Best video games of the 90s

Introduction

The 90s were a golden age for video games, with the emergence of new technologies and genres that would revolutionize the industry. In this decade, incredible titles were released that are still considered some of the best of all time. Next, I will present you some of the best video games of the 90s.

1. Super Mario World (1990): For many players, this game is one of the most emblematic of the decade. It was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and introduced us to Yoshi, the friendly dinosaur who became Mario’s companion on many adventures.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): This Nintendo 64 title revolutionized 3D action and adventure games. It was the first game in the series to use three-dimensional graphics and set standards for gameplay and level design that continue to be admired today.
3. Final Fantasy VII (1997): This iconic Japanese role-playing game (RPG) was a hit on PlayStation and became one of the most influential video games of all time. Its deep and exciting story, strategic battle system, and stunning CGI visuals make it a must-play game.
4. Super Metroid (1994): This action platform game for SNES stands out for its immersive atmosphere and brilliant level design. Players take on the role of Samus Aran, a space bounty hunter, as she explores a mysterious planet in search of upgrades for his suit and weapons.
5. Doom (1993): This first-person shooter for PC was revolutionary in its time. It marked the beginning of a new era in action video games, with its frenetic gameplay, its innovative graphics engine and its world full of monsters and weapons.

These are just a few examples of the best video games of the ’90s. This decade was truly special for the video game industry and left a lasting legacy on the way we play games today.

10 best video games of the 90s

1. Super Mario World (1990): Considered one of the best platform games of all time, it follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi as they try to save Princess Peach from Bowser. With colorful graphics and solid gameplay, this game is a must-play classic.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): This 3D adventure game changed the genre forever. You control Link, the hero destined to save the kingdom of Hyrule from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf. With an epic plot, beautiful settings and challenging puzzles, it is considered one of the best games of all time.
3. Doom (1993): This first-person shooter revolutionized the genre. Players face hordes of demons in a hellish environment. It is known for its frenetic action, impressive graphics for the time, and the ability to explore labyrinthine levels.
4. Final Fantasy VII (1997): This installment of the iconic role-playing game franchise is loved for its epic story and memorable characters. Follow Cloud Strife as he fights Shinra, an organization that is draining the planet’s life energy. With a combination of turn-based combat and exploration elements, it is an unforgettable experience.
5. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992): This fast and frenetic platformer is a favorite of many Sega Genesis fans. Control Sonic as he races through colorful levels and collects rings to defeat the evil Dr. Robotnik. With its unique style and catchy music, it is a classic of the decade.
6. Star Fox 64 (1997): A third-person shooter that follows the adventures of the Star Fox team as they fight the evil Andross. With amazing graphics for its time and exciting gameplay, it is considered one of the best games of the Nintendo 64 era.
7. Street Fighter II (1991): This arcade fighting game was responsible for popularizing the genre. Choose from a variety of characters and engage in one-on-one combat against machine-controlled opponents or friends. With special moves and exciting combos, it’s addictive and competitive.
8. Metal Gear Solid (1998): A mix of stealth and action, this game follows the story of Solid Snake as he infiltrates an enemy facility to stop a nuclear threat. With its cinematic narrative and innovative gameplay, it laid the foundation for modern stealth games.
9. Diablo (1996): An action role-playing game that set new standards in the genre. Explore randomly generated dungeons while fighting demons and collecting loot. With its dark atmosphere and addictive gameplay mechanics, it offered a unique experience.
10. GoldenEye 007 (1997): Based on the James Bond movie, this first-person shooter for the Nintendo 64 is considered one of the best multiplayer games of its time. Take the role of the secret agent and complete exciting missions while taking on friends in death battles.

Best video games of the 90s year by year

1990: Super Mario World (SNES) – Super Mario World is Nintendo’s iconic platform game. It features Mario and his ally, Yoshi, as they try to rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. Players must travel through challenging levels full of secrets and enemies to complete the game.

1991: Street Fighter II (Arcade) – Street Fighter II is the most popular fighting game of the 1990s. Featuring a wide selection of characters, each with their own moves and unique fighting styles, players compete in exciting tournaments. one-on-one combat.

1992: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis) – Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the sequel to Sega’s hit platform game. Players take on the role of Sonic and must race through 2D levels, collecting rings and defeating enemies while facing off against the evil Dr. Robotnik.

1993: Doom (PC) – Doom is considered one of the most influential first-person shooter games of all time. Players take on the role of a lone space marine fighting hordes of demons and infernal creatures in military installations and hell.

1994: Donkey Kong Country (SNES) – Donkey Kong Country is a platform game created by Rare for Nintendo. Players control Donkey Kong and his companion Diddy Kong as they adventure across an island filled with challenging levels and enemies. The game is known for its innovative 3D rendered visual style.

1995: Chrono Trigger (SNES) – Chrono Trigger is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Square Enix. The story follows a group of characters who travel through time to save the world from an imminent threat. With multiple endings and a strategic combat system, Chrono Trigger stands out as one of the best RPGs of all time.

1996: Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64) – Super Mario 64 is the first 3D platform game in the franchise. Players explore an open world as they help Mario rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. The game is praised for its innovative gameplay and influence on the genre.

1997: Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation) – Final Fantasy VII is an epic RPG that follows the story of the mercenary Cloud Strife as he faces off against the villain Sephiroth. With a great world to explore, memorable characters, and an exciting plot, Final Fantasy VII is considered one of the best games in the series.

1998: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64) – Ocarina of Time is widely considered the best game in The Legend of Zelda series. Players take on the role of Link as they travel through time to stop the evil Ganondorf. The game features innovative gameplay, an epic story, and some of the best dungeon designs in video game history.

1999: Silent Hill (PlayStation)-Silent Hill is a psychological horror game that follows Harry Mason on his quest to find his lost daughter in the haunted city of Silent Hill. With a disturbing atmosphere, an intriguing plot and terrifying creatures, Silent Hill has become a classic of the horror genre.

Best consoles of the 90s

1. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): It was released in 1990 and became the successor to the popular NES. It was known for its improved graphics, high-quality sound, and a wide variety of games, including classics like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid. It also introduced the cartridge game system.
2. Sega Mega Drive / Genesis: Launched in 1988 in Japan and 1989 in North America, it was a strong competitor to the SNES. Its more “aggressive” aesthetic and faster processor gave it a certain technical advantage. She was famous for titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat.
3. PlayStation: Launched in 1994 by Sony, it was the first video game console in the successful PlayStation series. It was a milestone in the industry by popularizing compact discs instead of cartridges. With iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, and Crash Bandicoot, the PlayStation quickly became a global success.
4. Nintendo 64: Released in 1996, this Nintendo console featured 3D graphics and the use of a controller with an analog stick. It was very popular thanks to games like Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and GoldenEye 007.
5. Neo Geo: Although it was a fairly expensive console, its powerful hardware made it a highly sought after option for gaming enthusiasts in the 90s. It was known for its exceptional graphics and for offering arcade gaming experiences at home with titles like Metal Slug, King of Fighters and Samurai Shodown.

Conclusion

In the 90s, video games and consoles experienced significant growth and evolution. During this decade, some of the most iconic consoles of all time emerged, such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Genesis.

Games at this time were characterized by their 16-bit graphics and addictive gameplay. Many popular and long-lasting games were released in the ’90s, such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Final Fantasy VII.

Furthermore, video games began to gain more and more importance in popular culture. Consoles became a common item in many homes and the video game industry began to generate large income. Video games also began to become popular among different age groups and genders.

However, criticism and concerns also emerged about the effects of video games on young people and their potential to cause addiction. The debate about violence in video games also began to gain relevance in this period.

In short, the 90s were a time of growth and consolidation for video games and consoles. This decade marked a major shift in the way video games were perceived and consumed, laying the groundwork for the rise of the industry in the following decades.