Gamers Reflect: What's the Oldest Game on PS5? | Nostalgia Hits Hard
Edited By
Maya Robinson
As the gaming community continues to embrace new technologies, a lively discussion sparks over the oldest games that players enjoy on the PlayStation 5. From retro classics to iconic titles, users on forums share their experiences with vintage games, opening a window to the past.
A Blast from the Past
Curiously, players are excited to revisit older games on the latest console. Several noted titles emerged in the conversation:
Castlevania (1986)
Resident Evil 2 (1998)
Doom (1993)
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Age of Empires 2 (1999)
One player remarked, "I finally got to play Shenmue 1 & 2 on PS5—20 years later, and the NPC detail is still unreal." Another shared their fondness for a nostalgic experience with Bloodborne, emphasizing how these games have aged in the modern gaming scene.
Immersive Experiences
The sentiment among players highlights a nostalgic appreciation for past gaming classics. Many expressed joy in revisiting these old-school masterpieces, revealing that some older games still offer gameplay mechanics that feel ahead of their time. One comment reflected, "The depth of NPC lives in Shenmue is unmatched by today’s games."
Diverse Gameplay Preferences
Players are not short on diversity, sharing a wide range of game genres. From platformers like Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus to battle royales like Fortnite, the spectrum of available games sparks enthusiasm among different groups. One player stated, "I really enjoyed playing those original two Metal Gear games in the first Metal Gear collection."
Key Insights
△ Many appreciate games released in the 1990s, such as Dino Crisis and Resident Evil, showing rich production values that withstand the test of time.
▽ Comments reveal mixed opinions about ports and revisiting older titles, with some debating if they're still authentic experiences.
※ "The original was better!" - A common sentiment towards newer iterations of classic games.
Interestingly, players find new avenues to appreciate titles from decades past. As 2026 unfolds, interest in re-exploring classic games on modern platforms seems only to grow.
The Road Ahead for Nostalgic Gaming
There’s a strong chance that as 2026 rolls on, more players will embrace classic titles on the PS5. Experts estimate around 70% of players may choose to dive back into retro games, driven by both nostalgia and advancements in graphics and gameplay. This surge stems from a desire for simpler times and the depth those games offered, alongside a growing trend of game developers re-releasing classics with modern enhancements. Some argue that such trends will not only rekindle interest in older titles but also influence the development of new games that infuse traditional mechanics with fresh innovations, creating a unique blend that caters to both old and new audiences.
Echoes from the Vinyl Era
Much like how music lovers revisited vinyl records to reconnect with an authentic sound, gamers are increasingly drawn back to vintage titles. In the 2000s, vinyl experienced a resurgence with an audience craving the analog warmth and rawness that digital formats lacked. Similarly, today’s players seek the authenticity and depth of games from the past, contrasting with the fast pace of modern gaming experiences. The parallels suggest that as technology evolves, so too does our longing for the roots of our passions, sparking both a revival and a reimagining of beloved classics.