Classic Games That Still Hit Newcomers Just As Hard

It’s common to want to share video games with friends or family who don’t usually play them. But it can be tough to choose the right game to start with! Suggesting something too difficult, like a really challenging action game, might turn them off completely. You also want to pick a great game that will give them a good first impression and make them want to keep playing.

Older, well-known games can be hit or miss when you revisit them today. But whether you’re new to gaming or just haven’t experienced these classics, they often still feel powerful and meaningful.

6. Tetris

The Very Definition Of Pick Up And Play

Since it first appeared in the 1980s, Tetris has been enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re a gamer or not, the game is easy to understand: simply guide and rotate falling blocks to create complete rows. Clearing rows makes the blocks disappear and increases your score. The game ends when the blocks stack up and reach the top of the screen. Its simple yet brilliant design is what makes Tetris so appealing.

It’s amazing how fast people pick up Tetris and start striving for higher scores. While the original Game Boy version is simple, it’s perfect for learning the core gameplay. From there, new players can move on to more recent versions, which look much better and include a variety of extra game modes. No matter which version you play, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of clearing multiple lines with a single Tetris piece. Currently, Tetris 99 might be the best version yet, offering a large-scale and exciting battle royale experience.

5. The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

Absolutely Not A Relic From The Past

Some classic Super Nintendo games are still enjoyable today, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a prime example. If you’re new to the Zelda series, a good place to start is with the very first game. However, that original Zelda, released outside Japan in 1987, can be confusing for modern players. When A Link to the Past came to the West in 1992, it was much easier to pick up and play, offering guidance without hand-holding. It also featured bright, diverse graphics and delightful animations that still look great.

Compared to other Zelda games, Ocarina of Time was a groundbreaking first attempt at 3D, but it doesn’t hold up visually on the original Nintendo 64. A Link to the Past is a classic for a reason, introducing now-famous items like the Master Sword and establishing the series’ core gameplay loop of collecting three key items from different dungeons. It also featured a compelling duo of villains: Agahnim and Ganon. The ability to switch between the Light World and Dark World was a brilliant feature that added significant depth to the game.

4. Halo 3

Generational Memories

Many of us fondly remember gaming with friends during school or college, often scheduling regular sessions each night or on weekends. These times were crucial for building strong, lasting friendships – though sometimes even testing them, especially with competitive games like Mario Party. For fans of first-person shooters in the mid to late 2000s, Halo 3 was a central part of those experiences. While opinions on the campaign story and Master Chief’s role vary, Halo 3 truly shined when it came to multiplayer.

When it first launched, Forge’s extensive customization tools were a game-changer, and a major reason why the game stayed popular for so long. Many consider it a more refined version of classic Halo multiplayer – Bungie’s final take on the formula before handing the series over to 343 Industries with Halo 4. The addition of equipment like the Bubble Shield added a new layer of strategy, and the simpler movement mechanics actually made the game easier to pick up and play. If you’ve never experienced this landmark multiplayer title, or want to revisit a classic, it’s still available through the Master Chief Collection.

3. Mega Man 3

Still A Fan Favorite

If you’ve played newer Mega Man games like 9 and 10 – which intentionally recreate the look and feel of the original games – and enjoyed their challenging gameplay and collecting boss weapons, you’ll definitely want to check out the classic titles. They’re a perfect fit, even if you’re new to the series. Mega Man 3 (released in the U.S. in 1990) is particularly tough, but it’s still a great experience for players who are up for the challenge.

For years, the core of Mega Man games has been stopping Dr. Wily’s schemes and battling his Robot Masters at the end of each stage – players get to choose the order! These games are fast-paced and challenge you to react quickly, memorize enemy patterns, and anticipate their moves, even when they suddenly appear to knock you into danger. Accuracy is crucial, whether you’re aiming or jumping. Mega Man 3 still looks great, and its level design and music hold up remarkably well. The addition of Rush, who helps Mega Man jump higher, and the slide move gave the hero more ways to move around, making him feel less restricted than in previous games. Plus, the creative Robot Masters and their unique stages – like the winding paths in Snake Man’s level – really stood out.

2. Final Fantasy 6

A Timeless Journey That’s Sometimes A Little Overlooked

The Final Fantasy series is hugely popular, and many fans have a favorite game. Final Fantasy 7 introduced a lot of people to JRPGs, while Final Fantasy 9 intentionally captured the feel of the older games. Both are excellent places to start playing, since the Final Fantasy games aren’t usually heavily connected in terms of story. Final Fantasy 6 is also widely considered one of the best games in the series, and for good reason.

Despite being originally released for the SNES in 1994 and thus having some visual limitations, Final Fantasy 6 remains incredibly well-presented. Its soundtrack, featuring legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu’s most memorable work, is a standout – the beautiful and melancholic Terra’s Theme perfectly complements the dramatic intensity of tracks like Dancing Mad, creating a deeply emotional experience. The game boasts a sweeping story filled with powerful characters, both heroes and villains, and offers surprisingly deep character development, allowing you to customize them through the use of Magicite. Whether you prefer a compelling narrative or fast-paced battles, Final Fantasy 6 is a classic RPG that’s still worth playing today.

1. BioShock

You Never Forget Your First Trip To Rapture

It’s hard to say if an older game can still feel as powerful as it once did, especially as the gaming industry constantly evolves and developers build upon existing concepts. However, BioShock still stands out. Its unique atmosphere remains impressive, even with the many games that have tried to capture its magic since its release.

Okay, so diving into Rapture is still amazing, even though it’s totally fallen apart. There’s this really creepy, unsettling vibe – you can tell it was supposed to be a paradise, but something went horribly wrong. As you play, you slowly figure out what happened and why you’re even there. Plus, you get these awesome powers called Plasmids, and it’s so much fun figuring out how to use them to solve puzzles and kick some butt. Honestly, the first time I played BioShock, it was just a blast experimenting with everything and getting surprised by the story – big twists and little details. If you haven’t played it yet, be warned: it’s way more thought-provoking than you might think!

2026-01-14 06:06