This is part 2 of my three decade tribute to my favorite games. The 90's were awesome for gamers. We saw the rise and fall of the 16-bit era, which gave us some of the best games ever, and the rise of disc based and online games. This was the hardest of the three lists to narrow down. There are just WAY too many awesome games that came out in the 90's. Well, I did my best, and I think these are my favorite 10 games from 1990-1999.
10) Gran Turismo 2 (Sony, Playstation, 1999)
GT 2 is the only racing game to make my lists, but it is very deserving of the honor. This game was the most in-depth racing game at the time and was genuinely realistic. The liscenses were pain to acquire, but the challenge was truly entertaining. The vehicle modifications were not only educational, but left plenty of room for creativity. All ranting aside, the series has grown far beyond its roots, but GT2 was THE racing game of the 90's, and I spent many a pre-college nights challenging friends with my ridiculous '69 Z/28 and my absolutely unholy Skyline GTR.
9) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (Konami, Playstation, 1997)
This game is often mentioned in "best of" lists and nerd/gamer conversations, but I have realized that many people have not actually played it. That is truly a shame because it comes from one of the best video game franchises ever, and is routinely cited as the best of the series. I can't really argue with that statement as it is my personal favorite, but several Castlevania games give it a good run for the money. Either way, this is one of the best side-scrolling games of all-time, and if it weren't for the Megaman series, it would be my favorite side-scroller PERIOD.
8) Super Metroid (Nintendo, SNES, 1994)
This game made my list of "most influential games on me", so there's not much else I can say about it. Everyone knows this is one of the best games ever made. The atmosphere and gameplay just captivate the player, and make this a game that no player will ever forget.
7) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (Konami, SNES, 1992)
The best beat 'em up ever made, hands down. I got so good at this game, I'm kind-of ashamed....just "kind-of"
6) Street Fighter 2 Turbo (Capcom, SNES, 1992)
I almost used "Street Fighter 2: Champion Edition" for the Sega Genesis instead, however, I chose this one because I owned it from the day it was released. You finally had the opportunity to play as all of the original characters (including the bosses) that made the series popular. It still remains such a popular game that they still have tournaments dedicated to it.
5) Parasite Eve (Squaresoft, Playstation, 1998)
Yea, I know, I can't talk anymore about this game. It is just soooooo awesome and meant more to my future as a gamer than I can really describe in words. I literally hit puberty with this game. A gritty cop-drama mixed with supernatural horror. Nothing says "taboo" like sex and death, and that's what this game presents. It is unexplainably creepy...kinda like me. So, that's why I am attached to it.
4) Final Fantasy 7 (Squaresoft, Playstation, 1997)
90% of gamers are going to have this game on their favorite games from the 90's. It just HAS to happen. It is a legend in the industry and is really only overshadowed by an elite, few games. It endures as THAT game that every gamer knows to respect.
3) Megaman X (Capcom, SNES, 1993)
I love the Megaman series, and most people know that Megaman 3 holds the dearest place in my heart as far as nostalgia. Well, Megaman 3 DID come out in 1990 in the U.S. and technically qualifies for this list, but how can I deny Megaman X? This is the game that had way more to offer as far as secrets, challenge, and introduced Megaman to the 16-bit era with EVERYTHING we wanted. The music is amazing, the characters are well designed, the story is fun, and Megaman grew up with us, the player. Megaman 3 will always be MY game, but Megaman X defines the 90's era Megaman.
2) Super Mario World (Nintendo, SNES, 1990)
I remember opening up my Super Nintendo Entertainment System on Christmas when I was 10 years old and popping in this cartridge. It took alot of dedication, but eventually I finished this game 100%. One of my proudest moments as a gamer. The secrets were so mind-boggling for the time, I couldn't believe that there was so much to do in this game. It still rocks, even today.
1) Metal Gear Solid (Konami/Kojima Productions, Playstation, 1998)
This should come as no shock. Metal Gear is my favorite series ever, and this is the game that really sealed its future legacy in the industry. No game had been done like this before. It invented the Stealth-Action genre and made Hideo Kojima an instant rockstar in the video game world. This is the game that REALLY made me take gaming seriously. I learned what it meant to immerse yourself in the mission and see the game through to the end with this title.
Well, that's it for the 80's and 90's, I will get to 2000-2010 as soon as I get another free moment. I encourage you to check out some of the earlier posts if you haven't already!
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