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.
"A revolutionary experience by Yu Suzuki that invents the interactive daily life in a living Japanese town. Tenderness, mystery, revenge: a founding masterpiece of the open world."
"The Game Boy Zelda, and one of the greatest games ever released. Link washed up on Koholint, eight dungeons, dreamlike writing that haunts. Level design mastered to perfection, OST burned into collective memory. Shorter than a console Zelda but absolutely elegant. Essential, full stop."
"A wildly original Capcom 3D versus where arenas turn into interactive playgrounds. Pickups to grab, spectacular projectiles and total fun. An unforgettable cathartic classic."
"Sega versus fighting compilation (VF2, Fighting Vipers, Bean the Dynamite...) with generous bonus content. Impressive technical showcase on Saturn. Eclectic but fun roster. One of the console's best fighting games."
"Tekken 2 considerably improves on its predecessor with more characters, enriched moves and deeper game system. Namco's series definitively establishes itself as the 3D versus fighting reference on PS1. A major progression consolidating the franchise toward its peak with Tekken 3."
"The definitive Ubi 3D platformer on Dreamcast. Sublime world, precise controls, cinematic staging and spectacular bosses. A timeless masterpiece of the genre."
"One of Saturn's most original and poetic games. NiGHTS's spiral flight remains exhilarating and unique. Grade for each stage, deep score system despite apparent simplicity. A timeless masterpiece by Yuji Naka."
"The definitive Ferrari sim on Dreamcast. Demanding and intoxicating driving, polished presentation and perfectly rendered weight. A benchmark of the genre, still today."
"Micro Machines V3 is one of the finest miniature racing games ever made. Circuits on tables, kitchens and bathrooms with tiny vehicles, multiplayer up to 8 players with a single controller. Inventive, addictive and hilarious. An absolute must for multiplayer sessions on PS1."
"Wipeout 2097 (XL in America) is the franchise's second entry and often cited as the finest by purists. More technical circuits, new Auricom team, legendary Chemical Brothers/Prodigy soundtrack. Maximum speed and adrenaline. An absolute masterpiece of futuristic racing on PS1."
"One of Saturn's most ambitious and mesmerizing RPGs. Post-apocalyptic world, sublime music and original combat system form a cohesive and unforgettable whole. A Saturn exclusive that truly deserves the effort."
"Absolute masterpiece. RPG that transcends the genre with an exceptional universe, a unique dynamic combat system and music of rare beauty. Saturn exclusive that has become legendary. One of the greatest RPG experiences of all time."
"Chrono Cross is a JRPG masterpiece with a unique element-based combat system and dozens of recruitable characters. The multi-dimensional world is fascinating, Yasunori Mitsuda's soundtrack is legendary. An artistic pinnacle of the PS1."
