29 Nostalgic Video Games That'll Transport You Straight Back Into Your Childhood

I need to replay all of these right now.

1. Crash Bandicoot series (1996-1998)

Naughty Dog, Naughty Dog / Via gamesdb.launchbox-app.com

Why it was so good: All of the installments in the Crash Bandicoot series had the same addictive formula that kept you coming back. And no matter how many times you had completed a level, there was always something that would trip you up.

Platform: PlayStation.

2. Pokémon Stadium (1998)

Nintendo

Why it was so good: While Stadium Mode was cool (you could import your own Pokémon from a Game Boy cartridge!), it was the mini-games where the real fun was had. A personal favourite was "Dig! Dig! Dig!" – until the N64 decided to freeze when you were winning, that is.

Platform: Nintendo 64.

3. Spyro the Dragon (1998)

Insomniac Games

Why it was so good: Playing Spyro was such an adventure. You got to breathe fire, glide to new locations, go on a couple of skateboarding missions, and collect gems with your old mate Sparx. The graphics were also beautiful (considering how long ago it was released), which made the whole game that much more immersive.

Platform: Playstation.

4. Mario Kart 64 (1997)

Nintendo, Nintendo / Via emuparadise.me

Why it was so good: This game was the ultimate test of friendship and good sportsmanship. But damn did it suck when you had just taken the lead, and were suddenly smacked with a blue shell from whomever was coming in last.

Platform: Nintendo 64, but was later made available for download on the Wii and Wii U.

5. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)

Ubisoft, Ubisoft / Via oldpcgaming.net

Why it was so good: Great gameplay, interesting storyline, and best of all, you got to wield a dagger that could rewind time. Enough said.

Platform: Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, and PC.

6. The Sims (2000)

Electronic Arts, Electronic Arts / Via giantbomb.com

Why it was so good: Okay, let's make this clear... we ALL starved and/or burned our Sims alive at one point. But besides that, it was just so fun to make a family and live out the perfect life... with the help of a couple cheat codes that is.

Platform: PC, but a separate version of the game was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube in 2003.

7. Digimon Rumble Arena (2002)

Bandai, Bandai / Via gamesdb.launchbox-app.com

Why it was so good: If you were a loyal fan of the Digimon anime, then this game was most likely your go-to. Battling it out and waiting for the perfect moment to evolve was a mastered skill, especially when you were up against Reapermon.

Platform: PlayStation.

8. Super Mario 64 (1997)

Nintendo, Nintendo / Via gamesmechanics.wikia.com

Why it was so good: Being one of the first Super Mario games to use 3D graphics, playing Super Mario 64 felt like a totally different experience. And while the shifting camera angles took a little getting used to, it made exploring the environment and castle grounds that much more immersive.

Platform: Nintendo 64.

9. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

Rockstar Games, Rockstar Games / Via youtube.com

Why it was so good: There was no bigger adrenaline rush than being chased by the police while riding on your humble BMX bike in San Andreas. Or sometimes it was nice to just cruise down the highways listening to Radio X. Bonus points if you remember Big Smoke's order from Cluckin' Bell.

Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC originally, but a HD version was released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2015.

10. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (2001)

Activision O2, Activision O2 / Via au.ign.com

Why it was so good: This game not only taught you everything there was to know about skating, but it also had a bangin' soundtrack that introduced you to a whole new genre of music. Plus there was no better feeling than when you nailed that double kickflip.

Platform: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Colour. It was later published for the Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and PC in 2002.

11. Super Smash Bros Melee (2002)

Nintendo, Nintendo / Via gamezero.com

Why it was so good: There was nothing really challenging about Super Smash Bros Melee, but it was just the most satisfying feeling to be the last one standing. In saying that, friendships were definitely made and broken during the countless matches that were played.

Platform: Nintendo GameCube.

12. Diablo II (2000)

Blizzard Entertainment, Blizzard Entertainment / Via diablo.wikia.com

Why it was so good: There were countless things that made Diablo II so freaking good. Whether it was the storyline, the character builds, or even the unsettling music, everything was designed in such a way to capture your imagination. Plus the multiplayer and PVP elements really added to the experience of playing with your friends.

Platform: PC.

13. Age of Empires (1997)

Ensemble Studios, Ensemble Studios / Via youtube.com

Why it was so good: Age of Empires was just brilliant on so many levels. You basically got to learn all about history while completing objectives, gathering resources, and developing your civilisation from a handful of hunter-gatherers to an expansive Iron Age empire.

Platform: PC.

14. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Bungie, Bungie / Via giantbomb.com

Why it was so good: Halo was iconic for so many reasons. It had brilliant graphics, entertaining gameplay, and a multiplayer mode that ALWAYS left you saying, "just one more match, Mum!"

Platform: Xbox, but it was later released to PC, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

15. Black & White (2001)

Lionhead Studions/Electronic Arts, Lionhead Studions/Electronic Arts / Via nag.co.za

Why it was so good: Although there were sequels, nothing beat the original Black & White. It was wildly imaginative and really tested your moral compass when deciding your next move. The best part by far though was having your own creature.

Platform: PC.

16. Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos (2002)

Blizzard Entertainment, Blizzard Entertainment / Via alchetron.com

Why it was so good: Epic battles, engaging campaigns, and the occasional cinematic cut-scene made playing Warcraft III an absolute dream. And if you managed to get your hands on a manual or some cheat codes, that definitely made things a little bit more interesting.

Platform: PC.

17. Tekken 3

Namco, Namco / Via youtube.com

Why it was so good: I'm not sure exactly what it was, but the combination of the music, graphics, and sound effects made Tekken 3 one of the best fighting games of all time. Button-bashing ftw.

Platform: Arcade and PlayStation.

18. Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)

Midway Games

Why it was so good: Like Tekken, there was just something really enjoyable about smashing buttons together (coordinated smashing if you knew the combos, of course). And hearing the iconic "finish him/her" was the cherry on top of a good fight.

Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo Gamecube.

19. Mario Party 5 (2003)

Nintendo, Nintendo / Via mobygames.com

Why it was so good: This was the BEST thing to play with a couple of your friends. The mini-games, although simple, were enough to frustrate the most skilled of players. And landing on a Bowser space... well let's not talk about it.

Platform: Nintendo GameCube.

20. Zoo Tycoon (2001)

Microsoft Game Studios / Via myabandonware.com, Microsoft Game Studios

Why it was so good: There was something really rewarding about building the perfect enclosure for your animals, keeping in check with your customers, and making sure that your business was booming in Zoo Tycoon. Also you're lying if you didn't delete a part of an enclosure so the animals could wreak havoc.

Platform: PC.

21. The Simpsons: Hit & Run (2003)

Radical Entertainment, Radical Entertainment / Via techraptor.net

Why it was so good: If your mum didn't let you play Grand Theft Auto, then The Simpsons: Hit & Run was the next best thing. Although it's safe to say that a couple of levels nearly made you throw your controller at your TV screen.

Platform: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.

22. Pokémon Snap (1999)

Nintendo, Nintendo / Via forum.nintendoblast.com.br

Why it was so good: Guys, Pokémon Snap was so good! You felt like an actual Pokémon photographer, exploring the islands for that perfect shot. The best feeling was when you managed to capture a special pose, like a surfing Pikachu, to score those bonus points.

Platform: Nintendo 64.

23. Dungeon Keeper (1997)

Bullfrog Productions/Electronic Arts, Bullfrog Productions/Electronic Arts / Via gamefaqs.com

Why it was so good: Nothing was cooler than being able to play as a "dungeon keeper" whose sole purpose was to collect treasure, slay heroes, conquer land, and give your imps a slap if they were working too slow.

Platform: PC.

24. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Sonic Team/Sega, Sonic Team/Sega / Via betweenlifeandgames.com

Why it was so good: The fast-paced gameplay combined with the frustration of losing rings so easily made the formula of Sonic the Hedgehog so unbelievably addictive. Bonus points if you remember the original "Sega" chant when you booted up the game!

Platform: Sega Genesis, but it was later ported to Master System, Game Gear, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, and Android.

25. Banjo-Kazooie (1998)

Rare/Nintendo, Rare/Nintendo / Via polycount.com

Why it was so good: Everything in Banjo-Kazooie was so imaginative. From collecting musical notes and jigsaw pieces to unlock new worlds, to paying Mumbo Jumbo a visit so you could transform into a random creature, this game had it all.

Platform: Nintendo 64, but it was later remastered for the Xbox 360 in 2008.

26. Donkey Kong 64 (1999)

Rare/Nintendo, Rare/Nintendo / Via gamefabrique.com

Why it was so good: You definitely got your money's worth in Donkey Kong 64 because this game took AGES to finish. And while it was fun, let's just never, ever talk about those mine cart levels.

Platform: Nintendo 64.

27. Neverwinter Nights (2002)

BioWare, BioWare / Via tchosgames.blogspot.com.au

Why it was so good: Playing Neverwinter Nights felt like stepping back in time to another world. There was so much fantasy in the storytelling and quests that you completed. There was also a long list of brilliant mods that just added to the gameplay.

Platform: PC.

28. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2003)

Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Softworks / Via cubed3.com

Why it was so good: While Morrowind contained a bunch of quests and storylines, it was exploring the expansive and detailed game world that made it so memorable. The scenery, the different lands, and watching day literally turn to night while in-game, all contributed to the feeling of being in a different world.

Platform: PC and Xbox.

29. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2003)

Nintendo, Nintendo / Via mobygames.com

Why it was so good: Although the graphics weren't to everyone's taste, The Wind Waker was still a beautifully made game. The rich environments combined with the rewarding gameplay and puzzles made it feel like something else.

Platform: Nintendo GameCube, but a HD remaster was released for the Wii U in 2013.