10 Classic ’90s Games That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

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Video games have evolved dramatically over time. The graphics are far more lifelike now, classic gameplay elements have been updated or improved, and new technologies have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying older games. Many from the 1990s are still fun to play, and some are actually better than games released today.

Crash Bandicoot Doesn’t Get Any Harder Than the Original

Crash Bandicoot was a huge hit when the original PlayStation first came out. It was Naughty Dog’s breakthrough game – a bright and lively platformer known for its unique characters and incredibly challenging levels.

While the 2017 remastered version is excellent, the original game remains enjoyable. The platforming is still incredibly fun and challenging, and Crash Bandicoot’s personality shines through just as brightly in the classic ’90s game as it does in newer versions.

Earthbound Was Always Bound For More

The Earthbound/Mother series is a true gem from Nintendo, and Earthbound is a particularly wonderful role-playing game. It’s a quirky adventure where a group of kids with psychic abilities team up to fight off invading aliens, and things only get more unusual as you play.

I still love playing Earthbound! It’s a game that’s super easy to get into, and honestly, the characters are just the best. Even now, it feels just as amazing as it did when I first played it back in the ’90s – it really holds up!

Metal Gear Solid Sneaks Past Its Competitors

The Metal Gear series boasts a collection of fantastic games that have held up remarkably well over time, remaining competitive even alongside modern releases.

Man, playing the original Metal Gear Solid was a total game-changer for me. The sneaking around was so intense – some of the most stressful, but awesome, moments I’ve ever had in a game! And the way they told the story? It felt like watching a movie, honestly. Looking back, it really paved the way for a lot of the big, cinematic action games we see today.

Mortal Kombat II Still Spills a Lot of Blood

In the 1990s, Mortal Kombat II was hugely popular in arcades. Its easy-to-learn controls and over-the-top violence quickly attracted players, and it’s still considered one of the best games in the Mortal Kombat series.

The original Mortal Kombat game was significantly improved upon in its sequel. The second game featured a larger roster of characters, more finishing moves for each fighter, and more intricate combat techniques. While newer Mortal Kombat titles are excellent, many fans still enjoy the original classic.

Pokémon Gold & Silver Made the Franchise Even Bigger

I remember when Pokémon first exploded in the ’90s! After Red and Blue were such a huge hit, everyone was wondering how they could top that. And honestly, Gold and Silver totally delivered – they took everything to the next level!

As a huge Pokémon fan, I was so excited when Gold and Silver came out! They added a whopping 100 new Pokémon to catch, plus totally new types and moves to master. But the best part? They let you breed Pokémon, which was a game-changer for completing your Pokédex! Seriously, Gold and Silver were the perfect games to kick off the new millennium for the Pokémon franchise.

Resident Evil 2 is Still Too Scary for Words

Few horror games capture the feeling of desperation like Resident Evil 2. The sequel ramped up the intensity, challenging Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield to survive against a fresh wave of zombies and creatures right in the middle of Raccoon City.

Even today, the unsettling sounds, confusing level designs, and old-school tank controls of the original Resident Evil 2 still create a truly frightening atmosphere. While the 2019 remake is a better fit for modern gamers, the original from the ’90s is still worth playing.

Sonic the Hedgehog Never Slowed Down

Man, the original Sonic the Hedgehog is a classic! It’s the game that really got me hooked on Sonic, and it was huge for Sega. They needed a character to go up against Mario, and Sonic totally became the face of their consoles. It’s a piece of gaming history, for sure.

The game’s platforming is incredibly smooth and fast-paced, offering a genuine challenge despite having simple controls – just running and jumping. Unlike many newer Sonic games that try to add too many complicated features, the original succeeded because of its straightforward design.

Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Doesn’t Pull Any Punches

Along with Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter became incredibly popular in the 1990s, largely due to a groundbreaking sequel. Street Fighter II felt like a real journey around the world, bringing fighters from different countries together for an exciting competition.

The game featured a much larger roster of characters, and new fighting techniques created deeper, more strategic gameplay. It continued to improve with updates released after its initial launch. Even now, Street Fighter II remains a fan favorite and is widely considered one of the best installments in the series.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is in a World of Its Own

The 1990s saw many fantastic Mario games, like Super Mario World and Super Mario 64. However, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island often gets overlooked. This game uniquely featured Yoshi as the main character, tasked with protecting baby Mario.

Yoshi’s Island offered a fresh take on the classic platforming gameplay of the Mario series. It was easy to pick up and play, with simple controls and levels designed to be welcoming to new players, while still maintaining the familiar Mario feel that long-time fans enjoyed. This game was so important, in fact, that it paved the way for the entire Yoshi series of games.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX is a Dreamlike Experience

When fans talk about the best Legend of Zelda games from the ’90s, Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past are usually mentioned. However, Link’s Awakening – especially the DX version for Game Boy Color – is just as great and deserves more recognition.

The core of the game is largely unchanged, but the dungeons and environments have been visually updated with color, making them a significant improvement over the original Game Boy version. Small changes to gameplay and the addition of a new dungeon further enhance this version, cementing Link’s Awakening’s status as a beloved classic.

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2026-06-08 07:04