25 Legendary Games Celebrating Their 25th Anniversary in 2026

As we step into 2026, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic. Crossing over from the millennium into a new century was a time of massive change—new technologies, new ideas, and of course, unforgettable video games. This year marks the 25th anniversary of many iconic titles that shaped modern gaming as we know it today.

To celebrate, we’ve compiled 25 legendary games from both console and PC that officially turn 25 years old in 2026. Let’s take a journey back in time and see how many of these classics you remember playing.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

A legendary party fighting game supporting up to four players, featuring Nintendo’s iconic characters battling across dynamic stages. With multiple modes such as Classic, Adventure, and various challenges, Melee set a competitive standard that remains alive in tournaments to this day.

CAPCOM vs. SNK 2

An arcade-era dream crossover featuring 48 fighters from franchises like Street Fighter, The King of Fighters, Samurai Shodown, and Darkstalkers. Players could choose 1v1 or 3v3 team battles, customize characters, and enjoy one of the first console games to support PS2–Dreamcast cross-play.

Grand Theft Auto III

The game that redefined open-world design with full 3D environments. Players followed Claude’s journey through Liberty City, diving headfirst into crime, freedom, and chaos. The title has since been remastered using Unreal Engine for modern platforms.

Halo: Combat Evolved

The FPS that launched a legendary franchise. Master Chief and Cortana’s fight against the Covenant on a mysterious ring world became iconic. A full remake with upgraded visuals and new missions is planned for release this year.

Devil May Cry

Born from an early Resident Evil concept, this action-packed title introduced stylish combat, combos, and demon hunting through Dante’s journey inspired by The Divine Comedy. It became the foundation for one of Capcom’s most iconic franchises.

Silent Hill 2

A psychological horror masterpiece following James Sunderland’s haunting return to Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his supposedly deceased wife. With disturbing symbolism and emotional storytelling, it remains one of the most acclaimed horror games ever—and has since received a modern remake.

Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

This sequel shocked players with its narrative twists and the introduction of Raiden. Featuring improved AI, stealth mechanics, and a dual-timeline storyline, it pushed both storytelling and gameplay complexity forward.

Max Payne

A noir-inspired action game about a former cop seeking revenge after losing his family. Known for its comic-book storytelling and bullet-time mechanics, the series is currently set to receive a modern remake combining the first two games.

Tekken 4

A major evolution for the Tekken series, introducing wall mechanics, realistic visuals, and returning characters like Kazuya and Lee. It debuted in arcades before launching on PlayStation 2.

Animal Crossing

The original life-simulation classic on Nintendo 64. Players lived in a town with animal neighbors, following real-world time. Interestingly, the in-game calendar runs until 2030 before requiring manual adjustment.

Advance Wars

A turn-based strategy classic on Game Boy Advance where players commanded the Orange Star army. Terrain, unit types, and tactical positioning were key, and the series has since been remade for Nintendo Switch with online play.

Shenmue II

Ryo Hazuki’s journey continued in Hong Kong as he searched for answers behind his father’s murder. The series heavily influenced later open-world games like Yakuza and is now available on modern platforms.

Mega Man Battle Network

An RPG-action hybrid set in a futuristic digital world. Players teamed up with MegaMan.EXE, battling viruses using chip-based combat that blended strategy and real-time action.

Dead or Alive 3

A technical leap for the franchise with improved visuals, physics, and destructible environments. The game remains playable today via backward compatibility on Xbox Series X|S.

Luigi’s Mansion

Mario’s nervous brother took center stage in this spooky-but-charming adventure. Armed with the Poltergust 3000, Luigi explored a haunted mansion to rescue Mario in a memorable genre twist.

Fatal Frame

A survival horror game with a unique twist: using a camera to battle ghosts. Inspired by Japanese folklore, it followed Miku’s search for her missing brother in a cursed village, delivering multiple tragic endings.

Sonic Adventure 2 / Sonic Adventure 2: Battle & Sonic Advance

Sonic’s story split into Hero and Dark routes, introducing Shadow and varied gameplay styles. The Battle version added multiplayer, while Sonic Advance brought classic 2D action to Game Boy Advance.

Onimusha: Warlords

A feudal Japan action-adventure featuring fixed camera angles and demon-slaying combat. Players controlled Samanosuke as he fought supernatural forces during the Sengoku era.

Black & White

A god-simulation game that let players choose between benevolence and tyranny. Featuring moral choices, creature training, and even LAN PvP, it was one of the most experimental games of its time.

Command & Conquer: Yuri’s Revenge

The iconic expansion to Red Alert 2 introduced Yuri and his psychic army. Hugely popular in Southeast Asia, it remains a nostalgic RTS favorite.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (Gyakuten Saiban 1)

The visual novel courtroom drama that made “Objection!” legendary. Players investigated crime scenes, examined evidence, and exposed lies through clever logic and unforgettable characters.

Conker’s Bad Fur Day

A shocking shift from Rare’s family-friendly image, this adult-themed platformer starred a foul-mouthed squirrel in a world full of dark humor, violence, and parody.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

The first Castlevania on Game Boy Advance, introducing the DSS card system for magic customization. Nathan Graves’ battle against Dracula added new depth to dungeon exploration.

Final Fantasy X

A JRPG milestone on PlayStation 2 with fully voiced characters and cinematic storytelling. Tidus’ journey through Spira remains one of the most emotional entries in the series.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Ending the list with a magical classic, this adaptation brought Hogwarts to life in 3D for the first time. Available across multiple platforms, it captured the wonder of the early Harry Potter era.

Twenty-five years is nearly half a century—and these games stand as living proof of how far the industry has come across multiple console generations. How many of these did you play back then? Share your memories with us at This Is Game SEA.