Ah, the late ‘90s and early 2000s – a golden era of gaming when polygon counts were low, loading screens took actual commitment, and game manuals were thick enough to double as self-defence weapons.
It was a time when we bravely dialled into the internet, only to have our mom pick up the phone and disconnect us mid-download. A simpler, weirder time.
With The Sims Legacy Collection celebrating 25 years of letting us build dream homes, remove pool ladders, and contemplate the consequences of putting our Sims in tiny, doorless rooms, I got thinking, what other classics from this era can we still play today?
Luckily for me (and my nostalgia-loving hearts), plenty of these digital gems have survived through remasters, re-releases, or some wizardry involving GOG and Steam.
So, grab your wired controllers, dig out those memory card saves (just in case), and let’s take a trip down pixelated memory lane with 25 games from the 90s and 2000s that you can still experience today – no CRT monitor required.
Age of Empires II (1999)
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This was the game that turned us all into mini warlords, strategising over medieval kingdoms while our villagers endlessly chopped wood.
Whether you were a casual player who just wanted to build the prettiest castle or a hardcore strategist min-maxing your army formations, Age of Empires II still holds up.
The Definitive Edition makes it even better, proving that some games truly do get better with age – unlike your skills, which may be a little rusty.
Baldur’s Gate (1998)
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Before Baldur’s Gate 3 made us all rethink our love for owlbears, Baldur’s Gate defined what a great RPG could be.
With deep storytelling, tactical combat, and enough dice-rolling to make your D&D-loving heart swoon, it’s a game that still feels magical today.
The Enhanced Edition modernizes the experience, but the nostalgic charm of venturing into the Forgotten Realms with a ragtag band of adventurers remains untouched.
Command & Conquer (1995-1999)
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Nothing quite screams ‘90s gaming like Command & Conquer’s blend of strategic warfare, FMV cutscenes, and intense base-building.
Whether you were siding with the GDI or the Brotherhood of Nod, this RTS masterpiece kept us all glued to our screens, perfecting tank rushes and sending out spies like we were digital warlords.
The Remastered Collection polishes up the experience while keeping all the nostalgic charm intact.
Crash Bandicoot Trilogy (1996-1998)
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If Crash Bandicoot taught us anything, it’s that running directly toward the camera is a surefire way to stress out an entire generation.
These classic platformers were as challenging as they were iconic, and thanks to the N. Sane Trilogy, we can once again experience the joy (and frustration) of perfectly timing jumps over bottomless pits.
It’s a nostalgic trip best taken with a high tolerance for Wumpa fruit and Aku Aku’s comforting “Ooga Booga.”
Diablo (1996)
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Back before loot systems were bloated and endgame content was king, Diablo kept things simple: descend into hell, click on everything that moves, and pray for good loot drops.
It’s dark, atmospheric, and still incredibly addictive. Revisiting it today is like rediscovering the purest form of dungeon-crawling – and realizing that the Butcher’s “Ahh, fresh meat!” is still terrifying.
Doom (1993)
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The granddaddy of first-person shooters, Doom was the reason your childhood nightmares involved pixelated demons and a heavy-metal soundtrack.
Boot it up today, and you’ll instantly be transported back to a time when a plot was optional, but blasting hellspawn at Mach speed was mandatory.
It still plays like a dream: fast, chaotic, and cathartic, reminding us why the phrase “rip and tear” is practically a lifestyle.
DuckTales (1989)
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For fans of DuckTales, the Remastered version is a chance to relive a childhood classic, and for newcomers, it’s an opportunity to experience one of the most beloved platformers of its time.
The rich nostalgia comes from the simple yet fun gameplay, the charm of Scrooge McDuck’s adventurous spirit, and the iconic theme song that still plays in your head long after the credits roll.
Fallout 3 (2008)
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A post-apocalyptic playground filled with moral choices, wacky side quests, and the ever-reliable V.A.T.S. system, Fallout 3 ushered players into a new era of open-world RPGs.
Returning to it today is like stepping into a radioactive time machine; nostalgia, adventure, and a bit of existential dread all wrapped into one.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002)
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Few games define early-2000s gaming quite like Vice City. With its neon-soaked streets, ‘80s soundtrack, and over-the-top crime saga, it was the ultimate power fantasy.
Playing it today, even in its remastered form, still feels like stepping onto the set of Scarface – except with more tank rampages.
Grim Fandango (1998)
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Noir mystery meets the afterlife in one of LucasArts’ most beloved adventure games.
Grim Fandango was as stylish as it was witty, and thanks to its remaster, it remains a timeless classic.
Reliving Manny Calavera’s tale today feels like revisiting an old friend; one with impeccable taste in suits and an affinity for existential comedy.
Half-Life (1998)
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There was life before Half-Life, and then there was everything after.
Valve’s sci-fi shooter redefined the genre, blending tight gunplay with immersive storytelling.
Booting it up today, it’s impossible not to feel that same rush of excitement as you step into Gordon Freeman’s hazard suit – just watch out for those headcrabs because they’re still as horrifying as ever.
Monkey Island (1990-1997)
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The Monkey Island series is proof that comedy and adventure go hand in hand. With witty writing, clever puzzles, and Guybrush Threepwood’s never-ending quest to become a mighty pirate, these games are a nostalgic delight.
The Special Editions and Return to Monkey Island make it easy to relive the magic without having to dig out an old floppy disk.
Myst (1993)
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Few games capture the feeling of pure mystery like Myst. Its eerie, puzzle-laden world was a revelation in the ‘90s, and the modern remake allows new players to experience that same mind-bending journey in crisp detail.
Playing it today is like stepping into an interactive dream – one that still refuses to hold your hand.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
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Time-manipulating parkour never felt so good. The Sands of Time was a perfect blend of smooth acrobatics, clever puzzles, and an engaging story.
Playing it today reminds us just how satisfying it was to rewind time after botching a wall jump; something modern games could use more of.
Quake (1996)
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If Doom was the father of FPS games, Quake was the edgy, 3D-rendered teenage son who turned everything up to 11.
Its lightning-fast multiplayer, gothic environments and Trent Reznor-powered soundtrack made it a game ahead of its time.
The Remastered Edition keeps all the intensity intact, proving that even decades later, Quake still rocks.
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
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The survival horror game that changed the genre forever, Resident Evil 4, is as exhilarating today as it was in 2005.
Whether you’re playing the original or the stunning remake, Leon Kennedy’s fight against creepy cultists remains an unforgettable experience.
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
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A masterpiece of atmospheric horror, Silent Hill 2 delivers a haunting narrative that lingers long after you put the controller down.
Playing it today is like stepping into a nightmare from your past; only now you can fully appreciate just how revolutionary its storytelling and symbolism truly were.
StarCraft (1998)
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StarCraft remains a cornerstone of competitive gaming, but for those of us who remember it fondly, it’s a rush of nostalgia.
Whether it was the glory of conquering alien worlds or the unbeatable sound of Zerglings charging in for the kill, StarCraft defined what it meant to be a real-time strategy pro.
The Remastered version breathes fresh life into the classic, preserving that oh-so-satisfying balance of tactics and reflexes while still delivering those iconic voice lines.
There’s no denying the magnetic nostalgia of returning to the Koprulu Sector.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic takes players back to a time when Star Wars lore was expanding into new frontiers, far before the sequel trilogy.
Set in a galaxy thousands of years before the films, it offers the unique blend of RPG mechanics, character-driven storytelling, and turn-based combat that defined early 2000s gaming.
For fans of the franchise, it’s a true treasure trove of nostalgia, with a complex story, deep moral choices, and unforgettable characters like Bastila Shan and HK-47.
Spyro the Dragon Trilogy (1998-2000)
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There’s something magical about Spyro the Dragon that transports you straight to the late ’90s when the platformer was king and every vibrant level felt like a new world to explore.
Players today will find that the Reignited Trilogy is not just a visually updated version of the beloved game—it’s a portal to a simpler time of whimsical characters, colourful landscapes, and addictive collectables.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002)
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For many, Morrowind was the birthplace of open-world RPG magic, and its legacy is undeniable.
Whether you’re exploring the strange alien landscapes of Vvardenfell for the first time or reliving the charm of its rough-around-the-edges visuals, the game offers an immersive world that feels simultaneously ancient and ahead of its time.
The Longest Journey (1999)
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The Longest Journey is a true gem of the late 90s, and revisiting it now feels like diving into a long-lost adventure.
The game’s stunning hand-drawn art, complex narrative, and memorable characters paint a picture of a time when point-and-click adventures were the height of storytelling in games.
Tomb Raider (1996)
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The original Tomb Raider is an archetypal example of ’90s adventure gaming, where you guided Lara Croft through ancient tombs, treacherous landscapes, and puzzles that made you feel like a true explorer.
Today, it serves as a nostalgic trip to when platformers and 3D environments were fresh and groundbreaking. With its blocky yet charming graphics, distinctive soundtrack, and Lara’s iconic ’90s swagger, it’s more than just a game; it’s a piece of gaming history.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000)
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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is the epitome of early 2000s gaming nostalgia. From the instantly recognizable soundtrack to the perfectly designed skateparks, it’s a perfect slice of skating culture from the turn of the millennium.
The remaster brings back all the high-flying tricks and smooth combos, letting a new generation experience the magic while allowing veterans to relive their endless hours of “just one more run” perfection.
Zork: Grand Inquisitor (1997)
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Step back into the magical and absurd world of Zork, where text-based adventures met a more immersive, graphical environment in Zork: Grand Inquisitor.
This 1997 classic remains a nostalgic gem for those who remember the golden age of PC adventure games, bringing a unique blend of puzzles, humour, and dark fantasy.
And there you have it: 25 glorious blasts from the past that you can still play today, with no ancient hardware, dusty cartridges, or desperate eBay searches required.
Whether you’re revisiting these classics for the hundredth time or experiencing them for the first (in which case, welcome to the best era of gaming; we had dial-up, and we survived), there’s never been a better time to dive into gaming history.
Thanks to remasters, re-releases, and digital storefronts that refuse to let our childhood favourites fade into obscurity, we can keep these gaming treasures alive – just like that one The Sims save file we refuse to delete because we got really attached to a pixelated family from 2003.
So go forth, relive the magic, and maybe, just maybe, try to not remove the pool ladder this time.
