Back in the days when PCs weren’t as advanced as nowadays, with CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors, there were some awesome games that some of us used to play throughout our childhood. While these old-school titles offer sub-par graphics compared to current games, these games had brought so much joy in our childhood with their engaging gameplays.

So, what are the most nostalgic old-school PC games that we used to play back when we know so little about computers? Without further ado, let’s jump into it!

1. Insaniquarium

Let’s start our list of the best old-school PC games with Insaniquarium. This Game House game invites you to take care of a giant aquarium and its aquatic creatures. 

Not just feeding the fish, you are also required to fend off the monsters or aliens who try to invade and eat your fish.

2. Feeding Frenzy

Still in the aquatic-themed, we also have Feeding Frenzy. Feeding Frenzy’s gameplay is different than Insaniquarium’s. In Feeding Frenzy, you will play as a tiny fish in the ocean, preying on smaller fish to get bigger and climb up the ranks to become the apex predator.

Feeding Frenzy’s gameplay is somewhat similar to worm-themed games that have been popular a few months ago.

3. Zuma Deluxe

Zuma Deluxe is a casual puzzle game that used to be so popular in its heyday. The gameplay is so simple, you just need to match the color of the ball on the frog’s tongue to burst them until there’s no ball left.

Despite its simple gameplay, players spent hours playing Zuma Deluxe since it’s quite addictive and has multiple levels.

4. Diner Dash

Diner Dash requires you to be the cook and the manager of a restaurant. This game by Game House was quite popular among gamers at the time as it’s pretty challenging.

You will play as Flo, who is tasked to manage a restaurant, from taking orders, serving, to becoming the cashier. You have to be thorough in serving your customers.

Playing Diner Dash will train your concentration and your mouse-clicking skill.

5. Mad Caps

A lot of gamers have also spent a serious amount of time playing this another old-school game by Game House in the 2000s. Mad Caps is a puzzle game where players have to sort lines of bottle caps according to their colors and types. 

You will also need to solve a mysterious word by flipping the shining caps.

What makes this game so engaging is the short game duration, and you also have to complete the game in a limited time.

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6. Stronghold: Crusader

Stronghold: Crusader is an old-school real-time strategy PC game that’s well-known in its time. This game is set during the Crusades in the middle ages and requires players to determine the best strategy. You will have control of the economy and the population growth among other things.

Stronghold: Crusader is a game that stands the test of time due to its exciting gameplay.

7. Counter-Strike

Who doesn’t know this FPS game? Counter-Strike is a legendary and widely popular game. Even to this day, many are still playing the earlier titles of Counter-Strike, even though there’s a newer version -- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

8. Age of Empires II

Age of Empires II is an RTS game, a sequel to the Age of Empires by Microsoft, that offers several improvements from the predecessor. 

Although it has a rather unremarkable theme compared to the other RTS games released in the same era, the Age of Empires II offers a unique atmosphere that players certainly can’t forget.

9. The Sims

The Sims is a video game that allows you to relive your day-to-day and social life in a simulation. Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, this game is certainly one of the old-school PC games that made players sit tight in front of their computers for hours.

10. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

If you ask a gamer “what’s the best PC game in the internet cafe era of the early 2000s?”, most of them will probably say Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. This video game by Rockstar has groundbreaking gameplay and graphics that were way ahead of its time.

So, those were the 10 best old-school PC games that have brought so much joy in our childhood in the 2000s. Of the many games we’ve mentioned above, which was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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