[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/223564-super-mario-bros-nes-screenshot-starting-a-new-game.png[/img]
So after taking much of 2020 to look at some of the best games for several different home console systems of the 70's, 80's, and 90's, it only seemed natural to kick off 2021 with a list of the best of the best.
The results are based off of 5 participants:
Crabmaster2000
EZ Racer
DisposedHero
Fokakis79
Wempster
Voters were encouraged to list all their best games if they couldn't get it cut to 20, and a few lists took advantage of that. Games from all systems released as 5th generation consoles (N64, Playstation 1, Sega Saturn) and prior were eligible. Japan exclusives were also eligible, along with PC titles released in 1999 or earlier.
In all, there were 89 games that were considered among the best of the early video game generations, and rather than list the also-rans separately, I thought it woulld be fun to list every game in order. My thought is that all these games are considered exceptional by at least one person, so if your looking for ideas for something to try, it might be for you as well.
Before getting to it, thanks to those who participated this month, and all who made lists in 2020. It's been a lot of fun, and look forward to a lot more in '21! If you're a GameCube fan, check out the link for the next list coming up-
http://www.rfgeneration.c...m/index.php?topic=19495.0So here are your Top 20...er top 89 games as voted on by RFGen members!
89. System Shock 2 (PC)
First Released- 1999
Genre- First Person Shooter, Action RPG
88. Illusion of Gaia (SNES)
First Released- 1993
Genre- Adventure
87. Chrono Cross (PS1)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/686882-chrono-cross-playstation-screenshot-crossing-an-ominous-yet.png[/img]
First Released- 1999
Genre- RPG
86. Golden Axe (Genesis)
First Released- 1989
Genre- Beat-em Up
85. Metal Slug (Neo Geo)
First Released- 1996
Genre- Run n Gun
84. Shining Force (Genesis)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Tactics RPG
83. Resident Evil (PS1)
First Released- 1996
Genre- Survival Horror
82. Dragon Warrior III (GB Color)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/8/2/3/737823.jpg[/img]
First Released- 2000
Genre- RPG
81. Castlevania Bloodlines (Genesis)
First Released- 1993
Genre- Action Platformer
80. Parasite Eve (PS1)
First Released- 1998
Genre- Action RPG
79. Civilization (SNES)
First Released- 1995
Genre- Strategy
78. Secret of Mana (SNES)
First Released- 1993
Genre- RPG
77. Fire Emblem (GBA)
First Released- 2003
Genre- Tactics RPG
76. Mortal Kombat II (SNES)
First Released- 1994
Genre- Fighting
75. Dune 2000 (PC)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/28924-dune-2000-windows-screenshot-infantry-has-the-advantage-of.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1998
Genre- Strategy
74. Tecmo Super Bowl (SNES)
First Released- 1993
Genre- Sports
73. Final Fantasy Tactics (PS1)
First Released- 1997
Genre- Tactics RPG
72. Swords and Serpents (NES)
First Released- 1990
Genre- RPG Dungeon Crawler
71. Akumajou Dracula X (Castlevania: Rondo of Blood) (PC Engine CD)
First Released- 1993
Genre- Action Platformer
70. Outrun (Genesis)
First Released- 1991
Genre- Racing
69. Super Ghouls n Ghosts (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/79208-super-ghouls-n-ghosts-snes-screenshot-you-ll-hate-these-guys.png[/img]
First Released- 1991
Genre- Action Platformer
68. Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes (PS1)
First Released- 1999
Genre- Fighting
67. Extreme G (N64)
First Released- 1997
Genre- Racing
66. Pitfall! (Atari 2600)
First Released- 1982
Genre- Platformer
65. Twisted Metal 2 (PS1)
First Released- 1996
Genre- Demolition Derby
64. Streets of Rage 2 (Genesis)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Beat-em Up
63. Silent Hill (PS1)
First Released- 1999
Genre- Survival Horror
62. Super C (NES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/48060-super-contra-nes-screenshot-this-guy-isn-t-that-tough-the-snake.gif[/img]
First Released- 1990
Genre- Run n Gun
61. Final Fantasy VIII (PS1)
First Released- 1999
Genre- RPG
60. King of Fighters '97 (Neo Geo AES)
First Released- 1997
Genre- Fighting
59. (will be combined with a later entry on the list) 58. Uniracers (SNES)
First Released- 1994
Genre- Racing
57. Golden Axe II (Genesis)
First Released- 1991
Genre- Beat-em Up
56. Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/7/6/3/394763.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1988
Genre- Platformer
55. Star Fox 64 (N64)
First Released- 1997
Genre- Rail Shooter
54. Secret of Monkey Island (Sega CD)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Point and Click Adventure
53. Banjo-Kazooie (N64)
First Released- 1998
Genre- Platformer
52. Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey (N64)
First Released- 1996
Genre- Sports
51. Wave Race 64 (N64)
First Released- 1996
Genre- Racing
50. Metroid Fusion (GBA)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/239806-metroid-fusion-game-boy-advance-screenshot-samus-evil-clone.png[/img]
First Released- 2002
Genre- Adventure
49. Super Mario RPG (SNES)
First Released- 1996
Genre- RPG
48. Super Double Dragon (SNES)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Beat-em Up
47. F-Zero X (N64)
First Released- 1998
Genre- Racing
46. Sonic 2 (Genesis)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Platformer
45. Contra (NES)
First Released- 1987
Genre- Run n Gun
44. Rygar (NES)
First Released- 1987
Genre- Action Platformer
43. Super Bomberman 2 (SNES)
First Released- 1994
Genre- Action, Party
42. Donkey Kong (Game Boy)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/21716-donkey-kong-game-boy-screenshot-a-vertically-scrolling-level.gif[/img]
First Released- 1994
Genre- Puzzle Platformer
41. Pokemon Blue (Game Boy)
First Released- 1996, 1998
Genre- RPG
40. Guerrilla War (NES)
First Released- 1987
Genre- Run n Gun
39. Wizards and Warriors (NES)
First Released- 1987
Genre- Action Platformer
38. Half-Life (PC)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/83826-half-life-windows-screenshot-one-of-the-bigger-aliens-in-the.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1998
Genre- First Person Shooter
37. Perfect Dark (N64)
First Released- 2000
Genre- First Person Shooter
36. Advance Wars 2 (GBA)
First Released- 2003
Genre- Strategy
35. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out (NES)
First Released- 1987
Genre- Sports
34. Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo (PS1)
First Released- 1996
Genre- Puzzle
33. Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask (N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/6/1/1/17611.jpg[/img]
First Released- 2000
Genre- Adventure
32. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
First Released- 1988
Genre- Platformer
31. TMNT IV: Turtles in Time (SNES)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Beat-em Up
30. Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Game Boy) and
59. Link's Awakening DX (GB Color)
First Released- 1993/1998
Genre- Adventure
writer's note- The two games were enough alike to list them together, however, enough enhancements between the first and second versions to warrant making them unique entries on the list.29. Strikers 1945 (PS1)
First Released- 1998 (as Strikers 1945 II in Japan)
Genre- Shoot-em Up
28. Lords of Thunder (Turbo CD/Sega CD)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/387095-lords-of-thunder-turbografx-cd-screenshot-damn-you-big-snake.png[/img]
First Released- 1993/1995
Genre- Shoot-em Up
27. Ninja Gaiden II (NES)
First Released- 1990
Genre- Action Platformer
26. Castlevania (NES)
First Released- 1986
Genre- Action Platformer
25. Final Fantasy IV (SNES)
First Released- 1991 (Released as Final Fantasy II in NA region)
Genre- RPG
24. Earthbound (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/8/6/0/181860.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1994
Genre- RPG
23. Super Mario Kart (SNES)
First Released- 1992
Genre- Racing
22. Heroes of Might and Magic III (PC)
First Released- 1999
Genre- Strategy
21. Donkey Kong Country (SNES)
First Released- 1994
Genre- Platformer
----------And now for the final 20----------20. Final Fantasy VII (PS1)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/397291-final-fantasy-vii-playstation-screenshot-the-first-boss-battle.png[/img]
First Released- 1997
Genre- RPG
19. Tecmo Super Bowl (NES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/1/7/4/173174.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1991
Genre- Sports
18. Resident Evil 2 (PS1/N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/5/3/9/26539.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1998
Genre- Survival Horror
17. Mega Man X (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/116332-mega-man-x-snes-screenshot-riding-a-mine-cart.png[/img]
First Released- 1993
Genre- Action Platformer
16. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (PS1)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/173929-castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-playstation-screenshot-death.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1997
Genre- Action RPG
15. Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/196269-star-wars-rogue-squadron-3d-nintendo-64-screenshot-starting.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1998
Genre- Rail Shooter
14. Street Fighter II (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/32815-street-fighter-ii-the-world-warrior-snes-screenshot-guile-jumps.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1992
Genre- Fighting
13. Final Fantasy IX (PS1)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/693984-final-fantasy-ix-playstation-screenshot-another-awesome-view.png[/img]
First Released- 2000
Genre- RPG
12. Mega Man 2 (NES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/1/5/7/74157.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1988
Genre-Action Platformer
11. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/765373-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-nintendo-64-screenshot.png[/img]
First Released- 1998
Genre- Adventure
10. Goldeneye 007 (N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/193243-goldeneye-007-nintendo-64-screenshot-a-scene-from-the-famous.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1997
Genre- First Person Shooter
9. F-Zero (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/224347-f-zero-snes-screenshot-getting-ready-for-the-big-jump-on-red.png[/img]
First Released-1990
Genre- Racing
8. Legend of Zelda (NES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/312927-the-legend-of-zelda-nes-screenshot-ghoma-must-be-hit-in-his.png[/img]
First Released- 1986
Genre- Adventure
7. Super Metroid (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/546928-super-metroid-snes-screenshot-here-s-the-entrance-to-tourian.png[/img]
First Released- 1993
Genre- Adventure
6. Chrono Trigger (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/65827-chrono-trigger-snes-screenshot-lucca-s-newest-invention.png[/img]
First Released- 1995
Genre- RPG
5. Mario Kart 64 (N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/246960-mario-kart-64-nintendo-64-screenshot-mario-in-kalimari-desert.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1996
Genre- Racing
4. Super Mario World (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/218715-super-mario-world-snes-screenshot-bring-a-key-to-a-keyhole.png[/img]
First Released- 1990
Genre- Platformer
3. Final Fantasy VI (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/6/4/5/2758645.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1994 (as Final Fantasy III in NA region)
Genre- RPG
2. Super Mario 64 (N64)
[img width=640 height=480]https://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/246946-super-mario-64-nintendo-64-screenshot-lethal-lava-land.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1996
Genre- Platformer
1. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
[img width=640 height=480]https://gamefaqs1.cbsistatic.com/screen/full/9/3/4/184934.jpg[/img]
First Released- 1991
Genre- Adventure
So that's it, 89 games among the best of the Playstation and N64 era and earlier.
Let the controversy begin...
