There is some confirmation bias, that's likely true. However, I think they're also looking at the old games through rose-tinted goggles. Those games were played when they were literally the best the market had to offer. The mechanics were fresh and the story was new.
I tried playing some olders games that I loved, and honestly I just couldn't care less about them. As much as they were amazing back then, they're nothing exciting by today's standards.
The Last Kingdom.
I can't quite put my finger on it but the series really keeps me watching.