The 1990s was a decade of tremendous growth and innovation in the video game industry. The era saw the introduction of new gaming consoles such as the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis (Mega Drive), and the Sony Playstation, and the rise of groundbreaking game developers such as Nintendo, Sega, and Blizzard Entertainment. Here are the 10 best video games of the 90s:
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)
One of the most iconic games of the 90s was Super Mario Bros. 3, released by Nintendo in 1990. The third installment of the Super Mario Bros. franchise revolutionized platform gaming, with its innovative power-up system, diverse environments, and engaging gameplay. The game introduced new power-ups such as the Tanooki Suit and the Hammer Suit, which allowed players to transform into different creatures and had unique abilities.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
Another classic game from the 90s was The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. This adventure game was released in 1991 by Nintendo and quickly became a fan favorite due to its open-world gameplay, creative puzzles, and memorable characters. Players take on the role of Link, the protagonist, and embark on a journey to save the world from an evil sorcerer named Ganon.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, released in 1992 by Sega, was a high-speed platformer that became a favorite among fans. The game's iconic character, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack helped it become a major success. The game introduced new characters such as Tails and Super Sonic, and the ability to play with a friend in co-op mode.
Street Fighter II (1991)
Street Fighter II was another iconic game from the 90s. Released by Capcom in 1991, this arcade fighting game became a cultural phenomenon, with its memorable characters, intricate combos, and competitive gameplay. The game introduced new mechanics such as combo chaining and special moves, and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs.
Doom (1993)
Doom, released by id Software in 1993, was a major breakthrough for the first-person shooter genre. The game's intense action, immersive atmosphere, and modding capabilities led to the creation of a vibrant gaming community that continues to this day. The game also introduced new mechanics such as strafing and vertical aiming, which became standard in later first-person shooters.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
Chrono Trigger, released by Square in 1995, was an RPG that brought together some of the biggest names in the industry, including Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, and artist Akira Toriyama. The game's unique time-traveling story, engaging combat system, and multiple endings made it a classic of the genre.
Half-Life (1998)
Half-Life, released by Valve Corporation in 1998, was a groundbreaking first-person shooter that pushed the boundaries of game design. The game's immersive storytelling, realistic physics, and AI-driven enemies created an experience that was both engaging and challenging. The game also introduced new mechanics such as scripted events and puzzles, which became standard in later games.
Starcraft (1998)
Starcraft, released by Blizzard Entertainment in 1998, was a real-time strategy game that became a global phenomenon. The game's iconic factions, deep gameplay, and engaging multiplayer led to the rise of the esports industry. The game also introduced new mechanics such as fog of war and unit control groups, which became standard in later RTS games.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
GoldenEye 007, released by Rare in 1997, was a first-person shooter based on the James Bond franchise that became a defining game of the 90s. The game's innovative multiplayer mode, engaging single-player campaign, and cinematic set pieces helped it become a major success. The game also introduced new mechanics such as stealth and objectives, which became standard in later FPS games.
Metal Gear Solid (1998)
Finally, Metal Gear Solid, released by Konami in 1998, was a landmark achievement in game design. The game's cinematic storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics made it a classic of the stealth action genre. The game was praised for its deep and intricate storyline, which involved the player taking on the role of Solid Snake as he infiltrated a base to stop a group of terrorists. The game introduced new mechanics such as stealth, hiding, and CQC (Close Quarters Combat), which revolutionized the genre and influenced many later games.
The 1990s was a golden age of video games, with many iconic titles that continue to inspire and entertain gamers to this day. These 10 games represent the best of the era, with each one showcasing the innovation and creativity that defined the decade. From platformers to RPGs, from first-person shooters to real-time strategy games, the 90s had something for everyone, and its legacy lives on in the many games that have been inspired by these classics.
