As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the games debuting in 1996 and 1997 have left an indelible mark on the video game landscape. These titles, like Pokemon, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Persona, and Diablo, are more than just games – they’re cultural phenomena that have transcended generations and continents.
1990s culture was brimming with trends like frosted hair tips and Beanie Babies, along with numerous other passing fashions. Gaming was experiencing a significant boom, capitalizing on remarkable technological advancements and an increasingly mature audience’s taste.
In the 1990s, games started to become grittier and more violent, a development that didn’t exactly help the medium gain acceptance among those not already familiar with it. Yet, during this same period, games also became more sophisticated in terms of their narratives and gameplay mechanics. This evolution allowed franchises born in the 90s to create unique niches for themselves, enabling them to endure until the present day. Here are some of the notable gaming franchises from the 1990s that have managed to survive into the current era.
10 Fire Emblem
Debuted In 1990
Strategy video games are not new; they’ve existed almost as long as the gaming industry itself. Nevertheless, Fire Emblem stands out due to its reputation for being one of the harsher strategy game series. This is because permanent death has been a defining feature since its inception.
More contemporary installments expand beyond the main plot to explore the intricate connections players form with the vibrant ensemble of supporting characters. Combine this with compelling narrative, several successful spin-offs, and you have the ingredients for a remarkable, enduring series.
9 Sonic The Hedgehog
Debuted In 1991
Over time, Sonic games have shown both successes and setbacks. Despite this, devoted followers have remained loyal to the series for more than three decades. This enduring attachment is likely due to the charming nature of the main character and the exceptionally creative level layouts that the games offer.
Side characters who win audiences over have played a significant role in kickstarting several TV series and boosted sales for merchandise. Notably, we are currently experiencing a pause before another run of the wildly successful live-action adaptation, which has significantly contributed to the enduring popularity of this iconic blue character.
8 Civilization
Debuted In 1991
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been hooked on this game series since its launch back in ’91. It’s all about a global race to develop and expand our humble settlements into flourishing civilizations. The core mechanics have remained surprisingly consistent over the years. However, it’s the way this world is presented that has evolved significantly – from the graphics to the user interface, each new iteration brings a fresh, immersive experience.
The evolution of units has moved from simple squares on a game board to dynamic 3D models accompanied by enhanced orchestral soundtracks. A notable enhancement is that renowned personalities such as Leonard Nimoy and Sean Bean were recruited for the narrative voiceovers, demonstrating the series’ significant advancements in production quality.
7 Mortal Kombat
Debuted In 1992
From its debut, Mortal Kombat sparked debates due to its graphic depiction of violence. Fortunately, it’s consistently pushed forward, offering players intense and disturbingly enjoyable battles that are also surprisingly thoughtful within the realm of fighting games.
Over time, numerous video games have been created under the umbrella of the series, and many movies have been made about its iconic characters. Now, it can be argued that “MK” has become almost identical to the world of video games in general.
6 Crash Bandicoot
Debuted In 1996
In the early days of PlayStation, Crash Bandicoot and his team were quite busy, leaving their mark on both the PS1 and PS2 generations. However, as time went on, the classic platforming games featuring Crash Bandicoot started to decline, and by about the mid-2000s, they had largely vanished.
Lately, the franchise has experienced a resurgence with games such as “Crash 4” and the unexpected arena-style RTS “Crash Team Rumble”. This modest success of the Bandicoot revival has sparked optimism among fans that more character-focused platform games from Crash’s era might return.
5 Pokemon
Debuted In 1996
9 generations into the Pokemon franchise, there are now over 1000 unique creatures for players to catch and engage in combat with opponents. Despite some minor adjustments, the classic turn-based role-playing gameplay that defines the series remains largely consistent.
Beyond just video games, Pokemon has a thriving presence in the trading card game, film, and anime industries as well, achieving remarkable success. However, this wouldn’t matter much without its global audience of fans from various age groups who fuel its popularity.
4 Tomb Raider
Debuted In 1996
Despite the fact that Lara Croft’s polygonal character model from the old PlayStation era is still a clear symbol of the ’90s, Lara Croft continues to be one of the most well-known female characters in video games. This reputation has effortlessly propelled the franchise into the current day.
In the period spanning from mid-2010s to late, there was a highly acclaimed series of three Tomb Raider games, praised enough to prompt a cinematic remake. Notably, this wasn’t the franchise’s initial foray onto the big screen; it had already made its debut in 2001 with a film that catapulted Angelina Jolie to fame.
3 Resident Evil
Debuted In 1996
Over time, the Resident Evil franchise has undergone numerous transformations, starting as a pioneer in the survival horror genre and gradually morphing into an action game. During this journey, it has accumulated several characters who have formed strong bonds with players, unlike any other gaming series.
The franchise has ventured into the world of Hollywood, creating a successful film franchise, numerous spin-offs, updated versions, reinterpretations, and reboots. These productions have ranged in quality, yet collectively they’ve made the series famous for its association with the undead trend.
2 Persona
Debuted In 1996
As a devoted fan, I’ve witnessed the incredible evolution of the “Persona” series, a spin-off from the Shin Megami Tensei games. However, it was with the release of “Persona 3” that this series truly took off and established its unique blend of dungeon exploration and dating simulation elements. It was a game that served as a testament to how far the series had progressed from its early days of “Revelations” and “Innocent Sin.”
With each fresh installation in the Persona series, adjustments to the formula demonstrate that it has found an exceptional niche. To verify this, gamers need only explore Persona 5, a game often hailed as one of the finest role-playing games ever created.
1 Diablo
Debuted In 1997
The gritty playstyle of Diablo has remained consistent since its initial release. It’s a type of Action Role-Playing Game that may not appeal to all gamers, but it can be quite immersive if players aren’t mindful about managing their time.
In these games, the history and tales go quite profound, considering that the series only has a limited number of installments available.
The Diablo franchise has achieved tremendous critical and financial acclaim with just one spin-off, the mobile game ‘Diablo: Immortal’, being added to its roster. This success story is built on the foundation of its outstanding four main games and their additional content, all of which have introduced a variety of character classes and skills to conquer.
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2024-08-06 07:34