Gaming

5 Hit Games from the Past: Are They Still Playable?

Oldies but also goodies.

July 28, 2025 / by Louigi Balao / 3 mins read

There’s something about classic games that just hits differently. But as time goes on, we start to wonder—are these beloved titles still worth playing today? Or are they better left as nostalgic memories? Let’s take a look at five iconic games from the past and see if they can still hold up. 

 

Plants vs. Zombies

 

From Steam Official Website

 

Released back in 2009, Plants vs. Zombies is one of those games that practically defined the tower defense genre, at least in my opinion. With its janky yet charming art style and surprisingly strategic gameplay, it became an instant classic. And honestly? It’s still just as playable today. 

Whether on mobile, PC, or console, it’s the kind of game you can pick up for a quick match and suddenly realize you’ve been playing for two hours. The simple mechanics and endless waves of zombies never really get old. It is still a banger.

 

Super Mario Bros.

 

From Official Wiki Page 

 

Now we’re going way back. Super Mario Bros., originally released in 1985, is basically the foundation of modern platforming. And yes, it’s absolutely still playable. I recall my mom introducing me to this series, and it just holds a significant space in my core memories. So, if you share the same sentiment, give it a quick go once more. The fact that new generations are still discovering and loving Mario is proof that some gameplay formulas never go out of style.

 

Tetris

 

From official Wiki page

 

It doesn’t get much more timeless than Tetris. First released in 1984, this puzzle game has survived every console generation and continues to thrive. There are literal online lobbies of 20—I think—where you compete against one another. 

It’s simple, it’s addictive, and it still scratches that “just one more game” itch better than most current releases. No matter how old it gets, Tetris is eternal.

 

The Sims (2000)

 

From IMDb official page

 

When The Sims launched in 2000, it gave players the ultimate life simulator—and surprisingly, it still holds up. Well, it holds up because it was technically revamped in the newer game. EA provided a throwback with Sims FreePlay 2000 that brings players back to the older game, where phones had buttons and human interaction was face-to-face. 

 

Left 4 Dead 

 

From Steam official page

 

The article is entitled “Hit Games from the Past” and this game was huuge in the past. Everyone was playing it at home or at computer shops, having a grand time. Even if it felt like yesterday, the game was released in 2008. It kicked off the co-op zombie survival craze, and even today, it holds up really well. 

The thrill of working with three other players, battling through dynamic levels while the AI Director throws curveballs your way, hasn’t lost its edge. Sure, its sequel refined a lot of the gameplay, but there’s something about the original’s simplicity that still hits just right.

Now, you may enjoy playing classic games with their unique graphics, but you don’t need to have a monitor from the past. Enjoy old classics with new tech like the Xiaomi Curved Gaming Monitor, which provides a next-level experience. Grab yours today or other goodies in our Next Upgrade Shop.


Author

AUTHOR

Louigi Balao

Content Writer

Louigi, better known as Gi, is a content writer for Next Upgrade’s Tech and Gaming sections. In his free time, he enjoys long strolls in his house, loves fantasizing about anime ships that will never bear fruit, and constantly complains about his scuffed Korean backdashes. If you need a quick 3 AM chit-chat, he is your guy. 

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