The reason the PC world has such a massive catalog of games is that the old classics are still some of the best PC games out there if you’re looking for nostalgia, fun, and some old fashioned hardcore gaming. Playing these classic games doesn’t have to cost the earth, all you need is a PC, and the ability to adapt the game to more modern software.

With an array of fantastic PC games to choose from, it’s almost impossible to create a top 10 list or even a top 20 list without some great games slipping through the cracks. PC gamers worldwide all have their own opinion about what games make it to the top of the list, but we’ve tried our best to round up our favorites spanning across multiple genres to include something for everyone.

This list aims to give an honorable mention to what we consider to be some of the best classic PC games that are still fun to play, even today. Here is, in no specific order, our attempt to narrow down the very long list of classics to some of our top choices that will still be fun to play for years to come.

Let’s get the ball rolling with Half-Life 2

Half-Life 2

Released in 2004 by the developer’s Valve, this game has to be one of the most beloved PC games out there. This game follows the exciting life of Gordon Freeman as he wakes to find that the aliens from Half-Life the original have returned, and it’s up to him to stop them. Collect some awesome futuristic weapons, robotic dogs, and join the resistance in this all-time classic.

Spark up your memory of the game through one of the many modifications and enjoy a playthrough without all of those early 2000 pixelated graphics that no one misses – although there’s something cool in a bit of pixelation.

Diablo 2

Possibly one of the most well-known games on PC, this game still beats the follow-up game in the sequel, Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls. Blizzard entertainment created a game that will live on long past the year 2000 when released. With the Lord of Destruction expansion pack, you’ll find an entirely new act with additional gameplay with the assassin and druid. 

A title that earned its spot on the list just based on its popularity and longevity in the gaming industry.

Baldur’s Gate

This 1998 RPG is the icing on the cake, the cream of the crop, the cherry on top when it comes to the most iconic games for your PC. This D&D inspired game is brought to life in the Infinity Engine with chapters, side quests, and a fantastic storyline that you can follow and use to develop your character along the way.

Baldur’s Gate got a not-so-necessary makeover in 2012 that includes the Tales of Sword Coast expansion pack, but the original version is good enough without all the modern-day mods.

Deus Ex

This cyberpunk-inspired RPG was well-ahead of its time when released in 2000 by Ion Storm – exploring topics such as social inequality, technology, and all its advancements throughout the gameplay, creating an enlightening and highly entertaining PC game.

Play along as the protagonist JC Denton, an entry-level cyborg, completes the first assignment as an anti-terrorist agent and uncovers the truth behind the stolen vaccines that are essential for ending the very lethal and dangerous pandemic. Navigate your way through the many obstacles and plot twists as you battle with the Illuminati, Triads, and help save the day.

Like most games that we’ll mention today, this one also has various mods that will help upgrade the graphics and improve any glitches in the outdated-gameplay you once knew.

StarCraft 

Another 1998 hit and another top PC game from Blizzard Entertainment, StarCraft, is a strategy game set in the ongoing and ever-expansive space. This game broke the boundaries when it came to space-themed games. Choose from three races and build your team and base in accordance.

Manage and steal resources from others with this 1998 best-seller that became a trending, ground-breaking game in South Korea at the time.

Star Wars: TIE Fighter

You didn’t think we’d forgotten about Star Wars, had you? We just had to mention one of the countless games that the Star Wars industry released over the years. This 1994 space-combat game made it to the top of our list for a variety of different reasons, one being that it involves lots of strategic gaming. The introduction of the energy-management concept keeps players on the edge of their seats, making game-changing decisions with only seconds to spare.

TIE Fighter is a fast-paced game that follows an imperial pilot’s story, not a resistance member like most other games. He adapts to and combats various situations while traveling through space. Find and download this game on Steam and relive those childhood memories.

So there we have it – these are our top classics in the PC gaming industry that we find just as enjoyable today as we did 2 decades ago. We look forward to exploring the ever-expanding world of PC gaming and what the next 2 decades might have in store for us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Bugle
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