Your backlog doesn’t need another 90 hour “life changing masterpiece” that you’ll start, admire for 12 minutes, and then abandon like a sourdough starter. Your backlog needs a classic—something you can boot up tonight that still hits.
Also, can we talk about how ridiculous it is that a huge chunk of gaming history is basically trapped in a dusty vault somewhere? Depending on who you ask, around 87% of classic games don’t have a legit way to play them right now. Which is… bleak! But the good news: the classics that are accessible in 2025 include some of the best designed games ever made. And a lot of them are cheap.
So here’s my “don’t overthink it” list: the classics that still feel good in your hands, still make sense without a 40 minute YouTube tutorial, and won’t make you scream, “WHY IS THE CAMERA IN THE WALL?!” within five minutes. (Not that I’ve ever done that. Loudly. In front of company.)
If you want me to just point and yell “PLAY THIS,” here you go
The “Just Trust Me” Tier (aka: the safe bets)
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Chrono Trigger
- Super Mario World
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Portal 2
- Tetris (pick your favorite version and call it a day)
- Hades (not old old, but spiritually a modern classic)
If you’re paralyzed by choice right now, pick one based on your available time:
- Only have 10 minutes? Tetris or Pac-Man energy.
- Have one or two evenings? Portal 2.
- Want a weekend project? Ocarina / Symphony / Chrono.
- Want to disappear into a game like it’s a weighted blanket? Hades or an RPG.
Decision fatigue loses here.
The fastest way to actually play a classic in 2025 (without a “tech side quest”)
I love the idea of classic consoles on modern TVs. I do not love turning “relaxing game night” into “why won’t this controller map correctly” night.
Here’s the low hassle order I recommend for PS2 classics worth playing:
- Subscription libraries (fastest, least drama)
– Nintendo Switch Online
– PlayStation Plus Premium
– Xbox Game Pass - Modern ports/remasters (usually the easiest “buy → download → play” option)
Collections, Definitive Editions, HD remasters… the glow ups we deserve. - PC storefront versions (Steam / GOG)
GOG is especially nice for older stuff because it tends to wrap up the “ancient game on modern machine” problem for you. - Emulation / source ports (powerful, but expect some tinkering)
Emulators are legal; the game files are where legality gets messy. If you want the cleanest conscience + easiest life, stick to official releases and services. Your future self will thank you.
My honest rule: if setup will take more than 15 minutes, I’m suddenly “tired” and “busy” and “maybe tomorrow.”
The Seven Classics I’d Bet My Snacks On
1) Ocarina of Time
This is the blueprint for 3D action adventure. Lock on targeting (Z targeting) basically taught the industry how to function.
Real talk: the N64 camera takes a minute to adjust to like pushing a shopping cart with one evil wheel but once your brain recalibrates, it’s still magic.
2) Chrono Trigger
If you think you “don’t like old RPGs,” this is the one that changes minds. It’s streamlined, charming, and doesn’t waste your time. Multiple endings, visible enemies, and pacing that modern games still fail to match.
3) Super Mario World
The platforming physics are so good they’re basically a comfort food. Also: secrets, alternate exits, and that satisfying “I definitely meant to do that” feeling when you nail a jump by accident.
4) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
This is why people say “Metroidvania” like it’s a normal word. Exploring the castle, getting new abilities, unlocking new routes chef’s kiss. And the pixel art holds up because it never tried to look “realistic.” (Sprites age like a good haircut.)
5) Portal 2
Perfect puzzles, perfect pacing, and it teaches you how to think without making you feel dumb. Also it’s one of the rare games I wish I could erase from my brain just to experience again.
6) Tetris
It’s Tetris. You know it. I know it. We all know it. And somehow it still works on every platform, in every decade, in every mood.
If you want extra sparkle: Tetris Effect. If you want chaos: Tetris 99.
7) Hades
The game that made dying feel like progress instead of punishment. It’s snappy, stylish, and dangerously good at the “one more run” lie. (You’ll look up and it’ll be midnight. Don’t email me. I already know.)
Picks by mood (because sometimes you don’t want an epic, you want a vibe)
Arcade: short sessions, big dopamine
- Pac-Man not mindless. It’s a movement puzzle in a trench coat.
- Galaga pure “just one more” energy with a little risk/reward spice.
If you want the “I have 12 minutes and a fragile will to live” category, this is it.
Platformers: choose your frustration level like a grown adult
- Super Mario World friendly, classic, always works.
- Super Mario 64 foundational 3D… with a camera you’ll need to gently negotiate with.
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy cozy, forgiving, exploration heavy.
- Mega Man X pattern learning + dying a bunch (fun if you like that sort of thing. Avoid if you don’t).
My opinion: if you’re easing back into games, start with Spyro or Mario World. Life is hard enough.
RPGs: bring snacks, cancel plans
- Chrono Trigger still the best gateway drug.
- Persona 5 Royal huge time commitment, but it’s stylish and addictive.
- Final Fantasy Tactics deep tactical combat + a story that doesn’t talk down to you.
- Suikoden I & II (in their modern remaster era) political drama, big cast, surprisingly emotional.
If you’re time sensitive, do Chrono Trigger first. It respects your schedule.
Fighting games: where you can still find real humans
- Street Fighter II the genre’s DNA. Learning it pays off forever.
- Super Smash Bros. Melee still absurdly alive. Slippi rollback on emulator is the way people actually play online.
Warning: “I’ll just play one match” is a gateway sentence.
Shooters: old school, but not crusty
- Halo: Combat Evolved (via Master Chief Collection) the comfy classic.
- Black Mesa the best way to experience Half-Life in 2025 without wrestling your PC.
- Doom (1993) still fun, especially through a source port like GZDoom.
Hot take: skip GoldenEye 007 unless you have a couch, friends, and the specific emotional need to shout at someone for screen looking.
Stealth: problem solving with consequences
- Metal Gear Solid V stealth with freedom (and a million ways to be clever).
- Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory slower, more methodical, very “light and sound matter.”
- Dishonored 2 levels built like puzzle boxes. You’ll replay just to try a different approach.
If you hate slow pacing, don’t force stealth. It’s like forcing yourself to enjoy kale.
Survival horror: pick your flavor of fear
- Resident Evil 4 Remake action forward and ridiculously polished.
- Silent Hill 2 Remake moodier, psychological, “did I just hear a noise behind me?” energy.
Strategy: for your big brain era
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition still supported, still populated, still excellent.
- Civilization II turn based, slower, “just one more turn” before you realize the sun is up.
Strategy games are basically chess, but with better sound effects and more panic.
Roguelikes: the “one more run” trap
- Hades story + action, best entry point.
- Slay the Spire pure decisions, pure addiction.
- Balatro poker hands turned into a combo chasing menace.
- Vampire Survivors low friction, instant dopamine, somehow 3 hours disappear.
What actually ages well (and what makes you want to throw a controller)
Ages well:
- Tight platforming
- Turn based tactics
- Stylized art (sprites, cel shading)
- Good level design (timeless, like a great white t-shirt)
Ages poorly:
- Early 3D cameras (pre-dual analog is… a choice)
- “Realistic” graphics from certain eras that now look like wet cardboard
- Clunky controls that feel like you’re steering a refrigerator
Also: use save states if you have them. Old arcade difficulty was designed to eat quarters. You don’t owe anyone a “pure” experience. This is your free time, not a purity test.
Where I’d actually buy these (without paying “collector tax”)
- Nintendo Switch Online: great for SNES/N64 staples (and low effort)
- PlayStation Plus Premium: solid for PlayStation era classics
- Xbox Game Pass: especially good for shooters like Halo MCC and Doom
- Steam: huge library, frequent sales
- GOG: DRM free and often smoother for older PC games (plus deep discounts)
My wallet’s favorite hobby is waiting for a sale.
Okay. Now pick ONE.
If you’re stuck, here’s my final nudge:
- Want the most modern feeling classic? Portal 2
- Want the “I get why this is legendary” experience? Ocarina of Time
- Want the best classic RPG on ramp? Chrono Trigger
- Want cozy platforming perfection? Super Mario World
- Want a game that eats weeks of your life (politely)? Hades
Stop scrolling. Choose the simplest way to access it. And go press Start.
