Cult Classics You Need to Play Before You Die

24 October 2025

You know that feeling when someone mentions a game and your eyes light up because you’ve been there, done that, and LOVED it? Yeah—those are cult classics. They may not have shattered sales records or received mainstream glory, but they’ve left a permanent mark on the hearts of gamers. Whether it’s the quirky storytelling, unforgettable characters, or jaw-dropping moments, these games carved out their own legendary space in gaming history.

So, if you consider yourself a gamer—or even if you're just dipping your toes into the deep end—you absolutely need to check out these cult classics before your gamepad gathers too much dust.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

What Exactly is a "Cult Classic" in Gaming?

Before we get into the juicy part, let’s quickly break this down. A cult classic in the gaming world is a title that may not have been a commercial hit when it first launched but gained a passionate fanbase over time. These games often fly under the radar but end up being the kind of experiences players never forget.

Some got overlooked because they launched alongside bigger blockbusters; others were simply ahead of their time. Whatever the reason, they're absolute gems that deserve their moment in the spotlight.

1. EarthBound (1994)

Let’s start with a game that screams quirky from every pixel: EarthBound. This beloved SNES RPG didn’t exactly set the world on fire when it launched, but man, did it age like a fine wine.

You play as Ness, a kid with psychic powers, on an adventure to stop an alien named Giygas. Sounds weird? It is. But that’s the charm. EarthBound mixes humor, heart, and solid turn-based combat in a way that feels… well, magical.

Its unique blend of suburban Americana and alien invasion chaos makes it one of the most bizarrely relatable games ever. Plus, the soundtrack? Instant nostalgia.

Why You Need to Play It: EarthBound is like stepping into someone’s dream—strange, emotional, and unforgettable.

2. Psychonauts (2005)

Imagine a summer camp for kids with psychic powers. Now imagine diving into their minds, each one a twisted, surreal realm reflecting their inner fears and personalities. That’s Psychonauts in a nutshell.

Developed by Double Fine Productions and the legendary Tim Schafer, this platformer was criminally overlooked at launch. But its inventive level design and razor-sharp writing made it a favorite for those who gave it a chance.

From the Milkman Conspiracy to Lungfishopolis, every level is a wild ride.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s like playing a Tim Burton movie inside someone’s brain, filled with heart and hilarity.

3. Grim Fandango (1998)

Speaking of Tim Schafer, here’s another jewel from his collection—Grim Fandango.

Set in the Land of the Dead, this noir-style adventure game dresses skeletons in fedoras and drops them into a tale that feels like Casablanca meets Day of the Dead. You play as Manny Calavera, a travel agent to the dead, trying to uncover a conspiracy.

Its unique art direction, brilliant writing, and memorable characters make it one of the most iconic point-and-click adventures ever.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s a dark comedy masterpiece with storytelling chops that could rival Hollywood.

4. Planescape: Torment (1999)

“WHAT CAN CHANGE THE NATURE OF A MAN?”

If that question doesn’t hook you, maybe you’re not ready for Planescape: Torment. This CRPG gem is all about narrative. The gameplay isn’t flashy, but the storytelling? Chef’s kiss.

You play as The Nameless One, an immortal with amnesia, searching for answers across bizarre planes of existence. It challenges moral choices, identity, and the consequences of past actions in ways few games dare.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s not just a game—it’s a mind-bending philosophical journey.

5. Katamari Damacy (2004)

Ever rolled up cows, cars, skyscrapers, and eventually continents into a giant sticky ball while vibing to the catchiest music ever? No? Then you haven’t played Katamari Damacy.

This game is pure, unfiltered joy. It doesn’t take itself seriously, yet it’s strangely addictive. The premise? The King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys the stars, and you—his tiny, disgruntled son—have to fix it by rolling up Earth’s stuff into new stars.

Wholesome. Weird. Wonderful.

Why You Need to Play It: It's like cleaning your room by turning the mess into a planet—with a danceable soundtrack.

6. Beyond Good & Evil (2003)

A game ahead of its time, Beyond Good & Evil delivered stealth, photography, puzzles, and a rich sci-fi world full of charm. You play as Jade, a photojournalist uncovering a conspiracy while looking after orphans. Not your typical protagonist—and that’s what makes it shine.

Couple that with a pig sidekick, space travel, and heartwarming moments, and you've got a title that deserved way more love than it got.

Why You Need to Play It: It's like playing through a Studio Ghibli film with a camera and a stick.

7. Shadow of the Colossus (2005)

Minimalist. Epic. Poetic.

Shadow of the Colossus strips away the filler and pits you against sixteen massive, awe-inspiring colossi. No side quests. No towns. Just you, your horse, and boss fights that feel like puzzles.

But what really sticks is the atmosphere. The music swells. The silence haunts you. The moral ambiguity of your mission creeps in. It’s a quiet masterpiece that speaks volumes.

Why You Need to Play It: It’ll make you feel powerful and powerless at the same time—and that’s rare.

8. Okami (2006)

If you bottled up ancient Japanese art and mythology into a video game, you’d get Okami. You play as Amaterasu, the sun goddess in the form of a white wolf, using a celestial brush to combat darkness and breathe life into the world.

It’s visually stunning—seriously, the game looks like a living painting. And the gameplay combines Zelda-style exploration with painting mechanics that feel insanely satisfying.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s like meditating while saving the world—with a wolf sidekick who’s literally a god.

9. Ico (2001)

Sometimes, less is more. Ico proves that with its minimalist storytelling and haunting beauty.

You play as a horned boy trying to escape a castle with a mysterious girl named Yorda. There’s light combat and puzzles, but the focus is on connection. You hold her hand, guide her, protect her. No words needed.

It’s an emotional experience more than a game, and it paved the way for future hits like Shadow of the Colossus.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s a quiet emotional punch to the chest—small, simple, unforgettable.

10. Killer7 (2005)

Alright, buckle up. Killer7 is not for the faint of heart or the traditional gamer. This Suda51 creation is part shooter, part rail experience, part fever dream—oh, and you control seven personalities inside one assassin.

The art style is cel-shaded madness. The story is cryptic. The gameplay is divisive. But if you stick with it, you'll experience something few games even dare to attempt.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s like watching a David Lynch film if David Lynch made games instead.

11. Deadly Premonition (2010)

If Twin Peaks were a game, it would be Deadly Premonition. This open-world horror game is janky, weird, and unpolished—but it’s also oddly brilliant.

You’ll meet some of the strangest characters in gaming, eat pickles for breakfast, and have long conversations with your imaginary friend Zach. Is it technically clunky? Yes. But it's also packed with charm and mystery.

Why You Need to Play It: It’s so broken it loops back around to being genius.

12. The World Ends With You (2007)

Stylish, fast-paced, and soaked in youth culture, The World Ends With You is a Tokyo-set action-RPG bursting with personality. You play as Neku, a teen caught in a game of survival where the stakes are literally life or death.

What makes it stand out? The dual-screen DS mechanics and its fashion-based stat system. Oh, and the music SLAPS.

Why You Need to Play It: It's like an anime mixtape fight on the Shibuya streets.

Why These Games Matter

Games don’t always need to sell millions to matter. These cult classics show that creativity, risk-taking, and passionate storytelling can leave a deeper impact than a 100-hour open-world blockbuster.

They challenge norms, experiment with form, and connect with players on a deeply personal level. Playing them isn't just about gaming—it's about appreciating the art behind it.

And hey, if nothing else, you’ll earn massive bragging rights at your next gamer hangout.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t played some of these gems, you’re missing out on some of the most unique experiences gaming has to offer. They may not come with the polish of modern AAA titles, but they’ve got soul—and that’s something no graphics engine can replicate.

So fire up that emulator, dust off that old console, or hit up your digital store of choice. These aren’t just games; they’re love letters to everything that makes gaming awesome.

And if someone asks you why you’re playing a weird 20-year-old game about rolling up cats and buildings?

Just smile and say, “It’s a cult classic.