While we might consider video games one of the younger art forms, a baby next to film and television, they’ve been around for decades. That means some of the fondest memories we have are of videogames that are now old enough to drink. Here are just eight of them.
Wing Commander: Prophecy
In the mid-90s, the Wing Commander name was considered a powerhouse brand. Famed for fusing storytelling with action at a time when they were considered mutually exclusive, this series spawned multiple novels and a critically panned movie. Prophecy is the fifth and possibly final installment. That is unless you count 2007’s Wing Commander: Arena on Xbox Live Arcade. We don’t.
PaRappa the Rapper
Possibly one of the most smile inducing games on this list, this PlayStation classic is an iconic title from the golden age of rhythm games. PaRappa the Rappa asks you to help a rhyme loving dog kid rap through various stages as he tries to win the heart of a flower-like girl named Sunny Funny. While it seems pretty basic now in a post-Rock Band world, true masters kick of freestyling for massive points.
Age of Empires
Most old school real time strategy games from our youth went for tactical action and visceral explosions. Age of Empires took the Discovery Channel flavor of Sid Meier’s Civilization and fused it with the real-time action of a game like Warcraft. Age of Empires was a revelation, showing that an RTS game could be just as much about culture, technology and religion as they are about conquest.
Fallout
In the dark ages of the nineties, Western roleplaying games focused on swords, sorcery and such, Fallout broke ground with its unique premise. Set within a post-nuclear California wasteland beset by mutants, giant scorpions and perpetual radiation, Fallout was ominous, evocative and created a cult fan base that persisted even throughout the dark long years between 1998’s Fallout 2 and 2007’s Fallout 3.
Myth: The Fallen Lords
Probably one of the more obscure titles on this list is proof that super studio Bungie can make things other than precisely designed shooters like Halo and Destiny. A real time strategy game, Myth sees you in command of the dwindling forces of good against a near victorious evil. Realistic physics, tactical positioning and good strategy rather than a powerful economy are crucial to victory.
GoldenEye 007
Before GoldenEye 007, they would say a serious shooter would never play on a console the way they would on a PC. With its atmospheric missions, great stealth elements and the kind of multiplayer deathmatch console owners had been dreaming of since they first saw Doom. All of these were astonishing feats on a N64. Oh, and it was a pretty good James Bond game to boot.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Though infamous for the atrocious voice acting and ridiculous script, Symphony of the Night holds a special place in the hearts of PlayStation owners as the Castlevania to end all Castlevanias. The titular castle is a deep well that rewards players who use newly unlocked abilities to backtrack. Symphony of the Night is the masterpiece that turned Castle Dracula into a giant puzzle box of secrets.
Final Fantasy VII
Though a well established franchise on Nintendo consoles, it wasn’t until its seventh installment that Final Fantasy captured the mainstream. The dystopic etherpunk setting, eclectic cast of characters and environmentally conscious themes made Final Fantasy VII unforgettable. Even though the fifteenth Final Fantasy was released last November, number seven is the one gamers still talk about to this day.
Which of these have you played? Tell us below!
