Retro Games That Have Stood The Test Of Time Remarkably Even In 2024

We’ve already talked about the best PlayStation 1 games that hold up graphically in 2024, but what a more general take on retro classics that hold their own when it genuinely comes down to it in the day and age of today? Considering how the industry has advanced so rapidly over the last couple of decades or so, one would be hard-pressed to try anything with a lot of mileage to its name. 

But with these games that I’m going to get to in just a moment, the truth couldn’t be further from the latter. We’ve got certain titles belonging to epic franchises, with some of them being a relic of the past now unfortunately, making the list here, so make sure you sift through each listing diligently for the best results. 

The “Old Is Gold” Notion Fits The Bill Perfectly With These Games   

A comment down below would be splendid if you plan on contributing to the write-up with a few suggestions of your own. 

1. Age Of Empires 2

Back when the real-time strategy (RTS) genre was popular and growing at a rapid rate, Age of Empires 2 left no stone unturned in terms of making the headlines. The 1999-released icon is still an exceptionally enjoyable game with expansions that are seemingly dripping in quality, especially The Conquerors with all its new features and different civilizations.

Microsoft, being the publisher of the IP, got with another developer, however, in 2019 to release a definitive version of the title, pumped with QoL functions, upgraded visuals, and more. eXputer wrote a review on it, rating the RPG 4.5/5.0, with author Moiz Banoori remarking, 

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition proposes a reviving experience of the original series with enhanced features and many new civilizations.”

That is to say, while the redone variant of the age-old classic is a delight to play, the original experience still holds up remarkably well in 2024. 

2. Heroes Of Might And Magic 3

Widely considered the best game in the Heroes of Might and Magic franchise, the third installment propelled the turn-based series to new heights with its tantalizing gameplay and a rich campaign system. Similar to Age of Empires 3, Might and Magic 3 got the HD treatment in 2015, with Ubisoft acting as the publisher and Dotemu as the developer. 

The original game is available on GOG, however, so if you’d prefer the original experience instead, go after it. Just make sure that you take to Nexus Mods and tune out the title so it becomes more to your liking, not that you would absolutely need to do that though.  

3. RollerCoaster Tycoon

I have to be honest with you here: RollerCoaster Tycoon is not what it seems, really. Consider this a murder simulator with all the experiments you’ll be conducting with what works and what does not, massacring people in the process. Jokes aside, this theme park management simulator manages to hit all the notes when it comes down to the music, depth of gameplay, visuals, and even the customizability.  

There’s a revised version of this classic too on Steam that you can try out. From what I experienced of it so far, it’s a remaster done right, and something made in complete faithfulness of the original. 

4. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

This one game right here ruined the Metroidvanias that would come after it, no questions asked. Being the pioneer of the subgenre, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night boasts such unique splendor, that you can’t help but revisit it multiple times in a year. Everything from the music and the gameplay down to the art direction and the visuals is simply top-tier, despite belonging to an era that was more than two decades from now. 

5. Sid Meier’s Pirates Gold

Sid Meier’s Pirates! is as old as time itself, so the Gold remake is the one I want you to pick up if an open-world, high-quality, sandboxing pirate game piques your interest. The original release came out in 1987, but the remake titled Sid Meier’s Pirates! Gold was released in 1993 with certain improvements. But wait, there’s more. 

In 2004, another remake of the same game was released for relatively modern audiences. I second the latter and the one coming out in 1993. Feel free to choose any between the two and I promise you won’t be disappointed. 

6. Chrono Trigger

An RPG as timeless and enjoyable as Chrono Trigger only comes along once in a fairly long while, and it’s a tragedy on its own that the game is never going to get a sequel. Maybe that’s for the best — who knows? — but the original release is always there for those wanting to experience deep-dyed greatness with a no grind-approach, no-nonsense approach to traditional role-playing elements.