If you grew up in the 90s, there’s a good chance that video games were a big part of your childhood. Many things from the 90s have since fallen by the wayside, but the legacy of 90s gaming definitely lives on.
It’s likely that you started playing on one of the big consoles such as the SNES or the Mega Drive. These gaming devices changed the lives of many people who grew up in the 90s. Much in the same way that YouTube changed people viewing habits in the 2000s, or websites such as this Nektan casino list changed the way people game online in the late 2010s.
In the late 90s, PlayStation took over. The super-stylish console at the time was an improvement over its predecessors. It made games cool and not just for young children. It started to become more mainstream and for all ages.
If you grew up in the 90s, here is a list of some of the biggest video games you very probably played and might miss today.
1. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most popular games on Sega Mega Drive, also known as Sega Genesis in North America. Since that initial release in the 90s, several sequels of the game have been released.
Obviously, in the game, you assume the role of a super-fast hedgehog as you make frantic attempts to escape a side-scrolling landscape. In the process, you take on two other roles: save Doctor Robotnik’s victims that he had turned into robots, and try to collect rings and Chaos Emeralds. If you still have a thing for this game, it is available on Xbox 360.
2. Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot is an action-filled game. As Crash, your objective is to rescue your girlfriend from Doctor Neo Cortex. For a successful rescue mission, you must scale through several obstacles such as a mutant kangaroo, Ripper Roo, and a series of islands.
The game is not only fun but is intense too, thanks to a giant boulder that will chase you when you reach a specific level. To escape from the boulder, you must dodge some obstacles to prevent being crushed by the giant. You can find this game online, remastered for PC.
3. Spyro the Dragon
This is another fun game from the 90s. As a dragon, you can perform lots of acrobatic activities as you charge, glide, or jump from one place to another in the game. Expectedly, you can breathe fire too and fly when necessary.
You will find the game entertaining as you try to find some butterfly for Sparx, your dragon companion, by chasing sheep around. The game is also available online, an opportunity to play the dragon role once again.
4. Ecco the Dolphin
Ecco the Dolphin had impressive graphics when it was released in the 90s. Many found the animation of the dolphin mesmerising. The game itself was beautiful. It was woven around intrigue and mystery, making it a great game for players who could put up with the game’s features and traits. You can also get the game on Sega Mega Drive Ultimate Collection Classics Xbox 360 Game. If you are still missing Ecco the Dolphin, this is another opportunity to play the game.
5. Final Fantasy VII
For many, this game is nothing short of incredible. In the game, you are an ex-member of Shinra’s soldier unit. You are identified as Cloud Strife, a new member of a rebel group trying to run Shinra down. You have several weapons at your disposal. You can use your sword for battles or leverage your magical power for the same purpose.
You can also swap members of the rebel group in and out of your team when you meet them. This enables you to leverage the unique abilities of each member of the rebel group. The popularity of the game gave birth to some movies such as Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. You can play the Final Fantasy VII Remake on PlayStation 4.
6. Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue
These games rank among the best games of the 90s. They were the favourite of many gamers when it was released some 30 years ago. When the anime TV series was released around that time, it added to the excitement of the game as the Pokemon universe spread across multiple platforms and media. Today, gamers can have fun playing Pokemon X on Nintendo 3DS.
7. Age of Empires
This game offers you the opportunity to command your own empire. Your opponent is the computer and your objective is to destroy your enemies and their homes as you make frantic efforts to have the best civilization.
Age of Empires will test your tactical thinking skills. If you want to play the game again, perhaps take the role of the Persians. They have access to war elephants and everything that increases your victory’s chances. Some varieties of the game are available for PC users via Steam.
8. Tekken
For many, any Tekken game can be considered a game of button-bashing chance. Some gamers bash their way through the game while hoping luck will be on their side for a win. While for other people, who take the time to study the moves, an incredible arsenal of fighting prowess awaits, plus some unforgettable characters.
PC owners can play Street Fighter X Tekken on their personal computer via Steam. The game is a blend of arguably two of the best fighting games ever.
9. Mario Kart 64
Mario Kart 64 was fun. The Nintendo 64 console allows up to four players at once. Thus, a family of four players can play the game at once, from kids to adults. It provided families with an awesome opportunity to have some quality family time together.
Mario Kart is going nowhere, having been updated for every platform since the 90s, most recently on the Nintendo Switch.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
This was a magical game. The game inspired a wide range of sandbox games years later. It also encouraged some kids to learn some musical instruments, a proof of the powerful impact it had on gamers.
The game has been revamped since. It was first remade for Nintendo GameCube and now, for Nintendo 3DS. The latter platform offers the game as the Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D.