15 ranked items · community-voted
The 1990s marked a transformative era in video gaming, with iconic titles and advancements that shaped the industry as we know it today. This list highlights some of the most influential games from the decade that captivated audiences and laid the groundwork for future innovations.
Released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, GoldenEye 007 is a first-person shooter based on the James Bond film of the same name. It is credited with popularizing the multiplayer FPS experience on consoles.
💡 The game was revolutionary for its time, introducing a split-screen multiplayer mode that set the standard for future shooters.
This action role-playing game popularized the hack-and-slash genre, allowing players to venture into the depths of the hellish world to battle demons. It made a significant impact with its online play feature through Battle.net, revolutionizing multiplayer experiences.
💡 Diablo was notable for its dark narrative, fostering a cult following that led to numerous sequels.
Released in 1996, Pokémon Red and Blue were the first installments in the Pokémon series, allowing players to catch and train various creatures known as Pokémon. These games laid the foundation for an enduring franchise that would expand into multiple media formats.
💡 The franchise was inspired by Satoshi Tajiri's childhood hobby of insect collecting.
This action-adventure game introduced players to the iconic character Lara Croft, an adventurous archaeologist known for her impressive acrobatic skills and tomb raiding exploits. Combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, it was groundbreaking for its use of 3D graphics and immersive storytelling.
💡 The success of Tomb Raider led to a significant expansion of the gaming industry, particularly in female-led protagonists.
This adventure puzzle game captivated players with its stunning graphics and immersive storytelling, offering a unique experience through exploration of the mysterious island of Myst. Players had to solve intricate puzzles to unlock the secrets of the game, which was pivotal in popularizing CD-ROM technology.
💡 Myst became one of the best-selling PC games of all time, selling over 12 million copies.
Doom, released in 1993, is a groundbreaking first-person shooter that popularized the genre and established many conventions still in use today. Players navigate through a series of levels while battling demonic foes in a fast-paced, action-packed environment.
💡 Doom was one of the first games to utilize 3D graphics and was a pioneer of online multiplayer gaming.
This seminal fighting game set the standard for competitive one-on-one matches, featuring a diverse array of unique characters with intricate moves and special abilities. Its multiplayer tournaments helped establish the fighting game genre as a mainstay in arcades worldwide.
💡 Street Fighter II inspired numerous sequels and adaptations, making it one of the most important franchises in gaming history.
Considered a groundbreaking title in 3D platforming, Super Mario 64 redefined how players interacted with video games through its expansive open-world environment and innovative camera controls. This game not only set standards for future 3D games but also illustrated the potential of console gaming in creating immersive experiences.
💡 Super Mario 64 was the first game to feature an open 3D world for the Nintendo 64, significantly altering the video game landscape.
This tactical role-playing game allowed players to engage in strategic turn-based battles while unraveling a rich story filled with political intrigue and complex character development. Its in-depth job system and gameplay mechanics made it a beloved classic among strategy fans.
💡 Final Fantasy Tactics is celebrated for its depth and is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.
Another monumental title, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was lauded for its intricate storytelling, captivating gameplay, and the introduction of 3D graphics in an action-adventure setting. The game's mechanics, such as time travel and puzzle-solving, have left a lasting legacy in game design.
💡 Praised as one of the greatest video games of all time, it was one of the first games to receive a perfect score from multiple gaming publications.
Initially released for the Game Boy in 1993, Link's Awakening is an action-adventure game that follows Link as he attempts to awaken the Wind Fish to escape Koholint Island. It is notable for its engaging story and unique dream-like setting.
💡 Link's Awakening was the first game in the Zelda series to feature a world not based on the traditional land of Hyrule.
Final Fantasy VII revolutionized RPGs with its epic storytelling, rich character development, and groundbreaking 3D graphics, captivating millions of players worldwide. It introduced many to the JRPG genre and raised the bar for narrative depth and emotional engagement in games.
💡 The game's narrative and characters have had a significant impact on popular culture, and it spawned a franchise that includes multiple spin-offs and adaptations.
This iconic platform game introduced players to Sonic, a blue hedgehog with incredible speed, as he battles the evil Dr. Robotnik to save his animal friends. Released by Sega, it was a defining title for the Sega Genesis and became a key player in the console wars of the 90s.
💡 Sonic the Hedgehog was originally designed to compete with Nintendo's Mario.
This platforming game introduced players to Crash, a quirky bandicoot who embarks on adventures to thwart the evil plans of Dr. Neo Cortex. Created for the PlayStation, it showcased polygonal graphics and engaging gameplay that became a hallmark of the console.
💡 Crash Bandicoot became a mascot for Sony's PlayStation and led to numerous sequels and spin-offs.
This expansive RPG is known for its massive game world, which is reportedly over 161,000 square kilometers, and contains thousands of towns, cities, and dungeons. It offered players freedom to explore and shape their destiny in a richly detailed fantasy universe.
💡 Daggerfall features one of the largest game worlds in video game history, with over 750,000 NPCs.
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