Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf 1992
Why it still holds upA mix of action and planning, with ammunition to ration, still keeps each mission a puzzle as well as a fight.
1990s games that still hold up
Games
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf 1992
Why it still holds upA mix of action and planning, with ammunition to ration, still keeps each mission a puzzle as well as a fight.
Pac-Man World 1999
Why it still holds upA familiar hero in a short run of themed worlds is still easy to get into.
Parasite Eve II 1999
Why it still holds upEnemies in plain view still let a player plan a fight.
On sale
Garou: Mark of the Wolves 1999
Why it still holds upJust Defend and a life bar that unlocks moves still give each round its own decisions.
Myth: The Fallen Lords 1997
Why it still holds upThe army you start with is still the army you have, so each battle comes down to keeping it alive.
Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter 1997
Why it still holds upThe eight players still fly dogfights against people, on whichever side you choose.
Mario's Picross 1995
Why it still holds upRows and columns that confirm each other still turn every picture into a logic puzzle.
Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master 1993
Why it still holds upLevels that keep changing how you move still give it variety.
Sunset Riders 1991
Why it still holds upA shootout with a poster for a target is still a fine game for a group.
On sale
X-COM: Apocalypse 1997
Why it still holds upThe city is still ground you defend that has landlords, and they have opinions.
Disney's Aladdin 1994
Why it still holds upA short run through the film still makes it easy to finish in one sitting.
Colony Wars 1997
Why it still holds upA campaign that branches after a lost mission still gives a reason to try it again.
Kirby's Block Ball 1995
Why it still holds upA ball with Kirby's powers is easy to understand and still gives each round something to aim at.
On sale
X-COM: Terror From the Deep 1995
Why it still holds upThe depth is still the first game's two layers, with a sea between the ship you lost and the squad you send after it.
The Lucky Dime Caper Starring Donald Duck 1991
Why it still holds upA hammer, a thrown disc and a choice of level order still give the trip something to do.
F-Zero X 1998
Why it still holds upRacing thirty hovercars at once on loops and corkscrews is a spectacle that still has its pull.
On sale
Age of Wonders 1999
Why it still holds upThe choice in every battle, to place the units yourself or let the game decide, is still its draw today.
Heroes of Might and Magic: A Strategic Quest 1995
Why it still holds upThe four kinds still decide the army by the hero you chose, one more turn at a time.
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall 1996
Why it still holds upA world with this much to do is an invitation to choose your own path, and it still is.
Dune 1992
Why it still holds upA planet to manage and a story to follow still make it an unusual game to explore.
Tibia 1997
Diddy Kong Racing 1997
Why it still holds upRacing in three kinds of vehicle across five worlds is a reason to try it again now.
Heretic 1994
Why it still holds upHunting for keys with the Tome of Power ready is still a good way to explore.
ChuChu Rocket! 1999
Why it still holds upA short round of arrows and panic is still easy to start with friends.
Einhänder 1997
Why it still holds upToday, weapons taken from defeated enemies make each wave a choice of what to carry.
Loom 1990
Why it still holds upAn adventure played by humming spells is still a distinct way to play today.
In a bundle
Mega Man 6 1993
Why it still holds upA charged shot and a free choice of stage order still make it worth returning to.
Realms of the Haunting 1996
Why it still holds upThe doors still hide a universe behind every one, in a haunted house that is also a shooter.
Super Punch-Out!! 1994
Why it still holds upEach opponent has a style and weaknesses you learn by watching, so patience still pays off today.
The King of Fighters '98 1998
Why it still holds upTwo styles of meter still give each team a choice of how to fight.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 1998
Why it still holds upEach attempt is still a test of the plan, since missions reward planning and punish haste.
Streets of Rage 3 1994
Why it still holds upTeaming up to clear the streets is still a good reason to pass a controller around.
Beetle Adventure Racing! 1999
Why it still holds upThere is still a reason to come back to the tracks, with a secret circuit and cars unlocked by finishing others.
In a bundle
Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 1990
Why it still holds upA pair of chipmunks throwing crates is a game for two players that is still easy to share.
Re-Volt 1999
Why it still holds upToy cars racing through a supermarket are a premise that still makes a good party game.
Jazz Jackrabbit 2 1998
Why it still holds upRunning, shooting and stomping through four episodes still make a plain side scroller to pick up.
In a bundle
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The HyperStone Heist 1992
Why it still holds upFive long levels and a run of bosses still make a full afternoon for two.
On sale
Dino Crisis 1999
Why it still holds upA facility full of dinosaurs is still a good setting for a tense night.
Toy Commander 1999
Why it still holds upA house full of toys still turns every room into a different mission.
In a bundle
Mega Man 3 1990
Why it still holds upThe order of stages is yours to choose, which is still a reason to keep returning.
Shadow Warrior 1997
Why it still holds upVehicles to drive, ladders to climb and a katana or a sticky bomb to choose from still give each level things to try.
In a bundle
Mega Man X3 1995
Why it still holds upClinging to walls while charging a shot is still a way of fighting worth trying.
Fantasy General 1996
Why it still holds upThe grades still mean the squads are researched as well as recruited, one continent at a time.
SimCity 2000 1993
Why it still holds upA city that grows both up and down through layers still has plenty to build today.
Grandia 1997
Why it still holds upTrying new gear is still a reason to explore, since skills grow with use.
Golden Axe II 1991
Why it still holds upThree fighters with their own magic still make each run a choice.
Populous: The Beginning 1998
Why it still holds upThe sphere is still a planet you can walk round, and tear up by hand.
On sale
Syndicate Wars 1996
Why it still holds upThe rotation still lets you turn a city in your hands and bring it down.