Lost to antiquity: Games that have aged badly

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Some games stand the test of time. These didn't.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Xbox 360 version)
Oblivion was the first Xbox 360 game to receive the coveted 10/10 from GamesRadar. It was incredible. The world was so vibrant, so convincing. But while it's still great, time is being cruel.

Look - all the flora is repeating. There are frequent pauses while the game loads. Melee-based characters run straight towards you, but can't get a hit in if you keep moving backwards. There are only a few dungeon types. The citizens may be voiced, but Mass Effect has shown us how it’s meant to be done. Textures are starting to look low-res and you can see the join on character models between the head and the body. In another couple of years this will look ancient. Mark our words.

Above: Yup, he's got a plank strapped to his back. It's the only explanation

Tomb Raider (Saturn/PSone)
While this game’s atmosphere may still be unbeaten by any other game in the series, we could never play a modern game with this control style. Sure, it’s similar to the old 2D Prince of Persia, but while even that was a bit 'trying' in 2D, being forced to line up the Z axis perfectly as well is just too much hassle these days.

For example, let's say you can see a medipack on the ground. We should be able to run over and pick it up, right? TR1 had us running over to it, stepping back, sidestepping until we were directly over it, then pushing the collect button. Craziness.

And if you want to make the longest of long jumps, you must hold a second button to walk up to the edge of a platform (if you run, she’ll fall straight off), then stop, line up the jump perfectly, then tap back, then run forward and hold jump, before holding ‘grab’ at the end (not too early). Can’t we please just jump forwards? Please? Come on, it hurts.

Above: Come on, it's simple. Just jump! Yep... oh god, no! Aaaaaaaaaa...

Justin Towell
Justin Towell

Justin was a GamesRadar staffer for 10 years but is now a freelancer, musician and videographer. He's big on retro, Sega and racing games (especially retro Sega racing games) and currently also writes for Play Magazine, Traxion.gg, PC Gamer and TopTenReviews, as well as running his own YouTube channel. Having learned to love all platforms equally after Sega left the hardware industry (sniff), his favourite games include Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams, Zelda BotW, Sea of Thieves, Sega Rally Championship and Treasure Island Dizzy.