1996 games that still hold up

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

Oct Pokémon Blue Version 1996 i Why it still holds upThe loop of catching, training and battling is simple enough to pick up now, and the version differences make trading with friends part of the design.

Feb 27 Pokémon Red Version 1996 i Why it still holds upA journey past eight gyms with a collection to complete along the way is still the reason to play it today.

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.

Feb Sid Meier's Civilization II 1996 i Why it still holds upA full sweep of history, where every city and every advance is your choice, still makes it worth playing 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.

Oct The Neverhood 1996 i Why it still holds upA puzzle is a matter of what Klaymen can do in the room you are in, which is simple to follow now.

Nov Discworld II: Mortality Bytes! 1996 Also known as Discworld II: Missing Presumed...!? i Why it still holds upThe puzzles are still about finding the right item for the right person, with a Luggage that holds everything and four attitudes for every conversation.

May 14 Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War 1996 i Why it still holds upThe campaign still has a long arc, with a story told across two generations.

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.

Feb 9 Bahamut Lagoon 1996 i Why it still holds upA dragon raised by what you choose to feed it still makes each squadron your own today.

Aug Grand Prix 2 1996 i Why it still holds upDriving aids you can strip away one by one let a race weekend grow as hard as you like today.

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.

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.

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.

Feb Soul Edge 1996 i Why it still holds upWeapon duels are still worth a go with a friend.

DX-Ball 1996 i Why it still holds upA single ball and a paddle make the rules clear in a few seconds.

Dec 3 Rage Racer 1996 i Why it still holds upCars bought and upgraded race by race still give it a long climb today.

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 9 Harvest Moon 1996 i Why it still holds upA calm rhythm of small daily chores is as relaxing now as it ever was.

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.

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

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.

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