Take a trip back to the golden era of gaming—the 1990s. This decade transformed the landscape of video games, introducing iconic franchises, pioneering gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable characters. Whether you grew up in the era or are discovering these classics for the first time, here are 20 standout titles that shaped a generation.
1. Super Mario World
A timeless classic that kept Mario and Luigi jumping into hearts throughout the decade.
2. Super Mario Kart
The start of an enduring racing legacy—families across the world can still name their favorite track.
3. The Legend of Zelda
Link’s epic quest solidified Zelda’s status as one of gaming’s greatest RPG franchises.
4. John Madden Football
An enduring sports franchise that brought gridiron action into living rooms across generations.
5. Resident Evil
A horror game that spawned a blockbuster film series and became a genre-defining classic.
6. RollerCoaster Tycoon
Built theme parks and created chaos—all from your computer.
7. Mortal Kombat
Famous for its over-the-top violence—and “Finish him!”—this one remains a cultural icon.
8. Donkey Kong Country
A stunning reboot that revived the DK franchise with vibrant visuals and tight platforming.
9. Crash Bandicoot
Sony’s answer to Mario—chaotic, fun, and full of 3D platformer thrills.
10. Putt-Putt
Not golf! This charming educational series starred a purple car exploring the world.
11. Sonic the Hedgehog
Speedy, spiky, and blue—Sonic became the ‘90s symbol of cool.
12. Kirby’s Dream Land
Introduced Kirby’s adorable, inhaling superpowers and launched a long-running Nintendo favorite.
13. Tomb Raider
Lara Croft’s debut as a fearless explorer changed the portrayal of female protagonists in gaming.
14. Alone in the Dark
Scary, atmospheric, and classic—this title helped define survival horror and recently returned in 2024.
15. Killer Instinct
Arcade-style arcade fighters with visual flair—quieter than Mortal Kombat but no less exciting.
16. Street Fighter
Street Fighter II brought unforgettable characters and moves like “Hadouken” into the lexicon.
17. NHL Hockey
NHL ’94 and its contemporaries captured the thrill of ice hockey on your console.
18. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Four pizza-loving turtles time-traveling—classic co-op arcade action.
19. Tecmo Super Bowl
A football game with a massive devoted fanbase—rare, pricey, and legendary—even now.
20. Diablo
Dark, addictive, and atmospheric—some still call Diablo one of the greatest video games of all time.
