As technology continues to advance, the world of gaming has seen tremendous developments with new, flashy games being released every year. However, there are still classic PC games that have stood the test of time and are still popular today. These games have been masterpieces for decades – the graphics, sounds, and gameplay might not match the modern titles, but they still manage to captivate players. This article lists some of the classic PC games that are still relevant today.
1. The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)
The Secret of Monkey Island is a classic point-and-click adventure game that was developed and released by Lucasfilm Games in 1990. The game follows the story of Guybrush Threepwood, an aspiring pirate who sets off to prove his worth in the mysterious Monkey Island.
The game’s humor, graphics, and gameplay mechanics made it a classic, and to this day, it is still relevant. Despite its age, The Secret of Monkey Island remains popular and has even gotten a remastered edition that was released in 2009. Its humor is still enjoyable today and has spawned a series of sequels that have also gained critical acclaim.
2. Doom (1993)
Doom is one of the most iconic FPS games that was released in 1993 by id Software. The game takes place on a Martian research facility where an experiment goes wrong and unleashes an army of demons that need to be taken out by the player.
The game’s graphics and gameplay set the standard for FPS games, and its impact is still felt today in modern titles. With its fast, frenetic gameplay, challenging levels, and gore, Doom still manages to keep players coming back for more even decades after its release.
3. Half-Life (1998)
Half-Life is a first-person shooter game that was developed by Valve and released in 1998. The game follows the story of physicist Gordon Freeman, who is caught up in a dangerous experiment at Black Mesa Research Facility that results in a dimensional rift.
The game revolutionized FPS games with its immersive gameplay, physics-based puzzles, and stunning graphics. Half-Life is still considered one of the best video games ever made, and its impact can be seen in many modern FPS games.
4. Age of Empires II (1999)
Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy game that was released by Microsoft in 1999. The game is set in the medieval era, and players can choose to portray one of 13 different civilizations, including the Byzantines, Franks, and Mongols.
The game’s addictive gameplay, historical accuracy, and iconic soundtrack have made it one of the best RTS games of all time. With multiplayer support and regular patches to fix bugs and improve gameplay, Age of Empires II is still a relevant strategy game today.
5. Diablo II (2000)
Diablo II is an action RPG game that was developed by Blizzard and released in 2000. The game is set in the world of Sanctuary, where players must explore dangerous dungeons and take on hordes of monsters.
The game’s loot system, character customization, and story made it an instant classic, and it still remains popular today. Diablo II continues to receive patches and updates to fix bugs and address compatibility issues, making it an excellent game for those who love RPGs.
6. StarCraft (1998)
StarCraft is a sci-fi real-time strategy game that was released by Blizzard in 1998. The game is set in the distant future, where players must choose one of three different factions and engage in a massive conflict over resources and power.
The game’s balanced gameplay, unique factions, and professional eSports scene have made it one of the most influential RTS games of all time. Even today, with its remastered edition, StarCraft remains popular among RTS fans and is often considered the gold standard for the genre.
7. Planescape: Torment (1999)
Planescape: Torment is a RPG game that was developed by Black Isle Studios and released in 1999. The game is set in the Planescape multiverse, where players take on the role of The Nameless One – an immortal who wakes up in a mortuary and sets out to regain their memory.
Planescape: Torment’s unique characters, dialogue, and non-linear gameplay have made it a beloved RPG game, and it still remains popular among fans of the genre. Its story-driven gameplay and morality system have set the standard for many modern RPG games.
8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is an RPG game that was developed by BioWare and released in 2003. The game is set in a fictional universe, long before the events of the Star Wars movies, and follows the player character’s journey to discover their true identity and defeat the Sith.
The game’s immersive story, memorable characters, and customizable combat system have earned it a spot as one of the best RPG games of all time. Its influence can still be seen in modern RPG titles that have been inspired by its story-driven gameplay.
In conclusion, even though the world of gaming has moved beyond these classic games, their impact is still felt in modern titles. These games have had a significant influence on gaming as we know it today and have solidified their place in video game history. If you haven’t played any of these games yet, it’s never too late to give them a try and discover what made them so great.
