Super Mario 64
Back in the ’90s, nothing felt more mind-blowing than booting up Super Mario 64 for the first time. It was the moment we realized gaming had changed forever, and we were about to embark on a 3D adventure that felt larger than life. Running through Princess Peach’s castle, leaping into paintings, and uncovering hidden stars made us feel like explorers in a digital world full of endless possibilities. Who could forget the pure joy of long-jumping across the castle grounds or the frustration of slipping off the narrow paths in Rainbow Ride? And let’s be honest—every kid tried to grab Bowser by the tail and hurl him off the stage in one move, only to hear his mocking laugh as we missed. The eerie underwater levels, the tricky wall jumps, and that unforgettable wing cap all left a lasting mark on our childhoods. Even now, the second we hear the game’s opening “It’s-a me, Mario!” we’re instantly transported back to lazy Saturdays spent trying to perfect our triple jumps according to GamesRadar+.
But let’s talk about the real nightmare fuel—those relentless Boos and the piano from Big Boo’s Haunt. That thing turned an innocent ghost hunt into a full-on horror game. And who could forget the moment you reached the top of the castle and found Yoshi waiting? Sure, he didn’t do much, but the thrill of discovering him made the endless search for 120 stars worth it. Even years later, speedrunners are still finding new ways to break the game, proving its magic hasn’t faded says IGN. Whether it was messing with glitches, racing Koopa the Quick, or diving into the depths of Dire Dire Docks, Super Mario 64 defined an era. It made us believe that gaming could be limitless, and honestly, we’re still chasing that high.
Pokémon Red & Blue
If you had a Game Boy in the ’90s, chances are you spent an unreasonable amount of time trying to “catch ‘em all.” Pokémon Red & Blue wasn’t just a game—it was a full-blown phenomenon that had kids trading, battling, and obsessing over pocket monsters like it was a second language. Everyone had their favorite starter, and the choice between Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur felt more important than any test at school. The frustration of running out of Poké Balls while trying to catch a rare Pokémon was unmatched, but so was the thrill of finally nabbing that elusive Articuno explains TheGamer. And who didn’t feel like a genius when they first discovered the MissingNo glitch, even if it did mess up your Hall of Fame?
Battling through the Elite Four, taking down Team Rocket, and finally facing Blue at the end was a rite of passage. And let’s not forget the ultimate gaming mystery of the time—was Mew really hiding under that truck near the S.S. Anne? We all tried, and we all failed, but it didn’t stop us from believing. Link cables became the most valuable thing on the playground as kids huddled together to trade Pokémon and prove who had the strongest team. Even now, hearing that classic Game Boy start-up sound is enough to send a wave of nostalgia rushing in. Pokémon Red & Blue weren’t just games—they were an obsession, and honestly, part of us still wishes we were roaming through Viridian Forest looking for Pikachu adds Cracked.com.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
For many kids in the ’90s, Ocarina of Time wasn’t just a game—it was an adventure unlike anything we’d ever experienced. From the moment Link set foot outside Kokiri Forest, we knew we were in for something special. The sprawling fields of Hyrule felt impossibly vast, and every dungeon was packed with puzzles that made us feel like true warriors of time. Who didn’t get chills the first time they pulled the Master Sword from its pedestal? And let’s not even talk about the Water Temple—that place singlehandedly made us question our intelligence. But no matter how tough things got, hearing the notes of “Epona’s Song” and galloping across Hyrule Field made it all worth it says Screen Rant.
Then there were the moments that haunted us—the ReDeads, the Shadow Temple, and the eerie music that played whenever we encountered something sinister. The game had a way of making us feel like heroes while also scaring the life out of us. And that final battle against Ganon? Absolute perfection. The slow realization that Zelda had been helping us all along made everything feel even more epic. Even today, playing Ocarina of Time feels like stepping into a legend, one that still holds up after all these years. It was the kind of game that made us believe in magic, and honestly, we’re still waiting for another Zelda experience that hits quite like it did.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
If you had a Sega Genesis in the ’90s, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was the game that made you feel like the fastest kid on the planet. There was something ridiculously satisfying about blasting through loops, collecting rings, and hearing that iconic “SEGA” intro. Sonic wasn’t just another video game character—he was the coolest dude around, and his partnership with Tails made this sequel feel even more exciting. Every level had its own personality, from the bright and bouncy Emerald Hill Zone to the mind-bending nightmare that was the Chemical Plant Zone. That rising pink water in Chemical Plant? It haunted our dreams and ruined our childhoods, but we kept coming back for more.
And then there were the special stages—those crazy, 3D half-pipe races that had us gripping our controllers for dear life. If you managed to collect all the Chaos Emeralds and turn into Super Sonic, you basically felt invincible. But no matter how fun it was zooming through levels, nothing compared to the anxiety of facing Dr. Robotnik at the end of every zone. Those boss fights were brutal, but they also made winning feel that much sweeter. Even now, hearing the sound of Sonic losing all his rings is enough to trigger a wave of childhood frustration. But at the end of the day, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 wasn’t just about speed—it was about style, and no platformer since has quite captured its energy.
GoldenEye 007
Before GoldenEye 007, multiplayer shooters weren’t really a thing—but then this masterpiece came along and changed everything. Whether you were playing solo or in a four-player deathmatch, there was no game that made you feel cooler than sneaking through Russian bases as James Bond. The single-player campaign had some of the best missions ever, and it forced us to think strategically instead of just running and gunning. But let’s be real—the real fun was in multiplayer mode, where friendships were tested and controllers were thrown. Every match turned into a battle of wits, patience, and sheer chaos, especially if someone had the nerve to pick Oddjob.
Speaking of Oddjob, he was basically the original cheat code—his tiny hitbox made him almost impossible to shoot, and everyone knew that one kid who abused it. Then there were the golden moments, like when you’d pull off a perfect headshot with the Klobb or sneak up on a friend with remote mines. And who could forget the absolute terror of running into someone wielding the Golden Gun? One shot, and you were done for. Even now, when people talk about the best multiplayer experiences of all time, GoldenEye 007 is always part of the conversation. It wasn’t just a game—it was a rite of passage, and we’ll never stop wishing for one more round in The Facility.
Crash Bandicoot
Before Crash Bandicoot, most platformers had a simple left-to-right structure—but this crazy marsupial turned everything on its head. Running towards the camera while a giant boulder chased you? That was pure adrenaline, and it set the tone for a game that never let up. Every level was packed with personality, from the lush jungles of N. Sanity Island to the brutal industrial zones filled with tricky jumps and spinning enemies. And let’s not forget Aku Aku, the floating mask that always had our backs with his reassuring “Ooga-booga!” But even with his help, Crash Bandicoot was no joke—this game was tough, and it made sure you felt every missed jump and every crate you left unbroken.
Then there were the time trials, the hidden gems, and the nerve-wracking bridge levels that tested our patience to the limit. Falling through a wooden plank after thinking you’d made a perfect jump was enough to make anyone rage quit. And yet, we always came back, determined to beat Dr. Neo Cortex and finally conquer the game’s toughest challenges. Even today, Crash Bandicoot remains one of the most iconic mascots in gaming, and revisiting his first adventure still feels just as thrilling. It was colorful, chaotic, and just the right amount of difficult—everything we wanted from a platformer in the ’90s.
Donkey Kong Country
From the second Donkey Kong Country hit the SNES, it was clear that this wasn’t just another platformer—it was something special. The graphics were next-level, the music was unforgettable, and the gameplay was buttery smooth. Playing as Donkey and Diddy Kong felt incredible, and every level was packed with secrets that made us feel like true explorers. Whether we were dodging bees in Vine Valley or bouncing off Kremlings in the mines, every moment was filled with excitement. And let’s not forget those mine cart levels, which turned a simple platformer into a full-blown roller coaster ride.
But it wasn’t just the action that made Donkey Kong Country special—it was the atmosphere. The soundtrack, especially tracks like “Aquatic Ambience” and “Stickerbush Symphony,” hit us right in the feels, making us pause just to take it all in. And then there was King K. Rool, one of the best final bosses of the era, who faked his own defeat just to mess with us. Even after all these years, Donkey Kong Country still holds up as one of the best platformers ever made. It was beautiful, challenging, and packed with charm—everything a ’90s kid could ever want in a game.
Street Fighter II
If you grew up in the ’90s, chances are you spent hours battling friends in Street Fighter II, desperately trying to master every move. Whether you were a Ryu main, a Chun-Li expert, or someone who just button-mashed with Blanka, this game had something for everyone. There was nothing more satisfying than pulling off a perfect Hadouken or countering an opponent’s attack at the last second. And let’s be real—facing off against M. Bison in arcade mode was always an intense experience.
But what made Street Fighter II legendary wasn’t just its gameplay—it was the memories. The trash talk, the rivalries, the pure joy of finally beating that one friend who always spammed E. Honda’s hundred-hand slap. And of course, everyone had a moment where they lost to the AI and blamed the controller. Even today, the legacy of Street Fighter II lives on, and its influence can be seen in every modern fighting game. It was fast, flashy, and fiercely competitive—the perfect recipe for an arcade classic that never gets old.
Mortal Kombat II
If there was one fighting game that made every ’90s kid feel like a total badass, it was Mortal Kombat II. This was the game that parents feared, kids obsessed over, and arcades practically revolved around. The moment you saw that “Finish Him!” pop up on screen, you knew things were about to get brutal. The fatalities were the talk of every schoolyard, with kids desperately trying to remember the exact button combinations to pull them off. Everyone had a favorite fighter—whether it was Scorpion with his iconic “Get over here!” or Liu Kang with his Bruce Lee-inspired screams. And let’s be honest, if you accidentally button-mashed your way into a fatality, you acted like you totally meant to do it.
But Mortal Kombat II wasn’t just about the gore—it had some of the most balanced and fluid gameplay of its time. It introduced new characters like Mileena and Baraka, each with their own devastating moves, and gave every fighter more depth than before. The environments were pure nightmare fuel, from the acid-filled Dead Pool to the eerie Living Forest, where trees literally had faces. Then there were the secrets—who could forget the rumors about fighting Jade, Smoke, or Noob Saibot? Even today, the sound of an uppercut landing with a thundering “thwack” brings back memories of after-school tournaments and sibling rivalries. Mortal Kombat II wasn’t just a game—it was a statement, and it cemented itself as one of the most iconic fighters of all time.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
There was no cooler game in the late ’90s than Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. Even if you never set foot on an actual skateboard, this game made you feel like the king of the halfpipe. From the moment you heard that legendary soundtrack—featuring bangers like Rage Against the Machine’s “Guerrilla Radio” and Bad Religion’s “You”—you knew you were in for something special. The feeling of chaining together a perfect combo of kickflips, manuals, and grinds was unmatched, and unlocking new levels felt like earning a badge of honor. School II was an instant classic, the Hangar was the perfect place to learn tricks, and the Venice Beach level just oozed coolness.
But what really made Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 special was how easy it was to pick up, yet impossible to put down. You could spend hours perfecting a single run, trying to squeeze in just one more trick before time ran out. And then there were the secret skaters—who didn’t lose their minds when they unlocked Spider-Man? Whether you were trying to hit that elusive 900 with Tony Hawk himself or just messing around in free skate mode, this game never got old. Even now, the mere thought of collecting S-K-A-T-E letters or hunting down hidden tapes makes us nostalgic. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 wasn’t just a sports game—it was a cultural phenomenon that made us all wish we could actually land a kickflip in real life.
Star Fox 64
“Do a barrel roll!” If you were a kid in the ’90s, you probably heard that phrase a thousand times while playing Star Fox 64. This was the game that made flying through space feel like the most thrilling adventure ever. Fox McCloud and his team—Falco, Peppy, and Slippy—felt like actual comrades, even if Slippy was constantly in trouble. The voice acting was legendary, giving the game an immersive feel that was rare for the time. And let’s be honest, nothing felt more intense than facing off against Star Wolf and hearing him taunt you mid-battle.
But the real magic of Star Fox 64 was its branching paths, which made every playthrough feel different. Whether you took the easy route or went for the hardest levels, every run was packed with unforgettable moments. The epic dogfights, the insane bosses, and that final confrontation with Andross all cemented this game as an instant classic. And if you had the Rumble Pak? That was next-level immersion, making every hit and explosion feel even more real. Even now, the sound of that opening “Good luck!” gets our hearts racing. Star Fox 64 wasn’t just a game—it was an experience, and one that still holds up today.
Final Fantasy VII
There’s no RPG that defined the ’90s quite like Final Fantasy VII. The moment Cloud Strife hopped off that train in Midgar, we knew we were in for something unforgettable. The pre-rendered backgrounds, the epic battle system, and the mind-blowing cutscenes made this feel like the most cinematic game of its time. But it wasn’t just about the visuals—the story was deep, emotional, and packed with twists that left us speechless. Sephiroth was the ultimate villain, and his showdown with Cloud became the stuff of legend. And let’s not even talk about that moment with Aerith—it wrecked us all, and we’re still not over it.
But Final Fantasy VII was more than just an emotional rollercoaster—it was a game that gave us freedom. The sprawling open world, the countless side quests, and the ability to customize your team with Materia made every playthrough feel unique. Whether you were breeding Chocobos, taking on the insane Weapons, or just jamming out to the battle theme, there was never a dull moment. Even now, the mere mention of Midgar brings a wave of nostalgia crashing in. It wasn’t just an RPG—it was a masterpiece that set the standard for everything that came after it. And honestly? We’re still dreaming about exploring its world one more time.