Was it just nostalgia, or were the games from over a decade ago ahead of their time? We often see many games today follow the same formula that these classics created years ago. So without further ado, here are 10 classic games that still hold up in 2022! In no particular order:
Number 1: Wii Sports - 2006 (Nintendo Wii)
Being the best selling single platform game of all time, this is probably the only game on this list that everyone has played at least once. From its iconic menu music to the groundbreaking motion technology, this game was an instant worldwide classic. Given the chance, I think we all wish we could go back to Christmas morning 2006 and unwrap a Wii for the first time all over again. It's the perfect game to bring to a party where everyone has a blast pretending that Wii golf is close enough to the real deal.
Number 2: Burnout Paradise -2008 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC)
Whether you are a fan of all things cars, or just want to feel like the star of an action film, this open world classic is still a blast today. The game includes 76 unlockable cars with anything from lightning fast sports cars to an old van that was built to destroy. In classic Burnout fashion, most of your time is spent running other cars off the road and crashing through billboards. Back in '08, if you were feeling social, there was an online multiplayer where you could compete against friends or random players in various events. The game must have been well received overall as it got a remaster in 2018, bringing a fresh new look to this 2008 legend.
Number 3: SSX 3 - 2003 (PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox)
I just got off the phone with Peak 3's Ski Patrol and conditions are looking like this game is a masterpiece. It doesn't take long to realize what SSX3 does so well, the attention to detail. So many little things give it a unique feel that allow it to stand out from other snowboarding games of this era. Something as simple as DJ Atomika getting on the radio to tell you about what some of the in game characters are up to, helps things to feel less one dimensional. Each character has a unique personality, and watching each of them interact with one another is a huge part of the experience. That, along with the great clothing, and board customization allows each player to play the game with their own style. It's not very often sports games are just as focused on character depth as the gameplay, but SSX3 is an exception.
Number 4: Call of Duty Black Ops 2010 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC)
Most of today's youth won't know the thrill of waiting outside of a Gamestop at 11:47pm on a school night, attempting to get a copy of the newest Call of Duty. The game was jampacked with an exciting campaign, fantastic multiplayer, and an iconic zombies experience. Were we all probably too young to be playing this violent game? Yes. Was playing zombies for 15 hours straight over the weekend worth it? Absolutely. Time flew by as we got screamed at in multiplayer lobbies, with controllers being thrown. It's hard to believe we remember this game so fondly. Yet all things considered it would seem Call of Duty Black Ops will always have a place in our hearts.
Number 5: Skate 3 - 2010 (Xbox360 and PlayStation 3)
It's unreal that Skate 3 is already old enough to be considered a "classic" game but here we are. 12 years later and no sign of Skate 4 in the near future, this open world game thankfully has loads of fun things to do. With a realistic skateboard feel that appeals to actual skateboarders, along with a very arcade like style, Skate 3 reaches a broader audience. With such a large world to skate through, and an endless combination of tricks, this 2010 classic still has a dedicated fanbase all these years later.
Number 6: Guitar Hero 3 Legends Of Rock - 2007 (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox360)
Probably one of few games where you can challenge Satin himself to a guitar battle, this game brought the fun of being a rockstar right to your home. I can't tell you how many legendary classic rock songs this game introduced me to. I'll never forget seeing the 1980's flashbacks I saw in my parents' eyes, as 10 year old me devoured Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train on medium. For every kid who didn't have the patience to learn an actual instrument, this game was a dream come true. With over 73 songs to chose from, Guitar Hero 3 instantly became the face of the franchise upon its release.
Number 7: Super Smash Bros. Melee - 2001 (Nintendo GameCube)
A staple of the GameCube's library, this classic platform fighting game appeals to casual players while also fostering a competitive scene to this day. The game offers a fun, single player mode which allows you to collect unique in-game trophies. Like so many others on this list, it shines best in multiplayer. Melee today is best known for its competitive aspect. Seen as one of the deepest and complex fighting games of all time, it still draws in large crowds to watch top players from around the world play this 21 year old game.
Number 8: Nintendogs - 2005 (Nintendo DS)
With the DS's touch screen capabilities, the folks over at Nintendo asked themselves what more could people want than to pet dogs. From taking your little pup on walks, to participating in competitions, Nintendogs quickly became the definition of wholesome fun. It seems like these more "simple" games that don't bite off more than they could chew, best showcase the DS's capabilities. As far as where all those dogs we raised are now? Well, no one knows for sure, but I'd like to imagine wherever they are, they're happy.
Number 9: Star Wars Battlefront 2 - 2005 (PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PC, and Xbox.)
2005 blessed us with the fantastic 3rd person shooter, Star Wars Battlefront 2. With a new version in 2017, it quickly became apparent that nothing could beat the original. There's just something so special about how ridiculous Luke Skywalker looks when he runs, that will forever be burned into my mind. I would not be surprised if I clocked in over 500 hours of playing Capture the Flag alone. It's sad to see what EA has done with the franchise these days, so for now, I think I will stick with where it all started.
Number 10: Pokémon Emerald 2004 (Gameboy Advance)
Professor Birch needs your help to catch Pokémon and complete the Pokedex. Will you help him? Of course you will. Pokémon Emerald was the last mainline Pokémon game in the series on the Gameboy Advance. From stopping team Aqua, to designing a custom secret base, this game has it all. A fantastic art style and fun soundtrack seems to be the icing on the cake for this one. For many, this was their introduction into the Pokémon series, and wow was it the perfect game for it.
Well? What did you think of the list? There were so many more games I wish I could have added but hey that's how the cookie crumbles. Until next time!
