Classic Games That Would Have Scored 95+ On OpenCritic

Back in the 1980s, something like OpenCritic, which gathers reviews in one place, would have been really useful. As video games grew in popularity, lots of different magazines started reviewing them, and each magazine rated games in its own way. What used to be seen as just for kids is now enjoyed by adults as well.

People who grew up with classic consoles like the NES, PlayStation 1, and original Xbox have a unique perspective on older games. While websites like OpenCritic do have scores for retro games, it’s hard for them to truly capture what reviewers thought back in the 80s and 90s because many of those original reviews are gone. Considering this, it’s likely that many of the most beloved games of all time would have received scores of 95 or higher back then.

Street Fighter 2

A Combo Breaker

Street Fighter 2 revolutionized the fighting game genre, both in arcades and on home consoles like the SNES. Capcom consistently expanded the roster of characters with each new release, making it difficult to determine which version is considered the best.

The original Street Fighter 2 captivated players in the 90s with its diverse characters, responsive controls, unique special moves, and the exciting combo system that made fights feel incredibly impactful. It revolutionized the fighting game genre and continues to influence games today, remaining enjoyable to play in any version.

Chrono Trigger

Subverting RPG Expectations

Chrono Trigger, a game for the Super Nintendo, was remarkably innovative for its time as a role-playing game. Unlike many RPGs of that era, it didn’t rely on random battles. Instead of encountering monsters by chance on the world map or in dungeons, you could see them moving around, making the experience much more dynamic.

As a fan, I always loved how the characters really felt like a team during battles – they actually reacted to my commands and even considered where the enemies were when attacking! But what really set this game apart was the time travel. Seriously, being able to jump to different eras and actually change things? That was mind-blowing for a Super Nintendo game back in 1995, and it totally hooked me.

Super Mario 64

The Gold Standard For 3D Platformers

The Mario games were incredibly popular 2D platformers on the NES and SNES. Then, Nintendo revolutionized gaming with Super Mario 64, setting the standard for 3D platformers. Instead of a level select screen, players could freely explore the castle and its grounds to discover hidden levels and secrets.

Entering a painting completely changed the gameplay, as levels were cleverly reused for different challenges, including regular play and races. With its diverse experiences and innovative 3D controls, Super Mario 64 essentially set the standard for all 3D platforming games that followed, and it was widely recognized as a revolutionary title in the 1990s.

GoldenEye 007

Licensed To Kill

Games based on licenses weren’t typically very good in the 80s and 90s, and first-person shooters weren’t popular on consoles. GoldenEye 007 for the N64 completely changed that, offering an incredible James Bond experience. Its campaign was strong, with fun gadgets and good shooting mechanics for the time, letting players truly feel like the sophisticated super spy.

The game truly became popular thanks to its four-player multiplayer mode. For years, it was a hit at sleepovers, with players loving the maps, characters, and the satisfaction of winning.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

A New Link

When The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time came out in 1998, its open world felt revolutionary. While open-world games are common now, back then Hyrule offered players unprecedented freedom to roam across large fields and delve into expansive dungeons.

The way the game played with time was truly impressive, aging the character Link and offering a fresh perspective on the world of Hyrule. It’s no surprise this game was a favorite among Zelda fans for so long, and while newer titles have come out, it will always be remembered as a classic.

Metal Gear Solid

Stealth Espionage Action

Building on the foundation of earlier Japanese games, Metal Gear Solid delivered a uniquely immersive top-down stealth experience. The game was meticulously designed, with details like visible footprints in the snow and dynamic reactions from in-game contacts, all working to pull players into the world.

The story and voice acting were particularly impressive, setting a new standard for PlayStation 1 games. The unique boss battles, designed like puzzles, were also a standout feature. They helped define Metal Gear and established its reputation for memorable and enjoyable boss fights that continue to be celebrated today.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

A Defining Moment For Nintendo

Super Smash Bros. Melee built on the original N64 game, offering a larger and improved experience for the GameCube with more characters and ways to play. Despite later releases in the series, Melee became a favorite among competitive players and was actively played in tournaments for over ten years due to its well-regarded balance.

Whether it was Mario throwing fireballs or Link battling with his sword, players loved the fast-paced action of Super Smash Bros. Melee. Even with older graphics, the game is still fun and enjoyable to play, just like when it first came out in 2001.

Half-Life 2

Physics-Based Storytelling

The game Half-Life was innovative in how it told its story through the game environment itself, rather than using cutscenes. Half-Life 2 took this further with even more detailed environments and added puzzles that relied on realistic physics.

The game levels were designed to be more open and encourage exploration, and often offered multiple ways to overcome obstacles, like getting past guards or climbing walls. Although it wasn’t as fast-paced as some other shooting games of the time, Half-Life 2 won many awards for its incredibly immersive atmosphere, creating a memorable science fiction experience that players still talk about today.

2025-11-30 02:37