For those of us who grew up playing games, everyone would agree there’s an undeniable charm in revisiting our old favourites. When it comes to these old classics, the emotions and memories they bring back can provide a window to cherished moments that are great to look back upon.
In this trip down memory lane, we have curated a list of the top 10 nostalgic games to help rediscover the magic of these games or introduce you to some great classics to play in 2024.
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Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
Mortal Kombat definitely holds a special place in everyone’s heart. This title left a huge mark not only in the gaming industry but also in the memories of many. On top of featuring unique fatalities and moves, which the franchise is most known for even today, the game features new game modes, “Konquest” adventure mode and “Puzzle Kombat,” offering fresh ways to engage with the Mortal Kombat universe.
With its adrenaline-pumping action, memorable characters and multiplayer feature, there is little to ponder over why this game is one of the best nostalgic games out there.
Tekken 5
Tekken 5 is a pinnacle in nostalgic games and stands as a fan-favourite entry in the iconic Tekken franchise. With its refined mechanics, great graphics and rich roster of characters, the game had all the ingredients you expect from a game from that era. Tekken 5 is definitely a play title for both long-time fans and newcomers who are looking to explore the series’ legacy.
Mega Man X3
Continuing your list of the top nostalgic games, Mega Man X3 is a well-known class that is beloved by many. Released as a part of the Mega Man series, Mega Man X3 stands out for its challenging platforming and action-packed gameplay.
On top of that, this game was the first instalment to introduce many new features, such as being able to play as Zero, X’s ally. For gamers in 2024, the challenges posed by Mega Man X3 and the nostalgia factor definitely make it a game worth trying out again.
Street Fighter II
Street Fighter is an iconic game that deserves its place among the top nostalgic games. Released in the early 1990s, this game not only laid the foundation for all future Street Fighter games but also had a significant influence on the world of fighting games. The game introduced a wide range of characters, which are widely popular to this day, each with their own fighting styles and moves.
Other than that, this game was the first game to introduce the combo mechanic, which we all are well familiar with today. Street Fight II is definitely a title worth checking out if you are a fan of the franchise, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of some of the most iconic fighters we know today.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted
The Need for Speed franchise is well-known among racing game enthusiasts. Among the many Need for Speed games, Need for Speed: Most Wanted stands out as one of the best in the franchise for how it redefined the racing genre.
The game featured extensive car customisation options and had amazing graphics, making it one of the best nostalgic games to try out again if you were a fan of racing games as you grew up.
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Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi
A PlayStation 2 classic, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi, is still regarded as one of the best Dragon Ball Z games ever made for how perfectly it captured the essence and intensity of the iconic Dragon Ball Z anime. Apart from featuring all our favourite characters with their iconic moves and transformations, the game’s 3D fighting mechanics made it stand out for how it made duels feel even more thrilling and exciting.
On top of being one of the best nostalgic games to try out in 2024, the next entry in the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi series, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero, is scheduled to be released soon, giving you all the more reason to try out the older titles.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
A list of top nostalgic games is incomplete without the mention of a single GTA game. Released in 2004, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is a standout entry in the iconic GTA franchise. Set in a fictional state inspired by California and Nevada, the provides a gripping story and an exciting cast of characters to explore in this vast world.
The game is known for setting new benchmarks for the open-world genre, and revisiting it in 2024 provides a great insight into how the first open-world games were back in the day.
God of War (2005)
With the release of God of War Ragnarok DLC, Valhalla, which delves into Kratos’s past from a unique perspective, 2024 presents an ideal opportunity to revisit this iconic franchise once again, this time armed with the fresh insights gained from the DLC.
This knowledge definitely allows you to see a different perspective of the original God of War game, allowing players to fully understand Kratos as a character. Revisiting this game will not only provide you with a trip down memory lane but also allow you to experience the game in a different light.
Counter-Strike 1.6
Counter-Strike 1.6 is a legendary title in the world of FPS gaming. Released back in 2003, the game gave birth to many FPS enthusiasts who grew up playing it, making it one of the biggest nostalgic games out there. Other than that, the game’s tactical skill-based gameplay gave birth to an entire e-sports industry that is going strong even today.
With the release of Counter-Strike 2, visiting Counter-Strike 1.6 provides a unique opportunity for players to revisit the roots of FPS gaming and appreciate how this game single-handedly shaped an entire genre.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is among the best nostalgic games to visit in 2024, and for good reason. The game needs no introduction and is a well-known classic. However, with the announcement of GTA 6, which is set to return to Vice City, revisiting Grand Theft Auto: Vice City has become even more enticing.
This revisit will not only take you down memory lane but also set the stage for the upcoming sequel, allowing players to rediscover the charm and allure of Vice City before embarking on the new journey that awaits in GTA 6.
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Parting Thoughts
While nostalgic games can provide a window to cherished moments that are great to look back upon, they also provide a great insight into how games have evolved over time and how their influence can be seen even today. Revisiting these titles can also help develop some appreciation for the creativity and passion that went into crafting such amazing games.