Some apps and games were meant to last

When it comes to the 1990s, we take a step back to consider the good (how about those gas prices?), the bad (the Macarena, but was it bad though?), and the ugly (frosted tips, anyone?). Of course, we expect a change in fashion, music, all-up trends, and the younger generations. However, when it comes to software, you will find the tried, trusted and true amongst apps and games that are here to stay. Yes, we enjoy decades of key improvements with each, but their respective cores remain the same.

This blast from the past takes us on a journey as we explore the games, apps, and content that have made a lasting impression and impact.

Microsoft Solitaire Collection (est. 1990)

Of course, the console and handheld games took over the ’90s. But, when it comes to PC games, no game defined the ’90s more than Solitaire. If you had a PC, you were starting up a game of Solitaire when you wanted strategic, mind-controlling fun. Call it an addiction, boredom in the office, or a simple need to earn the reward of swooshing cards when you stack the very last king. No shame here because those were the days.

Legend has it that Microsoft included Solitaire in its operating system as a means to soothe those intimidated by navigating the new idea of graphical user interfaces. It worked because the game was the easiest way to teach users how to use the mouse (think, drag-and-drop)!

Now you can celebrate over 30 years of Solitaire fun in Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which offers all the game’s variations in one app.

Microsoft Minesweeper (est. 1990)

While Solitaire went on to become the most-used application for Windows for years, Minesweeper was no slouch. Playing off the self-inflicted anxiety of players trying to uncover all of the squares on the grid without hitting a mine, it became more about not getting “blown” up over revealing a square successfully. Throughout the years, the game has evolved from the provision of peek-under-the-tile cheat codes to color scheme and icon updates to touchscreen capabilities.

Nowadays, you can get your fix by downloading Microsoft Minesweeper, which is one of the Window Store’s top five free apps. Of course, you can always play Classic Mode, but you can now try your hand at Adventure Mode. Earn badges and compete with your friends in daily challenges. Plus, you can earn achievements, compete on the leader boards, and track your personal gameplay stats through Xbox Live Integration.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (est. 1999)

Having earned critical acclaim from gaming critics and winning several awards, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention this popular real-time strategy game. As the second entry within the Age of Empires series, The Age of Kings was revered for new features and gameplay improvements. It has been lauded as one of the best games ever made. From building towns to gathering resources to creating armies for impending wars, a player can advance 13 civilizations across four ages (i.e., Dark, Feudal, Castle, and Imperial). The publisher has gone on to remaster this beloved entry with beautiful 4K Ultra HD graphics, three new campaigns through “The Last Khans,” and frequent updates (e.g., game modes, features, in-game events).

With Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, you won’t be losing the wonders of the original Campaigns. You’re simply gaining a jaw-dropping gameplay experience.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite (est. 1992)

While the original version of CorelDraw launched in 1989, the program became a true contender amongst design tools in 1992. Developers expanded the kit’s feature set to include Corel Photo-Paint, CorelSHOW, CorelCHART, Mosaic, and CorelTRACE, adding capabilities for bitmap editing, on-screen presentations, graphic charts and vectorizing bitmaps, respectively. Furthermore, to become a true all-in-one graphics suite, it incorporated TrueType. This allowed the program to forego requiring third-party software for font inclusion.

Today, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite has a comprehensive set of pro tools for novices and design afficionados alike. From vector illustrations to photo editing, the suite of graphic design applications even grants you access to professionally designed templates, over 1,000 TrueType and OpenType fonts, and 7,000 digital images. Tap into over a thousand high-resolution photos. The beauty of this collection of tools is that you can scale up or down based on your skill level while creating amazing visual results.

WinZip 26 (est. 1991)

It’s hard to imagine what we were sending in the 90s that required archiving and compression. But, where there are files, there’s always a need for both. In the olden days, we had time to make a pot of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal (not really, but sort of) as we awaited dial-up connections. And when it came to storing key documents, floppy disks were all we had. So, the need for WinZip was inevitable. While the application was originally released in 1991 as a Graphical User Interface (GUI) front-end user for PKZIP (later introduced Zip format), 1993 is the year it launched support within the Windows Utility Forum. This free download went on to be included in Windows computing book titles as part of a group of companion disks.

WinZip 26 has become the most trusted Zip utility with the capability of unzipping 17+ major compression formats. Plus, it serves as an advanced PDF reader, a single/batch image processor, a secured backup in the cloud or locally, and a sharing tool (i.e., zip, encrypt, share).

Windows DVD Player (est. 1998)

Most younger generations may balk at the notion of a DVD player in the age of streaming. But, in the 90s, DVDs had truly taken over. Making VHS tapes look ancient, DVDs made video play so much easier and put you in control. Plus, you didn’t have to worry about rewinding when you returned it to your favorite video store. It felt like a game changer for purchased/rented and home videos. Having this capability on your PC just increased your ability to control when and where you viewed your content.

Just because streaming has put DVD collections in many a rear-view mirror, it doesn’t mean your collection doesn’t need love. Windows DVD Player allows you to pull out your favorite 90s film or TV series and cozy up to your favorite titles—keeping you in control.

Are you in the mood for more of the 90s? Of course, Netflix was shilling DVD rentals in the mail at the time, but how the tides have turned. Through the “magic” of streaming, this powerhouse has so many of the shows you loved. Perhaps there are TV series that you never had time to watch, but now you have the time to binge. From “Seinfeld” to “Twin Peaks” to “The Parkers” to “The West Wing,” you won’t miss a beat!

Even if you don’t have time to take on an entire TV show, there’s always time to go down memory lane (or create new ones) via 90s playlists or podcasts on Spotify. Check out the app’s carefully curated 90s Mix, All Out 90s, 90s Smash Hits, and 90s Love Songs playlists. Or check out The Ringer’s 60 Songs That Explain the 90s, iHeartPodcast’s 90210MG with Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling, or CuriousCast’s History of the 90s.