If you’re a millennial, the late 90s was probably the time when you first got hooked on video games. And why not? It was the golden era of video gaming when classics like Super Mario Bros and Sonic the Hedgehog were king. The late 90s gave us a plethora of amazing games that still hold up today. So, without further ado, here are the best late 90s video games that are still worth playing.
GoldenEye 007
Let’s start with the big one, shall we? GoldenEye 007 for Nintendo 64 is a masterpiece of video game design. Released in 1997, it was the first console game to have a split-screen multiplayer mode. And what a multiplayer mode it was. Many friendships were tested, and many controllers were thrown across the room, thanks to GoldenEye’s competitive gameplay.
It wasn’t just the multiplayer mode that made GoldenEye great. The single-player campaign was also fantastic. You played as James Bond, infiltrating a Russian base and taking down bad guys with an arsenal of cool gadgets. The game had different difficulty levels, which made it accessible to players of all skill levels.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely considered one of the best games of all time, not just the late 90s. The game was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64 and featured a groundbreaking open-world design that still influences game design to this day.
You played as Link, a young hero on a quest to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Ganon. The game had an epic story, memorable characters, and challenging dungeons that required brainpower as well as quick reflexes.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII was released by Square Enix in 1997 for the PlayStation. The game was revolutionary for its time, thanks to its cinematic presentation, deep storyline, and memorable characters.
You played as Cloud, a former member of an elite group of soldiers, now turned mercenary. The game had an incredible soundtrack, beautiful graphics, and an excellent battle system that allowed you to create your own unique strategies.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 was released by Capcom in 1998 for the PlayStation. The game was a sequel to the original Resident Evil and improved on it in every way possible. It had better graphics, scarier enemies, and a more intricate storyline.
You played as two different characters, Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they fought their way through a city overrun by zombies. The game had multiple endings based on your choices, making it highly replayable.
Starcraft
Blizzard’s Starcraft was released in 1998 for Windows and Mac. The game was a real-time strategy masterpiece that still has a massive following today. It had three unique factions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, making for a balanced and compelling gameplay experience.
You had to manage resources, build a base, and create an army to defeat your opponents. The game had a fantastic single-player campaign that introduced you to each of the factions and their storylines.
Honorable Mentions
There were so many amazing late 90s video games that it’s hard to narrow it down to just five. Here are some honorable mentions that are still worth playing today:
1. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (PlayStation)
2. Diablo (Windows and Mac)
3. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (Nintendo 64)
4. Crash Bandicoot (PlayStation)
5. Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy)
Conclusion
The late 90s was a fantastic time for video gaming. It was a time when developers were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. The games on this list represent the very best of what the era had to offer. So, fire up your old console or emulator and take a trip down memory lane. Trust us, it’s worth it.
And if you’re a younger gamer who missed out on these classics, do yourself a favor and check them out. They might not have the fanciest graphics or the most advanced gameplay mechanics, but they are sure to provide you with hours of entertainment.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a controller, and let the late 90s nostalgia wash over you.
