The 1990s became a pivotal time for video games, with handheld consoles such as Game Boy Color hitting the market in 1998 and the first Sony Playstation console in 1994. Nintendo launched two consoles during the decade, the SNES and the N64, which them classics like
Super Mario World, Super Metroid, Donkey Kong Country,
and
Super Castlevania IV
.
PC gaming also boomed in the 1990s, with home PCs gaining in popularity. Several video games of the 90s shaped kids’ childhoods, and while a handful of the most popular received remakes or reboots, dozens were forgotten. Whether on console or PC, these 90s games got a remake that could help fans relive their younger days.
10 Streets of Rage (1991) was an excellent platform Beat-Em-Up
Originally developed exclusively for the Sega Genesis to rival Capcom’s Last fight, Streets of anger turned out to be a fun fighting game series. Streets of anger followed several ex-cops (including Axel and Blaze) as they liberated a fictional town from a crime syndicate led by Mr. X.
As with any classic platform beat-em-up, each character had unique fighting styles, strengths and weaknesses. There were plans to create a 3D action version of the game, but the project never got the green light. Instead, the series got another 2D episode in 2020, but fans still hoped for a re-release of the original.
9 Illusion of Gaia (1993) was mystical and disturbing
Illusion of Gaia debuted on the Super Nintendo, it was an action-adventure RPG with three playable characters: Will, Freedan, and Shadow. All three characters had the same health and defense bars, but differed in strength levels.
Based on a fantasy version of the Earth, players can encounter real-life monuments such as the Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. Unfortunately, Nintendo of America censored the game so that it would contain fewer religious references, and many players didn’t get a chance to play it uncensored.
8 The forerunner of modern FPS games: GoldenEye 007 (1997)
GoldenEye 007 became one of the most remembered games on the Nintendo 64, following the events of 1995 Golden Eye movie. The game proved revolutionary for its time and arguably paved the way for more first-person shooters. It was a single player 3D FPS, but also offered a competitive Deathmatch mode with three additional players.
GoldenEye 007 was well received as a movie-based FPS and as a standalone game, combining stealth and multiplayer. Considering it inspired FPS games to follow, it’s surprising GoldenEye 007 never seen a reissue. Instead, the bond franchise focused on newer versions of the character in games, such as 2008 Quantum of Solace.
7 Parasite Eve (1998) Survival Horror Reinvented
Parasite Eva was a third-person survival horror action game developed by Square in 1998 and followed New York police officer Aya Brea as she tried to save humanity. The gameplay turned out to be an interesting mix between survival horror and an RPG, combining a real-time combat system with special abilities.
Parasite Eva‘s graphics and gameplay received great reviews leading to the release of a sequel, Parasite Eve II, in 1999. By the time a third sequel came out in 2010, gamers had lost interest in the series, but fans fondly remembered the first episode. With new graphics capabilities, a reissue of the first game would inevitably be a success.
6 EverQuest (1999) was a groundbreaking 3D MMO
EverQuest was the first MMO to use full 3D environments. When it was released, it became the best-selling online game. While its popularity declined due to, among other things, World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls Online, EverQuest has undeniably made MMO history.
EverQuest quickly became addictive thanks to its repetitive, fetch-seeking nature, unlike MMORPGs these days. Given the competitive nature of the MMO market, fans probably wouldn’t see a reboot of EverQuest. However, it is certain that the game would become popular if it ever happened. The game may require extensive rebuilding and graphics work, but it would be incredibly fun.
5 Quest for Glory (1992) Is A Forgotten Gem
Quest for Glory: So you want to be a hero was a great fun hybrid of adventure point and click and RPGs developed by Sierra On-Line. Quest for Glory was remade into a point-and-click adventure in 1992. It was incredibly ambitious for its time and had a full day-to-night cycle that affected the game’s environment.
Skills could not be acquired through XP, but through natural use, as some MMOs today (such as New world). While point-and-click adventures aren’t as popular these days, a platform remake of Quest for Glory would certainly intrigue, given Sierra On-Line’s penchant for humor. Sadly, Sierra went defunct in 2008.
4 Albion (1996) was a precursor to modern RPGs
Albion stood out from most other RPGs at the time, as it was set in a unique sci-fi environment, which included some fantasy elements, such as magical uses. Players ventured into space to recover natural resources, but crashed into a planet of living creatures and had to gather resources to survive.
Albion was praised not only for its unique setting, but also for its balanced combat, story and exploration. It’s less known these days, but got a bit of a reboot with Albion Onlinewhich debuted in 2017. Online turned out to be different from the original game, as it became an MMO instead of a single player game.
3 Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos (1993) had captivating narration
Lands of Lorec was developed by Westwood, now best known for their real-time strategy series Command & Conquer. Lands of Lorec was a first-person dungeon crawler, not unlike Hades. Player had to fight enemies with real time battle system to save king and defeat evil witch.
The CD-ROM release of the game featured a story by Sir Patrick Stewart, making it one of the most compelling games, at least to listen to. Lands of Lorec got two more sequels, but there have been no episodes since 1999, leaving fans wondering if there will be a re-release of the first game.
2 Tenchu: Stealth Assassins (1998) paved the way for stealth games
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins became available on the first PlayStation and was set in feudal Japan. Gamers could choose from Rikimaru or Ayame, members of a ninja clan led by Lord Gohda, and gather intelligence or kill enemies.
If caught, players risk failing the mission or getting killed. Tenchu got a sequel in 2009, but by then the series was already forgotten. Anyway, the first game got great reviews and paved the way for more stealth games like Assassin’s Creed and dishonored. Tenchu would undoubtedly do well among stealth fans if the game got a remake.
1 System Shock 2 (1999) broke new ground with character customization
The first System shock was way ahead of its time, but System shock 2 became one of the most influential games of all time by combining elements of first-person shooters and RPGs. The team working on System shock had previously worked on the influential Ultimate games, so it’s no wonder System shock 2 was so groundbreaking.
System shock 2 including character customization, emerging gameplay, and a complex story. It is available on Steam as a port and could use a graphics revamp and an official re-release for players to enjoy the creepy sci-fi atmosphere.
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