Retro Game Recommendations

Omegapunch

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I'm thinking of saving up enough money to buy my own PC.
So, in the meantime, Do you have any retro PC game recommendations? (Specifically, games from the 90's-00's) so I can play them once I buy a PC.( the genre doesn't matter)
 
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Any specific genres?

Randomly, some PC games I liked back in the day:
  • Doom I & II.
  • Max Payne.
  • Shogo - great FPS with human-mode and mecha-mode 😎
  • Fallout I & II.
I've always loved playing the first game in a popular game series/franchise.
It's always interesting seeing their humble beginnings before evolving into what they are now.
 
The Entire Gradius Series. Seriously, within my little hideout that is my Discord, I got the exact games that you need to play in the series.

Gradius I (Gradius Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX︱PC-Engine Gradius)
Salamander (Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX︱PC-Engine Salamander)
Gradius II (Gradius Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX︱PC-Engine CD Gradius II)
Gradius III (Gradius III+TV on PS2︱SNES Gradius III) (NOTE: this doesn't emulate the original arcade experience, but remasters it to make the game more in line with the 2nd game's difficulty, if you don't want the slowdown, get the SA-1 patch)
Salamander 2 (Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX (the Saturn Version for the aforementioned deluxe packs also work, but PSX offers a more authentic sound, especially with this game)
Gradius Gaiden for the PSX
Gradius IV (Gradius III+IV for PS2)
Gradius Galaxies/Advance (Europe)/Generation (Japan) for the GBA
Gradius V for the PS2
Gradius ReBirth for Wiiware

For the Gameboy Entries Nemesis and Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, you just need to play the original versions of the games.
Post automatically merged:

As you can tell, I am a massive Gradius Fan. I would even go as far as to suggest the MSX lineup of games as they offer more story at a cost of quality due to the limits of the MSX, but the second and third games have a much better sound chip to make it a bit better. I have played them, but I haven't reviewed them, like I've done with every Gradius Entry.
Post automatically merged:

I would also recommend the Puzzle Bobble Lineup of the original Arcade releases!
Puzzle Bobble can best be experienced on NeoGeo or MAME,
Puzzle Bobble 2 can best be experienced on PSX
Puzzle Bobble 3 can best be experienced also on PSX
ditto for Puzzle Bobble 4

And ones that I can also see other people playing is Super Puzzle Bobble (Both the non-Puyo Pop Fever looking one on MAME Japanese exclusive and the Fever looking one for Consoles and the GBA), Space Bust a Move for DS, Puzzle bobble Universe for 3DS,
 
The obvious answer is the Half-Life games. And it's an obvious answer for a good reason. The games are fairly cheap now and go on sale often for almost nothing. They might not seem as impressive because of the impact they had on the genre was a serious game changer and everyone wanted a piece of that pie.

System Shock 2 is a wonderful game. It's another highly influential moment for games that has had a big impact on video games since. I've never played System Shock, but if you can tolerate a nightmareish UI you might have a great time. At least get the enhanced edition.

I can't forget about the Homeworld games. Homeworld, Homeworld: Cataclysm (Emergence) and to a much lesser extent, Homeworld 2. Homeworld is a classic and Cataclysm is my personal favorite in the series.

Once more, if you can deal with a very old UI and a brutal difficulty, the original XCOM series is a great choice. I prefer the reboot series because old UIs are my kryptonite, but they aren't vintage yet.

Heroes of Might & Magic is a great series. 2 is my favorite, but the fan favorite seems to be 3. You can't go wrong either way.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a bit of a jankfest and I would super recommend you dig up the fan patch to help smooth it out, but it's a great experience.

Deus Ex is another obvious choice, just be prepared for old jank city.

If you like the classic Fallout games, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura might be something to look into. Really cool setting and ideas, but the gameplay isn't the most balanced.

Gorky 17 is another jankfest, but is a cult classic and for good reason.

Interstate 76 + Interstate 76 Nitro Pack is classic car combat. Just be prepared for some more old game syndrome.

Jagged Alliance 2 is also worth a look if the isometric shootyness of Fallout and Arcanum captivated you.

Silent Storm and it's expansion are more quality isometric shoot bang bang.

Planescape: Torment is another obvious choice, but a legit classic.

The Thief games are also well regarded for good reasons.

I think that's a good enough start! If I had to choose just one I'd go with the Homeworld series. I wouldn't say it's a forgotten series, but it deserves to be played by more people.
 
pikmin 1, luigi's mansion, skies of arcadia, cubivore- survival of the fittest, dot hack, ape escape 1, and pokemon red are a few good ones to get you started.
 
Many games are already mentioned here, so other than all that there's
-Far Cry 2
-Counter Strike 1.6 and Source
-Deus Ex
-Battlefield series (before 3)
-Quake
-Crysis
-GTA series (before 4)
-Portal series
-Star Wars KOTOR
 
The obvious answer is the Half-Life games. And it's an obvious answer for a good reason. The games are fairly cheap now and go on sale often for almost nothing. They might not seem as impressive because of the impact they had on the genre was a serious game changer and everyone wanted a piece of that pie.

System Shock 2 is a wonderful game. It's another highly influential moment for games that has had a big impact on video games since. I've never played System Shock, but if you can tolerate a nightmareish UI you might have a great time. At least get the enhanced edition.

I can't forget about the Homeworld games. Homeworld, Homeworld: Cataclysm (Emergence) and to a much lesser extent, Homeworld 2. Homeworld is a classic and Cataclysm is my personal favorite in the series.

Once more, if you can deal with a very old UI and a brutal difficulty, the original XCOM series is a great choice. I prefer the reboot series because old UIs are my kryptonite, but they aren't vintage yet.

Heroes of Might & Magic is a great series. 2 is my favorite, but the fan favorite seems to be 3. You can't go wrong either way.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a bit of a jankfest and I would super recommend you dig up the fan patch to help smooth it out, but it's a great experience.

Deus Ex is another obvious choice, just be prepared for old jank city.

If you like the classic Fallout games, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura might be something to look into. Really cool setting and ideas, but the gameplay isn't the most balanced.

Gorky 17 is another jankfest, but is a cult classic and for good reason.

Interstate 76 + Interstate 76 Nitro Pack is classic car combat. Just be prepared for some more old game syndrome.

Jagged Alliance 2 is also worth a look if the isometric shootyness of Fallout and Arcanum captivated you.

Silent Storm and it's expansion are more quality isometric shoot bang bang.

Planescape: Torment is another obvious choice, but a legit classic.

The Thief games are also well regarded for good reasons.

I think that's a good enough start! If I had to choose just one I'd go with the Homeworld series. I wouldn't say it's a forgotten series, but it deserves to be played by more people.
You’ve some interesting answers. How do you feel about BioShock and the original Prey?
 
Broken record saying this but if you want a good action rpg that rewards exploration:
1000298228.jpg

Also in terms of good first entries I recommend: Assassin's Creed 1, F.E.A.R 1, Fable 1, Atelier Marie (there's a modern remake), Dark souls 1, BioShock 1, DMC 1,
Doom 1, Half life 1, FF tactics, RE 1 and Silent hill 1
Post automatically merged:

You’ve some interesting answers. How do you feel about BioShock and the original Prey?
You have to ask it in a kindly way 😉
 
The obvious answer is the Half-Life games. And it's an obvious answer for a good reason. The games are fairly cheap now and go on sale often for almost nothing. They might not seem as impressive because of the impact they had on the genre was a serious game changer and everyone wanted a piece of that pie.

System Shock 2 is a wonderful game. It's another highly influential moment for games that has had a big impact on video games since. I've never played System Shock, but if you can tolerate a nightmareish UI you might have a great time. At least get the enhanced edition.

I can't forget about the Homeworld games. Homeworld, Homeworld: Cataclysm (Emergence) and to a much lesser extent, Homeworld 2. Homeworld is a classic and Cataclysm is my personal favorite in the series.

Once more, if you can deal with a very old UI and a brutal difficulty, the original XCOM series is a great choice. I prefer the reboot series because old UIs are my kryptonite, but they aren't vintage yet.

Heroes of Might & Magic is a great series. 2 is my favorite, but the fan favorite seems to be 3. You can't go wrong either way.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines is a bit of a jankfest and I would super recommend you dig up the fan patch to help smooth it out, but it's a great experience.

Deus Ex is another obvious choice, just be prepared for old jank city.

If you like the classic Fallout games, Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura might be something to look into. Really cool setting and ideas, but the gameplay isn't the most balanced.

Gorky 17 is another jankfest, but is a cult classic and for good reason.

Interstate 76 + Interstate 76 Nitro Pack is classic car combat. Just be prepared for some more old game syndrome.

Jagged Alliance 2 is also worth a look if the isometric shootyness of Fallout and Arcanum captivated you.

Silent Storm and it's expansion are more quality isometric shoot bang bang.

Planescape: Torment is another obvious choice, but a legit classic.

The Thief games are also well regarded for good reasons.

I think that's a good enough start! If I had to choose just one I'd go with the Homeworld series. I wouldn't say it's a forgotten series, but it deserves to be played by more people.
Wow, that's a lot of recommendations. I'll be sure to check them all out!
Also, don't worry. I'm used to old videogame jank.
Post automatically merged:

The Entire Gradius Series. Seriously, within my little hideout that is my Discord, I got the exact games that you need to play in the series.

Gradius I (Gradius Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX︱PC-Engine Gradius)
Salamander (Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX︱PC-Engine Salamander)
Gradius II (Gradius Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX︱PC-Engine CD Gradius II)
Gradius III (Gradius III+TV on PS2︱SNES Gradius III) (NOTE: this doesn't emulate the original arcade experience, but remasters it to make the game more in line with the 2nd game's difficulty, if you don't want the slowdown, get the SA-1 patch)
Salamander 2 (Salamander Deluxe Pack Plus on PSX (the Saturn Version for the aforementioned deluxe packs also work, but PSX offers a more authentic sound, especially with this game)
Gradius Gaiden for the PSX
Gradius IV (Gradius III+IV for PS2)
Gradius Galaxies/Advance (Europe)/Generation (Japan) for the GBA
Gradius V for the PS2
Gradius ReBirth for Wiiware

For the Gameboy Entries Nemesis and Gradius: The Interstellar Assault, you just need to play the original versions of the games.
Post automatically merged:

As you can tell, I am a massive Gradius Fan. I would even go as far as to suggest the MSX lineup of games as they offer more story at a cost of quality due to the limits of the MSX, but the second and third games have a much better sound chip to make it a bit better. I have played them, but I haven't reviewed them, like I've done with every Gradius Entry.
Post automatically merged:

I would also recommend the Puzzle Bobble Lineup of the original Arcade releases!
Puzzle Bobble can best be experienced on NeoGeo or MAME,
Puzzle Bobble 2 can best be experienced on PSX
Puzzle Bobble 3 can best be experienced also on PSX
ditto for Puzzle Bobble 4

And ones that I can also see other people playing is Super Puzzle Bobble (Both the non-Puyo Pop Fever looking one on MAME Japanese exclusive and the Fever looking one for Consoles and the GBA), Space Bust a Move for DS, Puzzle bobble Universe for 3DS,
I've never played a shoot 'em up game in my life, so this should be interesting.
 
You’ve some interesting answers. How do you feel about BioShock and the original Prey?
BioShock gets two thumbs up from me. Thank you for bringing it up, that game ruled. I've never actually played the original Prey sadly, but I've watched my boyfriend play through it and he's a huge fan. The game seemed neat as hell though. Loved the weird ass weapons and other weird shit the game did. It's just a shame it was delisted from Steam. Finding a physical copy isn't impossible, but we know what's really going to happen. ::firgirlsmirk

I didn't consider Dark Souls old enough to count as retro, but I guess it was on the same console as BioShock and Prey, so I'll give that a hearty recommendation too.
 
DARK SOULS ENJOYER ::poggurai
HELL YEAH, I am
BioShock gets two thumbs up from me.
Technically you only have two hands so it makes.
Thank you for bringing it up,
No problem.
that game ruled. I've never actually played the original Prey sadly,
Shame. Well sorry to say this but it’s stuck in Xbox jail.
but I've watched my boyfriend play through it and he's a huge fan.
As he should be. Games with Cherokee prorags deserve more love.
The game seemed neat as hell though. Loved the weird ass weapons and other weird shit the game did. It's just a shame it was delisted from Steam. Finding a physical copy isn't impossible, but we know what's really going to happen. ::firgirlsmirk
No shame in sailing the seas arrrrr
I didn't consider Dark Souls old enough to count as retro,
Me neither but I welcome any dark souls love
but I guess it was on the same console as BioShock and Prey, so I'll give that a hearty recommendation too.
Correct answer.
 
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I'm thinking of saving up enough money to buy my own PC.
So, in the meantime, Do you have any retro PC game recommendations? (Specifically, games from the 90's-00's) so I can play them once I buy a PC.( the genre doesn't matter)
I am in the middle of a RETRO binge. I am playing so many games at the same time, I don't know if I'll ever finish any. Specifically RPGs... I'm playing (on my Retroid Mini), Breath of Fire, Lufia: Tower of Doom, Secret of Mana, ahhhhh... so many. LOL.
 
There's way, waaay to many! A lot of big ones have been mentioned so far! I'll just throw in what I think you should check out too off the top of my head that are PC retro, but seriously.. There's way too much!

Shadow Warrior
Star Wars Dark Forces series
Quake
Duke Nukem 3D
Blood
WC3
Starcraft + Brood War
Dawn of War + Winter Assault
Company of Heroes
Monkey Island series
Full Throttle
Command & Conquer series
The Gothic series
Fallout 1 + 2, New Vegas as well!
Patrician 3
Anno 1404
Arcanum
Arx Fatalis
Baldurs Gate series
System Shock 2
Wizardry 8
Might and Magic VI, VII, VIII
Dungeon Keeper 1 + 2
Morrowind
Severance: Blade of Darkness
Dungeon Siege series
Stalker series, I recommend modding that.
Max Payne 1 + 2
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 1 + 2
Dragon Age Origins
Neverwinter Nights
LOTR: Battle for Middle Earth, check out the Age of the Ring mod.
No One Lives Forever series
Risen
RollerCoaster Tycoon
OpenTTD (Transport Tycoon)

Also, if you want to try an MMORPG with out a sub from that era you might want to try Guild Wars 1! And if you're feeling particularly brave you might want to try Everquest 99 or Ultima Online Outlands, which are free private servers for early early era MMORPGs.
 
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FPS - Unreal 1,2 UT, UT2004, Turok 1-3 (remastered)
Racers - NFSHS,NFSP, NFSHP2 (magipack)
RTS - Warcraft 1-3 Remastered
Survivor horror - RE series. the GOG releases
2D Platformer - Rayman Redemption (fanmade remake of the original)
Action adventure - Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered
Point and click - Sanitarium - GOG release
 
All Monkey Island games (and most LucasArts games too, tbh.

The OG Resident Evil trilogy is available on GOG now too

FEZ for some puzzle-platforming fix

DeathSpank for a light-hearted ARPG (same creator of Monkey Island too)

SWAT 3 and 4, if you like tactical FPS (you give orders to teammates, like "open this door and clear the room, throw flashbang there", etc)
 
There's way, waaay to many! A lot of big ones have been mentioned so far! I'll just throw in what I think you should check out too off the top of my head that are PC retro, but seriously.. There's way too much!

Shadow Warrior
Star Wars Dark Forces series
Quake
Duke Nukem 3D
Blood
WC3
Starcraft + Brood War
Dawn of War + Winter Assault
Company of Heroes
Monkey Island series
Full Throttle
Command & Conquer series
The Gothic series
Fallout 1 + 2, New Vegas as well!
Patrician 3
Anno 1404
Arcanum
Arx Fatalis
Baldurs Gate series
System Shock 2
Wizardry 8
Might and Magic VI, VII, VIII
Dungeon Keeper 1 + 2
Morrowind
Severance: Blade of Darkness
Dungeon Siege series
Stalker series, I recommend modding that.
Max Payne 1 + 2
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 1 + 2
Dragon Age Origins
Neverwinter Nights
LOTR: Battle for Middle Earth, check out the Age of the Ring mod.
No One Lives Forever series
Risen
RollerCoaster Tycoon
OpenTTD (Transport Tycoon)

Also, if you want to try an MMORPG with out a sub from that era you might want to try Guild Wars 1! And if you're feeling particularly brave you might want to try Everquest 99 or Ultima Online Outlands, which are free private servers for early early era MMORPGs.
Why thank you miss Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivruski IV! Excellent list. Lots I'd forgotten about and shouldn't have. :cry: My only addition is Dark Crusade to go with Dawn of War & Winter Assault. Though if you're looking to buy (yeah right) the game and it's expansions nowadays, Dawn of War - Anniversary Edition is your best best. Really, it's your only bet, they've been delisted from Steam. Yes, it has that stinky poo poo Soulstorm in it, but you don't have to click on it! And Soulstorm does have it's uses with some of the really nice overhaul mods.

I really enjoyed Dawn of War II and it's expansions as well. Like DoW your only choice to purchase them is Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition. Retribution is honestly my favorite game in the DoW series, with Dark Crusade being a close second.

Dawn of War III? What's that? Wait, I think I detect a foul odor and it's not Soulstorm...
 
Why thank you miss Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivruski IV! Excellent list. Lots I'd forgotten about and shouldn't have. :cry: My only addition is Dark Crusade to go with Dawn of War & Winter Assault. Though if you're looking to buy (yeah right) the game and it's expansions nowadays, Dawn of War - Anniversary Edition is your best best. Really, it's your only bet, they've been delisted from Steam. Yes, it has that stinky poo poo Soulstorm in it, but you don't have to click on it! And Soulstorm does have it's uses with some of the really nice overhaul mods.

I really enjoyed Dawn of War II and it's expansions as well. Like DoW your only choice to purchase them is Dawn of War II - Anniversary Edition. Retribution is honestly my favorite game in the DoW series, with Dark Crusade being a close second.

Dawn of War III? What's that? Wait, I think I detect a foul odor and it's not Soulstorm...
Yahyah, that's a good point! I totally missed Dark Crusade! I was just trying to throw out PC games that felt like retro PC, there's still so much missing and I've forgotten about them until I see them. I always enjoyed Winter Assault the most but if I had to pick a favourite it's probably going to be Dark Crusade just because how free form it is. And I liked DoW 2 retribution as well! As much as the Blood Ravens are funny to mess around with (and the memes) I kind of like Orcs and IG way more. And you never get to play as Freebooterz usually!
 

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