Explore Games

Released by Konami in 1985, Gradius is a seminal side-scrolling shoot 'em up that revolutionized the arcade landscape. Players pilot the iconic Vic Viper starfighter, battling through waves of alien armadas while upgrading their arsenal using a unique, player-controlled power-up meter. Renowned for its demanding difficulty, memorable synth soundtrack, and pioneering boss encounters, Gradius established many enduring conventions of the scrolling shooter genre. Its legacy lives on through numerous sequels and spin-offs, cementing its status as an arcade classic.

✦ Best for retro shoot 'em up fans seeking a classic arcade challenge.

Wild Arms 2 transports players to the desolate and dying world of Filgaia, where a sinister organization known as Odessa attempts to resurrect the ancient demon Lord Blazer. After becoming possessed by a demon during a tragic experiment, Ashley Winchester claims the legendary sword Argetlahm and joins forces with Lilka Eleniak and Brad Evans as part of the elite ARMS team to fight back. Featuring a traditional turn-based combat system, the game allows players to actively utilize three combatants in battle while managing a reserve of up to six characters. Players can unleash unique techniques and summon powerful creatures using the Guardian system as they journey across a vast world blending fantasy, science fiction, and puzzle-solving elements.

✦ Best for classic jrpg fans craving tactical turn-based combat and western steampunk.

Gradius V is a critically acclaimed side-scrolling shoot 'em up that pushes the genre to new limits with stunning visuals and intense gameplay. Developed in collaboration by Treasure and Konami, players pilot the iconic Vic Viper through treacherous alien armadas while utilizing the innovative multiple weapon-type selection system. The game features challenging bullet-hell action, a phenomenal score, and cooperative multiplayer modes that allow friends to team up against overwhelming odds. With its precise controls and deep strategic elements, it remains a high point for classic arcade-style shooters on classic PlayStation hardware.

✦ Best for classic shoot 'em up fans wanting a brilliant cooperative challenge.

Unreal Tournament 2003 delivers high‑octane, sci‑fi action with a robust selection of classic and new game modes, from Deathmatch to Capture the Flag. Its polished graphics and responsive controls make every match feel intense and rewarding. The game supports both single‑player bots and online multiplayer across Linux, PC, and Mac, ensuring a vibrant community and endless replayability for competitive and casual players alike.

✦ Best for competitive arena shooter fans

Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom delivers a cinematic space combat experience set in a richly detailed sci‑fi universe. Players command the Terran Confederation’s elite pilots, engaging in dogfights, strategic missions, and branching storylines that react to their decisions. The game blends high‑octane action with narrative depth, offering both thrilling battles and memorable characters. The title features fully voiced dialogue, live‑action cutscenes, and a dynamic mission system that was groundbreaking for its time. Though released in 1996, its immersive storytelling and tactical flight mechanics still resonate with fans of classic simulators.

✦ Best for fans of classic space combat sims craving branching storylines

Operational Art of War vol. 1 lets players command entire campaigns from 1939 to 1955, recreating historic battles with granular unit control. The game blends realistic logistics, weather effects, and detailed order‑of‑battle data for an immersive strategic experience. Designed for both solo and competitive play, the title offers a robust multiplayer mode where commanders can test their doctrines against human opponents. Its extensive scenario editor lets enthusiasts craft custom conflicts, extending replayability far beyond the built‑in campaigns.

✦ Best for hardcore wwii strategy fans craving deep logistics and authentic data

Virtual Pool 3 delivers a highly detailed simulation of pool, snooker, and carom games, offering both single‑player challenges and online multiplayer competition. Developed by Celeris, it combines accurate physics with a variety of cue sports to satisfy casual fans and serious players alike. The game features a robust tutorial system, customizable tables, and a range of game modes, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to practice or compete from the comfort of their computer. With ESRB rating E, it is suitable for players of all ages.

✦ Best for cue‑sport fans craving authentic physics and multiplayer on pc

SimCity Creator is a city-building simulation game that allows players to design and manage their own metropolis. Spanning multiple architectural styles from ancient times to the distant future, mayors must balance the needs of their citizens, manage budgets, and handle disasters while watching their city grow.

✦ Best for console gamers wanting a relaxing, multi-era city building simulator.

Wing Commander II: Vengeance of the Kilrathi continues the legendary space combat saga with a gripping single‑player campaign set in a richly detailed sci‑fi universe. Players assume the role of a Terran pilot, undertaking daring missions to thwart the Kilrathi threat and protect humanity's future. The game features immersive flight mechanics, cinematic storytelling, and pioneering 3D graphics that set a new standard for early 90s simulators, delivering countless hours of high‑octane dogfighting and strategic mission planning.

✦ Best for classic space sim fans

Trapped inside a magical music box after his plane crashes, the invincible Wario must embark on a dangerous quest to help a mysterious figure recover its lost powers. Smash, bash, and crash your way through more than two dozen gigantic levels in search of hidden keys, valuable treasures, and mystical music boxes. Test your wits on puzzle after intricate puzzle and flex your muscles in action-packed boss fights while encountering quirky enemies like Wanderin' Gooms and Hammer-bots. With money on his mind, Wario navigates one of the largest and most dazzling adventures ever created for the Game Boy Color.

✦ Best for retro fans seeking a massive puzzle-platformer with rewarding backtracking.

Wizardry 8 delivers a massive, party‑based RPG experience set in a sprawling, sci‑fantasy universe. Players explore dozens of interconnected worlds, recruit diverse companions, and shape the story through choices that affect the outcome. With turn‑based combat, intricate character development, and a fully voiced narrative, the game offers hundreds of hours of single‑player adventure for fans of classic role‑playing games.

✦ Best for fans of classic, deep, turn‑based rpgs craving narrative depth

Icewind Dale is a classic party‑based role‑playing game set in the harsh, snow‑covered region of the Forgotten Realms. Players assemble a group of adventurers, explore an open world, and battle foes using real‑time with pause combat. The game offers both single‑player and multiplayer modes, featuring deep character customization, strategic combat, and a richly detailed fantasy storyline that has captivated players since its 2000 release.

✦ Best for rpg fans craving deep tactical combat and classic fantasy immersion