Forgotten Video Game Masterpieces From The ’90s

The 1990s were a fantastic era for video games, and many of them are still enjoyable today. There were a variety of consoles to choose from, like the NES, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, and PlayStation, to name just a few. While games like Final Fantasy 7, Super Mario 64, and Pokemon Red/Blue were hugely popular, there were also plenty of great, but less well-known, titles.

These games might not be as well-known today, but they still offer enjoyable experiences. Some are easy to find, while others take a little effort to track down. Regardless, they deserve to be remembered as great games from the 90s, even if they aren’t the first ones that come to mind.

Shatterhand

The God Hand

You’ve probably never heard of Shatterhand, which is a shame – it’s a really fun action platformer for the NES. Released in North America in 1991, the game lets you choose levels like in Mega Man.

In Shatterhand, players use powerful punches to defeat enemies, and can even collect power-ups to summon robotic helpers. With its impressive pixel art, well-tuned challenge level for its time, and captivating music, Shatterhand remains a classic.

The Legend Of The Mystical Ninja

A Silly Action-Adventure

I remember when The Legend of the Mystical Ninja came out for Super Nintendo in 1992! It was a huge deal because it was the first time Konami brought their Ganbare Goemon series to North America. What I loved about it was that you could play as either Kid Ying or Dr. Yang, and each level felt pretty open – you could explore different areas and environments as you progressed through the story.

At the start of the game, players will explore a village, battle enemies, earn money, and purchase equipment before entering the 2D dungeon. It’s similar to a Zelda game, but with stronger RPG mechanics, a unique viewpoint, and a more humorous style.

Super Punch-Out

Mac Goes Super

Super Punch-Out came out in North America in 1994 for the SNES, but Japan didn’t get a chance to play it until 1998. Similar to the original NES game, players progress through different circuits, battling a series of unique boxers, each with a specific vulnerability.

Take Bear Hugger, for instance. He seems like a massive, unstoppable opponent, but skilled players who time their punches well can defeat him quickly. What makes the Punch-Out series unique compared to other boxing or fighting games is that each fight feels like solving a puzzle. And Super Punch-Out boasts some of the most impressive and detailed character graphics on the console.

Front Mission

Metal Gear Tactics

Originally released in Japan for the Super Nintendo in 1995, Front Mission didn’t come to Western audiences until a version for the Nintendo DS in 2007. Despite the wait, the game was a major advancement for fans of strategy and giant robots, and remains highly influential.

The game featured a straightforward series of missions where players would team up with new allies along the way. Combat took place on a grid-based battlefield, with players controlling customizable robots called Wanzers. The depth of customization available in the game, especially for a Super Nintendo game, remains impressive even today.

Bushido Blade 2

One Hit Kills

Released in 1998 for the PlayStation, Bushido Blade 2 was the last game in the Bushido Blade series. While it’s a fighting game, its unique feature is that a single hit is fatal to any character.

Players could choose from a variety of samurai and ninja characters, each with different weapons, and experience surprisingly deep storylines for a fighting game. The fast-paced combat, where characters could be defeated quickly, made the game feel incredibly immersive, whether playing against the computer or a friend.

Marvel Vs. Capcom: Clash Of Super Heroes

The Beginning Of Capcom’s Dominance

When people think about fighting games from the 90s, Street Fighter 2 often comes to mind. The Marvel vs Capcom series has two standouts – the second and third games are generally considered the best – but Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes deserves a lot of credit too.

Originally launched in arcades in 1998, the game quickly became popular on the Dreamcast in 1999. Even now, the idea of seeing characters like Spider-Man fight Mega Man, or Gambit take on Chun-Li, is incredibly exciting. Beyond just those fun matchups, the game features excellent fighting mechanics and impressive graphics, which are key reasons why it remains a beloved classic.

Syphon Filter

Give Me A Sitrep

Released for the PlayStation in 1999, Syphon Filter was Sony’s attempt to create a game similar to Metal Gear Solid and the James Bond series. Players controlled agent Gabriel Logan and his partner, Lian Xiang, as they worked with a counterterrorism team to prevent the spread of a dangerous virus. The game offered a mix of fast-paced action and stealth missions where avoiding detection was crucial.

The game has a lot of cool features, but the taser is particularly memorable. It’s a long-range weapon that doesn’t just stun enemies – it actually sets them on fire, completely incinerating them.

Policenauts

Lethal Weapon

The game Policenauts first came out in Japan in 1994 for a little-known computer called the NEC PC-9821. It was then released for the 3DO in 1995 and the PlayStation 1 and Sega Saturn in 1996. Unfortunately, none of these versions were ever officially available outside of Japan. However, a high-quality fan translation exists for the PlayStation 1 version, allowing English speakers to enjoy the game.

This game is a classic point-and-click adventure set in the distant future. You play as Jonathan, an investigator uncovering mysteries connected to his own history. It’s a rare adventure game directed by Hideo Kojima, making it a must-play for fans of Metal Gear.

Tomba

Get A Load Of That Hair

Released in North America in 1998 (a year after its debut in Japan), Tomba is a PlayStation game where you play as a pink-haired, caveman-like hero. The game features an adventure similar to Metroidvania, where Tomba must stop evil pigs from conquering the land.

The game’s 2.5D style remains visually appealing, especially with how players move through the environments. The music is relaxing, and while the characters are quirky, they’re surprisingly interesting to chat with. What really shines, though, is the platforming and the main character’s unique personality – like how he bites enemies before throwing them!

Persona 2: Innocent Sin

A Hidden Persona

Persona 2: Innocent Sin is the first game in a two-part series originally released for the PlayStation 1. While the second game, Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, was released in North America, fans in Western countries wouldn’t get to play Innocent Sin until it was remade for the PSP.

While Persona 3 is often seen as a major turning point for the Persona series, Persona 2: Innocent Sin is still worth playing. It’s a more straightforward game without the daily life simulation aspects of later titles, and it’s notably more difficult, demanding strategic combat and careful planning. This increased challenge is a key reason why players might be drawn to it.

2025-12-13 20:06