When we were kids, it felt like video games experimented more and took daring risks. Whether it was the next step in visual fidelity or complex narrative storytelling, games constantly saw innovation.
Initially, players expected Bioshock to be a typical first-person shooter with horror elements. What they got was a masterclass in world-building and exploration.
Half-Life 2 is a game that implemented innovative ideas for its time. A state-of-the-art physics system and gameplay elements that incorporate it made this game incredibly fun.
You can’t mention real-time strategy gaming without respecting Command and Conquer: Generals. Even today, this game has a thriving community focused on adding to the game via user-created mods.
Jaw-dropping visuals and unscripted battles made this game incredibly fun to play. The level design allowed late-match comebacks and added a layer of unpredictability. Each match was different than the last.
Shadow of the Colossus promised players a seemingly lonely open world to explore, taking down humongous colossals. Players did not expect how monumental the game would be for the coming years.
San Andreas pushed the limits of what was possible within open-world games. Rockstar set new standards for artificial intelligence, level design, and world detail.