This winter, escape into the nostalgia of gaming’s golden era with these seven retro classics. Whether you’re after epic adventures, spine-tingling horror, or timeless platforming fun, these iconic titles will transport you back to when games were truly groundbreaking. From Final Fantasy VII and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider to the heart-racing thrills of Resident Evil 2 and the stealth missions of Metal Gear Solid, there’s something here for everyone. And don’t forget the retro magic of Super Mario World, Wildlife Park, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Get ready to relive gaming history and dive into these timeless titles.

Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Step into the dystopian world of Final Fantasy VII as Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a mysterious past. The rich character development ensures every party member has a backstory that gradually unfolds as you progress. The innovative battle system, featuring the Active Time Battle and Materia customization, allows for strategic flexibility, keeping combat engaging.

The gripping narrative draws you in, and every corner of the vast world hides secrets, challenges, and decisions that shape your experience. The unforgettable score by Nobuo Uematsu, from the haunting themes of Midgar to the triumphant victory tunes, perfectly complements the atmosphere.

This RPG remains a must-play, offering deep characters, immersive storytelling, and revolutionary gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or discovering the game for the first time, Final Fantasy VII stands out as an experience you won’t forget.

  • Original Platforms: PlayStation
  • Current Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android

Super Mario World (1990)

Enter the whimsical realm of Super Mario World, where Mario and Luigi embark on an exciting journey through Dinosaur Land. Each level presents new platforming challenges, packed with hidden secrets and familiar foes. From soaring with the cape feather to blasting fireballs with the fire flower, Mario’s power-ups make the adventure even more thrilling.

The game’s vibrant graphics and catchy music bring the world to life, delivering that perfect mix of nostalgia and challenge. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned player, Super Mario World continues to captivate, offering hours of fun and testing your platforming skills.

  • Original Platforms: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
  • Current Platforms: Nintendo Switch (via Nintendo Switch Online), Wii U, New Nintendo 3DS

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (1996)

Join Lara Croft in the game that started it all, Tomb Raider. As Lara, you explore ancient ruins, solve intricate puzzles, and battle dangerous foes in a game that defined action-adventure for years to come. The game’s mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat offers a thrilling experience as you guide Lara through her first journey.

Lara Croft quickly became one of the most beloved characters in gaming, with her fearless attitude and iconic dual pistols capturing the hearts of players worldwide. Her popularity has even led to her own slot game, further cementing her status as a cultural icon. Tomb Raider remains a classic, not only for its pioneering gameplay but for introducing this legendary character, whose legacy continues to thrive across various media.

  • Original Platforms: PlayStation, Sega Saturn, MS-DOS
  • Current Platforms: PC (Steam, GOG), PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable (PSP), PlayStation Vita

Wildlife Park (2003)

Step into the wild with Wildlife Park, the 2003 simulation game that lets you create and manage your own zoo. As the park manager, you design habitats, care for animals, and balance the park’s operations to keep visitors happy. From building enclosures for lions, elephants, and tigers to maintaining the delicate ecosystems for animals like the grizzly bear, this game offers a richly immersive experience. The grizzly bear, known for its size and power, requires specific habitats and care to thrive in your park, making it one of the most fascinating creatures to manage.

The game’s depth extends beyond animal care—you’ll also manage park finances, animal breeding programs, and guest satisfaction. As a nod to the grizzly’s iconic status, you might even recognize its likeness in the popular Grizzly Strike Slot Game, further showcasing the bear’s cultural impact beyond the simulation world. Wildlife Park’s attention to detail, realistic animal behavior, and expansive management options have made it a beloved title among simulation enthusiasts.

Whether you’re constructing the perfect habitat for grizzly bears or ensuring your zoo operates smoothly, Wildlife Park delivers an experience that captures the complexity and beauty of running a wildlife sanctuary.

  • Original Platforms: Microsoft Windows
  • Current Platforms: Windows (available on Steam, GOG)​

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where you take on the role of Link, a young hero destined to save the kingdom. The game’s innovative time-travel mechanics and open-world exploration were groundbreaking at the time, and they continue to impress players today.

As you solve puzzles and battle foes, the iconic music by Koji Kondo sets the perfect backdrop for your epic quest. The sense of discovery and the game’s carefully crafted narrative make each moment memorable. It’s no wonder Ocarina of Time remains a celebrated classic in gaming history.

  • Original Platforms: Nintendo 64
  • Current Platforms: Nintendo Switch (via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack), Nintendo 3DS, Wii U

Resident Evil 2 (1998)

If you’re in the mood for survival horror, few games compare to Resident Evil 2. The eerie atmosphere of Raccoon City will have you on edge as you navigate through its zombie-infested streets. Each encounter tests your resourcefulness, while the intricate puzzles and grotesque monster designs push your nerves to the limit.

The tension is palpable, enhanced by eerie sound design and haunting visuals. Resident Evil 2 delivers a relentless horror experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

  • Original Platforms: PlayStation, Windows, Nintendo 64, Sega Dreamcast, GameCube
  • Current Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version)

Metal Gear Solid (1998)

Get ready for a stealth-filled adventure in Metal Gear Solid, where you guide Solid Snake through a high-stakes mission on Shadow Moses Island. The game’s stealth mechanics—hiding in boxes, using gadgets, and sneaking past guards—pushed the boundaries of gameplay in the late ’90s.

The narrative, filled with memorable characters and complex plot twists, keeps you invested, while the groundbreaking cinematic presentation helped define storytelling in games. Metal Gear Solid remains a must-play for anyone interested in stealth-action gaming, and its legacy endures to this day.

  • Original Platforms: PlayStation
  • Current Platforms: PC (GOG), PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable (PSP), PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360 (via HD Collection)