Which OG Games Have Stood the Test of Time?

Video games are constantly evolving. Much of this is thanks to ever-advancing technology. Over the last five years, major updates to AI, graphics and rendering, and processing power have catapulted the industry into uncharted territory. Toss in added market demand and competition, and there’s even more propulsion toward change. 

From new releases to the latest installations in popular series, the horizons are constantly expanding. Plus, a range of new hardware has also helped intrigue new gamers—from mobile-ready smartphones to highly advanced VR. But that doesn’t mean that the only games worth playing are recent titles. 

In fact, there are a few games that the industry can’t seem to improve. Whether related to mechanics, narrative, or even aesthetics, some titles seem to be close to perfect. But what sorts of games deserve this type of attention? And why have they outlasted the competition? Let’s start off with an analog favorite that dates back to the Wild West.

Poker

Poker was one of the very first games to go live online in the 1990s. The game has been around for well over a century but has grown in popularity since virtual casinos started offering Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other variations. In fact, many players learn how to play poker via online platforms thanks to their accessibility and convenience. 

While poker games like Caribbean Stud are relatively new, the game itself hasn’t changed much since WSOP set official rules in the 1970s. It seems this game, which evolved from other card favorites like Pochen and faro, is still intrinsically challenging and involved enough to keep gamers fixated. Plus, like other video games on this list, talented players can flip their interests in fully fledged careers.

Tetris

Tetris is a bona fide phenomenon. This game emerged after a computer scientist decided to program his own game. Shortly after, it became a worldwide hit… one that’s based on the very simple challenge of matching different shapes in perfect unison. Decades after its release, Tetris remains a popular choice for casual and competitive gamers. 

In fact, there’s even a syndrome known as the Tetris Effect. The Tetris Effect is the idea that people who engage deeply with the game will start to fit everyday objects into tight patterns. They might even see Tetris shapes as they drift in and out of sleep, even if they haven’t played recently. The idea that a game can take over the brain (temporarily, of course) is a pretty strong indicator that the creators nailed the formula.

Super Mario Series

The Super Mario series is one of the most extensive in the world—and there are surely a few duds released under the brand over the last fifty years. However, Nintendo’s Mario franchise has produced dozens of hits that still hold up. Even its early arcade games remain popular for fans of retro gaming.

But it’s worth expounding on the major hits in this franchise. Mario Kart offered a totally new and zany twist on racing games, for example. Others like Super Mario Galaxy put a charming new spin on the game’s original premise. Thanks to Nintendo’s long-running experience with their titular Italian plumber, many of their releases have hit the mark—and stood the test of time.

Mortal Kombat Series

Mortal Kombat is one of the most interesting fighting games ever released. The original 1992 release helped reboot interest in fighting games around the world, steering the industry for years to come. But Mortal Kombat wasn’t a one-and-done hit. Instead, its releases have continued to innovate in the fighting game space, just like Super Mario has done for casual adventure games.

Mortal Kombat 11 offered brand-new fighting game mechanics that were sleeker and more accurate than ever before. Even its story mode was realistic, immersive, and satisfying from start to finish. Mortal Kombat: Deception turned the industry on its head again, introducing games like Puzzle Kombat and Chess Kombat, which hadn’t been seen before.