15 Games From the Past That Still Feel Ahead of Their Time

Many older games don’t hold up well over time. Early 3D games often had clunky controls and blurry graphics, and even beloved titles like Mario 64 can feel awkward by today’s standards. However, once developers learned to master 3D technology, game quality improved. While some games still suffered from repetitive gameplay or relied too much on novelties, others remain surprisingly modern and enjoyable. Here are 15 older games that still feel great to play and look at in 2025.

Dead Space

It’s surprising that Dead Space received a remake, considering how well the original from 2008 still plays and looks. While the remake is excellent, the original’s graphics were cutting-edge for their time and remain impressive. What truly stands out is the incredible atmosphere, largely thanks to its immersive, in-game interface and the timeless, terrifying design of the Necromorphs. The game feels remarkably smooth and intuitive even now. Dead Space also popularized the over-the-shoulder perspective, which is still widely used in many modern, high-profile games.

Crysis

In 2007, Crysis was the go-to game for testing how powerful a computer was. While it’s not quite the benchmark today, it still looks surprisingly modern. It was ahead of its time with features like realistic lighting and the ability to see incredibly far in the game, all showcased in beautiful jungle environments. Beyond the graphics, Crysis offered innovative gameplay. The campaign allowed players to explore a large, open tropical world with a lot of freedom, similar to the Far Cry series. Players could use a variety of vehicles to complete missions in different ways. Even if the day/night cycle or shooting mechanics didn’t grab you, the impressive visuals certainly did – and still do.

Red Dead Redemption

In 2010, fans were eagerly awaiting a truly captivating Wild West game, and Rockstar Games was perfectly positioned to deliver. Having previously released Red Dead Revolver in 2004, they had the experience and technology to finally realize the setting’s potential – and they succeeded. Red Dead Redemption features a huge, engaging open world packed with enjoyable activities and memorable characters. It remains Rockstar’s most replayable game before GTA 5, offering a smooth and fun experience. We highly recommend revisiting this classic, especially for those planning to play Red Dead Redemption 2, as it serves as a direct prequel. Even today, the game is easy to love thanks to its satisfying shooting mechanics and still-impressive graphics.

Max Payne 3

As a big Rockstar fan, I think Max Payne 3 is one of their older games that still feels amazing today. What really sets it apart is how they perfected the bullet-time effect – seriously, no other game does slow-motion gunfights quite like this one. It just feels so good to control, especially when you’re lining up those diving shots in slow-mo. And being a Rockstar game, the story is told with incredible cutscenes that flow seamlessly into the action – there’s no loading! Honestly, the graphics still look great, but I’d still love to see a modern port.

Dying Light 1

When it was released, Dying Light stood out by offering a remarkably realistic and fluid parkour system – something rarely seen in games outside the Assassin’s Creed series. You can use parkour to traverse almost any surface in the game’s expansive open world. Beyond the impressive movement, Dying Light featured dynamic day and night cycles that still look great today. Although it’s the oldest game on this list, its dark and intense atmosphere and compelling story actually surpass those of its sequel, Dying Light 2, making it a fantastic experience even now, particularly if you want to see the beginning of Kyle Crane’s story.

Heavy Rain

I always thought David Cage was trying to do something special with his games, but it wasn’t until Heavy Rain that they actually became really fun to play, not just interesting. Honestly, I think PlayStation’s big push for story-driven games started with Heavy Rain. It basically played like a really interactive movie where your choices mattered. And unlike a lot of other narrative games out there, Heavy Rain looked amazing when it came out – the graphics were so realistic! It still looks pretty good today, I think. A lot of that is because the gameplay is pretty straightforward – quick time events are hard to mess up – plus they clearly spent a ton on graphics and got some great actors involved.

Ninja Gaiden Black

Games like Ninja Gaiden Black are exceptional, offering complex gameplay that still feels incredibly smooth even today. Despite being released 20 years ago, the combat flows naturally and is easy to pick up, a testament to its excellent design. It remains relevant alongside modern challenging games such as Elden Ring and Hollow Knight Silksong. Beyond its difficulty, Ninja Gaiden Black is visually appealing thanks to its unique art style and detailed characters.

Borderlands 2

The announcement of Borderlands 4 surprised many, with some criticizing its familiar appearance. They weren’t wrong – the Borderlands series has always had a distinct, cartoonish style, but it was Borderlands 2 that really perfected it. The gameplay still feels great, and with iconic characters like Handsome Jack, the story remains a high point for the entire series.

DriveClub

If you happen to find a copy of the PS4 racing game DriveClub, it’s worth picking up. It was famous for its incredibly realistic rain and its driving style, which was easy to pick up but hard to perfect. People still talk about how good the game looked, especially its weather effects, even when comparing it to newer racing games. Although you can’t race online anymore, the single-player career mode offers plenty of content for the price. Its balanced handling makes it accessible for beginners while still offering a challenge for experienced racers, meaning you’ll likely spend hours enjoying the immersive, rain-swept tracks.

Far Cry 2

It’s easy to forget about Far Cry 2 with so many sequels now available, but it offers some really interesting features. You can rescue and hire various mercenaries to join you on missions, and these teammates can actually die permanently if you don’t protect them, which makes you care about their fate. Beyond the unique buddy system, the game still looks fantastic, boasting a detailed and immersive African open world. If you enjoy the Far Cry series, Far Cry 2 is definitely worth revisiting – it still plays well today.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Since its launch in 2011, Skyrim has become a constant source of internet jokes. One running gag – the game’s frequent re-releases – is still popular today. Skyrim just won’t go away, and for good reason! Its huge number of quests, deep role-playing options, and incredible modding community keep players coming back. Even without mods, the game still looks great and is fun to play. While you might occasionally see a glitch, like a dragon flying the wrong way, even those quirks add to the charm of this much-loved open-world RPG.

Batman Arkham City

2011 was a fantastic year for video games, and that’s when Rocksteady released what many consider their best work: Arkham City. It’s a fan favorite for good reason. The game features incredibly smooth combat, a detailed and captivating world to explore, and memorable characters. Even compared to other games from the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era, Arkham City still looks and plays remarkably well.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

When it comes to classic PlayStation 3 games, Uncharted 2 still holds up incredibly well. Its fast-paced action and impressive details continue to influence game design today. Even those who weren’t fans of the first Uncharted game often praise the improvements to shooting and combat in Uncharted 2. If you’re curious about what makes the Uncharted series so great, Uncharted 2 is a perfect place to start – it establishes everything the later games build upon and still feels like a current-generation adventure.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

When it comes to PS3 games, Metal Gear Solid 4 truly stands out. Like all of Hideo Kojima’s work, it’s packed with elaborate details and a complex story, though some might say it goes on a little too long—especially with those extended cutscenes. The game used incredibly advanced motion capture technology for its time, and the voice acting was top-notch, rivaling Hollywood productions. Many fans consider the gameplay to be the best in the entire Metal Gear Solid series. It’s also unique for featuring the Psyche Gauge, seen only in Peace Walker. This system encouraged stealth, as killing enemies negatively impacted the gauge, causing Snake to become less stable when shooting. Hopefully, a remaster or port of Metal Gear Solid 4 will be released soon, allowing more players to enjoy this exceptional game.

The Last of Us

There’s a good reason why The Last of Us has been re-released and adapted into a show – it’s considered Naughty Dog’s best work. When it first came out in 2013, the game was groundbreaking with its realistic visuals and motion capture. Its intense combat and powerful story immediately captivated players, and it remains incredibly enjoyable today. Because the original game still holds up so well, some fans feel the remasters and remake are unnecessary. With such a memorable and compelling story, The Last of Us will likely remain popular for years to come.

2026-01-12 14:13