Many people love video games, as it currently stands as a booming industry with no signs of decreasing value, but what is it about older games that has people so charmed? There are many games from the past, though it may not seem too long ago, that rocked the boat with its existence or were just made for the purpose of a good time. We’ll be taking a look at some older games that everyone seems to love, and those that didn’t receive enough.
Ape Escape (1999)
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Quoted as “one of the best PS1 games of all time”, Ape Escape is a game you don’t want to miss out on playing. The story of Ape Escape is about a group of monkeys escaping from an amusement park, and breaking into scientists’ lab, where they find an invention called the “Peak Point Helmets”, and upon using it, immediately become intelligent. One monkey, Specter, is particularly smart and leads over the others, where they plan to change history so that apes rule the planet and humans are “special attractions”.
Your job as the main character, Spike, is to put a stop to all their evil plans by capturing them all! The game itself is very innovative in terms of analog controls, and it’s very straightforward with how the mechanics operate. The game takes traditional platforming and makes some additions with all kinds of new or old concepts that went unexpanded in other games. For it’s time, Ape Escape was a marvel, and to this day it’s still a very fun experience!
Crash Bandicoot 1 (1996)
Crash Bandicoot needs no introduction. As a former and still recognizable icon of the PlayStation brand, the game is beloved and remembered by all who played it when it released in 1996. You play as Crash, a anthropomorphic bandicoot who escaped from the evil Dr. Neo Cortex’s lab. Your duty is to save Tawna, a loved one who was taken away by the mad scientist by traveling through many perils.
The game is very beautiful and has a lively environment to travel through, crashing your way through boxes and hopping on enemies in your path. As a 3D platformer, it changes perspectives throughout the game and keeps the experience fresh, but comes with some random difficulty spikes, especially as the game progresses. Crash is a very well-known and iconic mascot, being quirky and lovable, and his debut game has no shortage of charm.
A sequel to Sonic Adventure titled “Sonic Adventure 2” was released in 2001, SEGA’s last night project for the Dreamcast. This game fixed many of the issues of its predecessor, with improved graphics, voice acting, and gameplay, but was still outdated compared to its competitors. Though the game was lacking in many aspects, such as certain mechanics and gameplay elements, it’s still appreciated amongst fans.
Space Channel 5 (1999)
When SEGA was still manufacturing hardware, they had many exclusive (or formally exclusive) games released on their last major console, the Dreamcast. One of those games was Space Channel 5, a zany rhythm game that takes place in space. You play as Ulala, a junior reporter whose getting her first real report show by covering strange aliens referred to as “Morolians” that are zapping citizens with lasers and forcing them to dance!
Your job is to get the scoop and save the civilians…by dancing! The game requires the player to defeat Morolians and save citizens from an eternal dance by accurately repeating commands back at the game, increasing your “show rating” percentage. This percentage is necessary to progress the game, and though repeating commands sounds simple, not all is as it seems. The game is based around rhythm and has no on-screen cues, so it’s necessary for your to remember the commands AND rhythm. It’s certainly harder than it looks, but very satisfying to perfect! Space Channel 5 is a creative, in-your-face experience, and has an abundance of creativity that goes unnoticed for a hard but fair game.
Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Standing as one of the most innovative and gorgeous-looking games of 1998, Metal Gear Solid aged well for it being almost 25 years old. In this title, you play as Solid Snake, a special forces operative, as he infiltrates a high-security base completely unarmed. The game quickly emphasizes sneaking around and being environmentally aware, making the game unique and advanced for its time. Your goal is to successfully incapacitate, kill, and move around guards while making your way through the base with little to no guards noticing you.
The game requires you to think quickly and strategize your way through the premises, as danger is looming and the stakes can only get higher. Even when the game can be demanding, it is also very fair with your objectives and give you a map to help devise a plan to get past an area. Metal Gear Solid is one of, if not the most iconic stealth game, and it’s still a treat to play.
Silent Hill 2 (2001)
The Silent Hill games have always taken a more psychological look at horror, often making you feel uneasy with its eerie atmosphere, but Silent Hill 2 takes it up a notch. In this highly-anticipated sequel, you play as James, a man still grieving from the tragic loss of his wife from years prior. He receives a letter from her one day, beckoning him to come to the town of Silent Hill to be with her again. James, lonely and in despair, heads to Silent Hill, but is met with a terrifying discovery in the unnerving town.
This game does well using the players’ environment against them, as something as simple as radio static can spook you! The camera angles are quite cinematic, and enemy placement is a lot more fair than in the first game. Silent Hill 2 utilizes puzzle elements, but it never feels unnatural or like a great annoyance as the difficulty determines the complexity of the puzzles you have to solve. Combat is also satisfying, as there are many accessories to choose from when exploring the town. The games does well to make you feel anxious and tense, almost as if you’re in the game yourself. It’s a one of a kind experience, and you won’t want to pass on it.
Sonic Advance 2 (2002)
Because of how successful Sonic Advance was, it was only natural that a sequel would be made! Sonic Advance 2 is the second game in the Sonic Advance trilogy, and while being a sequel, it improves on many things from the first game. The overall story is more or less the same: Stop Dr. Eggman’s evil schemes no matter what!
Sonic Advance 2 does well at charming players with its vibrant colors and characters full of personality. The levels are also bigger this time around, asking the player to explore a bit more and take advantage of the more expanded level design. There are some tricky sections in the game, but being able to get past them and use certain pathways to increase your speed will make for a good time. Sonic Advance 2 is a bright, unique game and will definitely not disappoint!
While some of these games may not be perfect, many of them are well-known and have done many things to change the formula of gaming since their release. Playing these games enables players to recognize where many modern games got their ideas or tricks from, and how these games enhanced the gaming experience, perfection or not!
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