The Greatest Video Game Masterpieces Of The 90s

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I’ve been a gamer for a long time, and it’s amazing to see how much gaming has grown since the 80s! But for me, the 90s were the decade for video games. So many classics came out then, and honestly, when 3D graphics suddenly showed up, it totally revolutionized everything. It really changed the industry forever!

It’s no surprise that the 1990s produced some of the most incredible video games of all time. While many deserve praise, here are ten titles considered the very best from that decade. We’ve also included an ‘Honorable Mentions’ section at the end for other fantastic games that didn’t quite make the top ten.

10. Resident Evil

The Terrifying Game That Popularized The Modern Survival Horror Genre

I remember horror games being around way before Resident Evil came out! Capcom actually tried it out with Sweet Home back in ’89, and Infogrames really shook things up with Alone in the Dark in ’92. But honestly, Resident Evil is what really got survival horror popular. It just took the genre to a whole new level and created a formula that changed gaming forever, in my opinion.

The original Resident Evil expertly creates a tense and exciting horror experience. Its classic features – like the fixed camera, deliberate controls, careful resource management, and dramatic boss battles – all come together perfectly. Although later games in the series might be smoother, the first Resident Evil boasts a special atmosphere and story that’s only been truly matched by its 2002 remake on the GameCube.

9. Doom 2: Hell On Earth

The Perfect Sequel To The Most Influential FPS Ever Made

Released in 1993, Doom by id Software revolutionized gaming. It made first-person shooters incredibly popular and showed everyone that PCs were great for playing games. While Doom is widely considered one of the most important and best video games of all time, many fans actually prefer its 1994 follow-up, Doom 2: Hell on Earth, which improved on the original in nearly every aspect.

Doom 2 builds upon everything that made the original Doom great – its innovative concept, satisfying gunplay, and impressive graphics for its time. It takes things further with more enemies, challenging bosses, new weapons, and a wealth of levels. Over the years, expansions and fan-made modifications have only added to its size and replayability. While Doom pioneered the first-person shooter genre, Doom 2 truly refined it.

8. Super Mario 64

Nintendo’s Platformer Changed The Way Movement In 3D Games Is Designed

No discussion of the best video games from the 1990s would be complete without mentioning Super Mario 64. This game revolutionized 3D movement, setting the standard for how developers designed games going forward. Released as one of the first titles for the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 took full advantage of the console’s innovative controller, which featured an analog stick allowing for movement in any direction.

It’s not just the groundbreaking gameplay that makes Super Mario 64 so beloved. The game features expansive and imaginative levels, a truly beautiful soundtrack, and tons of fun collectibles hidden everywhere. It’s an amazing game that went on to heavily influence not only later Mario games, but almost every 3D platformer created since.

7. Banjo-Kazooie

Perfected The 3D Collect-A-Thon Formula

After the huge success of Super Mario 64, many excellent 3D platforming games were released in the late 90s and early 2000s. However, Rare’s Banjo-Kazooie stands out as the only one that truly matched and even surpassed the original’s innovative gameplay, making it one of the greatest collect-a-thon platformers of all time.

This game shares a lot of similarities with Super Mario 64, but it stands out with much larger levels packed with collectibles, and more intricate gameplay. Plus, Banjo-Kazooie is full of charm thanks to its funny writing, and features a memorable soundtrack by the renowned Grant Kirkhope.

6. Super Metroid

The Game That Turned Metroid Into A Household Name

The 1990s saw a surge in 3D gaming, but many excellent 2D games were also released. One of the most notable is Super Metroid. It’s a truly impressive game with a fantastic soundtrack, beautiful graphics, and a captivating atmosphere. Super Metroid really showcased the power of the Super Nintendo and became one of its most celebrated games.

Beyond its initial success, Super Metroid is now considered a groundbreaking game because of its captivating gameplay, which rewards players for exploring. It’s packed with challenging battles against memorable bosses like Kraid, Ridley, and Mother Brain. While the Metroid series had a following before, Super Metroid cemented its place as a gaming legend and heavily influenced the creation of the popular “Metroidvania” style of games we see today.

5. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

Konami Turned Castlevania Into An Ambitious 2D Action RPG

The term “Metroidvania” also comes from the 1997 game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which dramatically changed the Castlevania series and gaming itself. Earlier Castlevania games were straightforward, level-by-level 2D adventures, but Symphony of the Night borrowed ideas from Super Metroid, featuring a large, connected world with many places to discover and items to collect.

What truly makes this game special is how well its RPG elements are done. You can improve Alucard’s stats and level him up, adding a lot more to the experience. It’s also a beloved classic thanks to its dark mood, fantastic music, and dramatic, fully voiced scenes – which, while a little dated now, are still enjoyable. The fact that players keep coming back to Symphony of the Night even after so many sequels proves just how good it is and how much replay value it has.

4. Chrono Trigger

The Absolute Best 2D JRPG Square Made During The Decade

Turn-based RPGs were incredibly popular in the 90s, and Squaresoft led the way with groundbreaking games for the SNES like Final Fantasy 6 and Secret of Mana. However, many fans consider Chrono Trigger to be their most impressive 2D RPG from that era. The game features fantastic character designs by Akira Toriyama, beautifully detailed graphics, and a wonderful 16-bit soundtrack – and that’s just a small part of why it remains so beloved today.

Chrono Trigger tells a clever and engaging time travel story that was incredibly ambitious when it was first released. This allowed the game’s creators to develop a diverse cast of characters, many of whom join your party. Plus, its Active Time Battle system made the turn-based combat feel faster and more approachable than in other games from Squaresoft, helping Chrono Trigger appeal to a wider range of players.

3. Final Fantasy 7

The Best (And Most Influential) 3D JRPG Square Made During The Decade

When 3D gaming came around, Square was quick to bring their classic RPGs into the new dimension. Their first try, Final Fantasy 7, was just amazing – it really redefined the whole genre. While later games in the series and others have definitely built on what it started, there’s still something about the original Final Fantasy 7 that feels truly special and hasn’t quite been captured in any game since. As a fan, it just hits different!

Despite being an older game, Final Fantasy 7 remains a captivating and emotionally resonant experience. The rivalry between Cloud and Sephiroth is particularly compelling, and while the graphics aren’t modern, they still have a colorful, classic charm. The soundtrack is considered some of Nobuo Uematsu’s best work, and the turn-based combat is surprisingly fun and offers a lot of customization through the Materia system. It’s a JRPG that any fan of the genre should definitely play.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Often Considered The Best Video Game Ever Made, And For Good Reason

As a huge Nintendo fan, I remember the 90s being an amazing time for gaming, but 1998 really stands out. That’s when they released The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64, and it was a game changer! The Legend of Zelda series was already known for being great, but taking it into 3D with Ocarina of Time just blew everyone away. It seriously left a lasting mark on the entire gaming world.

Honestly, Ocarina of Time is almost flawless. It features a grand, cinematic story with compelling characters and a vast, memorable world. Its innovative Z-targeting system revolutionized combat, influencing countless action games that followed, and its dungeons are masterfully crafted—though the Water Temple is sometimes considered an exception. Ocarina of Time truly earns its reputation as a classic, as it laid the groundwork for many of today’s 3D action-adventure games.

1. Metal Gear Solid

Hideo Kojima’s Cinematic Masterpiece Is A True Work Of Art

1998 was an amazing year for video games. Two standout titles were released, each exclusive to its respective console. Nintendo 64 owners were captivated by Ocarina of Time, while PlayStation fans were thrilled by Hideo Kojima’s innovative Metal Gear Solid, a game that truly pushed the boundaries of 3D graphics. Though not the first Metal Gear game, it felt like a fresh start, and it’s what really launched both the series and Kojima himself into the spotlight.

With Metal Gear Solid, many people agreed that video games could be just as artistic as films. The game featured a detailed and captivating story, brought to life with voice acting and stunning cutscenes, all while maintaining exciting and accurate stealth gameplay. But what truly made Metal Gear Solid a classic was its unique and imaginative moments, the kind only creator Hideo Kojima could dream up – like a phone call with Meryl that required players to look at the game box, or the unforgettable boss battle against Psycho Mantis that broke the fourth wall.

Honorable Mentions:

  • Super Mario World
  • Super Mario Kart
  • Mario Kart 64
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Kirby Super Star
  • Donkey Kong Country
  • Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  • Crash Bandicoot: Warped
  • Spyro the Dragon
  • Super Castlevania 4
  • Mega Man X
  • Final Fantasy 6
  • Final Fantasy 8
  • The Legend of Dragoon
  • Half-Life
  • Street Fighter 2
  • Tomb Raider
  • GoldenEye 007
  • Perfect Dark
  • Diablo
  • StarCraft

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2026-01-04 23:07