3 Classic Video Games to Revisit When Nostalgia Strikes

Video games have undergone an incredible evolution in a relatively short space of time. 50 years ago, the first edition of Pong was released on the Atari console. Today, you can immerse yourself in simulated combat, roleplay, and adventure from dawn until dusk and never run out of incredible options. While classic video games may not always merit the attention of younger generations, veteran gamers greet these forgotten gems like old friends.

1. Diablo 2

Blizzard’s Diablo franchise is still going strong decades after the original Diablo first came out in 1996. Two sequels and several expansion packs later, fans are still clamoring for more. However, as many lifelong gamers will remember, Diablo II in particular was a triumph for its time. Its eerie musical score, spectacular voice acting, writing, and groundbreaking creativity significantly raised the bar for RPGs.

Despite being fairly antiquated, Diablo 2 is still the third best-selling release in Blizzard’s history. Blizzard went so far as to release a remastered version of the game entitled Diablo II: Resurrected which has sold over 5 million units.

Diablo II was not the first open-world RPG, but it reimagined player freedom and exploration in a way that had never been seen before. It played with the typical linear, objective-based structure of RPGs to engineer a gameplay experience characterized by variety, agency, and immersion. If you loved Diablo II when it came out, the remastered version will keep you glued to your screen for days on end.

2. Fable

Although the reception of the later Fable sequels has been mixed, the original is just as immersive and fun as it was 18 years ago. For its time, Fable’s cartoon-like yet beautiful graphics alongside its heart wrenching story and diverse world made for an unforgettable experience. Beyond that, it brought player choices heavily into the forefront of RPG gameplay. The heart of Fable has always been the freedom to be as virtuous or dastardly as you see fit, with real consequences for the storyline.

With Fable, the overarching themes of good and evil are woven into the game mechanics in a way that makes you feel like you’re living the experience. Your character ages according to your in-game playtime, your reputation grows according to your deeds, and the skills you invest in reflect more than just your play style. In sum, you can play Fable many times over and have vastly varied experiences. All of this and more makes it worth another play almost two decades later.

3. GTA:San Andreas

For most Grand Theft Auto fans, the love of the franchise began with GTA: San Andreas. It represented a huge leap forward for Rockstar Games. What’s more, it’s available for free when you create a social club account with on the company’s website.

This brutal, open-world, story driven RPG is not for the pacifist in you. It delves deep into themes of gang-violence, family, and betrayal, all within the massive and painstakingly engineered city of San Andreas. If you loved GTA growing up or have come to love it after playing GTA V, it’s well-worth the time to play the game that put the franchise on the map.

While modern real money mobile casino games are astounding and ever evolving, there’s no experience quite like revisiting the video games that brought you hours of entertainment in decades past. So, stock up on snacks, draw the curtains, and get ready to back in time.