10 Classic Games Still Thriving in 2023

Summary

Some classic games like Halo: Master Chief Collection and Left 4 Dead 2 have stood the test of time with active communities.
Minecraft and Garry’s Mod offer endless creativity and replayability with extensive fan-created content.
Team Fortress 2 and Borderlands 2 remain popular due to challenging gameplay that requires skill and time to master.

Over the last few decades, gaming has grown into an enormous player within the entertainment sector, experiencing multiple evolutionary stages. Numerous video games that are now widely recognized household names boast a rich history of classic titles in their series, or have managed to stay relevant for such a long time that they’re still thriving today.

Many timeless video games might have slipped under the radar of contemporary gamers, either because they were not played at the time or simply overlooked. This isn’t much of a concern for solo gaming experiences since players can always revisit them later, but multiplayer games pose a different challenge. These games can be shut down when there are too few active players; even if the servers remain operational, there’s no certainty that anyone is using them. However, these ten games continue to have a vibrant community.

10. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Classic Sci-Fi Action

The Halo series is one of the most renowned first-person shooter (FPS) franchises. Although Halo: Infinite, its latest release, remains popular and can be played on Xbox Game Pass, gamers should not ignore the Master Chief Collection – a compilation of all the classic Halo games, ranging from Halo: Combat Evolved to Halo 4.

In this assortment, you’ll find an abundance of content tailored for gamers, offering endless enjoyment. If you’re yearning for an epic space saga to conquer alongside companions, each campaign boasts cooperative modes. Craving a frenetic multiplayer experience? You can select from both competitive and casual settings, with game variations ranging from intense 4vs4 Slayer battles to colossal Big Team Battle King of the Hill scenarios. Additionally, there’s a custom game browser and Forge – a map-creating tool – empowering players to craft their own mini-games and maps for entertainment.

9. Minecraft

Everyone Knows This One

Without a doubt, Minecraft, recognized as one of the greatest games ever created, doesn’t require an introduction. However, it was initially launched as far back as 2009. Although the game has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings as a solo creative project, it still adheres to the same core gameplay mechanics and structure.

As an enthusiast, I’ve been immersed in various iterations of this beloved game, ranging from the console-friendly Windows edition, all the way back to the iconic Javascript version. This game offers an impressive mod support system, allowing for texture packs, new biomes, and even unique creatures to be added. And with servers capable of accommodating thousands simultaneously, it’s never been a better moment to dive into Minecraft!

8. Left 4 Dead 2

Zombie Blasting Fun

Among the most famous cooperative games ever created, “Left 4 Dead 2” offers an exhilarating experience for anyone seeking a thrilling zombie shoot-out adventure they can enjoy with companions.

The game offers endless fun as it boasts an addictive gameplay system and a vast collection of mods, ranging from the amusing to the profound, all available through the workshop. Released in 2009, Left For Dead 2 has continued to grow, adding four new campaigns for players to explore, as well as updating all levels from its predecessor (Left 4 Dead) with fresh weapons, adversaries, and items.

7. DayZ

Surviving The Apocalypse

In the premier zombie survival game, DayZ, players find themselves in a struggle not only against hordes of the undead but also against other players and the harsh environment. Gathering essentials like food, weapons, and clothing suitable for the climate they face, players can choose to cooperate or act as ruthless outlaws, even forming alliances and constructing their own strongholds.

For more than a decade, the survival game DayZ has been available, initially launched on Steam’s Early Access in 2013 and later adapted for consoles a few years afterwards. The game experienced some rough patches during its early years but has since established itself as a popular mainstay on Steam’s most-played games list.

6. Payday 2

Rob A Bank, Train, Goat, Whatever

Payday 2 embodies the ultimate heist dream, akin to movies like Heat, where players assume control over multiple characters engaged in various heists. With an extensive collection of weapons at their disposal and the flexibility to design custom gameplay styles through numerous builds, this game offers a thrilling experience that caters to both strategic, stealthy approaches or all-out, gunfire-filled adventures.

Introduced in 2013, the game Payday 2 has generated numerous spin-offs and an additional title within the series (each offering unique methods to construct and execute heists). Remarkably, despite its age, Payday 2 maintains a strong grip on gamers, with the vast quantity of content released throughout its extended lifespan consistently drawing players back for more.

5. Counter-Strike: Source

The Original Refined

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I can confidently say that I’m still captivated by one of the pioneers in competitive shooting games – Counter-Strike: Source. Even after more than two decades since its initial launch, it remains vibrant and active. If you’re a fan of Counter-Strike 2, I strongly recommend giving this classic a spin. It’s a fantastic way to experience the roots of this beloved gaming franchise.

In simpler terms, the game evolved the concept from the original Counter-Strike mod by using Valve’s fresh Source Engine, making subtle adjustments and fine-tuning the core mechanics rather than drastic overhauls. The new engine also allowed for better physics and interactive environments, creating more complex tactical scenarios for players to explore.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War

Warhammer But Digital

The Dawn of War series is undeniably one of the finest strategy games based on the Warhammer universe ever produced, boasting an impressive trio of expansions prior to its successor, Dawn of War 2, which shifted focus towards role-playing game (RPG) elements.

In this strategy game classic, each level offers an immersive storyline for players to delve into, featuring factions spanning the entire Warhammer 40,000 universe. From the terrifying Dark Eldar to the devoted Sisters of Battle, you can command a variety of forces. With a vast array of multiplayer maps and a rich collection of mods like the Unification Mod and Titanium Wars, there’s never a shortage of activities in this game.

3. Borderlands 2

Shoot-Em-Up With Friends

In simpler terms, “Borderlands 2” is a cooperative shooter game set in a Marvel-like universe, where you’ll find an exciting mix of action-packed, outlandish gameplay and a narrative-driven rampage through an alien world. You can choose from six characters, each with distinct abilities and subclasses that become more powerful as you replay the game. By the end, these characters become so overpowered that teaming up with others is essential for taking down epic raidbosses, making you feel like a god!

2012 saw the launch of Borderlands 2, a game that remains just as fun to experience today. Characters like Krieg and Maya bring fresh perspectives to the standard formula of first-person shooter games, enriching the gameplay experience.

2. Garry’s Mod

Make Your Own Game

The classic game, Garry’s Mod, was modeled after Half-Life 2’s version of the Source Engine and remains a favorite among gamers today due to its affordability and ease of use, offering endless replay value. In this open-ended play area, players have the freedom to do whatever they desire in the basic sandbox or explore online for an abundance of creative game modes devised by fans.

Initially launched in 2004, Garry’s Mod quickly established itself as a symbol of internet culture due to its functionality as an animation tool, the boundless creativity displayed by its players, and the vast library of user-generated content available for download and entertainment.

1. Team Fortress 2

A Cartoony Classic

Team Fortress 2 stands out as a highly-acclaimed free-to-play game, even though it was launched back in 2007. Across multiple maps and game modes, participants engage in fierce combat while assuming roles from among nine distinct characters. Ranging from the cunning Spy to the unpredictable Pyro, players must dedicate significant effort and practice to master each character’s unique abilities.

What keeps Team Fortress 2 so enduring is its inherent challenge. Even the top-notch Demoman sometimes misses their grenades, and the seasoned Soldier never tires of discovering a new rocket jump technique. The continuous learning process, aimed at mastery, ensures that players remain hooked, finding the game increasingly rewarding over time.

2025-02-03 10:06