9 Must-Play Classic Games: From DOS Era to PlayStation

Inspired by a fellow blogger’s “Top 9 Life Games” list, I decided to take a trip down memory lane. Whittling down my gaming history to just nine titles was a struggle—I found myself reflecting on the milestones of my life while debating what to include. While my professional life is usually defined by technical logic, this list is purely personal.

These aren’t ranked; they are presented chronologically, serving as a chronicle of my life as a gamer.

Astonishia Story (1994)
Note: The photo is the 2005 PS port, but I played the original DOS version.

My earliest gaming memory involves sitting in front of a 486 DX-II computer, playing a precious copy borrowed from my cousin. I vividly remember battling “Out of Memory” errors and digging through physical code manuals to bypass the “Passman” security checks. Despite the tiny 2D SD sprites, this game was my first brush with a true masterpiece, and I spent countless nights captivated by its charm.

Diablo II (2000)

If not for Diablo II, my academic trajectory might have been very different. During my high school years, skipping night study sessions to hang out at PC cafes was the norm. We lived for the “Hellgate” community, bragging about gear like Grandfather swords and Windforces. Even after the duping craze of the expansion pack, the thrill of those farming sessions provided a raw sense of liberation that no modern high-spec game can replicate.

The King of Fighters 2000 (2000)

There was a secret rule at the arcade beyond the school gates: after 10 PM, the owner would pull down the shutters and leave a side door open for us. In that cramped, hidden space, I perfected Terry’s High Geyser combos and annoyed friends with Choi Bounge’s spammy tactics. While I love the ’98 series, the atmosphere of that late-night arcade cemented KOF 2000 as a core piece of my youth.

TalesWeaver (2003)

TalesWeaver has been the background music of my life since its open beta. Even with long breaks, I always found my way back. I’ve seen club members get married in real life, and I still meet with friends from the game for offline gatherings once or twice a year. It taught me that games can be more than just data; they can be a real-life support system.

Monster Hunter Frontier Online (2007)

I’ve played many titles in the series—from Portable 2nd on the PSP to World/Iceborne—but my four years with Monster Hunter Frontier Online remain unmatched. Working with my online squad to clock out of work and start hunting remains my fondest memory of the franchise. The unique “feel” of this specific entry still holds a special place in my heart.

Yakuza 0 / Kiwami (2016)

Entering adulthood, the Yakuza (Ryu ga Gotoku) series brought me back to consoles. I was hooked by the mix of intense brotherhood and bizarre, hilarious side stories. Starting with Kiwami, I became a superfan, eventually purchasing every entry from 0 to 6. Walking the streets of Kamurocho now feels as comfortable as coming home.

Dragon Quest XI (2017)

Dragon Quest XI is the pinnacle of the traditional “Hero’s Journey.” I loved the linear, tight narrative and the massive sense of achievement I felt after earning the Platinum trophy on the PS version. Since the passing of legendary artist Akira Toriyama, this game has become even more precious to me as a final testament to his warmth.

DJMax Respect (2017)

I call myself a “seasoned but mediocre” rhythm gamer. Back in the day, I would pick songs like “Envy Mask” in the arcade and make my friends hit the turntable pedals for me. While I play Respect V now, the original PS4 DJMax Respect represents the peak of my rhythm gaming pride, a title I loved enough to study the charts manually.

God of War (2018)

The final piece of my list is the symbol of the modern PlayStation. Watching Kratos’s transition from calling his son “Boy” to “Son” was deeply moving. His line, “Mind yourself. We are not gods, we are not monsters… we must be better,” hit home, especially as I reached an age where I understood the weight of being a parent.

Looking back, these nine games are the milestones of my life. They made my journey richer and ensured I was never truly lonely. If you share any of these memories, then writing this was worth every second.