Best Video Games of the ’90s

Video games have been around for a very long time. But many out there believe that the ’90s was one of the best decades for it.

With many ’90s kids out there spending money of nostalgic HD collector’s editions, it is safe to say that many are heartfelt about this decade of gaming.

Especially for those over the age of 18, and spent their childhood days playing ’90s video games.

When you grow up playing and conquering the games, players are guaranteed to love them well into adulthood.

DESIblitz explores the best video games of the ’90s.

Crash Bandicoot (1996)

Crash Bandicoot was one of the pinnacles of gaming in the ’90s. Developers Naughty Dog succeeded in making a name for themselves in gaming lore as the game exceeded everyone’s expectations.

The gameplay was addictive, players could flee from boulders, ride runaway hogs, climb through jungles and so much more. Crash himself was a lovable protagonist with a lot of wit, humour and was very quirky.

It was a challenging platformer and extremely addictive. It was an experience in itself, and players everywhere were recommending it to everyone they knew.

Donkey Kong Country (1994)

Donkey Kong Country was a need-to-have game in 1994, with kids and adults alike rushing to grab it. The game follows Donkey and Diddy Kong in their chase after King K.Rool for stealing their banana horde.

The gameplay takes a leaf out of Super Mario Worlds book with a standard platform, and although it didn’t look the best, it was hugely addictive.

DOOM (1993)

Doom is considered the mother of all first-person shooter games. It set the standard for future FPS’s and gained popularity quickly. Mainly because it was extremely addictive, once you picked it up, you couldn’t stop playing.

Inspired by movies like Aliens, the protagonist responds to a distress signal coming from Mars Moon, Phobos, sent by Scientists.

Once he lands on the moon, he realises the madness the scientists have created. By opening a portal to hell, so armed with only a pistol, the fight begins.

Harjinder, 22, tells DESIblitz: “My parents let me play Doom at the age of 3, and since then I have not found a more fluid and action packed first person shooter.”

Tony Hawk Pro Skater (1999)

Despite the terrible more recent Tony Hawk Games, the first one was actually brilliant. It was a memorable and challenging skateboarding game.

Players had a blast perfecting their 360 flips and thanks to cheat codes you could stay in the air for ages and really get the most out of this game. This series dominated the skateboarding game scene and with good reason.

Another amazingly memorable part of this game was the soundtrack, it added a lot of edge and really immersed players into the punky atmosphere of the game.

A Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (1993)

Link’s Awakening was a massive hit, with players out there having high expectations.

Unlike it’s predecessor, it takes place away from Hyrule Field but on Koholint Island. Link’s main goal was to wake the sleeping Windfish in order to get back home.

It blew everyone away, with it’s amazing gameplay and memorable dungeons. Those who took the plunge were definitely rewarded with a great experience.

Mortal Kombat (1992)

Mortal Kombat was a gory fighting experience all children secretly played. This blood-soaked experience blew everyone away with the fatality sequences which were jaw dropping.

The gameplay was also very addictive as everyone strove to beat out their opponents and get that ‘fatality’ for every single character. The ability to play eccentrics, ninjas and monsters also added to the unique appeal of this video game.

Pokemon Red & Blue (1998)

Pokemon Red & Blue where the must-have games for children everywhere in the ’90s.

Armed with the gameboys many strived to catch every Pokemon out there.

Each video game has a specific amount of Pokemon that players can catch. So you’d have to trade with others in order to get exclusive Pokemon.

The games were memorable, addictive and extremely immersive. Leveling up in particular took hours away from many people’s lives.

Ahmed, 23 told DESIblitz:

“There was something special about the Pokemon franchise that makes my generation keep returning to it. Any remakes that come out like Leaf Green are instant purchases. Take my money Nintendo.”

Street Fighter II (1991)

Street Fighter II was the 2D arcade fighting game that defined the decade.

It was extremely memorable, had amazing characters and the colourful backdrop was eye catching and breathes nostalgia.

The special moves also left a lot of players gagging for more.

Whether it was playing Ryu and destroying your enemies with a 100-hand slap or using Hadouken, this game unleashes everyone’s inner competitive beast.

Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage (1999)

Spyro 2 was an amazing game, and despite being a sequel it was still extremely original.

With memorable supporting characters like Elora and Moneybags, this installment had a lot of charm. Its gameplay was also stunning with graphics that make you doubt it was a ’90s game.

Players had a lot to do with the challenging bosses and interesting power ups like the head smash or hovering to extend your flight. One thing that still stuns many is the underwater mechanics.

This game has some of the best swimming mechanics and it only came out in the ’90s. Games to this day still struggle with swimming underwater sequences.

Although every level didn’t take long to complete, the challenges were all very different which left players very happy and entertained.

It was a very fulfilling 3D platformer that many still love to this day.

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Considered one of the first 3D adventure games, Super Mario 64 was a memorable installment to this classic series. It took place in Princess Peach’s castle after her inevitable capture by Bowser.

This game was interesting and unique because Mario explored each level through paintings.

In each of these levels, there are 7 stars to get and Mario needs 70 to have his showdown with Bowser. The bright and vibrant 3D graphics, alongside the amazing soundtrack created a new immersive experience.

When you consider the year it came out, it’s even more shocking. It’s the kind of game where you can easily spend hours playing and conquering with no boredom. The level of exploration possible makes it an incredibly memorable experience.

Although the ’90s was over 20 years ago, a lot of these video games are still playable today.

Even though a lot of the graphics are not up to today’s standards, these video games still hold a special place in our hearts.