Before online lobbies, cloud saves, and massive open worlds, there was a simpler time—a dusty desktop in the corner of the room, a humming CPU, and a treasure trove of old games that defined our childhoods. For every Indian kid growing up in the late 90s or early 2000s, these PC games weren’t just a pastime; they were a portal into rebellion, fantasy, and sometimes outright chaos.
Road Rash: Our First Taste of Digital Rebellion
“Press enter to skip the intro.” But did we ever?
Road Rash, the motorcycle racing game where you could punch fellow riders off their bikes, was many kids’ first introduction to lawless fun. Released in the early 90s and hitting peak popularity in India later, it combined racing with gritty street violence and a killer soundtrack. It wasn’t just a game—it was a cultural reset. You didn’t just want to win—you tried to beat up the guy next to you while doing it.
The pixelated roads, the lo-fi music, and the absurd crash animations were all part of a package that felt like sweet, unfiltered adrenaline. Every “Game CDs 10 Rupees” vendor near the school had this on top of their pile.
GTA Vice City: Where the World Was Ours
Then came the game that changed everything: GTA Vice City.
Tommy Vercetti’s neon-soaked Miami (sorry, “Vice City”) was where kids first learned how to steal a car, evade cops, and jet ski through luxury marinas—all without ever leaving their homes. The open-world concept felt endless, the radio stations iconic, and the cheat codes? Legendary. “ASPIRINE,” “PANZER,” and “BIGBANG” were etched into every kid’s muscle memory.
But it wasn’t just about the crime. GTA Vice City had a vibe. The storytelling, the music (especially the 80s rock and disco tracks), and the sense of freedom made it more than a game—it was a rite of passage.
Counter-Strike 1.6: The First LAN Obsession
Before Valorant or PUBG, we had Counter-Strike 1.6. Played in cramped cyber cafés filled with the smell of instant noodles and cola, this game taught us about headshots, flashbangs, and the eternal debate: Dust 2 or Italy?
There was no better feeling than yelling “Rush B!” with your squad, only to get wiped out in five seconds. Or typing “gg ez” like a smug little legend after winning the last round. It wasn’t just a game; it was where friendships were made, keyboard keys were broken, and the first seeds of gaming addiction were sown.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time – Parkour Before It Was Cool
With its elegant mechanics and time-rewind powers, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time was one of the first old games that felt like a story. You weren’t just moving through levels—you were part of a cinematic narrative filled with traps, puzzles, and romance.
And let’s be honest—every one of us tried to wall-run in real life after playing this game. It didn’t end well.
Need for Speed: Most Wanted – Our Racing Dreams
With its glossy cars, aggressive soundtracks, and impossible police chases, NFS: Most Wanted was the cool kid of the PC games gang. Every unlockable car, every decal, and every police chase was fuel for our dreams. This wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing off.
Plus, it introduced an entire generation to names like “BMW M3 GTR,” and we’ve never been the same since.
The Golden Era of PC Gaming
These old games weren’t built on 4K graphics or live updates. They didn’t need battle passes or online multiplayer to stay relevant. What they had was soul—something we all felt every time we booted them up after school.
Today, they live on as cherished memories, YouTube nostalgia edits, and dusty folders on hard drives named “Old PC Games.” And honestly? They raised us better than most Saturday cartoons ever could.
Because sometimes, the best worlds weren’t real—but they sure felt like home.