As unusual as it may seem, video games have not always been commonplace bits of our culture. The first home console from Atari was released in 1972, but since that primitive programming, games have progressed and evolved from techno-toys to works of art. From a few pixels to fully-rendered 3D graphics, gaming has been a pillar of nerd culture for decades, with no sign of stopping anytime soon. Everyone has their own definition of a classic game, but does the attachment to a game make it worthy of the title? Though we might look upon some games with incredible admiration, it is only truly a classic if its graphics, gameplay, and accessibility are still present in our modern world.

Today, we've gathered a list of titles we consider gaming classics, as well as a list of those games that, while not necessarily bad games, simply have just been oversold and overhyped thanks to the magic of nostalgia. Some of these games might have gotten recent remakes, others are still back in the ‘80s/‘90s, and some have become titans of the industry. From the corners of arcades and pizza parlors to home consoles, these games have stuck with us for ages. Whether they have lived through the years in arcades or are only played for that sweet nostalgia factor, these games have had some sort of impact on geek-culture. So plug in your controllers and stack up those quarters, because it's time for a classic throwback.

20 CLASSIC: OCARINA OF TIME

When the Zelda series went from top-down exploration to fully rendered, 3D environments, it was a literal game-changer. Though there is some nostalgia factor present, as it was the first Zelda game many gamers were introduced to, it still holds up as a title and continues to be one of the most beloved games today. Its quests, characters, and soundtrack continue to enchant modern gamers.

Before Link was climbing mountains and bashing Bokoblins in Breath of the Wild, he rode Epona across the Hylian hills in search of sages and turned back time with magical melodies. The adventure even got a 3DS remake and became a must-have title for the system. It seems green tights and swords never go out of style.

19 OVERHYPED: MAJORA'S MASK

Yet another Zelda title with a 3DS remake, Majora's Mask was a step away from the "save the princess" storyline in favor of a more suspenseful plot. This game saw Link collect mystical masks to try to save the world from a falling moon. Combine that with a sinister skull kid and a malicious mask merchant, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

The reason gamers play the series is for that thrill of adventure, to swing a sword and save the princess. Instead, Majora's Mask takes a survival-horror like approach. The game is loaded with frightening imagery and repetitive gameplay that tends to lose a few players. It was definitely a different approach to a classic series, but possibly not the right one.

18 CLASSIC: GALAGA

There are many similar space-age shooters, but there's only one Galaga.  Taking a few tips from the popular Space Invaders, Galaga had similar gameplay with a slight hint of strategy. The game used multiple enemy types, different flight patterns, and fiercer aliens to keep the quarters coming.

Galaga has been a pizza parlor favorite for decades and has been ported to nearly every console imaginable. Games like Galaga use their repetitive angle and sharpshooting gameplay to keep players coming back for more. Though not the first arcade cabinet we'll see on this list, it's certainly one of the most played to this day.

17 OVERHYPED: SUPER MARIO 2

Mario's second adventure was a step away from his typical platforming outings. As many game historians will note, the title is a re-skinned version of a lost Nintendo game, Doki Doki Panic. This accounts for the sudden shift in design and gameplay, but at the time, it was still a solid Mario title.

Though the game did introduce us to new characters, enemies, and other elements of the Mushroom Kingdom, it's still a bump in the road compared to Mario's other platforming titles. It's not a bad game, just an odd duck. Of course, the plot of the whole adventure taking place all in Mario's dream smoothes that out, but it's still one of those more forgettable corners of the Mushroom Kingdom.

16 CLASSIC: MORTAL KOMBAT

One of the most influential fighting games ever to ever enter the ring, Mortal Kombat has had players ripping each other apart since 1992. This game not only introduced the fatal finishing moves, the photographic sprites, and incredible carnage, but brought about the ESRB rating system. This violent and over-the-top classic is still tearing it up today, spawning a 10-game franchise.

The game is still popular today thanks to the addictive fatality system, satisfying gameplay, and of course, the obscene amounts of bloody fun. Thanks to gaming tournaments, the title and its sequels continue to be favorites among fighting aficionados. Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and the rest have all stood the test of time even after duking it out for well over two decades.

15 OVERHYPED: F-ZERO

At the time, F-Zero was the ultimate racing game. The title featured suped-up, space-age, racing vehicles traveling at ludicrous speeds across treacherous tracks. Though its main racer and mascot, Captain Falcon, would be a mainstay in the Super Smash Bros series, his original game would be nearly forgotten.

F-Zero's main gimmick was the speed and graphics it sported on the SNES. At the time, these were incredible feats of design and it was the fast-paced alternative to games like Mario Kart. That being said, nowadays, the controls are a tad unforgiving and the rushing graphics are near headache-inducing. A champion in its time, but time has not been kind.

14 CLASSIC: SUPER STREET FIGHTER 2

The second fighting game to be featured on our list, Super Street Fighter 2 and its variants have been a cornerstone of the genre. Street Fighter 2 was one of the first games to inspire tournament play, and influence the online gaming community, with its multiplayer option being the most beloved feature. Today, tournaments are still held in arcades around the globe, proving the longevity of this fantastic fighter.

Since its debut, Street Fighter 2 and its multicultural roster has entertained and challenged players for years. From its characters to its combos, its no wonder this game is Capcom's unbeaten best seller. It is a champion of the genre.

13 OVERHYPED: SPACE INVADERS

Yes, Space Invaders heavily influenced the video game world as we know it. Yes, it continues to be played in many arcades and re-releases on consoles. Yes, its gameplay hasn't changed since the '70s, but that's kind of the point. In all of the game's time on earth, it hardly did anything new.

Unlike the previously-mentioned Galaga, the titular invaders always trudge back and forth across the screen, picking up speed as the level increases. Sure, it's a simple premise for a simple game, but that's all it really is. The game is a slow burn compared to more modern shooters, but there is no denying it's still a piece of gaming history.

12 CLASSIC: CHRONO TRIGGER

Considered by many to be the perfect JRPG, Chrono Trigger is a giant in the genre and continues to have a fanbase to this day. With colorful characters, multiple endings, and a twist on the typical turn-based combat, the game is always a fresh take with each new play-through. It's a harmonious mesh of fantasy and sci-fi magnificence that continues to warrant its praise.

This SNES classic is truly a gem, focusing on compelling story, structure, and characters to drive the player forward. It is arguably one of the first games to actually take this more narrative approach and is, with good reason, considered innovative. No matter how you slice it, Chrono Trigger simply remains one of those near-perfect games.

11 OVERHYPED: CONKER'S BAD FUR DAY

Let's be honest, if stripped away of its crude humor, gross-out jokes, and pop-culture references, Conker's adventure would be no different than any other Rare Studios platformer. Conker's Bad Fur Day is a standard 3D platformer hidden behind the guise of schtick and satire. The squirrel is all dirty talk and little substance.

Stop us if this sounds familiar: you play a small furry animal and must collect a certain amount of shiny objects and defeat the big monster that halts your progress to the next level. In reality, the game is a 3D collect-a-thon with a sense of humor appreciated by the cast of South Park. Conker was a product of his time, and it's time for a new gig.

10 CLASSIC: MARIO KART 64

Considered by many to be the best in the series, Mario Kart 64 has been the go-to game for many dorm-room game nights, parties, and get-togethers. The series as we know it today might have originated on the SNES, but it's this incredible title that made it what it is today. Often imitated but never duplicated, Mario Kart 64 continues to remain a classic with tremendous replay value.

This entry in the popular series shaped all future titles from the Gamecube to the Switch. Though different power-ups and tracks have come and gone, the formula remains the same. Because parties are more fun with friends, the game's incredible multiplayer is what keeps it on our screens and out of the '90s.

9 OVERHYPED: ALTERED BEAST

This mythical side-scrolling beat-em-up was one of the launch titles on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and is easily just a piece of the '90s. Players assume the role of a resurrected centurion warrior on a mission to save Zeus's daughter. Using their transformative powers to turn into various monsters, they'll bash and smash their way to the end level boss to beat the game.

Though this is still a somewhat fun title, when compared to other beat-em-ups like Streets of Rage, it feels watered down. Even with the beast mode mechanic, it still feels like a semi-generic side-scrolling action game. Like its Grecian inspiration, Altered Beast feels like a piece of ancient history.

8 CLASSIC: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

Sonic the Hedgehog was once the coolest character around. Though his personality and design were a product of his time, his original 2D platforming games were so phenomenal they even gave Mario a run for his coins. Before he was turning into a were-hog and wearing weird hipster scarves, he was a radical dude with a game that left his mushroom-munching counterpart in the dust.

The original title and its first few sequels are platforming gold. What seasoned gamer doesn't enjoy a run through the Green Hill Zone, escaping drowning in the Labyrinth, and bouncing on Robotnik's menacing machines? With a return to form in Sonic Mania, perhaps we might yet see a return from the fastest thing alive.

7 OVERHYPED: MEGA MAN

Let's have a look at another blue video game great. Mega Man has been blasting bots and beams since 1987, and although his second outing is considered one of the pillars of action platforming, his debut game was a bit rough around the edges. It had great run-and-gun action, creative powers and bosses, but its sharp learning curve and life-eating pitfalls made it a bit hard to handle.

Mega Man's action-packed adventures continued to sharpen up gameplay, but still maintained a difficult but fair style of platforming. He's come a long way since his original run, but because of his many improvements, his first outing is often passed over. It's a good game, but not nearly as sharp as its sequels.

6 CLASSIC: SUPER MARIO WORLD

Mario's unforgettable outing on the SNES is widely considered his finest work. It introduced a new world outside the mushroom kingdom with Dinosaur Land, brought in the flying cape, and gave Mario his egg spitting pal, Yoshi. Taking notes from his previous game, the controls are sharp, fluid, and the game world is full of Easter-eggs and fun surprises.

Super Mario World is one of those rare games that if it were released today, it would still fly off the shelves as it did decades ago. Now that retro-gaming and vintage bit-graphic styles seem to be making a return, perhaps we might see another 16 bit Mario game in the future? We sure hope so.

5 OVERHYPED: TEKKEN 3

Tekken 3's arrival on the original PlayStation brought the thrilling 3D arcade fighter from the cabinet to the console. Sure, it's a great slice of brawling fun, but that's about it. Though it's still fun to play to this day, the series has seen little change since.

That being said, yes there have been different modes, characters, and graphics enhancements, but when all is said and done, it's still the same one-on-one fighter that graced arcade cabinets years ago. You can add tag-team modes, larger rosters and finishing moves, even cameos from Pac-Man and Mega Man, but at the end of the day, Tekken is still Tekken. The game set the bar, but it peaked too early.

4 CLASSIC: TETRIS

When the addictive puzzle classic appeared way-back-when, it shook the gaming world. Not only was this game perfect for players on the go, not only was it simple to pick up but difficult to master, it also soon became one of the most played games to ever hit the consoles. Since the beginning, Tetris has spawned legions of ports, clones, and variations leading to a sensational phenomenon.

Since its port to the Gameboy in 1989, Tetris has become the game played around the world, dwelling in the pockets of many casual gamers. Though it's slightly dated by today's standards, there is an undeniable enjoyment lining up these colorful blocks. After all, how can that five-line Tetris match not be satisfying?

3 OVERHYPED: CRASH BANDICOOT

When the red-furred icon made his return to the PS4, fans of the original series went completely bonkers. The remake of the original trilogy was gorgeous, sharp, and designed to mirror the exact gameplay of the ps1 classics. But was that a good idea?

The original games were notoriously difficult but still rewarding. That's great if you're an older gamer who grew up with the original titles, but what about the younger gamers who want to experience a blast from the past? Both the original and remake leave little wiggle room for error. It's not the difficulty that's the problem, it's the unforgivable curve that makes the game somewhat unfriendly to new players. It's a good game, but definitely overhyped.

2 CLASSIC: PAC-MAN

Next to Mario, Pac-Man is perhaps the most recognizable video game character to ever grace the screen. With simple but challenging gameplay, and screen after screen of mazes, Pac-Man quickly established a solid formula that continues to be played even in the days of high-def titles. The icon has graced nearly every home console and has even joined up with Mario for a bit of brawling action.

Pac-Man's success is mainly due to the rule "if it's not broke, don't fix it." Even though he's ventured into almost every genre, Pac-Man has always kept leading us through challenging mazes, munching ghosts all the way. No matter how many dots we eat, we're always ready for another meal with him.

1 OVERHYPED: FINAL FANTASY VII

There is no doubt that FFVII has an unforgettable epic storyline that pulled on the heartstrings of its fans. It's well-written and has taken many steps away from the swords and sorcery days of its past. But it begs the question, has it really aged that well?

Compared to later titles in the series, as well as other story-based RPGs, FFVII is incredibly dated. The combat is just a 3D standard JRPG combat with blue menu screens and damage counts, somewhat stunted turn-based mechanics, and the sprites are very inconsistent, going from full body to chibi-ish outside of combat. The characters and story are still great, but it's the design and presentation that leaves this otherwise great game stuck in the past.