Best Forgotten 1999 Video Games

1999 was a fantastic year for video games, with many memorable titles like Silent Hill, Final Fantasy 8, Crash Team Racing, Donkey Kong 64, and Pokemon Gold & Silver still being talked about today. But despite all the successes, not every game released that year achieved lasting popularity.

It’s true that a lot of fantastic video games from the late 1990s are now largely forgotten, either because they haven’t held up over time or because the series they belonged to are no longer active. Many of these classics from 1999 still deserve recognition, and here are ten of the most noteworthy examples.

Syphon Filter

A Truly Groundbreaking Third-Person Shooter

While many consider Resident Evil 4 (2005) to have transformed and popularized third-person shooter games with its unique camera angle, it wasn’t the first to explore this style. Syphon Filter, released exclusively for the PlayStation in 1999, was already highly praised for its innovative gameplay six years earlier.

Man, it’s a shame more people don’t remember this game – and the series it started! It was seriously ahead of its time with how fast-paced it was. Okay, yeah, playing it now feels a little clunky since there’s no over-the-shoulder camera, but it’s still a blast! Honestly, it really set the stage for a lot of shooters that came after. Sony, please bring Syphon Filter back – I’m begging you!

Omega Boost

A Fast-Paced Shoot ‘Em Up With A Great Original Soundtrack

3D graphics were a huge boost for space shooter games, and that became really clear with the release of the innovative Star Fox 64. The genre was at its best in the late 90s, reaching a high point with Omega Boost – a fantastic but often overlooked space combat game. Interestingly, Omega Boost was created by Polyphony Digital, the team famous for the Gran Turismo racing series.

Omega Boost is a visually stunning PlayStation 1 game, boasting detailed, fast-moving mecha designs and impressive particle effects that really make the action pop. It also features a fantastic original soundtrack, including vocal tracks, which add to the game’s exciting and memorable feel. If Sony still owns the rights, they should definitely consider reviving Omega Boost for today’s gamers.

Aliens Vs. Predator

This Classic Crossover FPS Deserves More Love

Those familiar with the Alien and Predator series know that the 2004 film Alien vs. Predator wasn’t the first time these creatures battled. Their rivalry had already been explored in many comic books and video games. A particularly popular example is the Alien vs. Predator game created by Rebellion Developments, originally released for PC in 1999.

The game stands out with its stunning 3D visuals, smooth shooting, and genuinely unsettling atmosphere, particularly when playing as a Colonial Marine. What’s really special, though, is the ability to play as either a Xenomorph or a Yautja, each with distinct gameplay styles and powers. And if that wasn’t enough, Alien vs. Predator also included a fast-paced multiplayer experience that was further enhanced by the Millennium Expansion Pack.

Um Jammer Lammy

PaRappa’s Good Friend Has Earned Some Time In The Spotlight As Well

It’s been over twenty-four years since a new PaRappa the Rapper game was released, but the series and its main character remain fondly remembered by many gamers. However, its spin-off, Um Jammer Lammy, isn’t as well-known, despite a dedicated fanbase who actually consider it the best game in the series.

I absolutely adore the art style in Um Jammer Lammy – it’s so cute and instantly recognizable as being from the same world as the PaRappa games (seriously, Rodney Alan Greenblat is a genius!). And Lammy herself is just a really sweet and relatable character. Of course, the music by Masaya Matsuura is amazing and super catchy, and the rhythm gameplay is just… weird in the best way! It’s definitely harder than the other games, though – be prepared for a challenge!

Fire Emblem: Thracia 776

A Super Famicom Exclusive Released In 1999 Should Not Be This Good

The Fire Emblem series wasn’t well-known in Western countries until the releases of Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Blazing Blade, which explains why many of its earlier games are now largely forgotten. However, Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 is a unique exception. It was never officially released outside of Japan, and it originally came out through Nintendo Power, a special distribution service. This game is a Super Famicom title that launched in 1999 – long after the console’s prime and after the Nintendo 64 was already available.

Most Fire Emblem players have likely forgotten Thracia 776, but those who played it remember it as a fantastic game for the Super Famicom. Released late in the console’s life, it features some of the most vibrant and detailed graphics. However, Thracia 776 is also known for being one of the most challenging games in the entire series – a difficulty that many dedicated Fire Emblem fans actually find rewarding.

Wipeout 3

One Of The Best Entries In This Classic Sci-Fi Racing Series

It’s odd how popular futuristic racing games were in the 90s and early 2000s, but now they’re rarely made, mostly surviving thanks to small, independent developers. Games like Nintendo’s F-Zero were huge hits, and Sony’s Wipeout series provided strong competition.

Psygnosis released several fantastic Wipeout games in the 1990s, but Wipeout 3 from 1999 remains a standout title and one of the best racing games ever made. It’s known for its fast-paced, futuristic races, incredibly smooth performance, and impressive 3D graphics that were ahead of their time. The game is also notoriously difficult, which could deter new players but provided a rewarding challenge for dedicated fans.

FreeSpace 2

The Best Space Combat Simulator Of Its Time

In the 1990s, simulation and strategy games were incredibly popular, particularly on PCs. Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War was a huge hit with both players and critics. Its 1999 follow-up, FreeSpace 2, surpassed the original and is now widely considered one of the greatest space combat simulators of all time.

Despite being an older game, FreeSpace 2 still looks great thanks to its detailed 3D graphics. It features a captivating story, fun and rewarding gameplay, and even allows players to add modifications that enhance and expand the experience. While the series hasn’t had a new release in a long time, FreeSpace 2 remains a fantastic choice, particularly for those who enjoy space combat games.

Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return

A Platforming Hidden Gem Exclusive To The PS1

The original PlayStation was famous for its groundbreaking 3D platformer games, including titles like Crash Bandicoot, Ape Escape, and Spyro the Dragon. But it also hosted a number of fantastic 2D platformers, and Tomba! and its 1999 sequel, Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return, are two well-loved examples that have gained a dedicated fan base over the years.

While the original Tomba! used 2D graphics, Tomba! 2 was built with 3D technology. This let the developers at Whoopee Camp play with new gameplay ideas and perspectives, while still keeping the classic side-scrolling action that fans loved. The game is also full of personality, with bright colors and endearing characters. Despite a few recent updates and a brief appearance in Astro Bot, the Tomba! series has largely been overlooked by today’s gamers and deserves a proper revival.

The Longest Journey

A Unique Point-And-Click Adventure That Combines Sci-Fi And Fantasy Elements

Point-and-click adventure games were a huge hit in the 1990s as personal computers became more common. While titles like Monkey Island and Grim Fandango are still well-remembered, Funcom’s The Longest Journey is often overlooked – which is unfortunate, because it’s truly one of the best games in the genre.

I absolutely love The Longest Journey! It follows April Ryan, an art student who discovers she can travel between two completely different worlds. One is super high-tech and all about science and robots, while the other is full of magic and mythical creatures. What’s amazing is how well the game uses this idea – it’s woven into everything, from the story to the puzzles. And the best part? Even if you’re not usually into point-and-click adventure games, this one is really easy to pick up and enjoy.

Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram

An Incredible 3D Fighting Game Starring Giant Robots

Back in 1999, arcades and the Sega Dreamcast were huge in the gaming world, but today they’re largely overlooked. That’s probably why a game like Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram – originally an arcade game and later brought to the Dreamcast – isn’t really known by today’s gamers.

While many modern 3D fighting games are linked to popular anime shows, Cyber Troopers remains unique because it features giant, flying robots battling in spacious 3D arenas. They fight using both ranged projectiles and close-combat weapons. The game isn’t overly complicated, but its fast-paced action is both fun and easy to pick up, and it clearly influenced later titles like Custom Robo and Dynasty Warriors: Gundam.

2026-01-21 01:08