The 1990s were a period of great innovation and transformation in the world of video games. Consoles such as Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, PlayStation and Nintendo 64 dominated the market, each contributing a rich and diverse library of unforgettable titles. In this true nostalgia session, take a look back at the best games of the 90s!
The games released in the 1990s continue to be revered for their innovation, design and lasting impact.
Many of these titles set standards for future games and created franchises that are still popular today.
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The best games of the 90s
1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” is widely regarded as one of the best games of all time. With an epic story, innovative gameplay and a vast open world, it set new standards for action-adventure games. Certainly one of the best games of the 90s.
2. Super Mario 64
Released in 1996, “Super Mario 64” was one of the first 3D platform games and revolutionized the genre. With its intuitive gameplay, brilliant level design and innovative graphics for the time, it became a landmark in the history of video games.
3. Final Fantasy VII
Released in 1997 for the PlayStation, “Final Fantasy VII” is an RPG that brought impressive graphics, an engaging story and memorable characters. Cloud Strife’s journey against the Shinra corporation and the villain Sephiroth is considered one of the best narratives in video game history.
4. Half-Life
Released in 1998 for PC, “Half-Life” redefined first-person shooters with its immersive narrative, innovative level design and advanced artificial intelligence. The game follows scientist Gordon Freeman as he struggles to survive an experiment gone wrong.
5. Metal Gear Solid
Released in 1998 for the PlayStation, “Metal Gear Solid” is an action stealth game that puts players in the shoes of Solid Snake, a secret agent tasked with defusing a nuclear threat. Its complex narrative and innovative gameplay made it an instant classic.
6. Doom
Released in 1993 for PC, “Doom” is a first-person shooter that popularized the genre and brought revolutionary graphics to the time. Players take on the role of a space marine fighting hordes of demons on Mars. It’s also one of the best games of the 90s.
7. Chrono Trigger
Released in 1995 for Super Nintendo, “Chrono Trigger” is an RPG acclaimed for its engaging story, charismatic characters and innovative combat system. Time travel and multiple endings made the game one of the most influential in the genre. Certainly one of the best games of the 90s.
8. Resident Evil
Released in 1996 for the PlayStation, “Resident Evil” introduced gamers to the survival horror genre. Following the story of Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine as they explore a zombie-infested mansion, the game is known for its tense atmosphere and challenging puzzles.
9. Super Metroid
Released in 1994 for Super Nintendo, “Super Metroid” is an action-adventure game that follows Samus Aran on her mission to rescue a stolen Metroid. Its non-linear level design and immersive atmosphere are highly praised, and rank it as one of the best games of the 90s.
10. Street Fighter II
Released in 1991, “Street Fighter II” is a fighting game that defined the genre and popularized competitive combat. With a variety of characters and special moves, it became one of the most successful arcade games of all time.
11. Sonic the Hedgehog
Released in 1991 for Sega Genesis, “Sonic the Hedgehog” introduced the world to the iconic character Sonic. With its fast gameplay and colorful graphics, the game helped solidify Sega as a serious contender in the console market. Another of the best games of the 90s.
12. Diablo
Released in 1996 for PC, “Diablo” is an action RPG that took players to explore dark dungeons and fight hordes of enemies. Its addictive gameplay and dark atmosphere set a new standard for the genre.
13. StarCraft
Launched in 1998 for PC, “StarCraft” is a real-time strategy game that has become a global phenomenon. With its three distinct and balanced races, the game set a new standard for eSports.
14. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Released in 1997 for the PlayStation, this action-adventure game is widely regarded as one of the best of all time. Players control Alucard as they explore a dark castle full of enemies and secrets. Its mix of RPG elements and complex level design has set a new standard for the genre.
15. Pokémon Red/Blue
Released in 1996 for the Game Boy, “Pokémon Red/Blue” started the Pokémon franchise by challenging players to capture, train and battle creatures called Pokémon. Its addictive gameplay and the concept of “catch ’em all” became a cultural phenomenon.
16. Tomb Raider
Released in 1996 for the PlayStation, “Tomb Raider” introduced the world to the iconic archaeologist Lara Croft. With innovative 3D graphics and a combination of exploration, puzzle-solving and combat, this game defined the action-adventure genre for the 32-bit generation.
17. Quake
Released in 1996 for PC, “Quake” is a first-person shooter that stood out for its advanced 3D graphics and online multiplayer. Developed by id Software, the game was a milestone in the evolution of shooting games.
18. Command & Conquer
Released in 1995 for PC, “Command & Conquer” is a real-time strategy game that puts players in control of armies in a futuristic war. Its fast-paced gameplay and engaging narrative made it an instant hit.
19. The Secret of Monkey Island
Released in 1990 for PC, “The Secret of Monkey Island” is a point-and-click adventure game that follows Guybrush Threepwood on his quest to become a pirate. Its sharp humor, clever puzzles and captivating narrative have made it a classic of the genre.
20. Donkey Kong Country
Released in 1994 for Super Nintendo, “Donkey Kong Country” impressed with its pre-rendered graphics and fluid gameplay. Players control Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they try to recover their stolen bananas. It’s also a great name for the list of the best games of the 90s.
List: the 20 best games of the 90s
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- Super Mario 64
- Final Fantasy VII
- Half-Life
- Metal Gear Solid
- Doom
- Chrono Trigger
- Resident Evil
- Super Metroid
- Street Fighter II
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Diablo
- StarCraft
- Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
- Pokémon Red/Blue
- Tomb Raider
- Quake
- Command & Conquer
- The Secret of Monkey Island
- Donkey Kong Country
The 1990s were a golden decade for video games, full of innovations and classics that defined the future of the industry. And if you enjoyed looking back at the best games of the 90s, check out our other content:
- Complete list: the 20 best puzzle games of all time
- Gran Turismo, Tomb Raider and more: the 20 best PS1 games of all time
- Nostalgia! Take a look back at the 20 best PC games of the 2000s
