“Games give you a chance to excel, and if you’re playing in good company, you don’t mind if you lose because you had the enjoyment of the company during the course of the game.” – Gary Gygax. For many millennials, video games were more than just a pastime; they were a formative part of our lives. From the first time we picked up a controller to the countless hours spent leveling up, these games have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through some of the best video games that defined our generation.
Action-Adventure Games
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Why Play: Sonic the Hedgehog introduced us to a blue blur of speed and attitude. This classic platformer was all about racing through loops, dodging obstacles, and collecting golden rings. Its fast-paced gameplay and catchy music made it an instant hit.
- Practical Tip: Relive the speed with Sonic for PlayStation 5.
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Why Play: In this iconic adventure, players control Link as he journeys through the land of Hyrule to stop the evil Ganondorf by collecting mystical artifacts and solving intricate puzzles.
- Practical Tip: Embark on the adventure with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS.
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
- Why Play: This game revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its fluid parkour mechanics, time-reversing abilities, and engaging story. Players navigate deadly traps and fight enemies in a visually stunning ancient Persia.
- Practical Tip: Rewind time with Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake for Xbox 1.
Fighting Games
- Mortal Kombat
- Why Play: Mortal Kombat brought the fighting game genre to the forefront with its intense combat, iconic characters, and infamous fatalities. It was the go-to game for unleashing your competitive side and mastering combo moves.
- Practical Tip: Test your might with Mortal Kombat 11 for PlayStation 5.
- Super Smash Bros.
- Why Play: This crossover fighting game features characters from various Nintendo franchises battling it out in diverse arenas. The goal is to knock opponents off the stage using unique moves and items.
- Practical Tip: Smash your way to victory with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch.
Simulation Games
- The Sims
- Why Play: The Sims allows players to create and control virtual people, building their homes, careers, and relationships. It’s a sandbox of life where you can live out your dreams or experiment with the absurd.
- Practical Tip: Create your own world with The Sims 4 for PC.
Puzzle and Arcade Games
- Pac-Man
- Why Play: Pac-Man is a timeless arcade classic that introduced us to the simple yet addictive joy of gobbling up pellets and dodging ghosts. Its straightforward mechanics and endless replayability made it a staple in arcades and homes alike.
- Practical Tip: Chomp your way through with Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 for PlayStation 4.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
- Final Fantasy VII
- Why Play: This RPG captivated players with its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and stunning (for its time) graphics. Players control Cloud Strife and his friends on an epic journey to save the world from the sinister corporation Shinra and the enigmatic Sephiroth.
- Practical Tip: Experience the classic with Final Fantasy VII Remake for PlayStation 4.
Platformers
- Super Mario 64
- Why Play: Super Mario 64 was a groundbreaking platformer that brought Mario into the 3D world for the first time. Its vibrant levels, creative design, and iconic music make it a timeless classic.
- Practical Tip: Jump into the fun with Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Nintendo Switch.
- Crash Bandicoot
- Why Play: Players control Crash Bandicoot, navigating through various levels filled with obstacles and enemies to stop the evil Dr. Neo Cortex. Its colorful graphics and challenging gameplay made it a standout platformer.
- Practical Tip: Spin your way to victory with Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy for PlayStation 4.
Strategy Games
- Civilization
- Why Play: Civilization allowed us to build and lead our own empires from the ground up. This turn-based strategy game required careful planning, diplomacy, and military prowess to achieve world domination or cultural supremacy.
- Practical Tip: Build your empire with Civilization VI for PC.
- Age of Empires II
- Why Play: Age of Empires II is a real-time strategy game where players control a civilization, managing resources, building armies, and conquering opponents to expand their empire.
- Practical Tip: Relive the glory with Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition for PC.
Open World Games
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
- Why Play: Set in a vibrant, 1980s-inspired city, players navigate the criminal underworld as Tommy Vercetti, completing missions and exploring the open-world environment.
- Practical Tip: Dive into the chaos with Grand Theft Auto: Vice City for PlayStation 4.
Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) Games
- World of Warcraft
- Why Play: This MMO allows players to explore the expansive world of Azeroth, completing quests, fighting monsters, and interacting with millions of other players online. Its rich lore and dynamic gameplay have made it a long-standing favorite.
- Practical Tip: Begin your epic journey with World of Warcraft for PC.
