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The video games of the 1990s were a golden era, with the advent of 3D graphics and the explosion of gaming consoles. The decade saw the release of many influential video games that changed the landscape of the industry forever. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top influential video games of the 1990s.
1. Super Mario 64 (1996)
Super Mario 64 was the first 3D Mario game and a huge leap forward for the franchise. It introduced a new style of gameplay that allowed players to explore expansive 3D environments in a way that had never been possible before. The game set a new standard for 3D platformers and was a huge success for Nintendo.
Related: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – Nintendo Switch
2. Doom (1993)
Doom is a first-person shooter that is often credited with popularizing the genre. It was one of the first games to use 3D graphics and was known for its fast-paced action and intense gameplay. The game was controversial at the time due to its violent content, but it was a huge success and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.
3. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the best games of all time. It was the first 3D Zelda game and introduced many new gameplay mechanics that are still used in modern games today. The game’s time-traveling storyline and epic boss battles were groundbreaking at the time, and it set a new standard for action-adventure games.
Related: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch
4. Half-Life (1998)
Half-Life was a first-person shooter that pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games. It featured a scripted narrative that unfolded as players progressed through the game, and it was praised for its immersive atmosphere and believable characters. The game was a critical and commercial success and spawned several sequels and spin-offs.
5. Starcraft (1998)
Starcraft is a real-time strategy game that became a cultural phenomenon in Korea. It was known for its deep gameplay mechanics and competitive multiplayer scene, and it helped to popularize esports. The game’s popularity spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, and it remains a beloved franchise to this day.
6. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII was a groundbreaking RPG that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the PlayStation. It featured stunning 3D graphics and a deep, complex storyline that captivated players around the world. The game’s memorable characters and epic boss battles helped to popularize the RPG genre and cemented Final Fantasy as one of the most popular franchises in gaming.
7. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991)
Sonic the Hedgehog was a platformer that was known for its fast-paced gameplay and iconic character design. It was one of the first games to challenge the dominance of Super Mario, and it helped to establish Sega as a major player in the console market. The game spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, and Sonic remains one of the most recognizable video game characters to this day.
8. GoldenEye 007 (1997)
GoldenEye 007 was a first-person shooter that is often credited with popularizing multiplayer gaming on consoles. It was one of the first console games to feature split-screen multiplayer, and it was a huge hit among friends who wanted to compete against each other. The game’s iconic multiplayer mode helped to establish it as a classic and it remains a beloved game to this day.
In conclusion, the 1990s was a decade of innovation and creativity in the video game industry. The games listed above helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in gaming, and they continue to influence the industry to this day.