Video Games From 2006 That Are Now Modern Classics 20 Years Later

You know, when people talk about ‘classic’ games, it usually means something older that still holds up really well. It’s totally a matter of opinion, but for me, 2006 feels like ages ago – a simpler time, honestly. I almost wish I could go back just to replay some of those amazing games with fresh eyes, you know? It’s crazy how much a game can stick with you after all this time.

2006 saw the launch of the Nintendo Wii, a surprisingly powerful console known for its unique motion controls. While many games added motion controls unnecessarily, some used the technology in clever and innovative ways. Several now-famous gaming franchises began their journey this year, and established series experimented with new ideas. Overall, it was a fantastic year for video games, and here are some of the highlights.

10. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

One Of The Series’ Darker Chapters

When The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was first shown, its cartoon-like graphics were a big departure from an earlier, more realistic trailer, which caused a lot of debate. Although the game ultimately became very popular, Nintendo likely noticed the criticism of its art style. The next installment, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, went in a much more realistic direction. Similar to Majora’s Mask, it’s a dark and intense adventure where Link must stop the evil plans of both Zant and Ganondorf.

Exploring this world means constantly traveling between the real world and the mysterious Twilight Realm, alongside Wolf Link and his companion, Midna. The sad stories of the spirits within the Twilight Realm, combined with its unique black-and-white look, create a deeply atmospheric and haunting experience. The game also features more complex and engaging battles, marking a big improvement for the Zelda series. Because of all this, Twilight Princess remains a fan favorite and one of the most popular Zelda games of all time.

9. Dead Rising

Absolute Capcom Carnage

Zombies are a natural fit for horror, but it’s unusual to see them in funny situations. The game Dead Rising attempted to combine both scares and humor. Being trapped with zombies is terrifying, as experienced by the character Frank West, but the setting—a shopping mall—also gives him access to ridiculous, improvised weapons to fight back.

Sometimes you just want a fun, over-the-top arcade experience, and Dead Rising delivers. It doesn’t try to tell a deep, emotional story. While there’s a bit of mystery surrounding the zombie outbreak and the research happening in Santa Cabeza, the game is mostly about non-stop action. You’re constantly finding and upgrading weapons, which keeps combat fresh and exciting. It’s a lot of fun to try out different combinations, and rescuing survivors adds another layer of challenge. Even after finishing the main story, you can keep playing in a survival mode, giving the game even more replay value. Dead Rising really hit the mark and proved to be a strong start to a popular series.

8. New Super Mario Bros.

Nintendo’s Hero Goes Back To Basics

By 2006, Mario had become very comfortable with 3D games. While sometimes debated, Super Mario Sunshine (released in 2002) was a big step forward in creating large, connected worlds for players to discover. Then, in 2006, New Super Mario Bros. took things further by successfully combining classic Mario gameplay with a fresh, 2.5D style.

The story of Mario rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser isn’t original, but this game stands out because of how it’s presented and how fun it is to play. The world map, similar to the one in Super Mario World, guides you through each area, with each world offering a familiar theme like ice or desert levels. The game’s visuals, with 3D characters moving across 2D backgrounds, create a striking effect. Plus, each level has three hidden coins for players who like a challenge and want to explore thoroughly. While later New Super Mario Bros. games might not take as many risks, this game still features cleverly designed levels and plenty of surprises.

7. Company Of Heroes

An Acclaimed Real-Time Strategy Title

Many first-person shooter games are set during World War II. While how accurately these games portray history varies, they often succeed in showing the war’s immense scale and harshness. Company of Heroes is one such game, but it offers a unique perspective.

Company of Heroes is a fast-paced real-time strategy game that throws you right into the action, starting with the D-Day landings in Normandy. Players quickly learn how to move units, utilize cover, and manage resources to overcome strong enemy defenses. This challenging opening, which often serves as a final level in similar games, immediately establishes the difficult conditions of war and creates a memorable experience. The campaign lets you command both Able and Fox Companies as the war nears its end, and the game also features multiplayer battles. Known for its strategic depth and compelling story, Company of Heroes goes beyond typical action games. The series continues today, with the latest installment, Company of Heroes 3, released in 2023.

6. Gears Of War

The War Against The Locust Horde

Alongside Halo, the Gears of War series is a cornerstone of the Xbox experience. Reaching its 20th anniversary in 2026, the first game introduced players to the Coalition of Ordered Governments (COG), their soldiers known as the Gears, and the terrifying Locust, a force intent on destroying humanity. The story follows Marcus Fenix and his COG team as they plan to invade and demolish the Locust’s underground tunnel system using a powerful Lightmass Bomb. This requires a dangerous descent into heavily guarded Locust territory, promising intense and brutal combat.

The combat in this game is intense and impactful, but you can’t just run in guns blazing. Smart use of cover is crucial, and while the action is constant, you need to carefully choose when to attack and even reload – mastering the Active Reload system lets you deal extra damage. Combining thrilling action with genuinely moving scenes, it’s no surprise that Gears of War became so popular.

5. Okami

A Stunningly Creative And Colorful Adventure

The Game Awards 2024 surprised everyone with the announcement of a sequel to Okami, which was met with huge applause and music. After so many years since the original game came out, many fans had given up hope of ever seeing another installment. However, the first Okami was so beloved that people continued to dream of returning to its stunning, watercolor-inspired world.

Clover Studio’s Okami tells the story of Amaterasu, a powerful goddess who must save the land of Nippon from a spreading darkness. She battles shadowy creatures using a magical Celestial Paintbrush, which lets her trap enemies, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden items. This unique painting mechanic – where players ‘paint’ to interact with the world – beautifully complements the game’s stunning art style and makes it feel truly special. While mastering both Amaterasu and the paintbrush takes practice, the system quickly becomes intuitive and rewarding. Many players also enjoy Okami‘s familiar charm and dungeon design, which are reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda games.

4. Garry’s Mod

Gaming, Your Way

Many games guide you through a set path, with one specific way to beat each level and a clear beginning and end. That’s perfectly fine for many game types, but Garry’s Mod, released in 2006, did things differently. It doesn’t tell you what to do – you decide for yourself. The game is truly open-ended, letting you play however you want.

Garry’s Mod is a legendary sandbox game known for its Physics Gun and the incredible freedom it offers to create chaotic and funny situations. While simply messing around with the physics is fun, the game’s real strength lies in the vast number of different game modes created by its community. It’s like having countless games within one, and though the quality of these community-made modes varies, the game has evolved from a mod for Half-Life 2 into a diverse experience all its own. Garry’s Mod has also inspired other sandbox games and titles that feature unique physics-based gameplay.

3. Metroid Prime Hunters

A Brilliantly Experimental Turn Towards Competitive Metroid

If you bought a Nintendo DS when it first came out, you likely received a special demo game called Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt. This demo showed off a new way to play, letting you aim and shoot in first-person using both the stylus and buttons. The DS was a new system, so developers were trying out different ideas. While First Hunt focused on a single-player experience, the full Metroid Prime Hunters game became known for being a unique multiplayer shooter set in the Metroid universe.

It’s no surprise that when a powerful signal goes out into space, skilled bounty hunters like Samus will rush to find its source. This is how a diverse group – Weavel, Trace, Spire, Noxus, Kanden, and Sylux – all with their own distinct weapons and abilities, ended up competing with Samus for the prize. Introducing these rival bounty hunters was a daring move for the series, but it worked. The unique competitive modes and each hunter’s special ability (similar to Samus’ Morph Ball) added interesting tactical and movement options. While most of these characters haven’t been featured much since (except for Sylux, who became important in later Prime games), this Nintendo DS game was a standout title and a concept worth exploring again.

2. Castlevania: Portrait Of Ruin

A Unique Spin On A Familiar Formula

The Castlevania series is a key part of what’s known as the ‘Metroidvania’ style of games. This usually means players explore a huge Dracula’s Castle, unlocking new areas as they gain abilities, often by defeating bosses. Portrait of Ruin breaks from this tradition somewhat. While it still features the castle and the ability-gating progression, a large portion of the game takes place in separate areas accessed through paintings, similar to how you explore different worlds through paintings in Super Mario 64.

The game features some incredibly distinctive locations, including the unsettling Nation of Fools, which feels like a haunted circus. The villain, Brauner, created these strange areas and is another vampire seeking to harness Dracula’s power for his own gain. This offers a fresh take on the typical Castlevania story. Playing as both Jonathan and Charlotte adds a fun new element, letting you combine their skills in various ways to overcome obstacles and enhance each other’s abilities. It’s a unique entry in the series, but one that’s sure to stick with you.

1. Wii Sports

One Of The Biggest Icons Of Recent Years

People questioned if the Wii’s motion controls were a genuine innovation or just a passing fad. But after seeing someone like a grandmother easily bowl strikes in Wii Sports, the answer became clear. Nintendo wanted the Wii to be a console everyone could enjoy together, and no other game included with the system could have done a better job of making that happen.

While it doesn’t offer the same depth as a massive, lengthy RPG, this game is a classic of its time and simply fun to play. Even people who don’t usually play video games would often join in for a quick match of boxing or tennis, and it sometimes turned them into fans. It was hard to resist playing it again and again when guests came over. The more people who played, the better – though wrist straps were definitely helpful during intense baseball games!

2026-01-24 02:37