Video games are often viewed as pieces of art whose qualities somewhat serve as an artifact or snapshot in history, representative of both the gaming scene and society at large.
Though, as is the case with most forms of art and entertainment, there comes with this a natural tendency for many of these games to grow outdated in terms of their look, feel, and subject matter. Particularly in the field of gaming, where technology constantly grows and evolves at a rapid pace, it’s easy for software to look somewhat aged rather quickly.
Still, whether it’s a case of a game being more “ahead of its time,” or just rolling with an aesthetic that’s more stylistic, there’s plenty of software that is more able to withstand the test of time.
Let’s take a look a 5 of the clearest examples of games that just have not aged well, as well as 5 that hold up nicely today.
10 Didn’t Age Well: Goldeneye 007
Before you spit out your vodka martinis in shock - Goldeneye does still fundamentally stand as a terrific shooter, and one of the most entertaining local multiplayer games you’ll find today. It was certainly a technical marvel for its time, taking the FPS torch from Doom and pushing even more boundaries. But looking through the lens of modern sensibilities? These early examples of 3D games don’t always hold up so nicely - particularly this jagged, somewhat clunky shooter which required the use of 4 buttons to aim your weapon.
From the almost comically blocky models, to hearing the same 9 enemy grunts when hit, to the lack of voiceover, Goldeneye hasn’t aged too well from a mechanical or aesthetic standpoint.
9 Aged Well: Gears Of War
While the grey, gritty realism of Gears of War might seem to be a bit of a trope nowadays, this was a gaming marvel for the standards of 2006, and it still largely holds up today. This is thanks to some sleek, polished visuals and bombastic cinematics. Despite being an early Xbox 360 game, there is plenty of aesthetic flair and an impressive sense of immersion - from the realistic camera moves to the detailed models and textures to the squeamishly detailed gore.
The even prettier Gears 5 certainly outshines this originator in terms of presentation, but the mechanics here are still solid as ever, and the visuals still look pretty sleek.
8 Didn’t Age Well: Tomb Raider
You definitely have to cut the early PlayStation games some slack, given that software like Tomb Raider and Resident Evil ventured into the largely uncharted 3-dimensional territory. Still, it’s quite tough to get past the highly-aged blocky graphics that permeate Tomb Raider, a game that relies on immersion and cinematics for much of its intrigue.
Lara’s boxy appearance and movements resemble an android more than a human, and the stiff, clunky controls used to navigate these 3D spaces don’t feel nearly as smooth they used to. It’s still a great 3D adventure title that has left quite a legacy, but these days, you’re better off delving into the flashier modern renditions of Tomb Raider if you didn’t grow up with the originals.
7 Aged Well: StarCraft
It’s not easy to craft such an in-depth RTS game that’s also quite accessible; let alone one that can withstand the test of time and draw players of a new, younger generation. Yet, this is very much what Blizzard has managed to accomplish - for the iconic StarCraft is still widely played in many gaming and eSports circles today.
The game’s colorful look and isometric perspective have allowed its graphics to age like a fine wine; or at least help mask their age. Its intuitive controls and palatable UI, along with some great mechanics and AI have created a gaming foundation that remains sturdy to this day. Even the CG cutscenes, which do look a bit grainy, are still pretty impressive given their 90s origin.
6 Didn’t Age Well: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)
Many look back fondly at this game, thanks to some heavy Turtles nostalgia of the late 80s and early 90s as well as some memorable times at the arcade. Yet, in hindsight, this is really a tough one to get into nowadays, given its arcade-like sensibilities of mindless button mashing and swift, easy deaths that are designed to make you feed the machine quarters.
There’s certainly a place for the rapid-fire arcade insanity of beat-em-ups in today’s gaming landscape. Yet, the classic Turtles in Time has long-since refined and perfected this formula, crafting an experience that’s leagues better in terms of the visuals, audio, and overall feel of the game. It would be fitting for a title dealing with time travel as a shining example of a timeless game.
5 Aged Well: Borderlands 2
It may seem like an eternity between the release of Borderlands 2 to 3, and yet, revisiting this 7-year-old RPG shooter, you’d think that no time has passed at all. The game is as satisfying and thrilling to play as ever, enhanced by some pretty sophisticated AI, insane weaponry, and some cool stylistic flair. This sequel’s refinements and enhancements are such that they feel like a big leap from the first Borderlands despite dating back to the prior console generation.
Gearboxes choice to opt for a cartoony cell-shaded style was one that had some scratching their heads during the reveal of 2009’s Borderlands, but it’s one that paid off. The game not only stands out artistically, but it’s aged excellently as a result.
4 Didn’t Age Well: Battletoads
Talks of the new Battletoads have been increasing ever since the recent E3 reveal, but revisiting the 1991 predecessor to this beat-em-up tends to temper the excitement for some. Nostalgia aside, this can really be a frustrating game in hindsight, not just because of its repetitive experience or unforgiving gameplay, but its archaic system of local multiplayer.
Aside from the fact that the game penalizes both players when one gets killed by restarting the stage, you’re also stuck trying to deal with the outdated practice of friendly fire - as if this game wasn’t tricky enough.
3 Aged Well: Super Mario Bros. 3
One surefire trait that allows a game to hold up is a solid system of tight, responsive, and accessible controls. Nintendo’s iconic platformer, Super Mario Bros. 3 has these attributes in spades, making for a timeless classic that people of all ages can (and do) still enjoy.
Not only this, but the colorful aesthetics, which are impressively detailed for the 8-bit NES, provide a charming backdrop that’s even utilized by modern developers - particularly indies - as an art style unto itself. This is one of those endlessly fun games that spans multiple generations in terms of its appeal.
2 Didn’t Age Well: Sonic Adventure
It’s pretty much common knowledge at this point that the platforming series which emphasizes speed and precision, Sonic the Hedgehog, tends to shine most when left to the simpler realm of 2D settings. The shoddy Sonic ‘06 was largely a affirmation of this.
Yet, in the early 2000s, it was all about visual glitz and 3D graphics, and Sega saw fit to give their prized franchise the same treatment. In all fairness, Sonic Adventure wasn’t and isn’t a bad game. Yet, it feels somewhat awkward and wonky, with some questionable camera moves. It looks ironically dated compared to the tighter, swifter Sonic games of the current era, which has seen him come full circle back to 2D sidescrolling.
1 Aged Well: Donkey Kong Country
This classic SNES platformer from Rare is peculiar in that it’s become so timeless and so universally appealing that it has ironically managed to age better than Donkey Kong 64 on the N64 years later. While that game comes across as blocky and takes on a more sluggish and convoluted vibe, the original DKC still maintains a crisp, solid feel.
Despite being a 2D platformer on a 16-bit console from the 90s, the game’s aesthetics are still gorgeous and rich by modern standards, as is its immersive, atmospheric sound design. The game’s 3D models in a 2D space add a sense of depth and realism while maintaining a charmingly simplistic, accessible layout.
Next: The 10 Video Games With The Most Impressive Graphics, Ranked
