the gameplay of the original actually was, not changing much in terms of mechanics. Being able to glide, fly, shoot fire and charge at enemies with your horns made for an incredible time. The remaster also features a choice to play new music or the original’s soundtrack. We suggest going with the original. It’ll inevitably flood your brain with happy gamer memories.
8. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Few games have the cultural impact that the Final Fantasy franchise has had, but it’s specific titles like VII that are labeled true gaming classics and left players wanting a remake. Though there was an announcement of a remaster in 2015 that was also accompanied by a beautiful trailer, no reliable news of a release date has been confirmed. Slated as one of the most influential and most groundbreaking fantasy RPGs in gaming history, Final Fantasy VII will remain a favorite in the hearts of many gamers.
7. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Most stealth games out today owe it to a franchise like Metal Gear Solid for what they did to mainstream the genre and create some of the most iconic gameplay. Using stealth, creative hiding spots (inside cardboard boxes), and various weaponry, players got the chance to experience a fun action-spy thriller that was so popular; the franchise continued through the decades.
6. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Everything from the mechanics to the animations of falling over and bleeding to the soundtrack leaves us with a great sense of nostalgia. The skateboarding fantasy game allowed players to live their dreams of being a professional skater in the decade that hailed them as icons. Young gamers could choose from a wide variety of famous skating heroes such as Tony Hawk himself or even Bob Burnquist. The sports classic was re-released in HD in 2012.
5. Star Wars: Battlefront 2 (2005)
Big battles on the ground and in space, Battlefront 2 built off of the base of the first game and gave Star Wars enthusiasts so much more. New landscapes, new vehicles, new character designs, and a new story-mode that was much more in-depth than the previous installment. The fantasy of entering into one of the many famous battles from the films could be fulfilled with this entry, and it has stuck with players ever since. It impacted fans so much that the newer releases of games under the same name have gotten a significant amount of flack for not living up to the title.
4. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Even with the newest installment of the franchise, longtime veterans of the series still claim that Ocarina of Time is the best and will remain so. At the time, there weren’t many 3D adventures like it. The combat system was so fluid at the time that it laid the groundwork for future games and how the mechanics were approached. It wasn’t only the technical aspect that made this game so beloved, but also the story that impacted the rest of the franchise for years to come.
3. Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow (1998)
With inventive mobile games like Pokemon GO, it’s hard to imagine what kind of impact a Gameboy Color game could’ve had many years ago, but back in the day Pokemon Red Version, Pokemon Blue Version, and Pokemon Yellow Version gave kids the chance to be their trainers. Choosing their starter Pokemon at the beginning and going on their journeys to, “catch ’em all”. At the time, it was the most interesting fantasy RPG and helped initialize the enthusiasm for such a beloved series.
2. GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Everyone who played GoldenEye 007 remembers how competitive the multiplayer could be. Of course, this was before online mode, so this meant sitting on a couch together playing split-screen. There were various game types, including one where a player could get the golden gun, which could kill opponents in one shot. The catch? There was only one golden gun on the map at one time, so reaching the location was always intense. The story mode was also fantastic, giving players one of the first 3D action experiences that gave them the fantasy of being James Bond.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
Although this isn’t technically the game that started it all, with a game that was released back in 1999, Melee was the start of the competitive hype that gamers know today. Friends would gather around the GameCube, grab their controllers, pick their fighters, argue over the maps, then have at it. This game made such an impact that future titles were critiqued in comparison. The newest game of the franchise, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate has gained much praise from long-time, including those that hail Melee the perfect fighting game.
