The 1990s concentrate everything retro holds most iconic: the peak of 16-bit, the Nintendo-Sega war, then the great leap into 3D with the PlayStation and N64. This Top 50 gathers the games that defined players' most beloved decade. RomWize re-tests and ranks them by its re-evaluated scores, with versions, rarity and collector value.
"Tekken 3 is an absolute masterpiece that defined 3D versus fighting. Exceptional 23-character roster, fluid and technical gameplay, generous game modes including Tekken Force and Tekken Ball. Technically revolutionary for PS1. Often cited as the greatest PS1 game of all time."
"Super Mario Bros. Deluxe on GBC is the definitive portable version of the founding classic. The original game plus extra challenges, hidden levels and scores to beat. An absolute GBC must."
"A cornerstone of 3D adventure, plain and simple. Hyrule becomes a tangible world, Z-targeting reinvents combat, the dungeons are design masterclasses and Kondo's score lodges itself in the collective memory. Hard to spend two sentences on this peak without falling into obvious praise."
"Capcom's peak of 2D versus, sublime in precision and depth. Parry, fluidity, cult cast and sublime animation: everything is at the top. An eternal masterpiece of the genre."
"Absolute legend. Perfect run and gun, sublime animation, irresistible humour and euphoric co op mode. If only one console game could remain, this would be it."
"An exceptional Treasure run-and-gun with two heroes and combinable weapons. Gorgeous, creative, wildly inventive throughout, an absolute peak of the console."
"The original Japanese version of Castlevania Symphony of the Night, an absolute masterpiece and one of the greatest games ever made. Labyrinthine exploration, deep RPG elements, sublime art direction and legendary soundtrack. The definitive Metroidvania, still unsurpassed today."
"The absolute peak of 3D versus from Namco and Project Soul. Precise controls, a legendary cast, sublime animation and unmatched tactical depth. A timeless masterpiece."
"Donkey Kong Game Boy 1994, and arguably the best game on the system. The original four arcade screens explode into 100+ true puzzle-platform levels, Mario learns to swing, climb and carry. Absolutely prodigious Nintendo work. Essential on Game Boy."
"The absolute pinnacle of 8-bit platforming. Eight thematic worlds, revolutionary costumes, infinite secrets. Nintendo at maximum creativity. The best NES game and one of the greatest games ever made."
"Wipeout XL is the American version of Wipeout 2097, often cited as the finest series entry by purists. Technical circuits, iconic Auricom team, legendary Chemical Brothers/Prodigy soundtrack. Speed and adrenaline at their peak on PS1. An absolute masterpiece of futuristic racing."
"Metal Gear Solid is one of the greatest masterpieces in video game history. Hideo Kojima revolutionizes stealth games with exceptional cinematic staging, a dense and complex scenario, memorable bosses. Solid Snake at Shadow Moses remains an unsurpassed experience."
"Metal Gear Solid Integral is Kojima's masterpiece's enriched Japanese version, including Very Hard Mode, Special Missions and additional dialogue. Even more than the standard version, it's the absolute definitive version of the game on PS1. Essential for any stealth game enthusiast."
"Mario 64 invented 3D adventure gaming. Analog stick, orbital camera, painting-portal worlds full of stars and Mario's movement precision rest jaw-dropping. Thirty years on, the thing remains foundational, joyful, miraculous. Probably the most influential game in all of video-game history, without hyperbole."
"The ultimate Saturn Bomberman with up to 10 simultaneous players via multitap. Varied modes, generous content, instant fun guaranteed. The absolute reference of local multiplayer on Saturn. Still formidably enjoyable today."
