Top 10 Video Games That Are STILL GOOD 25 Years Later

Despite its sequel taking the world by storm decades later, “Baldur’s Gate II” remains a great game even today. The isometric art style is a fairly timeless one. Meanwhile, the gameplay is derived from the ever-popular “D&D” format and Forgotten Realms setting - even if Second Edition isn’t the most popular version. While its successor has surpassed it graphically and in terms of scope, “Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn” is still a solid and rewarding RPG that you can pour hundreds of hours into and still come back for more!

The turn of the millennium was the heyday for 3D platformers, and “Banjo-Tooie” can still be counted among the greats. The sequel to “Banjo-Kazooie,” this game takes everything that was loved about the first game and just adds more. The worlds are bigger. There are more power-ups and abilities. You can now play as the bear and bird separately, as well as their friend Mumbo Jumbo. There are even a few multiplayer modes based on minigames. While its sheer size and scope can be a bit intimidating, “Banjo-Tooie” continues to be a wildly entertaining platformer that makes us “guh-huh” every time we play it.

When it comes to skateboarding video games, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” remains the biggest name in the skate park. The series’ second entry upped the ante with more trick options, a more rewarding progression system, and features like a level editor. And call us nostalgic if you want, but that soundtrack still slaps! Whether you go for career mode or just free skate, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” is just plain satisfying to experiment and play with. How high can your score go? Can you find every SKATE letter? Let’s be real - if your inner child isn’t jumping for joy at doing a big string of tricks midair while playing as Spider-Man, you might be dead inside.

It may not have the kind of fanatical fanbase as the 7th or even 8th entries in this RPG franchise, but “Final Fantasy IX” has aged like wine. A throwback to the traditional fantasy settings of the early part of the series, “Final Fantasy IX” features plenty of tributes to elements throughout the franchise up until that point, helping it feel like a culmination of everything that came before it. It also introduces innovative new mechanics that switch up both battle and exploration. Although its graphics are almost more than the original PlayStation can handle, “Final Fantasy IX” more than makes up for it with a moving story and classic gameplay.

Originally a “Half-Life” mod, “Counter-Strike” evolved to become one of the most enduring multiplayer shooters ever made. A forerunner of modern team-based competitive games, “Counter-Strike” pits teams of counter-terrorists and terrorists against each other on various maps, with several objectives to complete to win. The simplicity of its set-up, yet the vast room for players to improve their skill level has made “Counter-Strike” a perennially popular game for both esports and casual play ever since its release. Despite spawning many sequels, the original “Counter-Strike” retains a devoted following among players of any skill level - especially those fond of hacking.

It may not have been the first tag-team crossover fighter to feature Marvel and Capcom characters, or the last, but “MvC2” remains arguably the best. Its simpler button inputs, 3 on 3 matches, and incredible, screen-filling combos are the stuff of fighting game legend. And as baffling as that jazzy soundtrack is, it has still been stuck in our heads for decades. “Marvel vs. Capcom 2” is well-loved by beginner players and veterans because it’s simple to pick up, but difficult to master. Its tight controls and expansive roster have helped it continue to be popular in fighting game tournaments to this day.

This cyberpunk action RPG FPS was at the forefront of video games to the point where it was ahead of its time. Although its graphics are certainly dated, the core gameplay of “Deus Ex” is essentially the blueprint for most games of a certain size today. The sheer variety of options in how you approach situations and how you develop over time is on par with many current games. Your choices affect the narrative, and you can choose which of your abilities to focus on, in much the same way that the action RPGs these days do. It’s no wonder why “Deus Ex” holds up so well.

Sure, there have been remakes, expansions, and sequels, but “Diablo II” has been burned into gamers’ minds like the fiery realm of its titular boss. People have continued playing it for decades because the core gameplay loop of this isometric action RPG is just too satisfying. Beat enemies, find loot, use loot to beat stronger enemies to find stronger loot, and repeat until real life rudely interrupts your fun. Between the online community, the high degree of character customization, and the randomly generated areas, “Diablo II” has managed to stay consistently fresh and replayable.

RPGs in general have a longer shelf life than most games, as do games starring everyone’s favorite plumber, Mario. Naturally, “Mario” RPGs age beautifully, and few more so than “Paper Mario.” The paper art style is practically timeless. The characters are all charming and hilarious. Plus, the turn-based combat with timed button presses for increased attack damage is so good, we’re continually baffled why Nintendo has dropped it from most of the game’s sequels. It may not be the most challenging game out there, but “Paper Mario” hasn’t “folded” under the pressure of time.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Original Social Simulation Game

A Sci-Fi Spy Shooter With a Fantastic Multiplayer

Who Doesn’t Love Sky Pirates?

It would’ve been easy for Nintendo to follow up “Ocarina of Time” with something safe. Instead, they delivered one of the weirdest, darkest, and most complex “Zelda” titles ever made. And it’s incredible! Link has 3 days to save the world from the moon crashing into it, but he can repeat those days as many times as he wants. The huge number of side quests to do, masks to collect, and areas to explore can be simultaneously fulfilling and daunting even today. Much like the game itself, our love for it has been stuck in a time loop.

Is there a turn of the millennium game you wish had a turn on our list? The timing is right for you to share your favorites in the comments!