The 7 Best Video Games That Defined the 90s

The 1990s were an important time for video games. It was the decade when games started to look and feel more like what we know today.

Many of the most loved games of all time were born during this period. Some introduced new ways to play, while others pushed the limits of graphics and storytelling.

Here are seven of the best video games that defined the 90s.

1. Super Mario 64 (1996)

When Super Mario 64 came out, it changed 3D gaming forever. Players could now move Mario in all directions using the Nintendo 64’s analog stick. This gave a sense of freedom that hadn’t been possible before.

The game’s world felt big, and players could explore it at their own pace. It wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B; you had to figure out puzzles, complete missions, and even find hidden stars. Super Mario 64 became a model for 3D platformers and showed how a well-known character could be successfully brought into a 3D world.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Ocarina of Time was another groundbreaking game on the Nintendo 64. It was one of the first action-adventure games set in a 3D world.

The game introduced a lock-on targeting system that made it easier to fight enemies in 3D. The story was deep, the world was big, and the puzzles were challenging.

Players loved the mix of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Many people consider this game one of the best ever made, and it had a lasting impact on the action-adventure genre.

3. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Released on the original PlayStation, Final Fantasy VII brought role-playing games (RPGs) to a wider audience.

Its 3D graphics were impressive for the time, and its story was rich with emotion. Players followed the character Cloud and his group as they fought to save the world from an evil corporation. The game’s use of pre-rendered backgrounds and full-motion video cutscenes helped create an epic feel.

Many people remember Final Fantasy VII for its turn-based combat and deep story, and it still has a strong fan base today.

4. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)

Sonic the Hedgehog was Sega’s answer to Nintendo’s Mario. The game was fast, colorful, and had catchy music. Sonic quickly became Sega’s mascot and helped the Sega Genesis become popular.

The gameplay focused on speed, with players racing through levels as fast as possible. Unlike other platformers at the time, Sonic offered a new way to play.

Its fast pace and smooth controls made it one of the best platformers of the 90s.

Sonic the Hedgehog defined Sega’s identity and made a huge impact on the gaming world.

5. Doom (1993)

Doom is one of the most influential first-person shooters of all time. It wasn’t the first of its kind, but it made the genre popular. Players fought demons and monsters in a maze-like setting, using a wide range of weapons.

Doom was also known for its fast gameplay and multiplayer mode, which let people play against each other over a local network.

The game’s violence and dark tone sparked some controversy, but it also made Doom a memorable experience. Its legacy still lives on in the many first-person shooters we play today.

6. Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)

When Pokémon Red and Blue came out, they became an instant hit. Players could catch, train, and battle with over 150 different creatures. The goal was to become a Pokémon Master by defeating eight gym leaders and the Elite Four.

The game’s simple turn-based battles and the “gotta catch ’em all” mentality made it addictive. Trading Pokémon with friends was a big part of the experience, as it was impossible to catch every creature in just one version of the game.

Pokémon Red and Blue started a worldwide phenomenon that continues to this day.

7. Street Fighter II (1991)

Street Fighter II is one of the most important fighting games ever made. It popularized the fighting game genre and introduced competitive multiplayer gaming to many.

Players could choose from a range of characters, each with their own special moves and fighting styles. The game’s combo system allowed skilled players to perform devastating attacks.

Street Fighter II was a massive success in arcades and at home. It set the standard for all future fighting games and is still played in competitive gaming circles today.