Nostalgia is a powerful thing, but even when the rose-tinted goggles are removed the 1990s was an amazing decade for games. The ’90s saw ground-breaking, genre-defining, and just all-round brilliant titles hit the shelves. Many games of the ’90s still stand today as all-time greats, but which were the very best of all? It’s time to find out.
But first, an important rule. Only one game per franchise is allowed on this list. Otherwise, narrowing down to just ten would be frankly impossible.
Designing a game is a long, complex process involving creativity, technical prowess, and extensive testing. So without further delay, let’s pay tribute to ten of the finest endeavours of the 1990s.
Crash Bandicoot
Poor Crash Bandicoot seems to have faded into the background of the gaming scene. Back in the ’90s, however, he provided the definitive platforming experience of the original Playstation.
Age of Empires II: Age of Kings
Age of Empires helped to define the Real Time Strategy genre. Age of Empires II, released in 1999, perfected the formula and is seen by many as the series’ finest incarnation.
Goldeneye 007
Another genre-defining title, Goldeneye 007 created the first person shooter formula that is so popular today. It is still considered one of the genre’s absolute greatest titles.
Resident Evil
Resident Evil is one of the most iconic survival horror series, and the first instalment is still among the best. It seems to get remade and remastered every generation to ensure everyone has the chance to experience it.
Pokemon Red/Blue
Pokemon is a global phenomenon, and when the series first appeared it blew gamers away. There have been many fine generations, but the original Red and Blue are still hard to beat.
Banjo-Tooie
Banjo-Kazooie was (and still is) one of the finest platforming experiences ever. Banjo-Tooie applied essentially the same mechanics (albeit expanded and improved) and the same distinctive sense of humour, but introduced bigger and more complex worlds along with an overall darker tone.
Street Fighter II
This 1991 game is widely regarded as one of the best “beat-’em-up” games ever. Street Fighter II is still the yardstick against which many great fighting games are judged.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
In 1992, Nintendo and Sega were fighting a console war and Sega’s figurehead was the famous blue hedgehog. Sonic 2 is often cited as his finest hour, and helped cement his popularity for good.
Super Mario Kart
One of the biggest consoles of the ’90s was the Nintendo 64. It hit the shelves accompanied by Super Mario 64, which defined the entire concept of 3D platforming and many aspects of 3D gaming in general. By the end of the console’s life, it was still considered one of the greatest games. Driving around with friends each of them working together and on their own to reach the end goal, whilst be attacked by characters like bowser who was literally built like a tank, was a great way to get everyone involved. If you are still interested in group activities that involve racing about in vehicles, then visit https://www.armourgeddon.co.uk/team-building-corporate-events.html who offer team building activities in Leicester that mean you could sit back in a tank and fire paint and friends and co-workers!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time came out in 1998. It is one of the best-received games not just of its decade but of all time. Some once-iconic gaming series did not survive the transition to 3D well, but Ocarina of Time ensured Zelda came through unscathed with the help of truly first-rate gameplay, beautiful world design and an engaging plot.