The 90s era saw a rapid rise of some of the most unforgettable and exciting video games. Video games were one of the most advanced forms of technology during the ’90s with its 3D features. The 90s were considered as the golden age for the gaming industry. Many innovative games were introduced from 1990 to the 2000s. Compared to the video games of the 80s, 90s video games were realistic and kept the gamers on the hook.
The game developers during this era carried out various experiments to produce some of the most innovative games the world has ever seen. Many factors make those video games still afresh in the minds of many people. 90s games featured many interesting characters that attracted many people to the game. Every game was different and unique from each other with their respective storylines and characters.
The era surely saw some innovations in the home consoles. The significance of these video games lies in their ability to remain unforgettable in the minds of the people even after decades.
List Of Some Of The Best 90s Video Games
Let us look at some of the most popular video games that captured the lives of many people during the 90s.
1. Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country was one of the most popular video games of the 1990s. It was published in 1994 by Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). This game also remains one of the most successful ones from the Donkey Kong franchise. The storyline of the game involves the adventurous journey of Donkey Kong and his nephew through the jungle to regain their stolen banana King K.Rool who is a crocodile. Players have to go through 40 side-scrolling levels.
The game shows their ultimate journey which is often met with challenges from the king’s armies. Players can find rewards and surprises throughout their challenging journey. The themes and design elements of the game are brilliant and this game was a popular choice for many people during that time.
2. Sonic The Hedgehog 2
It is a platform game developed by Sega Technical Institute and Sega Genesis in 1992. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 when released was considered the best among other Sonic games. It is true to say that many people found themselves to be extremely addicted to this popular video game back in the times.
The game’s narrative involves the main character Sonic, a popular figure who tries to prevent Doctor Robotnik from stealing the Chaos Emerald. The doctor wants the Chaos Emerald to power his space station. Players have to control the movements of Sonic as he is ravaged through various challenges. They also have to help him collect rings and fight off the enemies. Each level gets challenging and the game can keep the players hooked on to it.
3. Super Mario 64
Any gaming enthusiasts during the 90’s will forget the character of Mario. The game remains crystal fresh in the minds of many people. Super Mario 64 became famous for its unleashing its 3D characteristics. It is an action and adventure game that was developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo in 1996. Players have to help Super Mario to get through Princess Peach’s castle and rescue the princess. The game is intriguing with hidden secrets and Power Stars. The game also gained popularity because of its appealing visual effects and themes.
4. Pokemon Red And Blue
Pokemon Red and Blue is one game that enhanced and popularised the Pokemon game franchise. This game’s versions were developed in 1996 by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Both versions employ similar plots and features and are connected to the Game Link Cable. Pokemon can be traded between the two versions of the game.
The major goal of the game is to defeat the eight Gym Leaders and become the champion of the Indigo League. The game received widespread attention from the public and its legacy continues. It is also considered one of the greatest games ever made in the world.
5. Doom
Doom is a first-person shooter electronic game that was among the first to introduce the concept of multiplayer gaming. This game transformed the whole course of the gaming industry. Doom was developed by a group of programmers from Texas and it was released as a full-fledged game in 1993.
The game is noted for its superior graphics and styles of play. The advanced features introduced by the game are said to have enhanced the video gaming industry during the 90s. The player takes the role of a space marine and has to traverse through each level by strategically fighting off the demons. Doom became one of the most influential video games of the 90s.
6. Street Fighter 2
If anyone looks at the list of some of the most popular fighting games from the 90s, Street Fighter 2 would be the one topping the list. This game became popular among people due to its excellent gameplay and interesting features. This fighting game was developed by Capcom and was released in 1991.
The game was launched with the agenda of popularising the fighting games in the industry. This game offers multiplayer gaming mode where the two players have to fight with each other in a combat match. The player who wins the round by draining the energy of the opposite player moves to the higher level.
7. Half-Life
Half-Life is also a first-person shooter game like Doom that became a significant addition to the 90s gaming industry. The game was developed by Valve Corporation and was released in 1998. In the game, players have to escape a research faculty that has been overtaken by Martian creatures. The players had complete control of their character in the game thus providing them with an immersive experience.
Half-Life presented unique gameplay and features that were different from the other video games during that time. The title of the game was also intense and conveyed a deep meaning. The game became very influential during the 90s and has even won several awards.
8. Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat was also a leading fighting game like Street Fighter 2 during the 90s era. It was released in 1992 and was developed by the Midway Probe Software. The gameplay involved similar features and structure to the normal fighting games. The only difference is that in this game the players have to take the role of martial fighters and fight the opponents in a tournament.
The player wins the game if they can defeat the final boss. Mortal Kombat gradually became one of the most played games as it represented the fighting game genre. Even though the sparked controversies about promoting violent actions, it became one of the most-played games of all time.
Explore more: Top 10 Free Anime Games On Roblox
The Bottom Line
Video games evolved and enhanced largely in the present times due to the advancements in technology. The gaming industry has witnessed a lot of changes and video games have become completely different from their classic versions. The 90s era embraced the gaming industry in a better manner with the launching of some unforgettable games.
Unlike the present times where people have smartphones to keep them entertained, video games were the most popular entertainment sources during the 80s and 90s. The thrill and excitement of the classic video games slightly is higher than the games we play on our smartphones today.
