From Lemmings to Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Classic PC games offer a great variety of fun and can make people forget their worries for a while. We will be introducing 10 of the best to you.
In the 1950s, a simple Tic-Tac-Toe game could be played on a four-metre-tall computer. Today, gamers can explore vast fantasy worlds using a comparably small desktop or laptop computer. The world of computer games has changed much over the last decades. The differences are incredible when you compare the first Tomb Raider from 1996 with the 2018 version of Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Gameplay, as well as graphics, have evolved immensely.
While old PC games may not be that nice to look at any longer, many of them are classics without which most of today’s hits wouldn’t exist. Classic PC games inspired generations of gamers and game developers. In this article, you’ll learn more about the 10 classic PC games you should try. Some of them have remastered editions, which are easier on the eye and optimised to run on modern systems.
Also Read: The 10 Best MMORPGs to Play in 2023
10 Classic PC Games You Shouldn’t Miss
10. Lemmings
Release Date: 1991
Genre: Puzzle
Originally an Amiga game, Lemmings was ported to multiple other platforms, including PC, within a year of its release. The game resulted from one of the programmers experimenting with Deluxe Paint; Back then, that was very popular. The experiment turned into a fleshed-out video game with charming creatures that surprised everyone with its popularity.
Even today, trying to get a group of not-very-intelligent Lemmings from the starting point to the goal is incredible fun. You can tell the game is old by looking at the graphics, but it can steal many hours of your time. It’s a game that has a simple premise but can become challenging in later levels.
9. Myst
Release Date: 1993
Genre: Adventure
No adventure games sold more copies in the 1990s than Myst. Myst is a challenging game with puzzles that left some people questioning their intelligence. In 2014, realMyst: Masterpiece Edition was released. This is a great alternative for people who want to experience the eerie setting and interesting gameplay but don’t like the outdated look of the original release.
In Myst, gamers use a magical book to travel through different worlds to solve puzzles and eventually find the answer to the big mystery of the game. Back then, the game was time-consuming because walkthroughs weren’t easily available. Today, the game is still challenging if gamers promise themselves to only look up solutions if they’re genuinely stuck.
8. The Curse of Monkey Island
Release Date: 1997
Genre: Adventure
Gamers who love humour and puzzles must play The Curse of Monkey Island, the third game in the Monkey Island series. Thanks to the cartoon style, the game doesn’t even look that old if you don’t look at the details too closely. In this Monkey Island adventure, Guybrush Threepwood is looking for a way to lift a curse from the love of his life. But, of course, his nemesis LeChuck has to stand in his way again.
The first two games in the Monkey Island series are also worth playing, but the Curse of Monkey Island stands out because it’s the first game in the series, which was released on CD-ROM. This enabled the developers to include voice acting, bigger soundtracks, and full cutscenes.
7. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Release Date: 2006
Genre: RPG
The Elder Scrolls series is full of wonderful RPGs: Skyrim is a more modern classic, Elder Scrolls Online satisfies fans of MMORPGs, and Oblivion is one of the older classics. Even today, many Elder Scrolls fans cite Oblivion as one of their favourite games in the franchise and one of the best games ever made. In Oblivion, players can explore huge open-world maps, allowing them to go almost anywhere at any time. Death may be the result, but nothing else stops them from exploring.
Oblivion is the first Elder Scrolls game with fully-voiced NPCs. The wonderful thing about most Elder Scrolls games is that NPCs have a schedule. You won’t find them standing in the same spot all day long. They follow a routine and also go to sleep. Oblivion is open-ended, so you can keep playing after finishing the main story.
6. Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee
Release Date: 1997
Genre: 2D Platformer
Abe is part of a species that’s supposed to be turned into snack food for aliens to save Molluck the Glukkon business. In this game, which is basically a prison break, Abe wants to free his mates to prevent them from that destiny. Part of the game’s setting is a meat-processing factory, and it’s pretty grim. The ending of the game depends on how many prisoners you can free. On your first run, you won’t be that successful, so you’ll probably end up replaying the game unless you enjoy the slaughter of Abe’s mates.
There is more to the story, but you should discover that for yourself. It’s a fun game and the inspiration for many modern platformers. Just be aware that the game doesn’t have the best save function, so you might end up replaying some of the more frustrating stretches multiple times.
5. Baldur’s Gate
Release Date: 1998
Genre: RPG
Baldur’s Gate is a game RPG fans must not miss. The classic, isometric RPG takes gamers on a wonderful journey based on D&D rules. With unique NPCs that can join your party, a complex story, and awesome places to explore, this RPG was genre-defining and inspired many modern RPGs. While there isn’t much difference in the game’s ending, there are many options for reaching that end. Some side quests offer fun decisions, and it’s up to the gamers to decide whether they want to be evil, good, or something in between.
In 2012, Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition was released. This edition also includes the expansion of Baldur’s Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast. While it doesn’t turn the game into something that looks anywhere close to a modern RPG, the enhanced edition improved on some of the weaknesses of the original and is a better experience for people who are completely new to the series.
Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3: Should I Play Early Access or Wait for Full Release?
4. Doom
Release Year: 1993
Genre: Shooter
Doom wasn’t the first shooter game, but it’s the one that defined the genre. Without Doom, the future of shooters would have looked very different. Even today, this classic is still incredibly fun. It looks old, but that doesn’t detract from the awesome gameplay. You can dive right in without knowing anything about how to play it. That’s one of the charms of Doom. Doom also has a Co-op and PvP mode that offers hours of fun. If you crave more shooter history, try Duke Nukem 3D and Quake.
3. Final Fantasy VIII
Release Date: 2000 (PlayStation release was in 1999)
Genre: JRPG
Sure, Final Fantasy VII gets all the attention because of the great remake, but Final Fantasy VIII is also a great title and shouldn’t be missed. Final Fantasy VIII takes what made Final Fantasy VII great and improves on it. While the original port was fine as it is, there is a remastered edition which makes the game more user-friendly.
In FFVIII, the main character is Squall, though the player can also rename him. His problems and his relationship with Rinoa, who is the opposite of Squall character-wise, are some of the central points of the story and make it all very relatable. As usual, there is much exploring and fighting, set to a great soundtrack with unforgettable tunes.
Also Read: Final Fantasy XVI: Exploring The Hideaway and its Features
2. Resident Evil
Release Date: 1996
Genre: Survival Horror
Resident Evil is the second game in the Resident Evil series. While it’s nowhere as good as its sequels, it’s a classic, nevertheless. The user interface isn’t very user-friendly, you have to stand still to shoot, and there were a few other things that made gamers want to bang their heads against the wall. But the game was still very popular because it was scary and unique.
When the game was released in 1996, terrifying enemies were rare, so gamers enjoyed being able to play a game that had the potential to scare them. In 2002, a remake of Resident Evil was released so that gamers could relive the classic in a better-looking and more user-friendly version.
Also Read: Here Are the Places to Buy the Resident Evil 4 Remake
1. Tomb Raider
Release Date: 1996
Genre: Action Adventure
In the first-ever Tomb Raider, Lara Croft is searching for the Scion of Atlantis. Her search takes her through ruins, jungles, tombs, and even underwater. The Scion consists of multiple parts, so Lara has to find them all, and she’s not the only one looking for this treasure. Wild animals are only one of her worries. Tomb Raider was a revolutionary game in more than just one way.
In 2007, Tomb Raider: Anniversary was released. It’s a remake of the original 1996 game and a great start for new players who are interested in the story but don’t like the look of the original. While Tomb Raider: Anniversary doesn’t look as beautiful as the newer games, it’s an incredible experience.
Also Read: The 10 Coolest Female Protagonists in Video Games
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was the First PC Game?
While many people claim that Spacewar! from 1962 was the first PC game, that’s incorrect. The first game was Bertie the Brain, first shown to the public in 1950. The computer needed to play this game was four metres tall! The computer was soon dismantled and forgotten by many, but that Tic-Tac-Toe game was played 12 years earlier than Spacewar!
Do Classic PC Games Run on Modern Systems?
You may need to run some old games in compatibility modes or use an emulator. Usually, this kind of information will be displayed on each game’s purchase page.
What’s the Best-Selling PC Game of All Time?
As of June 2023, PUBG: Battlegrounds is the best-selling PC game ever, with 42 million sales. The game overtook Minecraft, which sold 33 million copies since its release in 2011.
Author Profile
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Name: Kim Anisi
Intro: Gaming has been my passion since childhood. The journey started when I received hand-me-down games on Atari and Amiga systems from my brother and I now mainly play games on PC. Among the vast genres in the gaming world that I have tried, my personal favourites are RPGs, MMORPGs, (Action) adventures, horror games, and settlement/city builders. Overcoming the challenges and helping others in games provide a great satisfaction to me.