Most Iconic Video Games From 1996 That Are Turning 30 This Year

It’s strange how time flies. We often look back with nostalgia on the games we loved as kids, maybe even still playing them today, and it’s surprising to realize how long ago they originally came out. When our favorite games get older, it reminds us of our own aging, which can be a bit of a reality check.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the original Crash Bandicoot game – and for many of you reading this, it might also be your 30th birthday! If so, you’re in good company, as 1996 was a fantastic year for video games, launching many titles that are now considered classics. Here’s a look at some of the very best.

10. Super Mario 64

Of Course It’s-A Him

When the Nintendo 64 launched in the West in 1996, only two games were available, and luckily, one of them was a standout title: Super Mario 64. From the very beginning, running across Peach’s lawn felt fresh and amazing – it was a Mario adventure like nothing we’d seen before. The castle felt huge at the time, and the idea of jumping into paintings to explore different worlds was brilliant. Everyone who played it has their own cherished memories, whether it’s throwing Bowser around like a wrestler, sledding down the snowy mountain with the cute penguin, or mastering the platforming challenges on Bob-omb Battlefield to beat Koopa the Quick.

While the camera isn’t very adjustable and Mario feels a bit less smooth than in later 3D games like Super Mario Galaxy, it’s hard to find serious faults with this game when you consider how groundbreaking it was at the time. It’s a hugely important piece of gaming history and set a new benchmark for 3D platformers as the genre was developing.

9. Metal Slug

A Run And Gun Legend Is Born

The Metal Slug games have a unique appeal. Their large, colorful characters and lighthearted humor create a surprisingly relaxing experience, even with all the constant shooting. Players usually fight against General Donald Morden’s Rebel Army, collecting various weapons and occasionally driving vehicles. These core elements were introduced in the original Metal Slug game from 1996, and the series hasn’t strayed far from this formula since, with only minor changes to the story.

This game truly shines with dedication and effort. While you can get by on luck, achieving top scores relies on rescuing teammates, strategically using your tank, and collecting melee power-ups. It’s a wonderfully chaotic experience that still holds up incredibly well, and it launched a hugely popular and enduring series.

8. Resident Evil

The Classic That Spawned A Genre

When it comes to influential games from 1996 that launched long-running series, Resident Evil stands out as one of the most important. While horror games existed before, Resident Evil profoundly impacted the genre, inspiring countless titles that followed. The game introduced iconic characters like Jill Valentine and the villainous Albert Wesker, along with the mysterious Spencer family and the sinister Umbrella Corporation. It also featured memorable enemies, like the terrifying Hunter, and epic boss fights, from Plant 42 to the massive snake, Yawn. Even the game’s somewhat awkward dialogue became a beloved part of its charm, and many players fondly remember their first time watching the “master of unlocking” cutscene.

The game was initially remade for the GameCube and later received a remastered version. A unique adaptation for the Nintendo DS, called Resident Evil: Deadly Silence, transformed it into a dual-screen adventure. A prequel, Resident Evil Zero, expanded the game’s story. Its influence on the survival horror genre and the gaming industry as a whole is undeniable, despite some sequels not living up to the original. Even after 30 years, many players still remember terrifying moments like the dogs bursting through the window or the relentless Hunter chasing the main character through the yard.

7. Nights Into Dreams

A Dream Of An Action Title

Growing up in the 90s, it was awesome watching Sega try to take on Mario with Sonic the Hedgehog! By ’96, the first three Sonic games were already out on the Genesis, and they were seriously fast-paced and different from anything Mario did – that’s why so many of us loved them. But Sega wasn’t just about Sonic, you know? Games like Nights Into Dreams on the Saturn showed everyone that Sega consoles could do a lot more than just speed through levels.

This cherished game takes place in Nightopia, a beautiful world made of dreams, which is threatened by the villain Wizeman. Two children team up with Nights, a Nightopian, to protect both Nightopia and the real world by safeguarding the world’s core. Players control Nights, who flies through dreamlike levels in a fluid, looping style. The game features upbeat music and vibrant, imaginative graphics, offering a more relaxed pace compared to faster games like Sonic. It was a stunning visual achievement on the Saturn console when it was released thirty years ago, and remains a fondly remembered classic.

6. Crash Bandicoot

An Enormous Platforming Challenge

In 2026, the first Crash Bandicoot game will celebrate its 30th anniversary. By 1998, two sequels – Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped – had already expanded on the original’s basic gameplay of spinning, jumping, and belly flopping. These sequels also broadened the levels themselves, all while keeping the same fun and quirky humor as the first game, much like Metal Slug. Interestingly, the notoriously high difficulty of the original game was toned down in the later installments, which was probably a good thing.

The first Crash Bandicoot game introduces many memorable characters, including the villain Dr. Neo Cortex, Tawna, Pinstripe Potoroo, Ripper Roo, and the helpful Aku Aku. The story is straightforward: Crash has escaped Cortex, but Tawna is still in danger, so he sets out to rescue her across the Wumpa Islands. Like future games, it features sections where you ride animals and plenty of boss battles. However, this first game is known for being particularly challenging, with tricky level designs and long stages. Collecting all the gems requires careful platforming and thorough exploration of every area.

5. Tomb Raider

The Beginning Of A Truly Epic Adventure

Lara Croft first appeared in the video game world in 1996 and quickly became a gaming icon. In the original Tomb Raider, she competes with the cunning Pierre DuPont to find the three pieces of the ancient Scion. This quest takes her on a dangerous adventure through places like Peru and the lost city of Atlantis, all to put the relic back together. Along the way, she battles tough enemies and navigates some notoriously difficult jumps and obstacles.

Okay, so the first Tomb Raider wasn’t perfect. Lara’s movement felt clunky, and I definitely got lost a lot exploring those huge levels. But honestly, nothing else felt like it back then. Finding those hidden secrets felt amazing – like I was actually raiding ancient tombs! The atmosphere was incredible, and you could really feel the danger around every corner. The series definitely got bigger and better, but even that first game was mind-blowing for its time. It hasn’t held up perfectly, though, which is pretty common for PS1 games.

4. Quake

The Legendary FPS

When people think of id Software, the Doom series usually comes to mind first. But Quake, also created by the team led by John Romero, is another classic. While it shares similarities with Doom in terms of style and gameplay, the original Quake established a unique identity all its own.

The story feels similar to Half-Life: mysterious enemies have found a way to invade our world, and the player is at the heart of the fight against them. Many players were already familiar with shooting demons in Doom’s gory environments, so Quake cleverly changed things up with its setting and enemy types – from spectral flyers to powerful, chainsaw-wielding monsters. The game features a substantial campaign with a lot of freedom, letting you tackle levels and collect runes in any order you choose. Crucially, the move to 3D graphics allowed players to aim up and down, opening up new combat possibilities and enabling more complex level designs.

3. Civilization 2

The First Of Many Iterations

The Civilization series is one of the most well-known strategy game franchises, starting with the original game released in 1991. Since then, there have been numerous sequels, each adding and changing the central idea of the game: selecting a civilization and guiding it to victory through a chosen method. Over time, many features have been added, improved, and removed, leading to different players having different favorite installments. Civilization 2, released in 1996, is widely praised for creatively expanding upon the original game’s concepts.

Adding more unit types and trying to make battles fairer were key improvements. The expanded technology tree gave players more strategic choices and made developing their civilization feel more rewarding, setting the stage for the complex technologies and civics seen in later games. The switch to an isometric perspective was a big change for longtime fans, but it helped the series develop its unique visual style. Overall, this is a standout game in a series that people still enjoy today.

2. Pilotwings 64

Yet Another Bold Flight Into Three Dimensions

Alongside Super Mario 64, Pilotwings 64 was one of the first games released for the Nintendo 64. While the original Pilotwings was good, Pilotwings 64 truly shines thanks to its 3D graphics. From the beginning, with the camera sweeping down to show the island and planes flying by, you get a real sense of the game’s vastness – it felt like something new at the time. Like other games in the series, you earn licenses by succeeding in various flight-based challenges, which play out like fun, themed minigames. A standout feature is the unusual human cannonball challenge, and the game’s environments are also beautifully designed.

Nintendo really wanted to show off how cool their 3D worlds looked, so they included a free flight mode you can unlock. There’s no pressure to rush or complete challenges – it’s just pure exploration! Honestly, it was a pretty big deal technically when it came out, and even now, I still love jumping in, chilling out, and just flying around. It’s super relaxing.

1. Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

Another Heroic Adventure, With A Twist

1996 was a huge year for Mario! He didn’t just introduce Nintendo’s new console with a splash, but also starred in a memorable game on the older SNES system. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was actually created by Square, not Nintendo, and that made perfect sense – after all, who knew more about role-playing games when Mario was first venturing into that genre?

It used to be impossible to imagine Mario and Bowser teaming up, but that’s exactly what happens when Smithy and his forces take over Bowser’s Castle. Alongside new friends like Geno, they embark on a quest to recover seven stolen stars and defeat the invaders. While not a lengthy game – most players can finish the story in around 12 hours – it’s well-known for its funny scenes, such as Mario playfully hiding behind curtains, and for introducing ideas that would become common in future Mario RPGs. The recent remake on Nintendo Switch proves just how well this game has stood the test of time.

2026-01-19 06:06