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Full disclosure, I haven't played this version of the game except a little bit, but I have played through Oblivion back in 2012. I wanted to catch up on the series when Skyrim was announced, and so I played Morrowind and Oblivion over the next two years, not exactly back to back, but close. I remember being awed by the world after emerging from the prison, and I thought that Cyrodiil was very well crafted. Sure, from a 2025 perspective the original graphics leave a lot to be desired, but back then it was a sight to see. I enjoyed the voice acting quite a lot, and the main story was pretty decent. Like many, I found the Oblivion gates fun at first, tedious in the end. The physics were something that awed me, and being able to pick up bodies and position them in weird ways was a fun pastime. Shivering Isles, though, now that is something else, a truly remarkable bit of content that I would recommend to RPG fans in general, just because of how exotic the setup is. Granted, it hits harder if you know the background lore, but I still think it's worth it. Ultimately, I think this game is historically very significant, as it led to modern Fallout games (I still love the classics, but the modern ones have a lot to bring) and, more importantly, to Skyrim. On its own, for someone who had their fill of modern RPGs, I don't know if I would strongly recommend the game. But for anyone wanting a look into the history of RPGs in general, and especially the Elder Scrolls, it's a must play.
A lot of the other reviews have explained the game well enough, so I'll focus on my own experience with it. I am generally not a huge JRPG fan, and most of the "classics" never appealed to me. I do like Western-style RPGs, and have played a lot. This game tries to bridge those two concepts, and that's why I think it instantly grabbed my attention when I originally rented it from a local CD-renting shop in the early 00's. In its core, it's a JRPG with very light RPG elements, which I think is OK; what really sold the game to me was the toning down of J-elements, as well as the setting that I thought was super unique at the time (even though it wasn't 100% unique). As with most games, I started it multiple times as a kid, never getting much farther than the first visit to Shell 7. Years later I bought it on GOG, played it all the way through, and had a blast. If you like turn based RPGs with light RPG elements, and decent but not great voice acting, definitely look into this game and consider buying it. The goodies in the Deluxe Edition are especially good, in my opinion.
I'm not really a skilled player when it comes to action games, but I have fond memories of playing rune sometime in the mid-2000s. It was a very intriguing game, with an in-medias-res beginning, somewhat cryptic mechanics and an alien feel that was partly due to the graphics. I played it a fair bit, but didn't really ever get past the underworld section. Years later, I got it on GOG and figured out the cheats for the game and beat it. Other reviewers said it better, but I think the visceral feel of the combat is what really stayed with me. I liked that the protagonist can have one of each melee weapon type at any given time, but also pick up random things and bash enemies with them, or throw them. Music was pretty good, from what I can remember. The ending of the single player story was neither here nor there, but it was serviceable. I didn't really like the part where you get big, towards the end. This is one of those games that you probably won't be into, unless you played it in its historical period, but I am glad it's still available.
I don't want to repeat what most of the highest rated reviews (at this time) have written. Yes, the game is strange and has its quirks and the interface could do with improvements. Yes, the game kinda tricks you by not highlighting the depth of the political and "backroom" systems during the tutorial, leaving you to discover that on your own. But man, when you get into politics, that's where the game truly shines. Have a rival that annoys you? Spy on him and plant evidence so he loses his political office. Still annoyed and have lots of money? Buy out his business and have a monopoly on blacksmithing in the city! No one can stop you, the first anti monopoly law won't exist for another couple centuries. Not enough money, too much taxes? Rise in politics and then bribe or blackmail people to pass a law that allows you to make more money. You know, all of that is starting to sound like a simulation of modern business :P Sure, things can get a bit repetitive in the late game (at least they did for me), but there really is a lot to occupy your time as you rise in power. I absolutely love this game, but I also get it's not really for everyone. Still, if you have the means, give it a try and see if it clicks with you after a couple of hours.
I won't go into detail here, because others have already done it better than I could in this review, but it's still Baldur's Gate 2 under the bling. Yes, the new party members are hit-or-miss, but guess what? Don't take them if you don't like them! Yes, the technical updates are good, especially for people who don't want to bother with modding. Is the combat still the same? Sure is, always has been. The word missing from the first sentence is "terrible" because I personally never got the hang of the combat in this game. And likely never will. But, people out there like it, so I'm trying to be objective. Also, you get the original game, if you're a crotchety old coot who dislikes anything modern. Win-win!
I have pleasant memories of playing Quake 2 (single player) a long time ago, even though I was never really good at FPS games. I replayed it recently, and realized that I'm still not that good at FPS games, but I still had fun. I love the atmosphere of this game and the "one foot after the other" vibe of the campaign progression. Sure, there are level loads, but you never feel like you're skipping anything, and you can trace a clear path from the start to the end of the campaign. I especially like the little "briefings" between the major levels, showing how you move from one area to the other. I can't speak on the mechanics, because I'm not a really knowledgeable old school FPS player, but I will say that I'm happy the game has different cheats. Quake 2, as well as the first one, is an acquired taste, I think. If you have never played it, you will likely bounce off of it quickly, unless you have a specific reason for playing it: completing the series, reviewing the game, or getting a sense of the historical evolution of the genre, are all valid reasons to try this one.
....just with extra bling. Graphics were never really my main interest as far as games go, but I have pleasant memories of playing Quake 2. I tried a little bit of this version and it's fine, it looks a bit shinier and plays like Quake 2 always played. Not much else I can say.