Greatest Games of the 90s

The Greatest Games of the ’90s – A Retro Journey Through Gaming Glory

The 1990s were a magical time for gaming. 

With the rise of home consoles, arcades thriving, and PCs finding their way into homes, developers unleashed some of the most groundbreaking and iconic games ever created. 

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and celebrate the games that defined this golden decade.

  • Super Mario 64 (1996)

When Mario stepped into 3D for the first time, it was nothing short of revolutionary. Super Mario 64 gave players an entire castle to explore and introduced gameplay mechanics that would become staples of 3D platforming. The freedom to run, jump, and dive into levels hidden within magical paintings was mind-blowing. With tight controls, unforgettable music, and iconic levels like Bob-omb Battlefield and Rainbow Ride, Super Mario 64 was a technical marvel and an invitation to explore gaming’s possibilities.

  • Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Arguably the most influential RPG of all time, Final Fantasy VII took storytelling in games to an entirely new level. With its cinematic cutscenes, complex characters, and unforgettable twists, this game brought epic drama to gaming. Players were captivated by Cloud Strife’s internal struggles and Sephiroth’s chilling descent into madness. Who could forget the heartbreak of Aerith’s death? The materia system, massive open world, and rich side quests made every playthrough a new adventure.

  • Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (1996)

These games didn’t just launch a franchise—they created a cultural phenomenon. The simple yet addictive gameplay of catching, training, and battling Pokémon became an obsession for millions. Choosing between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle felt like a life-altering decision, while the thrill of finally capturing that elusive Mewtwo was unmatched. With Yellow’s addition of a Pikachu that followed you around, these games captured hearts and defined childhoods worldwide.

  • Chrono Trigger (1995)

Considered by many as the perfect RPG, Chrono Trigger brought time travel into gaming with a level of sophistication rarely seen even today. Its branching storylines and multiple endings gave players a sense of agency that was revolutionary. The game’s gorgeous pixel art, unforgettable characters like Frog and Robo, and the stirring soundtrack made it a timeless classic. The Active Time Battle system was polished to perfection, and each era you visited felt alive and distinct.

  • Street Fighter II (1991)

The arcade fighter that defined a generation, Street Fighter II turned gaming into a competitive sport. Its balanced roster, from the fiery Ryu to the electrifying Blanka, offered players countless strategies and matchups. Arcade-goers spent hours mastering combos and pulling off those elusive Hadoukens. The game’s impact extended beyond fun; it set the template for modern fighting games and birthed the esports scene.

  • Super Mario World (1990)

Launching with the SNES, Super Mario World was a 16-bit masterpiece. It expanded the Mario formula with sprawling, secret-filled levels and the introduction of Yoshi, who quickly became a fan favorite. The vibrant visuals and Koji Kondo’s cheerful soundtrack made each level a joy to experience. Whether soaring through the skies with a Cape Feather or uncovering hidden exits, Super Mario World set the standard for platformers for years to come.

  • Half-Life (1998)

Valve’s debut game didn’t just tell a story—it put players directly into it. As Gordon Freeman, you experienced the chaos of an alien invasion through a first-person perspective, with no cutscenes to break immersion. The Black Mesa Research Facility felt alive, with scientists panicking and soldiers attempting to clean up the mess. The game’s AI and physics-based puzzles were groundbreaking, and its cliffhanger ending left players clamoring for more.

  • Donkey Kong Country (1994)

When Donkey Kong Country hit the SNES, it stunned gamers with its pre-rendered 3D graphics, making it one of the most visually impressive games of its time. But it wasn’t just a looker; the gameplay was tight and rewarding. Swinging from vines, riding minecarts, and rolling through enemies as Donkey or Diddy Kong felt fluid and exhilarating. The soundtrack, with tracks like “Aquatic Ambiance,” is still celebrated as one of gaming’s best.

  • Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Sega’s blue blur was the ultimate answer to Mario, delivering speed, style, and attitude. Sonic the Hedgehog introduced us to the lush greenery of Green Hill Zone and the adrenaline-pumping loops that would become the franchise’s signature. The game rewarded quick reflexes and exploration, with hidden paths and secrets tucked away in every level. Sonic’s debut wasn’t just a game; it was a statement, cementing Sega’s place in gaming history.

  • GoldenEye 007 (1997)

Licensed games weren’t supposed to be good—then GoldenEye 007 came along. This N64 gem brought stealth and strategy to first-person shooters, with a campaign that stayed faithful to the Bond film. But its true legacy lies in its split-screen multiplayer, which turned friends into fierce rivals. Whether you were dodging Oddjob’s cheap tactics or unleashing chaos with proximity mines, GoldenEye 007 was a party game for the ages.

  • Diablo (1996)

For anyone who ever muttered “just one more dungeon,” Diablo was likely the culprit. This dark, atmospheric hack-and-slash RPG drew players into the cursed town of Tristram, where they battled through procedurally generated dungeons to face the titular Lord of Terror. The addictive loot system and co-op multiplayer made it hard to put down, while its gothic aesthetic and chilling soundtrack created an immersive, eerie world.

  • The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Link’s first 3D outing was nothing short of magical. From the moment Navi woke you up in Kokiri Forest to the final showdown with Ganon, Ocarina of Time felt like an epic journey. The game’s dungeons were masterfully designed, and the ocarina itself added a layer of interactivity that felt innovative. Riding across Hyrule Field on Epona was pure freedom, and the game’s time-travel mechanic added depth to its storytelling.

  • Doom (1993)

When Doom launched, it wasn’t just a game—it was a cultural event. This lightning-fast FPS had players blasting through demons with a shotgun in one hand and a chainsaw in the other. Its modding community extended its life indefinitely, and its LAN multiplayer turned offices into war zones. With its pulse-pounding metal soundtrack and hellish level design, Doom didn’t just define the FPS genre—it invented it.

  • Super Metroid (1994)

Super Metroid was the ultimate test of exploration and survival, wrapped in one thrilling package. As Samus Aran, you ventured across the eerie planet Zebes, battling alien creatures, solving environmental puzzles, and uncovering power-ups that made you feel unstoppable. The atmosphere of isolation was palpable—Super Metroid didn’t just have you fight, it made you feel alone and vulnerable in a way that no other game at the time did. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, along with its seamless, non-linear gameplay, helped cement Super Metroid as a timeless classic.

  • Crash Bandicoot (1996)

Before Spyro or Rayman could claim their place in platforming history, Crash Bandicoot was out there carving his own path through the dangerous, brightly-colored landscapes of Wumpa Island. With his spinning attack and tongue-in-cheek attitude, Crash took on everything from evil doctors to ruthless wildlife with style. The game’s challenging levels, quirky characters, and deep commitment to 3D platforming laid the groundwork for the platformers that followed. But let’s be real—the real thrill was running away from that giant boulder in the first level.

  • Final Fantasy VI (1994)

While Final Fantasy VII may have gotten most of the attention, Final Fantasy VI is still revered by hardcore RPG fans as the pinnacle of the series. The game offered a huge ensemble cast, each with their own distinct personalities and stories. From Terra’s struggle with her identity to Kefka’s maniacal pursuit of godhood, Final Fantasy VI delivered an emotional rollercoaster that still stands as one of the most well-crafted narratives in gaming. The innovative ATB (Active Time Battle) system kept combat fast-paced, and its legendary score by Nobuo Uematsu still resonates with fans today.

  • Mortal Kombat II (1993)

Finish him! These words became synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise, and Mortal Kombat II took that bloody gameplay to a whole new level. With iconic characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Liu Kang, players tore through opponents with brutal fatalities, adding a dark, over-the-top charm that set the game apart from other fighters. The combo system was more refined, the roster was expanded, and the fatalities became even more gruesome. This was the game that gave birth to the “fighting game” culture, and it wasn’t just about the competition—it was about having fun doing ridiculous things.

  • Planescape: Torment (1999)

Planescape: Torment is one of those RPGs that’s often talked about in reverent tones. Why? Because it’s less about combat and more about choice, character development, and the narrative. The game’s philosophical tone and deep dialogue trees made it stand out among its peers, offering a thought-provoking journey through a bizarre, multi-dimensional universe. Playing as the Nameless One, a man who can’t remember his own past, the game forced players to ask: “What can change the nature of a man?” If you love games that prioritize story over combat, Planescape: Torment is the one to play.

  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past isn’t just a great game—it’s the game that redefined what action-adventure should be. It took the top-down perspective of the original Zelda and introduced a world that felt alive, with sprawling dungeons, clever puzzles, and a dynamic story. The duality of the Light and Dark Worlds was an innovative mechanic that kept the gameplay fresh, and the iconic Master Sword had its debut. This title is the backbone of the Zelda franchise and arguably one of the best games to ever hit the SNES.

  • StarCraft (1998)

Blizzard’s StarCraft took real-time strategy to new heights with its deep lore, engaging missions, and competitive multiplayer. The game’s three factions—Terrans, Zerg, and Protoss—were perfectly balanced, each with unique units, strategies, and tactics. Whether you were outwitting opponents with Zerg rushes or building a massive Terran army, StarCraft was a test of both strategy and skill. Its multiplayer modes brought together some of the fiercest rivalries in gaming, and its impact on esports is still felt to this day.

  • Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)

Before Tony Hawk was an international name, he was skating his way into our hearts with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. This game wasn’t just about pulling off sick tricks; it was about making you feel like a pro skater in a world of your own design. The smooth, fast-paced gameplay, iconic levels, and killer soundtrack made every session feel like a celebration of ’90s skating culture. You could grind on rails, perform insane flips, and complete objectives—all while shredding to the beat of songs that still echo in gaming culture today.

  • Diablo II (1999)

Diablo II took everything great about its predecessor and expanded on it, adding even more darkness, loot, and endless replayability. The game’s loot-driven progression made players addicted to searching for the perfect items, while its atmospheric environments, from the cursed deserts to the fiery depths of hell, kept things fresh. With its randomly generated levels, engaging multiplayer, and constant updates, Diablo II created an entire culture around its gameplay and became the standard for hack-and-slash RPGs.

  • Resident Evil 2 (1998)

If the original Resident Evil was a survival horror classic, Resident Evil 2 elevated the genre to terrifying new heights. With a fully fleshed-out narrative, improved graphics, and a memorable cast of characters, players had to escape the zombie-infested Raccoon City. The fixed camera angles and survival mechanics combined perfectly with the tense atmosphere, making every corner turn into a potential nightmare. Resident Evil 2 wasn’t just about surviving—it was about facing your fears and fighting for your life.

  • EverQuest (1999)

Before World of Warcraft became the MMORPG juggernaut, EverQuest was laying the groundwork for online multiplayer experiences. With its vast world, open-ended exploration, and social interactions, EverQuest became a staple of the ’90s gaming community. Players formed guilds, spent hours grinding for loot, and explored dangerous dungeons together. The game’s influence can still be felt in modern MMORPGs, with EverQuest leading the charge into the world of online gaming.

  • Quake (1996)

Quake was a game that defined multiplayer FPS, both in its design and technical achievements. It brought fast-paced, brutal combat to a fully 3D environment for the first time, and players could battle each other over local LAN networks in deathmatch arenas. Its gritty atmosphere, innovative level design, and memorable weapons made it a fan favorite. Plus, the inclusion of online multiplayer brought an entirely new dynamic, setting the stage for future shooters in the eSports era.

  • Myst (1993)

Myst wasn’t just a game; it was an experience. A visually stunning puzzle adventure, Myst immersed players in a mysterious world filled with strange machines, complex riddles, and hidden secrets. It’s a slow-burn game that relies on exploration and logic rather than action-packed sequences, but it captivated gamers with its atmospheric world-building and captivating sense of isolation. The game was a hit with casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts alike, making it one of the best-selling PC games of all time.

  • Tomb Raider (1996)

When Lara Croft first swung her way into our hearts in Tomb Raider, she didn’t just shatter the mold of what a protagonist could be—she became the mold. In an era when video games rarely featured female heroes, Lara was a trailblazer. The game was revolutionary for its 3D environments, exploration-based gameplay, and complex puzzles. You’d climb ancient ruins, battle wild animals, and unearth legendary artifacts, all while dodging deadly traps. The camera angles, while clunky at times, made every leap feel like a high-stakes adventure. Tomb Raider wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon, and Lara became an icon that would inspire generations of gamers to come.

  • Star Fox 64 (1997)

The first Star Fox may have captured imaginations on the Super Nintendo, but Star Fox 64 cranked it up to 11. It’s impossible to talk about this game without thinking of the iconic “Do a barrel roll!” The on-rails space shooter had everything: fast-paced action, zippy mechanics, and some of the most memorable voice acting in gaming history. Whether you were piloting your Arwing through intense dogfights or dodging asteroids, every mission felt like a Star Wars-esque thrill ride. The multiplayer modes also allowed friends to duke it out in the skies, and the replayable branching storylines kept you coming back for more. Star Fox 64 is a perfect example of how to combine a fun narrative with heart-pounding gameplay in a tight package.

  • System Shock 2 (1999)

System Shock 2 was ahead of its time, blending FPS mechanics with RPG elements to create a deeply immersive, atmospheric horror experience. Set in a derelict space station overrun by rogue AI, the game placed you in the shoes of a lone soldier trying to survive while investigating the horrifying events that led to the station’s downfall. The narrative, the eerie environment, and the psychological tension combined to create one of the most chilling experiences of the ’90s. The complex combat system, with its mix of melee, guns, and hacking, made each encounter feel like a puzzle. System Shock 2 is the game that laid the foundation for future survival horror games like BioShock, blending action with fear in a way no other game could at the time.

  • Lemmings (1991)

Lemmings wasn’t your typical action-packed game—it was a strategic puzzler that required careful thought and quick reflexes. The concept was simple: guide a group of little creatures (lemmings) to safety by assigning them various tasks, like digging, building, or exploding their way through challenging levels. While it might seem light-hearted at first, the challenge quickly ramps up as you find yourself trying to prevent these adorable creatures from plunging to their doom. Lemmings was addictive, fun, and surprisingly difficult, making it a timeless puzzle game that has inspired countless imitators since its release.

  • Earthworm Jim (1994)

Earthworm Jim had it all: a charismatic protagonist, mind-bending platforming, outrageous humor, and some seriously challenging levels. Playing as Jim, a worm who’s turned into a super-suited superhero, players took on villains like Psy-Crow and Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, while bouncing and swinging through some of the most beautifully designed levels of its time. The animations were stunning, and the quirky sense of humor made the game an absolute joy to play. The smooth mechanics, combined with the oddball character design and ridiculous humor, made Earthworm Jim one of the standout platformers of the ‘90s.

  • Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990)

The Dark Sword of Chaos took the already excellent Ninja Gaiden series and turned it up a notch. The game boasted fast-paced, precision-based action that required near-perfect timing, making every combat encounter feel exhilarating and intense. You followed the story of Ryu Hayabusa as he faced off against an array of enemies, all while making sure to master his ninja techniques. The difficulty was no joke—each level demanded skill, concentration, and a whole lot of patience, which made the moments of victory all the more rewarding. Ninja Gaiden II was the type of game that pushed you to your limits, yet you couldn’t help but come back for more.

  • Rayman (1995)

Before Rayman became an internationally recognized mascot, this charming platformer was wooing gamers with its magical visuals and funky, hand-drawn style. The game’s levels were vibrant, whimsical, and full of creative enemies that made every jump, spin, and punch feel fresh. What really set Rayman apart from other platformers at the time was its surreal and unique artistic direction. The character design was distinct, with Rayman having floating limbs and a curious charm that made him lovable. The game’s difficulty was challenging but fair, and the platforming was smooth, making it a standout entry in the ’90s platforming scene.

  • Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake (1990)

Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake was the game that solidified the stealth genre. As Solid Snake, you infiltrate an enemy base to stop the creation of a nuclear-powered Metal Gear. What made it stand out was its innovative stealth mechanics—hiding in boxes, distracting enemies, and using the environment to avoid detection. The complex storyline, touching on nuclear warfare and power struggles, was ahead of its time, laying the foundation for later Metal Gear games. It wasn’t just about action; it was a narrative-driven experience that proved video games could deliver profound storytelling.

  • Racin’ Force (1997)

Racin’ Force is an arcade-style racing game that blends high-speed action with an innovative concept. Players are in control of futuristic vehicles racing through intergalactic tracks, avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups along the way. What set it apart was the ability to switch between multiple routes during the race, adding a layer of strategy. While not as widely recognized, Racin’ Force was a blast for anyone looking for fast-paced, no-frills racing with a sci-fi twist.

  • Raiden Fighters (1996)

Raiden Fighters is a vertical scrolling shoot-’em-up that takes the classic Raiden formula and cranks it up a notch. Players control one of several fighter jets as they blast through waves of enemies and dodge bullets in tight, action-packed sequences. The game introduces new power-ups, improved graphics, and multiple planes, each with unique abilities. With its addictive gameplay, exciting boss fights, and fast pace, Raiden Fighters delivered a thrilling experience for fans of the shoot-’em-up genre.

Wrapping It Up

These games didn’t just entertain; they innovated, challenged, and defined a generation. 

They were more than pixels on a screen—they were memories, friendships, and countless late nights. Whether you were saving Hyrule, battling Sephiroth, or trading Pokémon, the ‘90s truly were a golden age of gaming.

Which of these gems defined your childhood? Got another favorite we didn’t mention? Let’s chat and keep the nostalgia train rolling by buying retro games from level 5 shop.

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