Spyro the Dragon 1998
Why it still holds upLarge levels full of collectibles still make a good place to wander.
1990s platformers that still hold up
Jumping, which is far harder to get right than it looks
Games
Spyro the Dragon 1998
Why it still holds upLarge levels full of collectibles still make a good place to wander.
Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse 1993
Why it still holds upFinding new items to reopen old stages still gives it a pace of its own.
In a bundle
Mega Man 5 1992
Why it still holds upEight stages with tricks of their own, such as switching gravity or riding a vehicle, are still there to be picked in any order.
Kirby's Dream Land 1992
Why it still holds upSimple controls and a short game still leave little to learn.
Mega Man III 1992
Why it still holds upTwo sets of four Robot Masters and E-Tanks to help with the hard parts still make a compact Mega Man game.
In a bundle
Castlevania: Bloodlines 1994
Why it still holds upTwo heroes with different ways of moving still give each stage two ways to be played.
In a bundle
Super Castlevania IV 1991
Why it still holds upA whip you can aim in eight directions and swing from rings still gives you plenty to do in each room.
In a bundle
Mega Man 4 1991
Why it still holds upEight stages to choose from in any order, each with an obstacle of its own, still leave the route to you.
Earthworm Jim 2 1995
Why it still holds upMost levels change the rules, so there is still something new to work out in each.
Rayman 1995
Why it still holds upAbilities earned one at a time still give the quest a pace that suits a patient player today.
Toy Story 2: Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue! 1999
Why it still holds upA hunt for tokens in each level still gives every area more than one goal.
Earthworm Jim 1994
Why it still holds upUsing a worm as a whip is the idea the game is built on, and it still stands today.
Battletoads 1991
Why it still holds upEach level brings new enemies, hazards and rules, and the game still avoids repeating itself.
Ristar 1995
Why it still holds upFighting, climbing and swinging all run through the stretchy arms, so one idea is enough to start playing today.
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World 1990
Why it still holds upA parody of a ninja game still keeps the pace light.
Disney's Hercules Action Game 1997
Why it still holds upA short set of levels with varied weapons still makes it quick to try.
Donkey Kong 64 1999
Why it still holds upFive Kongs and so much to collect still make it a big island to explore today.
Sonic Adventure 1998
Why it still holds upSix characters that each play differently give the one game several ways to play today.