Video games far predate the 1990s, but on paper, the decade is among the industry’s greatest eras. Notable tech brands introduced the game-playing public to new and powerful hardware they can enjoy from the comfort of their couch. Alongside these prominent systems were some seriously exciting, offbeat titles offering unique mechanics, upgraded graphics, and captivating stories.
With so many heavy-hitters coming in hot, it was only a matter of time before fanfare around some titles tapered off. While many of these 10 oft-forgotten cult faves from the 1990s still boast dedicated fan bases, they were overshadowed by the decade’s more notable blockbusters. Check out our roundup of old-school underdogs:
Gex: Enter the Gecko (1998)
Watch out for the titular, wise-cracking gecko, because that dude aaaalways has a snide remark at the ready. In this challenging, adult-oriented platformer, players could leap right into a magical, immersive world full of Y2K-era pop culture references, vivid maps, and fourth wall-shattering moments.
Thanks to the folks at Limited Run, Gex is back for more. The studio recently released GEX Trilogy, a masterful reproduction of all three original series entries.
Full Tilt! Pinball (1996)
Personally, I spent a sizeable chunk of my time on the “family computer” (remember those?) pinballin’ to my heart’s content. Full Tilt! Pinball first launched into consumers’ homes in 1995, but the iconic Space Cadet iteration was available to those who purchased Microsoft Plus! and various Windows operating systems.
To this day, this is the first image my mind’s eye conjures when someone mentions pinball.
RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999)
“Cotton Candy Stall 1 is a really good value!” I hope so, green-tinted Guest 321, because you paid $60 to get in here — in 1999, no less!
Whether shooting trams off launching coasters’ tracks or placing paying customers into the park’s myriad ponds, RollerCoaster Tycoon was a wacky sandbox business simulator that fostered gamers’ creativity. If you’ve ever done anything weird “just to see what happens,” I suggest grabbing RollerCoaster Tycoon: Deluxe on Steam today.
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Fur Fighters (2000)
Until this very moment, I hadn’t thought of Dreamcast third-person shooter Fur Fighters in decades. In this cartoony title, misleadingly cute critters fought to free their families from the paws of oppressive General Viggo.
Don’t let the charming playable characters fool you — Fur Fighters was a shockingly violent and, at times, disturbing action platformer.
Crazy Taxi (1999)
Hey, hey, hey, it’s time to make some craaaaaaaaazy money!
Arcade and home console hit Crazy Taxi is a racing franchise wherein players drive impatient riders from A to B. Just like real rush-hour traffic, though, it wasn’t so simple. A looming time limit, customer jeering, wild obstacles, adrenaline-pumping leaps, all in a less-than-aerodynamic cab made for one heckuva run.
PaRappa the Rapper (1996)
Lyrical pup PaRappa never let grade school drama derail his burgeoning hip-hop career. Help PaRappa stay in time, tapping buttons along to several in-game freestyle sessions.
Now, nearly three decades later, my family still quotes the rhymes of driving school diva, Instructor Mooselini.
Snowboard Kids (1997)
Say what you want about the clunky N64 visuals, but these polygonal youngsters absolutely shredded.
Snowboard Kids brought a crew of quirky kiddos to inventive tracks, including some courses inspired by real-world locations. As in many of the cartoonish kart racers we’ve come to know and love, boarders must steer clear of hazards and collect coins as they slip past opponents. The game’s rad soundtrack was just brought to vinyl last year, thanks to the game’s studio, Atlus.
Hydro Thunder (1999)
If I had a nickel for every time I bummed change from my parents so I could play Hydro Thunder at the local chicken wing chain, I’d probably have enough coinage to rent a real powerboat.
The Dreamcast iteration was a blast, but nothing compared to the thrill of blasting past NPCs while waiting for your boneless wings to arrive.
Game Boy Camera (1998)
Handhelds have come a long way since Nintendo introduced its Game Boy Camera to would-be photographers. Gamers could insert themselves into ball-juggling games, personalize pictures they’ve taken, or even print pics using Nintendo’s thermal printer.
Low-quality grayscale shots and peripheral printers aside, the camera’s eerie error screens are among the hardware’s most memorable aspects. Accidentally click the game’s “Run” button? You’re now face-to-face with some unsettling images with messages like, “Who are you running from?”
Myst (1993)
This cerebral point-and-click adventure game takes players to a strange island known as Myst, where they can enjoy in-depth isle exploration, interacting with environments, and quick-traveling to and from various spots. Myst was visually striking, especially considering its 1993 release.
While Myst went a little over my head as a kid, it’s more than earned its spot among some of the most revolutionary games in industry history.
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A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.
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