Table of Contents
Keep in mind that none of these innovations occur by chance. Rather, they are the product of a synthesis of many diverse ideas and sources of inspiration. This is particularly true given the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and the abundance of new titles vying for our attention on an annual basis. Though it’s thrilling to create new, state-of-the-art games and remake old bestsellers, there’s indisputable merit in returning to the classics that established the framework for contemporary gaming. For this reason, I have compiled a list of classic PC games that enjoyed widespread popularity in the late 90s and early 00s.
These games’ mechanics and visual style have not only remained popular throughout the years, but they also attract new players. The pixelated landscapes and clumsy controls of these games may be dated and difficult to use compared to modern games, but they have planted the seeds of greatness that have impacted countless games in the years after. Playing these games takes me on a journey through time while also paying tribute to the innovators whose ideas have shaped the gaming industry.
Best Old Games Comparison Table
classic video games that you may download for free. Our mission is to bring back all of your favorite classic video games from your childhood. These games still have that certain something that makes them entertaining and may keep you occupied for hours. There are currently more games available and ready to be played again than there are.
Feature | System Shock 2 | Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos | Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast | Shenmue II |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Genre | Immersive Sim (Sci-Fi Horror) | RPG (Sci-Fi) | RTS (Fantasy) | Action-Adventure (Star Wars) | Open World Adventure |
Perspective | First-person | Third-person isometric | Third-person isometric | First-person | Third-person |
Combat | Challenging, tactical, weapons and hacking | Character builds, abilities, party-based | Real-time strategy, unit control | First-person swordplay, force powers | Free-form, unarmed combat, quick-time events |
Story | Atmospheric, psychological horror, AI conspiracy | Classic Star Wars adventure, choices and consequences | Fantasy epic, war between factions | Jedi journey, revenge and redemption | Realistic life simulation, mystery, revenge |
Exploration | Open-ended, interconnected space station | Planets and open areas, linear story progression | Campaign maps, limited exploration | Linear levels with exploration areas | Open world city, realistic daily activities |
Character Customization | Skill-based, no character creation | Extensive character creation, classes, builds | Hero selection, customizable units | Jedi build path, limited customization | None, fixed protagonist |
Multiplayer | No | No | Yes (competitive and cooperative) | No | No |
Best Old Games
Some of the best old games available for free. Our objective is to bring back the classic video games that you spent the most time playing when you were a kid. Even in this day and age, these games continue to possess their allure and have the potential to provide you with a great deal of entertainment for a considerable amount of time. The number of games that are currently available and waiting to be played again exceeds at this very moment.
System Shock 2

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Story | Deep, immersive narrative set in a sci-fi world |
Atmosphere | Eerie atmosphere with excellent sound design |
RPG Elements | Skill customization and character progression |
Survival Horror | Intense survival horror elements |
Replayability | Multiple endings and character builds |
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You wake up in the middle of chaos on a space station that isn’t working right. The creepy silence is broken by the screams of altered animals and the scary presence of AI gone bad. As a genetically enhanced soldier with amnesia, putting together the pieces of your past becomes very important as you make your way through the maze-like passageways.
The game System Shock 2 puts you on a scary journey of survival and self-discovery. Around every corner is a new danger, and every choice you make determines your fate. Go deep into the heart of darkness and fight the evil digital being SHODAN in a battle of wills and intelligence.
The Good
- Engrossing storyline
- Challenging gameplay
- Rich RPG mechanics
The Bad
- Dated graphics
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Story | Compelling narrative set in the Star Wars universe |
Choice | Morality system affecting gameplay and story |
Characters | Memorable characters with unique personalities |
Combat | Strategic turn-based combat |
Exploration | Diverse planets to explore |
Go back in time thousands of years before the Skywalker saga. The forces of light and evil are at war with each other, and the galaxy is in the middle of it. As a young Jedi Knight, you carry the weight of fate on your shoulders as you cross the dangerous waters of war-torn worlds. You are invited to join forces, learn the ways of the Force, and discover the secrets of an old galaxy that is on the verge of extinction in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. More than one person’s life hangs in the balance with every decision, and the line between good and evil is becoming less clear over time.
The Good
- Deep Star Wars lore integration
- Meaningful choices impacting the story
- Captivating world-building
The Bad
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Combat can feel slow-paced for some players
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos

Feature | Description |
---|---|
RTS Gameplay | Innovative real-time strategy mechanics |
Campaign | Epic storyline with diverse missions |
Hero System | Hero units with unique abilities |
Customization | Robust map editor for creating custom content |
Multiplayer | Competitive online multiplayer |
Do not step foot on the bloody battlefields of Azeroth. The clash of swords and the roar of war can be heard all over the land. In Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, you can lead your chosen group to glory or ruin, use powerful magic, and command armies of warriors. Every part of this huge realm is full of unknown opportunities and dangers, from the lush woods of the Night Elves to the empty wastelands of the Undead. As the winds of fate swirl around you, make allies, outsmart your enemies, and write your name into the history books in this epic tale that goes beyond time.
The Good
- Immersive campaign with memorable characters
- Endless replayability with custom maps and mods
- Balanced and strategic gameplay
The Bad
- Aging graphics and UI design
- Limited unit variety compared to newer RTS games
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Lightsaber Combat | Fluid and satisfying lightsaber combat |
Force Powers | Varied Force powers for combat and puzzles |
Level Design | Well-crafted levels with platforming elements |
Multiplayer | Lightsaber duels and team-based modes |
Mod Support | Active modding community for additional content |
Even though it’s been ten years since the Empire fell, the shadow of evil is once again around the corner. You play as Kyle Katarn in Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast. Kyle is a former Jedi Knight who is haunted by his past. The galaxy is once again in danger because of a new threat that comes out of the shadows as you dust off your blade and reconnect with the Force. You can fight with lightsabers, find out old secrets, and go on a quest for redemption that will test your bravery and determination to the very limit.
The Good
- Authentic Star Wars atmosphere
- Intense lightsaber combat
- Strong single-player campaign
The Bad
- Dated graphics and animations
- Some sections feel repetitive
Shenmue II

Feature | Description |
---|---|
Open World | Detailed open-world environments to explore |
Storytelling | Cinematic storytelling with branching narrative |
QTEs | Quick-time events for interactive sequences |
Immersion | Realistic day-night cycle and weather effects |
Mini-games | Various mini-games and activities |
In the sprawling cities of China in the 1980s, go on a quest for revenge and forgiveness. The game Shenmue II makes you play as Ryo Hazuki, a young martial artist who wants to get revenge for the death of his father. You can move through busy city streets, talk to a wide range of people, and practise your fighting skills in intense hand-to-hand fights.
As you find more clues and solve more mysteries, you get closer to the truth about why your father died so suddenly. Immerse yourself in a world where every little thing counts and every choice you make determines your fate on this amazing trip into the soul of a person.
The Good
- Immersive world with rich detail
- Engaging storyline with memorable characters
- Varied gameplay activities
The Bad
- Slow pacing may deter some players
- Dated mechanics compared to modern games
Why Old Games Still Hold Their Charm
Old games hold their charm for several reasons, despite the advancements in technology and the release of newer, more graphically impressive titles. Here are some reasons why old games continue to be beloved by gamers:
- Nostalgia: Many gamers have fond memories associated with old games from their childhood or teenage years. Playing these games can evoke feelings of nostalgia and bring back memories of simpler times, creating a strong emotional connection.
- Timeless Gameplay: Classic games often feature timeless gameplay mechanics that are easy to pick up and play, yet difficult to master. Whether it’s the simple yet addictive gameplay of arcade classics like Pac-Man or the intricate level design of platformers like Super Mario Bros., old games often offer a level of challenge and satisfaction that transcends generations.
- Innovative Design: Many old games were groundbreaking in their time, introducing innovative gameplay mechanics, storytelling techniques, or technical achievements that laid the foundation for future generations of games. Playing these games allows gamers to appreciate the creativity and innovation of the developers who paved the way for the industry.
- Artistic Style: Old games often have a distinctive artistic style that sets them apart from modern titles. Whether it’s the pixel art of retro RPGs like Final Fantasy VI or the hand-drawn animations of classic adventure games like Monkey Island, the visual aesthetics of old games can be charming and visually appealing.
- Cultural Significance: Some old games have achieved iconic status and hold cultural significance beyond the world of gaming. Titles like The Legend of Zelda, Tetris, and Space Invaders have become cultural touchstones, influencing art, music, and popular culture in addition to gaming.
- Modding and Community Support: Many old games have active modding communities that continue to create new content, mods, and fan-made expansions long after the original release. This ongoing support keeps old games relevant and allows them to evolve and adapt to new technologies and platforms.
- Accessibility: Old games are often more accessible than newer titles, as they can be played on a wider range of hardware and platforms, including retro consoles, emulators, and digital distribution platforms like Steam or GOG. This accessibility ensures that old games remain accessible to new generations of gamers.
- Value for Money: Old games often provide excellent value for money, especially compared to the high prices of many modern AAA titles. Classic games can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of new releases, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Questions and Answers
Some of the best vintage PC games that won’t put a burden on your hardware are Fallout: New Vegas, Persona 3 Portable, Dragon Age: Origins, Age of Empires 2 HD, Minecraft, Citizen Sleeper, Blasphemous, and Undertale. Other games that we recommend include Undertale.
PUBG comes in first. Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, an abbreviation for Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, is a video game that was created and published by PUBG Corporation in the year 2018. The game was modelled by the Japanese film Battle Royale, in which the winner is determined by who is the last player standing.