Hello to all the ’90s gaming enthusiasts! Have you ever pondered the allure of modern video games? Those of us who truly cherish that era know that the timeless classics emerged during the golden days of grunge music and Beanie Babies. If you’re unfamiliar with this cultural reference, take a moment to breathe; you’re about to dive into a nostalgic exploration of the past. Before we conclude this vibrant discussion, don’t stress—more insights are coming!
Born in 1992, my formative gaming years were shaped by the late ’90s, primarily enjoying the Nintendo 64, though my roots trace back to the legendary NES and SNES. It’s no surprise that I carry a warm nostalgia for countless games from that vibrant decade. But let’s not deceive ourselves; regardless of nostalgia, many titles from the ’90s are genuinely recognized as all-time greats.
Today, we’ll celebrate iconic game franchises from the 1990s that continue to thrive today. While each series mentioned below remains active in contemporary gaming, I argue that their peak influence occurred back in that unforgettable decade.
Unquestionably, Nintendo’s legacy is heavily represented here. Their groundbreaking franchises, while beloved today, reached unprecedented heights during the administration of President Clinton.
Let’s take a nostalgic journey through nine enduring franchises that still resonate with fans today, yet shone brightest during the remarkable decade of the ’90s. And remember, this is all in good fun!
9 Donkey Kong Country
Monkeying Around
Distinguished from its 3D counterparts such as DK64 and the forthcoming Bananza for the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Country pertains to the side-scrolling platformers that launched in the ’90s. This series remains vibrant today with titles like Tropical Freeze and remakes as recent as 2024, yet the original entries still hold a special place in our hearts.
While my fondest memories center on the 1994 classic, many gamers argue that its sequel, Diddy Kong’s Quest from 1995, is even better. Either way, revisiting these titles still feels rewarding three decades later. Additionally, the track “Aquatic Ambience“from the original game stands a strong chance of claiming the title for the best video game song of all time.
8 Tekken
It To The Streets
While fighting games aren’t my primary preference, Tekken stands out as the franchise I cherish most. Newer titles, especially Tekken 8 from 2024, boast impressive reviews (a 90 on Metacritic is certainly notable).
However, the series originally debuted in the ’90s, with entries 2 and 3 recognized as some of the finest. Though Tekken 5 has its merits, the iconic status of the ’90s games remains unmatched. This franchise is one that arguably doesn’t feature a definitive peak; in fact, there’s so much button-mashing that it’s hard to keep track!
7 Yoshi
And All His Multicolored Friends
Yoshi’s Island from 1995 ranks as one of my all-time favorites. Although it is tied to the Super Mario World series, let’s be honest—it’s truly a Yoshi game, given that you play as him and it shares mechanics with subsequent Yoshi titles.
While newer entries like Crafted and Woolly World are delightfully charming, they pale in comparison to the original Island. Yoshi has, regrettably, become somewhat simplified in modern titles, catering to younger audiences. I respect Nintendo’s approach to making games accessible, but I long for the classic Yoshi experiences.
It’s hardly controversial to assert that Yoshi’s Island remains the pinnacle of Yoshi’s solo adventures, and it’s difficult to envision anything surpassing its excellence. Let’s raise a toast to Burt The Bashful and his unforgettable striped pantaloons!
6 Castlevania
One Half Of An Iconic Duo
I recognize that there hasn’t been a prominent Castlevania entry for nearly a decade, but we did see a re-release of Haunted Castle last year—and rumors circulate about a new game on the horizon.
So, for now, let’s consider this franchise still active and hope for an announcement soon. If we’re honest, Symphony Of The Night from 1997 remains the most celebrated entry in the series. Yet, even if this title isn’t your personal favorite, the ’90s delivered an abundance of classics that solidified this era as the golden age for Castlevania fans.
5 Street Fighter
Ryu Ready For Some Action?
Street Fighter remains a dominant force today, with recent iterations serving as staples in eSports around the globe. One could easily argue that it’s the most prominent traditional fighting game available.
However, in the ’90s, the franchise operated on an entirely different scale. Street Fighter 2 became a worldwide sensation, making waves in arcades and home consoles alike. Remarkably, not only did it achieve astronomical success, but Street Fighter 3 also emerged in the same decade, with many fans claiming it surpasses its predecessor.
Regardless of where your allegiance lies, it’s clear that the height of this franchise’s power is anchored in the early-to-mid ’90s, even though the latest titles maintain their immense popularity.
4 Kirby
The Cream Of The Puffs
Similar to Yoshi, Kirby games aren’t what they used to be. Although modern titles are still enjoyable, they lean towards simpler gameplay intended for younger players.
The charm of Kirby’s Adventure for the NES, released in 1993, persists as the franchise’s best pure platformer. It’s one of my fondest childhood memories—being able to complete a game all on my own.
The ’90s didn’t stop there for Kirby; titles like Kirby’s Dream Course from ’94 offered unique sub-genre experiences and still stand out today. This remarkable run of diverse games within three years has yet to be matched by the franchise in later years.
3 Sonic The Hedgehog
Rolling Around At The Speed Of Soundgarden
I don’t want to unfairly criticize Sonic. I have no personal disdain for this franchise, yet it’s evident that it has experienced a fair share of ups and downs since its ’90s heyday when every child wanted a pet hedgehog, inspired by Sonic’s cool persona.
The series enjoyed remarkable success from 1991 to 1994, producing unforgettable titles like Sonic 1-3 and Sonic & Knuckles. While many consider Sonic 2 the finest entry, perspectives vary widely.
Though the series has delivered several excellent titles since, none seem to reach the exceptional heights of its early ’90s entries, which set an incredibly high bar. Let’s keep the faith for Sonic!
2 Super Mario
The Plumber’s Two Most Beloved Entries
This might stir some heated discussions, as Mario games have consistently impressed audiences through the ages. However, there’s a compelling argument to be made that the series peaked between Super Mario World in 1990 and Super Mario 64 in 1996.
You can advocate for either title, and you’ll find legions of supporters. While Super Mario Wonder has its merits, World is universally recognized as the top 2D platforming experience in the series—an iconic game teeming with secrets and alternate pathways.
I adore Galaxy and Odyssey, but without the groundbreaking achievements of Super Mario 64—despite its occasional camera woes—many subsequent games would not exist as they do today. Collecting all 120 power stars in 64 has become a rite of passage for gamers, making it a historic standout among the franchise’s offerings.
1 The Legend Of Zelda
Back When Dungeons Still Existed
Contending that The Legend Of Zelda peaked in the ’90s might seem as bold as arguing for Mario, but let’s be truthful. Show me another decade in the franchise’s history that produced such a remarkable series of titles—from A Link To The Past, through Link’s Awakening, and onto Ocarina Of Time.
If you prefer top-down Zelda adventures, A Link To The Past is widely regarded as the finest. For fans of 3D Zelda experiences, OOT retains the status of the highest-rated game of all time, critically. While Breath Of The Wild redefined gameplay, and Tears Of The Kingdom captivates in its own way, the cultural impact of Ocarina Of Time is simply irreplaceable.
I hold immense respect for various titles within this series, yet it’s a challenge to surpass the extraordinary quality of those two flagship titles. While Link’s Awakening also deserves recognition, it’s overshadowed by the monumental significance of A Link To The Past and Ocarina Of Time. No matter your Zelda preferences, it’s challenging to argue against the ’90s as a dazzling era for Link and his companions.
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