— Timeless Classics You Should Definitely Play Now
While today’s gaming scene is dominated by open-world blockbusters and cinematic realism, there’s been a growing trend in global gaming communities —
a rediscovery of retro games that were once overlooked or misunderstood.
From cult RPGs to genre-bending experiments, these titles are now being praised for the very things that made them “weird” back in the day.
Here are 5 retro games that are getting serious love from gamers around the world — and why now’s the perfect time to give them a shot.
🧠 1. EarthBound (aka MOTHER 2)
🗓️ Released: 1994 (Super Famicom / SNES)
🌐 Global take: “Weird, heartfelt, and way ahead of its time”
Quirky, emotional, and full of satirical wit — EarthBound baffled many players when it first launched in the West. But now, it’s regarded as one of the most iconic cult RPGs of all time.
- Offbeat humor and surreal towns
- Surprisingly deep emotional moments
- A finale that still sparks conversation
It’s also widely recognized as a major influence on indie hits like Undertale.
“It was too strange for its time. But now? That’s exactly what makes it brilliant.” – Reddit user
⚔️ 2. ActRaiser
🗓️ Released: 1990 (SNES)
🌐 Global take: “A genre-bending masterpiece”
A rare hybrid of side-scrolling action and god-sim city building, ActRaiser was often criticized for being hard to define. Today, that uniqueness is seen as visionary.
Gamers and devs alike now admire it for its bold design and spiritual tone, often citing it as a spiritual ancestor to modern indie experimentation.
“ActRaiser was the kind of game you couldn’t fully appreciate until the rest of the industry caught up.” – Gaming historian
👁 3. Ico
🗓️ Released: 2001 (PlayStation 2)
🌐 Global take: “Emotionally powerful and visually poetic”
With minimal dialogue and a hauntingly quiet atmosphere, Ico is less a traditional game and more an emotional journey.
- Mysterious ruins
- Silent bonds between characters
- A sense of melancholy and beauty in every step
Though overlooked at launch, it’s now considered a pioneer of artistic storytelling in games.
“It taught me how silence in games can be more powerful than dialogue.” – Game critic
💿 4. Chrono Cross
🗓️ Released: 1999 (PlayStation)
🌐 Global take: “Overshadowed by its name, but rich and unforgettable”
As the sequel to Chrono Trigger, this RPG had impossible expectations to meet. But viewed on its own, Chrono Cross is an aesthetic and emotional masterpiece.
- Deep multiverse storytelling
- 40+ unique playable characters
- An unforgettable soundtrack that still ranks among the best
It’s now gaining renewed attention — especially since the HD remaster — as a standalone gem.
“It didn’t need to be a sequel. As its own thing, it’s absolutely beautiful.” – YouTube comment
🐉 5. Panzer Dragoon Saga
🗓️ Released: 1998 (Sega Saturn)
🌐 Global take: “The most legendary RPG no one could play”
Infamously rare and critically adored, this post-apocalyptic dragon-riding RPG was a last hurrah for the Sega Saturn.
- Real-time 360° air combat
- Unique world-building and visual design
- A melancholic, thoughtful story that stands out even today
Its limited release made it mythical — but for those lucky enough to play it, it remains one of the most innovative RPGs of the era.
“This game did things in 1998 that most RPGs still don’t do today.” – Longtime fan
📝 Final Thoughts: These Games Were Too Early for Their Time
Each of these titles challenged gaming norms in their own way —
but it’s only now, with more mature players and a broader appreciation for creative risks, that they’re being seen for the masterpieces they are.
Whether it’s your first time or a nostalgic revisit,
these games deserve your attention now more than ever.
💬 What Retro Games Do You Think Deserve a Second Look?
Let us know in the comments — or drop us a DM anytime:
📬 animegamepulse@gmail.com
🐦 @animegamepulse
