The 90s were a golden era for personal computer games, with countless titles that revolutionized the industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts of PC gamers. From groundbreaking storytelling to genre-defining gameplay, these games paved the way for the gaming landscape we know today. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 25 90s PC games.
The Top 25 PC Games of the 90s:
In no particular order here are my top 25 90s PC games that made it an iconic decade for gamers across the world…
1. The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island, released in 1990, is a point-and-click graphic adventure game developed and published by Lucasfilm Games (now known as LucasArts). The game is set in a colorful, humor-filled world inspired by the golden age of piracy and follows the story of Guybrush Threepwood, a young and inexperienced wannabe pirate on a quest to become a fearsome swashbuckler.
Throughout the game, players interact with a cast of memorable characters and solve various puzzles to progress the story. The Secret of Monkey Island is renowned for its witty humor, clever dialogue, and innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the insult sword-fighting system.
With its witty humor, memorable characters, and engaging puzzles, The Secret of Monkey Island made point-and-click PC games a household name in the 90s and beyond.
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2. Grim Fandango
Grim Fandango, released in 1998, is a point-and-click graphic adventure game developed and published by LucasArts. Set in the Land of the Dead, the game is heavily inspired by Mexican folklore and the Aztec belief in the afterlife, as well as film noir aesthetics. Players take on the role of Manny Calavera, a travel agent for the Department of Death, who stumbles upon a dark conspiracy involving corruption and criminal activities.
Grim Fandango is celebrated for its captivating story, memorable characters, witty dialogue, and clever puzzles. The game’s masterful blending of dark humor, film noir atmosphere, and Mexican folklore creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Despite initial modest sales, Grim Fandango has garnered a cult following over the years and is now considered one of the greatest and most influential adventure games of all time.
3. Myst
Myst, released in 1993, is a graphic adventure puzzle game developed by Cyan and published by Brøderbund. The game transports players to the mysterious island of Myst, where they must explore and interact with the environment to uncover its secrets and solve a series of intricate puzzles. Myst is presented in a first-person perspective, using pre-rendered 3D graphics that create a visually stunning and immersive world.
This 90s computer game was groundbreaking for its time, emphasizing exploration and puzzle-solving over character interactions and inventory management, which were common in adventure games of that era. Myst’s non-linear gameplay and the freedom to explore its beautifully crafted world made it a unique and captivating experience for players, contributing to its immense popularity and commercial success.
4. Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers, released in 1993, is a point-and-click adventure game developed and published by Sierra On-Line. The game follows the story of Gabriel Knight, a struggling writer and bookstore owner, who becomes embroiled in a series of voodoo-related murders in New Orleans. To uncover the truth behind the killings, Gabriel must delve into his family’s dark past and confront an ancient supernatural force.
Featuring hand-painted backgrounds and a strong emphasis on storytelling, Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers offers a rich, atmospheric experience that is both engaging and suspenseful. This computer game is praised for its deep narrative, memorable characters, and intricate puzzles, making it a standout 90s title in the adventure game genre.
5. Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars
Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, released in 1996, is a point-and-click adventure game developed by Revolution Software. The game follows the story of George Stobbart, an American tourist in Paris, who witnesses a bombing and becomes entangled in a complex conspiracy involving the Knights Templar.
This 90s game features beautifully hand-drawn 2D computer graphics, engaging characters, and a captivating story that takes players on a journey across multiple European locations. Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars is highly regarded for its rich narrative, well-crafted puzzles, and a perfect balance of humor and suspense.
6. Sid Meier’s Civilization II
The quintessential turn-based strategy game, Sid Meier’s Civilization II, released in 1996, was developed by MicroProse and the sequel to the groundbreaking original Civilization. The game challenges players to guide a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age, exploring, expanding, and competing against other civilizations for resources, territory, and technological advancements.
Civilization II introduces new gameplay features, improved graphics, and additional units and technologies, building upon the success of its predecessor. The game is celebrated for its depth, replayability, and the variety of strategies players can employ to achieve victory.
7. Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Command & Conquer: Red Alert, released in 1996, is a real-time strategy game developed by Westwood Studios. Set in an alternate history where Albert Einstein travels back in time to eliminate Adolf Hitler, the game explores a world where the Soviet Union and the Allies battle for supremacy in a new World War. Players command various units and structures, gathering resources and employing strategic tactics to defeat their opponents.
Red Alert is known for its fast-paced gameplay, memorable units, and a campy, yet entertaining storyline. The game’s success helped solidify the Command & Conquer series as a cornerstone of the real-time strategy genre and led to the development of several sequels and spin-off computer games in the 90’s and beyond.
8. StarCraft
StarCraft, released in 1998, is a real-time strategy game developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. Set in a distant sector of the galaxy, the game features three distinct races – the Terrans, the Zerg, and the Protoss – each with their unique units, buildings, and playstyles. Players are tasked with managing resources, building their base, and commanding armies to defeat their opponents.
StarCraft is widely regarded for its well-balanced gameplay, engaging storyline, and competitive multiplayer experience. The game’s popularity led to the creation of a successful sequel, StarCraft II, and solidified its status as a classic and influential title in the real-time strategy genre.
9. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, released in 1999, is a real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios and the sequel to the original Age of Empires. The game takes players through various historical periods, as they command one of 13 different civilizations, each with unique units and technologies. Players gather resources, build their cities, and engage in combat to expand their empires.
Age of Empires II is praised for its expansive historical scope, deep gameplay, and compelling campaigns based on real-life historical figures.
10. Heroes of Might and Magic III
Heroes of Might and Magic III, released in 1999, is a turn-based strategy game developed by New World Computing. Set in a high-fantasy world, the game challenges players to explore vast maps, gather resources, recruit armies, and capture towns to achieve victory. Heroes of Might and Magic III introduces new gameplay features, improved graphics, and a wealth of content, making it a beloved entry in the series.
The game is known for its strategic depth, engaging gameplay, and a diverse array of units and factions. Heroes of Might and Magic III remains a favorite among fans of the turn-based strategy genre.
11. Baldur’s Gate
Baldur’s Gate, released in 1998, is a role-playing game developed by BioWare and set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms campaign setting. Players create a custom character and assemble a party of adventurers to embark on a journey filled with intrigue, danger, and epic battles. The game features an isometric view, real-time combat with pause functionality, and a deep, branching narrative that responds to the player’s choices.
Baldur’s Gate is acclaimed for its immersive storytelling, memorable characters, and faithful adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset. The game’s success established BioWare as a major player in the RPG genre.
12. Fallout 2
Fallout 2, released in 1998, is a post-apocalyptic role-playing game developed by Black Isle Studios and the sequel to the original Fallout. Set in a vast, open-world wasteland, the game follows the story of the Chosen One, who embarks on a journey to find the Garden of Eden Creation Kit (GECK) to save their dying village. Fallout 2 features an isometric view, turn-based combat, and a complex branching narrative that responds to player choices and actions.
The game is highly regarded for its dark humor, engaging story, and deep character customization, as well as its unique setting that combines retro-futuristic technology with the aesthetics of 1950s America. Fallout 2 expanded upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, and its success contributed to the creation of a beloved and long-running RPG franchise.
A post-apocalyptic adventure, Fallout 2’s dark humor, open-world exploration, and innovative gameplay mechanics solidified its status as a cult classic.
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13. Planescape: Torment
Planescape: Torment, released in 1999, is a role-playing game developed by Black Isle Studios and set in the unique and otherworldly Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting of Planescape. The game tells the story of the Nameless One, an immortal being who wakes up in a mortuary with no memory of his past and embarks on a journey to discover his true identity. Featuring an isometric view, real-time combat with pause functionality, and a rich, branching narrative, Planescape: Torment is known for its emphasis on storytelling and character development over combat and loot.
The game is praised for its deep, philosophical narrative, complex characters, and the imaginative world of Planescape, which sets it apart from traditional fantasy settings. Despite its initial modest sales, Planescape: Torment has garnered a dedicated fanbase and is considered a cult classic in the world of computer role-playing games.
14. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, released in 1996, is an open-world action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Softworks and the second instalment in The Elder Scrolls series. Set in the vast, interconnected provinces of High Rock and Hammerfell, the game follows the story of a customizable player character who is tasked with solving a political intrigue involving the death of a king. Daggerfall features a massive, procedurally generated world, first-person perspective, and real-time combat, as well as a complex character creation system and numerous side quests.
Daggerfall is celebrated for its ambitious scope, immersive world, and the freedom it offers players to explore and interact with its environment. The game’s success and influence on the open-world RPG genre led to the creation of several sequels, including the acclaimed The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
15. Diablo
Diablo, released in 1996, is an action role-playing game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Set in the dark, gothic world of Sanctuary, players assume the role of a hero who must descend into the depths of a labyrinthine dungeon beneath the town of Tristram to defeat the demonic lord Diablo. The game features an isometric perspective, real-time combat, and randomly generated levels, loot, and enemies, providing a unique experience with each playthrough.
Diablo is renowned for its addictive gameplay, atmospheric setting, and fast-paced combat, as well as its cooperative multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up to battle the forces of evil. The game’s success spawned two sequels, Diablo II and Diablo III, and established the Diablo franchise as a defining series in the action RPG genre.
16. DOOM
DOOM, released in 1993, is a first-person shooter developed by id Software that revolutionized the genre and became a cultural phenomenon. Set on the moons of Mars, players take on the role of an unnamed space marine, popularly known as “Doomguy,” who must battle demonic forces unleashed by a corrupt corporation. The game features fast-paced, intense combat, maze-like levels filled with secrets, and a wide array of deadly weapons.
DOOM is celebrated for its groundbreaking graphics, pulse-pounding action, and innovative multiplayer modes, which laid the foundation for countless first-person shooters that followed. Its success spawned several sequels and a reboot, solidifying DOOM’s status as a legendary and influential title in the history of video games.
17. Half-Life
Half-Life, released in 1998, is a first-person shooter developed by Valve Software that redefined storytelling and immersion in the genre. Players assume the role of Gordon Freeman, a theoretical physicist who finds himself fighting for survival after an experiment goes awry at the Black Mesa Research Facility, unleashing alien creatures and military forces. Half-Life features a seamless narrative that unfolds through scripted events and environmental storytelling, rather than relying on cutscenes.
The game is praised for its innovative level design, realistic artificial intelligence, and engaging story, which are woven together to create a truly immersive experience. Half-Life’s critical and commercial success led to the development of a sequel, Half-Life 2, and a series of episodic expansions, establishing it as a landmark title in the first-person shooter genre.
18. Duke Nukem 3D
Duke Nukem 3D, released in 1996, is a first-person shooter developed by 3D Realms that features the wise-cracking, alien-fighting action hero, Duke Nukem. Set in a near-future Earth invaded by extraterrestrial forces, players control Duke as he battles his way through a variety of levels, armed with an arsenal of powerful weapons. The game is known for its irreverent humor, pop culture references, and interactive environments.
Duke Nukem 3D is celebrated for its fast-paced action, memorable protagonist, and groundbreaking level design, which introduced features such as destructible environments and non-linear progression. With its tongue-in-cheek humor and over-the-top action, Duke Nukem 3D brought a sense of fun and personality to the FPS genre, making the eponymous hero an icon in gaming history.
19. System Shock 2
System Shock 2, released in 1999, is a first-person action role-playing game developed by Looking Glass Studios and Irrational Games. Set in a dystopian future aboard the spaceship Von Braun, players take on the role of a soldier who must unravel the mystery behind the ship’s horrifying events and confront a malevolent artificial intelligence known as SHODAN. The game combines first-person shooter gameplay with deep character customization, exploration, and survival horror elements.
System Shock 2 is highly regarded for its atmospheric storytelling, complex gameplay mechanics, and innovative hybrid genre. The game’s immersive world, engaging narrative, and focus on player choice have influenced many subsequent titles, including the successful BioShock series.
20. SimCity 2000
SimCity 2000, released in 1993, is a city-building simulation game developed by Maxis and the sequel to the original SimCity. The game challenges players to design, build, and manage their own city, balancing various factors such as infrastructure, zoning, and budgeting to create a thriving metropolis. SimCity 2000 introduces new gameplay features, improved graphics, and additional building types, offering a more in-depth simulation experience than its predecessor.
This 90’s computer game is lauded for its engaging gameplay, realistic urban simulation, and the creative freedom it offers players in building their dream city. SimCity 2000’s success solidified the SimCity franchise as a pioneer in the city-building genre,
The definitive city-building simulation, SimCity 2000 let players unleash their creativity and shape the urban landscape to their heart’s content.
21. RollerCoaster Tycoon
RollerCoaster Tycoon, released in 1999, is a theme park management simulation game developed by Chris Sawyer. Players are tasked with building and managing their own amusement park, constructing thrilling roller coasters and other attractions while maintaining visitor satisfaction and profitability. The game features a robust coaster design tool, allowing players to create custom rides with unique twists and turns.
RollerCoaster Tycoon is celebrated for its addicting gameplay, intricate management systems, and the endless creative possibilities it offers players in designing their amusement parks.
22. Transport Tycoon Deluxe
Transport Tycoon Deluxe, released in 1995, is an economic simulation game developed by Chris Sawyer and the enhanced version of the original Transport Tycoon. Players are challenged to build and manage their own transportation empire, connecting industries and cities via various transport modes such as road, rail, air, and sea. The game features a variety of scenarios, each with unique objectives and time periods, as well as an open-ended sandbox mode.
Transport Tycoon Deluxe is praised for its deep gameplay mechanics, strategic decision-making, and the satisfaction derived from connecting cities and industries in a sprawling transportation network.
23. Theme Hospital
Theme Hospital, released in 1997, is a business simulation game developed by Bullfrog Productions, the creators of the popular Theme Park series. Players are tasked with building and managing a hospital, hiring staff, diagnosing and treating patients, and expanding their facilities to accommodate an ever-growing influx of patients with various ailments and humorous conditions.
The game is known for its quirky humor, engaging gameplay, and the challenge of balancing the hospital’s financial and operational aspects while maintaining patient satisfaction. Theme Hospital’s unique blend of humor and strategy has earned it a dedicated fanbase, and its success has inspired spiritual successors such as Two Point Hospital, which continues the legacy of this classic simulation title.
A quirky and humorous take on the simulation genre, Theme Hospital tasked players with managing a bustling, and often bizarre, medical facility.
24. Thief: The Dark Project
Set in a dark, steampunk-inspired world, the game follows the story of Garrett, a master thief who must navigate through various missions while using his wits, cunning, and stealth abilities to avoid detection and accomplish his objectives.
The game is widely recognized for its innovative gameplay mechanics and emphasis on stealth, rather than brute force. Players are encouraged to use shadows, avoid making noise, and employ a variety of gadgets and tools to outmaneuver guards and bypass obstacles.
25. TIE Fighter
TIE Fighter, released in 1994, is a space combat simulation game developed by LucasArts and the sequel to the popular X-Wing. Set in the Star Wars universe, the game offers a unique perspective by placing players in the role of an Imperial starfighter pilot. Players embark on a series of missions that involve protecting Imperial installations, engaging in dogfights with Rebel spacecraft, and ensuring the dominance of the Empire throughout the galaxy. The game features a variety of TIE fighter models, each with their distinct capabilities and attributes.
TIE Fighter is highly regarded for its engaging gameplay, rich narrative, and the unique experience of flying as an Imperial pilot, offering a new perspective on the Star Wars universe. The computer game’s critical and commercial success in the 90s solidified its place as a classic within the space combat simulation genre and contributed to the ongoing popularity of the X-Wing series, leading to further sequels and expansions.
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Wrapping Up – PC Games of the 90s
The 90s were a transformative time for the gaming industry, with countless classics that have left a lasting impact on the medium. These 25 computer games represent the pinnacle of 90s PC gaming, and they continue to captivate players with their engaging gameplay, immersive storytelling, and innovative mechanics. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the scene, there’s never been a better time to revisit these iconic games and experience the magic of 90s gaming for yourself. So dust off your old PC, grab a joystick, and prepare to be transported back to the 90s when computer games were truly at their finest.
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