Do you ever catch yourself feeling nostalgic for the days of blocky graphics, awkward camera angles, and limited game saves? The late 90s era of video games might be long gone, but that doesn’t mean we have to forget about the classics that defined it. Here are some of the video games from the late 90s that you can still play today:
Spyro the Dragon (1998)
Spyro the Dragon was one of the most popular games of the late 90s, and for good reason. The game featured a young purple dragon on a mission to save his fellow dragons and stop the evil Gnasty Gnorc. The game’s charming graphics and enjoyable gameplay appealed to a wide audience, and it went on to spawn several sequels.
Today, Spyro the Dragon is available as a remastered version for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. The remastered version includes updated graphics, cutscenes, and audio making the game even more enjoyable to play.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is widely considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. The game, which was released for the Nintendo 64, sees the player taking on the role of a young hero named Link as he sets out to save the land of Hyrule from an evil sorcerer named Ganondorf.
Ocarina of Time’s innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive world, and puzzle-solving elements captivated audiences upon its release and continues to do so to this day. The game is available for digital download on the Nintendo WiiU and 3DS, and it’s as enjoyable now as it was back in 1998.
Half-Life (1998)
Half-Life, which was developed by Valve Corporation and released in 1998, is a first-person shooter that set a new standard for the genre. The game sees players taking on the role of Gordon Freeman, a scientist who must fight his way out of a research facility after an experiment goes awry.
Half-Life’s complex storyline, engaging gameplay, and innovative use of physics made it a must-play for any gamer of the late 90s and early 2000s. You can still play Half-Life today on Steam, and it’s just as enjoyable now as it was over two decades ago.
Super Mario 64 (1996)
Super Mario 64 was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996 and it marked the first time that Mario had made the transition from 2D to 3D. The game sees players controlling Mario as he navigates Princess Peach’s castle and the various magical worlds within it to save the princess from the clutches of Bowser.
Super Mario 64’s innovative 3D gameplay, engaging puzzles, and iconic soundtrack make it a classic that can still be enjoyed today. The game is available for digital download on the Nintendo WiiU and it’s a must-play for any gamer looking to relive the glory days of the late 90s.
StarCraft (1998)
StarCraft was released in 1998 for the PC and it quickly became one of the most popular real-time strategy games of all time. The game sees players taking on the role of one of three factions vying for control of a distant part of the galaxy.
StarCraft’s engaging gameplay, unique unit design, and deep storyline made it a hit with gamers of the late 90s, and it remains a classic to this day. The game is available for purchase on Blizzard’s website and it’s still a wonderful time sink for anyone who loves strategy games.
Sonic Adventure (1998)
Sonic Adventure was released for the Sega Dreamcast in 1998 and it marked the first time that Sonic the Hedgehog had made the transition to 3D. The game sees players controlling Sonic and his friends as they try to prevent an evil scientist from taking over the world.
Sonic Adventure’s fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and iconic soundtrack make it a classic that’s still enjoyable to play today. You can find a digital version of the game on the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, so be sure to give it a try.
Conclusion
The late 90s era of video games is one that’s still fondly remembered by many gamers. While the graphics and gameplay mechanics of that era may seem dated by today’s standards, the classics of that time still hold up remarkably well. Whether it’s Spyro the Dragon, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Half-Life, Super Mario 64, StarCraft or Sonic Adventure, these games serve as a reminder of the innovation and creativity that defined the late 90s era of video games.
