As we hurtle towards 2025, it’s fascinating to look back at the games that shaped the industry two decades ago. While many titles from that era feel dated by today’s standards, some have managed to stand the test of time, their innovative mechanics and storytelling remaining just as impactful today as they were at launch.
As the saying goes, “Old is gold.” | Image Credit: Remedy Entertainment
Like a fine wine, these games have only gotten better with age. Whether it’s their groundbreaking gameplay systems, unforgettable narratives, or technical achievements that were way ahead of their time, these titles continue to influence modern game design and captivate new generations of players.
In an industry where games can feel outdated within months of release, these evergreen classics prove that true innovation never goes out of style. Here are six remarkable titles that still hold up remarkably well, even as we approach (or are well past) their 20th anniversaries.
1. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (2003)
“Throw the rules out the window, odds are you’ll go that way too.” | Image Credit: Remedy Entertainment
Remedy‘s noir masterpiece didn’t just perfect the bullet-time mechanics of its predecessor; it elevated them into an art form. The game’s physics engine was revolutionary for its time, making every shootout feel like a carefully choreographed dance of death.
Even today, few games can match the satisfaction of diving through a doorway in slow motion, dual pistols blazing. The attention to detail, from the way Max’s coat flows during movement to the grimaces on enemies’ faces as they’re hit, showcased a level of polish that many modern games fail to achieve.
2. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005)
“Don’t tell me… three alarms and the mission’s over?” | Image Credit: Ubisoft
If there’s one game that defined the stealth genre, it’s Chaos Theory. Ubisoft Montreal’s masterpiece took everything great about the series and cranked it up to eleven, creating what many consider the perfect stealth game.
The AI was revolutionary for its time, with guards that would actually investigate disturbances intelligently, communicate with each other, and adapt to the player’s tactics. The lighting system wasn’t just for show—it was a crucial gameplay mechanic that made every shadow your potential ally.
Michael Ironside‘s portrayal of Sam Fisher hit its peak here, with the perfect blend of dry humor and cold professionalism. The game’s approach to player choice was ahead of its time, offering multiple ways to complete objectives without ever compromising its stealth core.
3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Trilogy (2003-2005)
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Who would have thought that adding time manipulation to a platformer would work so brilliantly? The original Sands of Time wasn’t just innovative—it was revolutionary, introducing mechanics that would influence game design for decades to come. The time-rewinding mechanic wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a perfectly integrated system that made challenging platforming sections feel fair while maintaining tension.
Then came Warrior Within, taking the series in a dramatically darker direction. The combat system evolved from simple sword fights to a complex dance of dual-wielding and acrobatic combos. While some fans were taken aback by the edgier tone and heavy metal soundtrack, there’s no denying that the gameplay reached new heights of fluidity and satisfaction.
The Two Thrones masterfully brought everything together, combining the charm of the original with the combat depth of its sequel. The addition of the Speed Kill system and the daggertail weapon created a perfect blend of stealth and action. Looking at Ubisoft‘s current output of self-proclaimed “AAAA” titles, it’s almost hard to believe this trilogy came from the same studio.
4. Need for Speed: Most Wanted (2005)
The overpowering urge to get that pink slip every time. | Image Credit: Electronic Arts
Remember when racing games were about more than just collecting cars and grinding battle passes? NFS: Most Wanted threw players into a world where every pursuit felt like a Hollywood chase scene, and that Blacklist wasn’t just a checklist—it was personal! Each rival had a personality, a story, and most importantly, a car you desperately wanted to add to your collection.
The police chase weren’t just scripted events; they were emergent chaos simulators that could turn a simple street race into an all-out war. Nothing quite matches the heart-pounding thrill of threading your BMW M3 GTR through a maze of spike strips and roadblocks while half the city’s police force is on your tail and that killer soundtrack kicks in.
Even the customization hit different. Before the era of microtransactions and “time-savers,” every visual upgrade and performance mod felt earned. Modern racing games might have bigger maps and prettier graphics, but they’re still chasing the perfect formula that Most Wanted cracked almost 20 years ago.
5. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)
“Ah s**t, here we go again.” | Image Credit: Rockstar Games
Rockstar didn’t just push boundaries with GTA: San Andreas—they redrew the entire map of what was possible in gaming. Before the era of cookie-cutter open worlds filled with repetitive side activities, CJ’s journey through San Andreas felt like diving into a living, breathing slice of ’90s West Coast culture. Each city wasn’t just a different backdrop; it was a character with its own personality, stories, and secrets.
The RPG elements weren’t just tacked-on features – they were game-changers. Want to turn CJ from a scrawny Grove Street soldier into a martial arts master with a bodybuilder physique? Hit the gym. Prefer to rock the streets as a smooth-talking hustler? The game would adapt to your style. Even the infamous “follow the damn train, CJ” mission (which we all secretly loved to hate) couldn’t diminish the sheer ambition of what Rockstar achieved.
Recent updates to the Definitive Edition have finally done justice to this classic, letting new players experience one of gaming’s most influential titles the way it deserves. Though modern games might boast bigger maps and fancier graphics, few can match the depth, humor, and sheer audacity of San Andreas. After all, where else can you go from a lowly gang member to a casino-robbing, jetpack-flying criminal mastermind?
6. Halo 2 (2004)
“Back in my day, we didn’t have fancy tanks! We had sticks.” | Image Credit: Bungie
If Combat Evolved wrote the rulebook for console FPS games, Halo 2 tore it up and wrote a better one—in multiplayer blood. Before the days of battle passes and skill-based matchmaking algorithms, Bungie created a multiplayer system so revolutionary that we’re still playing by its rules today. That iconic ranking system wasn’t just numbers going up—it was a badge of honor that actually meant something.
The campaign’s dual narrative wasn’t just a plot twist—it was a masterclass in storytelling that dared to put players in the energy boots of the very alien they’d been fighting. Sure, that cliffhanger ending had players throwing their controllers in frustration, but it also sparked conversations that would last for years.
Twenty years later, Halo 2‘s multiplayer remains the gold standard that modern shooters aspire to match. In an era where most online games have the lifespan of a mayfly, booting up a game of Team Slayer on Lockout still feels as fresh and exciting as it did in 2004 for many OG fans. The BR55 Battle Rifle might be old enough to vote now, but it still packs the same satisfying punch it always did.
What do you think about our list? Did these games eat up as many hours of your life as they did ours? Let us know in the comments below!
