The Sims 2000
Why it still holds upWithout a goal to reach, it is still open to whatever household you set up today.
Top-down and isometric games that still hold up
The whole board in view, from somewhere above it
Games
The Sims 2000
Why it still holds upWithout a goal to reach, it is still open to whatever household you set up today.
Mario's Picross 1995
Why it still holds upRows and columns that confirm each other still turn every picture into a logic puzzle.
On sale
X-COM: Apocalypse 1997
Why it still holds upThe city is still ground you defend that has landlords, and they have opinions.
On sale
Overcooked! 2 2018
Why it still holds upEach round is still a scramble to communicate, in kitchens that change under your feet.
On sale
Ground Control II: Operation Exodus 2004
Why it still holds upA dropship arriving under fire still makes every landing zone the centre of the fight.
Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand 2003
Why it still holds upA cartridge that reacts to real sunlight still gives each session a different feel.
On sale
Company of Heroes 2 2013
Why it still holds upHolding a zone with your squad is still the way to win ground.
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.
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.
Tibia 1997
Zoo Tycoon 2001
Why it still holds upAnimals that fight and fences that decay still keep the zoo something to tend.
Untitled Goose Game 2019
Why it still holds upBecause the list can be tackled in any order, the village is still a place for mischief at your own pace.
In a bundle
Pong 1972
Why it still holds upTwo paddles and a ball make a duel that is easy to follow, and it still is.
Yume Nikki 2004
Why it still holds upA dream world to wander without a game over is still open today.
On sale
Human Resource Machine 2015
Why it still holds upThe boxes are still a programming lesson in which the bug is a small person carrying the wrong box.
On sale
Dungeon Siege 2002
Why it still holds upA party of eight that follows your formation is still a fine way to run a fantasy expedition.
Xenon 2: Megablast 1989
Why it still holds upToday, restart points spaced through each level turn a hard stage into a series of short attempts.
Battlerite 2017
Why it still holds upRounds of two minutes still make every match a quick one to try.
Berzerk 1980
Why it still holds upA room full of robots and an enemy that cannot be killed still make for tense play.
On sale
Patrician III 2002
Why it still holds upThe ladder still leads to the chair at the head of the League, and the choice is which road gets you there.
Knightmare 1986
Why it still holds upIts constant scroll and weapon swapping still keep each stage busy.
On sale
Dino Crisis 1999
Why it still holds upA facility full of dinosaurs is still a good setting for a tense night.
Lara Croft Go 2015
Why it still holds upPuzzles that ask for planning instead of reflexes still suit short sessions.
On sale
Freedom Force 2002
Why it still holds upEach team is still your own, built ability by ability.
Zaxxon 1982
Why it still holds upJudging height from a shadow still makes every wall a test of the eye.
On sale
Napoleon: Total War 2010
Why it still holds upEach scenario covers a smaller area than the series' global maps, and armies that move too far from home suffer attrition.
Animal Crossing: Wild World 2005
Why it still holds upA village that follows the real calendar is still worth checking in on today.
Dragon Warrior 1986
Why it still holds upA first quest with one clear goal still makes a good starting point.
In a bundle
Disciples II: Dark Prophecy 2002
Why it still holds upThe battles are still drawn to be watched as much as won.
Frozen Synapse 2011
Why it still holds upPlanning every move and then watching the turn play out is still a clear way to see tactics at work.
Fantasy General 1996
Why it still holds upThe grades still mean the squads are researched as well as recruited, one continent at a time.
The Sims 2 2004
Why it still holds upA home can still change as the household does, with three modes for living, buying and building.
Tecmo Bowl 1987
Why it still holds upTwo fixed teams, up to four players and tackles to break still make a simple game of football.
SimCity 2000 1993
Why it still holds upA city that grows both up and down through layers still has plenty to build today.
In a bundle
Battle City 1985
Why it still holds upDefending a base while clearing the board still asks for attention today.
On sale
Anno 1701 2006
Why it still holds upThe tiers still have the citizens tell you what they want next, and move up when they get it.
Ivan ''Ironman'' Stewart's Super Off Road 1989
Why it still holds upThree trucks on one screen with upgrades between races still make a quick game for friends.
Animal Crossing 2001
Why it still holds upA village that follows the calendar is still worth a visit today.
Grandia 1997
Why it still holds upTrying new gear is still a reason to explore, since skills grow with use.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II 2009
Why it still holds upA battle where cover decides things still calls for a plan today.
Populous: The Beginning 1998
Why it still holds upThe sphere is still a planet you can walk round, and tear up by hand.
Heroes of Might and Magic V 2006
Why it still holds upGrowing a hero skill by skill is still a good way to build an army.
On sale
Hidden Folks 2017
Why it still holds upScenes you can poke and prod still turn a search into a small toy.
On sale
Syndicate Wars 1996
Why it still holds upThe rotation still lets you turn a city in your hands and bring it down.
Halo Wars 2 2017
Why it still holds upA rock, paper, scissors of units still makes every army a matchup to read.
The Sexy Brutale 2017
Why it still holds upThe loop still lets you save a murder party one guest at a time, by knowing the day better than the killers do.
Total War: Rome II 2013
Why it still holds upA camera that follows individual soldiers ties the campaign map to the fight it causes, and that link still matters.
Mario Party 2 1999
Why it still holds upIt is still a game made for several people on one couch.