The ’90s were a phenomenal time for gaming. Between systems like the SNES, the Nintendo 64, and the original playstation, some of most beloved games of all time were released throughout the ’90s. Whether one was a fan of fighting games, racing games, RPGs, or platformers, it was a defining era for many genres of games.
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However, while there are many series that flourished in the ’90s that still receive many new entries to this day, there other others that haven’t been as lucky, falling into obscurity with the passing of time. To today, we’re going to examine ten under-appreciated cult classics from the ’90s that are overdue for a continuation or reboot!
10Shining Force
Originally released for the Sega Genesis, theShining Forceseries is one that has many similarities totheFire Emblemseries, but was released outside of japan nearly a decade beforeFire Emblem.While the first entry was released in 1992, the series hasn’t seen a new game since the Japan exclusive release ofShining Force IIIin 1997.
While much of the series gameplay is reminiscent of otherJapanese tactical RPGs, the game has a distinct tone, and uniquely features an overworld and towns akin to what one would find in a SNES-eraFinal Fantasygame.
9Fatal Fury
One of the initial flagship fighting game franchises of developer, SNK, theFatal Furyseries is the home ofbeloved fighting game icon, Terry Bogard. Following the release ofGarou: Mark of the Wolvesin 1999, the series was discontinued, essentially being absorbed into theKing of Fightersseries.
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Despite this, it feels as though much has been lost, as these two fighting game franchises possess quite distinct gameplay differences. As Terry’s inclusion inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatehas made him more well known to those unfamiliar withFatal Fury,now is as good a time as any for aFatal Furyreboot.
8PaRappa The Rapper
Originally released for the Playstation in 1996,PaRappa the Rapperhas a very special place in the hearts of many players. Through it’s combination of unique visual style and memorable music,PaRappa the Rapperis one of the most definitive rhythm games of the 1990s. Though the game has been ported to numerous consoles such as the PSP and most recently the Playstation 4, the series hasn’t received a new entry sinceParappa the Rapper 2was released for the Playstation 2 all the way back in 2001.
7Darkstalkers
Capcom is a developer that is highly regarded for their fighting games, most namely theStreet Fighterseries and theMarvel Vs. Capcomseries. However,throughout the ’90s, they released numerous other fighting game franchises that haven’t received new entries in decades. One of the most notable of these series isDarkstalkers.
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Often regarded for its impressive sprite work and visual style,Darkstalkersis a game heavily influenced by a wide range of horror media. While numerous characters from the series have appeared in games such as entries in theMarvel Vs. Capcomseries, a brand newDarkstalkersgame hasn’t been released sinceDarkstalkers 3released in 1998.
6Earthbound/Mother
When it comes to cult classics produced by Nintendo, one can’t help but mention theMother Franchise.While the first and third entries in the series were initially only released in Japan (withMother 3still lacking any form of localization), the second game in the series,Earthboundwas released in the west. The home of Ness, who many players may know from theSuperSmash Brosseries, the game is often regarded for its comedic yet modern approach to a traditional turn based RPG.
While the series has a devout following, and even inspired games such asUndertaleandLisa,a new entry in the series hasn’t been produced since the Japan-exclusiveMother 3in 2006.
5Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Released by Lucasarts in 1993 for the Sega Genesis and the SNES,Zombies Ate My Neighborsis a memorable “run and gun” of the era. Possessing a distinct horror-comedy aesthetic while drawing influence from a myriad of horror films, the gameplay ofZombies Ate My Neighborsis fondly remembered due to its excellent co-op multiplayer that allows two players to fend off the horrors of the night together. Unfortunately for its fans, while the game received a sequel in the form ofGhoul Patrolin 1994, aside from re-releases and ports,there have been no new entries in the series in over twenty-five years.
4Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Togetherwas originally released in Japan in 1995, and is quite an influential release in the tactical RPG genre. Helping popularize an isometric view in tactical RPGs,Tactics Ogrehelped pave the way for games such as theFinal Fantasy Tacticsseries, and theDisgaeaseries. Additionally, the game featured revolutionary storytelling that helped to form what was possible to include within a game in the tactics genre. Though the game has been ported to numerous consoles, the last game to be released in the series wasTactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodisin 2002.
3Snowboard Kids
Snowboard Kidsis a cult classic snowboarding racing series released by Atlus. While the games in the series are indeed snowboarding games, featuring elements such as the ability to do tricks and the requirement of downhill momentum, the series has many similarities to kart racers likeMario Kart,such as the inclusions of items and power-ups. ThoughSnow-Board KidsandSnowboard Kids 2celebrated moderate amounts of success on the Nintendo 64, the last time we’ve seen the series was its failed attempt of a reboot for the DS withSBK: Snowboard Kidsin 2005.
2Rival Schools: United By Fate
Another forgotten fighting game franchise released by Capcom in the 90s,Rival Schools: United By Fate, is a game that features a cast of characters within a Japanese high school setting. The majority of the game’s roster are teachers, the heads of school clubs, or stars of various sports teams, giving the game a very unique aesthetic. While the majority of fighting games are 2D or 2.5D affairs,Rival Schoolsis a 3D fighter, likeTekken.While the game shares a universe withStreet Fighter, and it has been announced that one of the game’s characters, Akira, whill be appearing as DLC inStreet Fighter V, aRival Schoolsgame hasn’t been released since the release ofProject Justicein 2001.
1Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara
Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystarais a well-tuned and celebrated traditonal arcade beat ‘em up that takes place inthe world ofDungeons & Dragons.While many other games in the genre feature characters that play completely the same from one and other, he game features numerous unique characters with abilities based on their corresponding class. This helps to provide the game with an extra layer of depth and strategy.
The game was notably ported to the Xbox Live Arcade and the Playstation Network in 2013. AsD&Dis currently experiencing a notable degree of popularity, now seems like the perfect time to release a similarD&Dbeat ‘em up for modern audiences.
