16 Games You Won't Believe Came Out 20 Years Ago

    Mario 64, Crash Bandicoot, Tomb Raider... video games definitely peaked in 1996.

    Hilary Mitchell
    by Hilary Mitchell

    BuzzFeed Staff, UK

    1. Pokémon Red and Blue (Game Boy)

    Nintendo

    The very first instalments of the wildly successful Pokémon game series were first released in Japan in 1996, and they were an instant hit. Plus, unlike Pokémon Go, this version is satisfying and easy to play. "Game Boy: I choose you".

    2. Crash Bandicoot (PS1)

    Naughty Dog/Universal/Sony

    Crash was the edgy, fun mascot for the PS1, and was way cooler than Sonic. A remastered version of Crash Bandicoot is coming out PS4 in 2017. Can't wait.

    3. Tomb Raider (PC, PS1, Saturn)

    Core Design/Eidos/Square Enix

    It's hard to believe that we once lived in a pre-Tomb Raider world, but it's true. Gun-toting, polygon-boobed hero Lara Croft first came into our lives 20 years ago in this game for the PC, PS1, and Saturn, and instantly back-flipped her way into our hearts.

    4. Super Mario 64 (N64)

    Nintendo

    The N64 was released 20 years ago, which means that its awesome, impressive launch title just turned 20 as well. Mario, you're still looking good for your age.

    5. Destruction Derby 2 (PC, PS1)

    Reflections Interactive

    Do you remember the sheer delight of forming a circle and then driving into lots of other cars as fast as you can? Bliss. These days, you get your trashing cars fix from Grand Theft Auto V. In 1996, it was Destruction Derby 2.

    6. Pilotwings 64 (N64)

    Nintendo

    Another N64 launch title, the flight-school themed Pilotwings was tricky, really fun, soothing, and weirdly engrossing. Even if you did spend 99% of the time twatting yourself off buildings, spiralling away into the sea, and crashing. Wheee!

    7. Resident Evil (PS1)

    Capcom

    The very first Resident Evil game also came out in 1996. How did we get anything done that year? This shit-scary survival horror game was way ahead of its time, and the blocky graphics just made it spookier somehow.

    8. Quake (PC)

    id Software

    Speaking of games that were way ahead of their time, Quake for PC blew everyone away with its revolutionary, advanced 3D graphics engine. It also had an online multiplayer option too. In 1996! Imagine the dial-up phone bill.

    9. Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (N64)

    LucasArts / Nintendo

    This challenging N64 game was full of awesome moments, but the Battle of Hoth intro has to be one of the most memorable, especially the bit where you wrap a cable around the AT:ATs legs. All together now: "Challenge Point Awarded."

    10. Super Mario RPG (SNES)

    Nintendo

    Nintendo wanted to get in on the Final Fantasy action, so in 1996 they plonked Mario and co. down in this fun, turn-based RPG adventure. It really took off, and spawned lots of follow-ups, like 2015's Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam.

    11. Time Crisis (Arcade)

    Namco

    The first game in this mega-popular light-gun Arcade series came out 20 whole years ago. How much money did you waste on it every week?

    12. Dead or Alive (Arcade)

    Tecmo

    The current Dead or Alive series is notorious for its unrealistic-looking, sexualised female characters in tiny swimsuits, but back in the day it was just a damn good, advanced fighting sim that you fed with 50ps for hours. Bring back 1996.

    13. Diablo (PC)

    Blizzard Entertainment

    This hellish RPG was developed by Blizzard, who are a better known for World of Warcraft these days. Like Warcraft, Diablo was massively addictive, but it wasn't an online game so at least you saved on dial-up internet fees.

    14. Jet Moto (PS1)

    SingleTrac / PlayStation

    Why don't more developers make turbo-charged hoverbike racing games that involve slingshotting around tight corners using a magnetic grapple? Seriously, we need to know, because this 20-year-old series was really great.

    15. Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain (PS1)

    Silicon Knights

    This arty action-adventure fantasy game introduced the world to Kain, a newly-resurrected vampire. It was dark AF, and suffered from endless loading times, but its cinematic scope and storytelling were ground-breaking at the time.

    16. Kirby Super Star (SNES)

    HAL Labs/Nintendo

    This bubblegum-bright game was one of the last major releases for the SNES (RIP). It's also one of the best in the Kirby franchise. If you want a really intense nostalgia fix (or you're just bored at work) you can play it online here. You're welcome.

    TL; DR: 1996 was awesome.

    huffingtonpost.tumblr.com / Giphy

    And the kids of today have literally no idea what they're missing.