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The classics that still hold up

The ones almost everyone agrees on

349 games · page 3 of 8

System Shock 2 1999 Why it still holds upThe skill system and the atmosphere keep it worth playing now, since you build your character through choices aboard a ship that feels lived in.
Planescape: Torment 1999 Why it still holds upThe writing and the companions are still the reason to play it today, since your stats and what you say keep opening options in conversation.
Inside 2016 Why it still holds upThe puzzles are why it still plays well: they are natural obstacles that make sense in the context of the game, and the wordless boy is expressive enough to carry it.
Tetris 1989 Why it still holds upIts single simple rule is why it still plays well: it is easy to understand, and it gets harder as the speed rises.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps 2020 Why it still holds upThe way the map opens up is still the reason to play: each ability Ori finds sends you back through Niwen by a route that was shut.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 2000 Why it still holds upThe three day cycle keeps it worth playing today: you plan your days around what people need, and the world changes with the clock, with the music growing more menacing toward the end.
Divinity: Original Sin II 2017 Why it still holds upFreedom in and out of combat, where a fight is a puzzle of armor, elements and position and a quest has more than one answer, still makes it worth playing today.
Mario Kart 8 2014 Why it still holds upVaried track design, with assists so that players of every level can share a race, still makes it work today.
Minecraft: Java Edition 2011 Why it still holds upBecause nothing is required of you, a new world is whatever you decide to make of it, and that is what keeps it worth starting now.
Death Stranding 2019 Why it still holds upA route planned, built and shared with strangers still makes the long walks worth doing today.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 1992 Why it still holds upThe reason to go back is level design that rewards speed without giving up exploration.
Mass Effect 3 2012 Why it still holds upBecause so much of it rests on those earlier choices, the trilogy played in order from the first game still gives it its full weight today.
Pokémon Silver Version 1999 Why it still holds upA world that runs on its own clock, with a second full region after the first, is the reason to go back to it now.
Deus Ex 2000 Why it still holds upWith several routes to every objective, both a pacifist and a combat approach work, and that freedom in level design is the reason to play it today.
God of War III 2010 Why it still holds upToday it still offers combat built on chained combos and weapon switching, on a very large scale.
God of War II 2007 Why it still holds upIt holds up now because combat, platforming and puzzles are designed as one adventure.
Sid Meier's Civilization 1991 Why it still holds upEvery turn is still a small decision about research, building or war today, and the order you choose shapes the whole run.
Omori 2020 Why it still holds upA story that moves between a cheerful dream and the real world, and from comedy into psychological horror, is still the draw today.
Resident Evil 2002 Why it still holds upAmmo, inventory and saves are scarce, so you keep deciding what to fight, what to carry and when to backtrack, and that tension is the reason to play it now.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 2017 Why it still holds upLayered combat across large worlds packed with hidden items and side quests still makes it worth playing today.
Gothic II 2002 Why it still holds upA compact, hand placed world where exploring pays off is still the reason to play it today.
Pokémon Gold Version 1999 Why it still holds upTwo regions on one cartridge keep the adventure going past the first Elite Four, and that is the reason to play it today.
Donkey Kong Country 1994 Why it still holds upLevels that keep changing how you move, with vines, barrels, mine carts and animals, and a difficulty that rises steadily, are the reason to play it now.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2004 Why it still holds upThe clan you choose changes what you can do and say, so a second run in the same city plays differently, and that is why it is still worth playing today.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess 2006 Why it still holds upNine dungeons with distinct themes and tools, joined by a large overworld, and two ways of moving and fighting in one adventure, are why it is worth playing now.

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