Games turning 30 in 2026

Jan 29 Duke Nukem 3D 1996 i Why it still holds upEach level is still worth poking around, with routes through ducts and sewers and objects that react when you use them.

Feb 8 Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom 1996 i Why it still holds upWingmen chosen for how they fly, and armor that does not heal, keep every sortie a trade between risk and supply today.

Feb 9 Bahamut Lagoon 1996 i Why it still holds upA dragon you raise yourself still makes each squadron feel like your own.

Feb 27 Pokémon Red Version 1996 i Why it still holds upA collecting goal, a route past eight gyms and the Elite Four, and a small Kanto map that leaves things to the imagination are the reason to play it now.

Mar 9 Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars 1996 i Why it still holds upVisible enemies and timed button presses keep you acting in every turn, which is the reason to play it now.

Mar 29 Dragon Force 1996 i Why it still holds upFighting by formation and not by tile makes each battle feel like a large army clash.

Apr 17 The Settlers II: Veni, Vidi, Vici 1996 i Why it still holds upEven now, tending a growing settlement is a patient pleasure that holds up.

Apr 19 Metal Slug 1996 i Why it still holds upEven now, animation that reacts to everything you do, and a tank that arrives at set points, give each level its pace, and unlimited continues in the Switch version let you see it all.

Jun 22 Quake 1996 i Why it still holds upFull 3D levels, enemies with distinct roles and rocket jumping still make exploring and fighting feel like one thing today.

Jun 23 Super Mario 64 1996 i Why it still holds upMario controls crisply and each painting lets you pick which star to chase, so the game still feels open today.

Jun 27 MissionForce: CyberStorm 1996 i Why it still holds upThe BioDerms are still as much equipment as the machines they pilot, built and spent in the same way.

Jul 5 Nights Into Dreams... 1996 i Why it still holds upAt about an hour a run, it is short enough to try today, and the ranks give a reason to return.

Jul 19 Saturn Bomberman 1996 i Why it still holds upA battle mode that fits up to ten players still gives it something to bring a group to.

Jul 21 Mole Mania 1996 i Why it still holds upPlanning where to dig on each screen still takes real thought today.

Aug 1 Tex Murphy: The Pandora Directive 1996 i Why it still holds upThe three paths still leave the detective you are to decide how it ends.

Sep 9 Crash Bandicoot 1996 i Why it still holds upThere is still a reason to look beyond the path, with crates to smash in every level.

Sep 20 The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall 1996 i Why it still holds upA world with this much to do is an invitation to choose your own path, and it still is.

Sep 23 Donkey Kong Land 2 1996 i Why it still holds upThe quest to rescue Donkey Kong is still there to play today, with levels redesigned for the handheld.

Oct 4 Pajama Sam In: No Need to Hide When It's Dark Outside 1996 i Why it still holds upA game with a sock hunt and a quiz show is an easy one to share, and it still is today.

Oct 14 Circle of Blood 1996 Also known as Broken Sword i Why it still holds upToday you question every character and find the clues in your own inventory, which makes each scene a small investigation.

Oct 18 Wipeout XL 1996 Also known as Wipeout 2097 i Why it still holds upFour teams with such different ships still give each run a reason to be repeated.

Oct 24 Tomb Raider 1996 i Why it still holds upA tomb that is a puzzle to move through, not a corridor to run down, still makes exploring the point.

Oct 25 Vandal Hearts 1996 i Why it still holds upLosing your leader means a defeat, so protecting him is still part of every plan.

Nov 1 Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain 1996 i Why it still holds upThe drinking still makes the hero's health bar the people he kills.

Nov 18 Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! 1996 i Why it still holds upTwo Kongs who can throw each other around still give a level plenty to find.

Nov 22 Command & Conquer: Red Alert 1996 i Why it still holds upTwo sides built differently, and a power grid that doubles as a target, keep it distinct from other strategy games today.

Nov 22 Master of Orion II: Battle at Antares 1996 i Why it still holds upCustom race design, several routes to victory and ship by ship tactical combat still make each game start differently today.

Dec 3 Rage Racer 1996 i Why it still holds upBuying and upgrading cars gives the races a long arc to climb.

Dec 6 PaRappa the Rapper 1996 i Why it still holds upEach stage uses a different music genre and is built around one rap, so every song asks for its own timing and still feels distinct today.

Dec 14 Mario Kart 64 1996 i Why it still holds upFour player split screen in Versus and Battle on one console, with items and drift boosts keeping races open, still makes it easy to start a match today.

Dec 20 Wild Arms 1996 i Why it still holds upIf you like a Western flavor in your fantasy, this game still offers one.