26 of the Most Popular 90s Computer Games: A Retro List

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Relive your childhood with these classic PC games

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

2 Lemmings (1991)

3 Wolfenstein 3D (1992)

4 SimCity 2000 (1993)

5 Myst (1993)

6 DOOM (1993)

7 Freddi Fish and the Case of the Missing Kelp Seeds (1994)

8 System Shock (1994)

9 Command & Conquer (1995)

10 Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995)

11 Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)

12 Quake (1996)

13 Civilization II (1996)

14 Tomb Raider (1996)

15 Diablo (1997)

16 Grand Theft Auto (1997)

17 Fallout (1997)

18 Age of Empires (1997)

19 Half-Life (1998)

20 StarCraft (1998)

21 Thief: The Dark Project (1998)

22 Baldur’s Gate (1998)

23 RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999)

24 Worms Armageddon (1999)

25 Planescape: Torment (1999)

26 EverQuest (1999)

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Co-authored by Grant Cunningham and Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: February 21, 2026 Fact Checked

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If you’ve been a gamer for decades, you probably remember some of the video game highlights of the 1990s—and if you haven’t been gaming that long, you might want an introduction! That’s what we’re here for; we’ve compiled a list of 26 popular and beloved computer games from the 1990s, from tongue-in-cheek games like The Secret of Monkey Island to hall-of-fame games like Quake and Fallout. Take a look at our guide to ’90s computer games below, and refresh your memory or familiarize yourself with some of the best titles of the decade.

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1

The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

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1. 
   The Secret of Monkey Island put a silly spin on point-and-click adventure games, putting players in the shoes of aspiring pirate Guybrush Threepwood (who was, of course, determined to rescue his lady love from ghost pirate LeChuck). Throughout the game, Threepwood gathers a crew and comes into his own as a pirate—while solving puzzles and fighting foes.

   • Developer: Lucasfilm Games
   • Current Platforms: PC
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2

Lemmings (1991)

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1. 
   If you’ve never played Lemmings, you’re missing out on one of the most popular games of the early 1990s! Even though the Lemmings games lost popularity by the end of the decade, that first game remains a beloved puzzle strategy game—with its main characters being anthropomorphised lemmings. The goal? Simple: guide your group of lemmings from the start of each level to the exit.

   • Developer: DMA Design
   • Current Platforms: Computer (online)

3

Wolfenstein 3D (1992)

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1. 
   Wolfenstein 3D is fondly remembered as a groundbreaking first-person shooter (FPS) and, in fact, the “grandfather of 3D shooters.” Starring William B.J. Blazkowicz, an Allied spy, who tears through a castle full of Nazis while on a critically important mission, this Wolfenstein game features fast-paced action on top of 3D graphics that’d be considered rudimentary now—but were quite impressive back in the day.

   • Developer: id Software
   • Current Platforms: PC
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4

SimCity 2000 (1993)

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1. 
   SimCity 2000 is an old-fashioned city-building game, giving players the ability to create their own cities, run them, and help them grow. Its gameplay aims for realism, complete with balancing budgets, managing schools, libraries, and infrastructure, and deciding what types of power plants to build. But when players don’t like what they’ve created, they can trigger a natural disaster and rebuild the whole thing.

   • Developer: Maxis
   • Current Platforms: PC

5

Myst (1993)

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1. 
   Myst is still an iconic game, even today—a puzzle adventure game that transports players to another dimension. It’s slower-paced and very atmospheric, which helped it stand out among other adventure games upon its release; as they play, players can solve puzzles that slowly unravel the characters’ stories and even let them travel to other worlds. With high-quality graphics (for the time) and an impressive, nonlinear storyline, Myst was the best-selling PC game for almost a decade!

   • Developer: Cyan
   • Current Platforms: PC, Mac OS
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6

DOOM (1993)

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1. 
   DOOM was a pinnacle of what first-person shooters could be at the time of its release, and the game that really popularized the FPS genre for gamers everywhere! It introduced computer gamers to 3D graphics and networked multiplayer gameplay as they got to take down waves of demonic enemies. Plus, DOOM offered support for player-made modifications with its WAD (Where’s All the Data?) file format—and from that first game, the DOOM franchise took off.

   • Developer: id Software
   • Current Platforms: PC

7

Freddi Fish and the Case of the Missing Kelp Seeds (1994)

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1. 
   First in the Freddi Fish series, The Case of the Missing Kelp Seeds was a point-and-click adventure game for kids (with a decent helping of math and other educational content thrown in). Players got to follow Freddi and her trusty sidekick, Luther, while attempting to solve the mystery at hand—and explore the ocean as they went.

   • Developer: Humongous Entertainment
   • Current Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
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8

System Shock (1994)

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1. 
   System Shock is a cyberpunk-themed action-adventure game, lauded as a groundbreaking step forward for its genre upon its 1994 release. It was praised for its 3D engine, physics simulation, and complex, emergent gameplay—and although the game was only a moderate commercial success, it has gone down in history as a masterpiece of ’90s gaming. Another developer, Nightdive Studios, went on to release a faithful remake of System Shock in 2023!

   • Developer: LookingGlass Technologies
   • Current Platforms: PC (Enhanced Edition, Remake)

9

Command & Conquer (1995)

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1. 
   Command & Conquer is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that follows an alternate historical timeline in which a world war has led to the creation of two globalized factions: the Global Defense Initiative of the United Nations, and the Brotherhood of Nod (a revolutionary organization). Today, Command & Conquer is still remembered as one of the greatest games of the decade, and one of the few titles that really popularized the RTS genre.

   • Developer: Westwood Studios
   • Current Platforms: PC (Remastered)
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10

Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995)

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1. 
   The sequel to 1994’s Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, Tides of Darkness is a fantasy real-time strategy game—and its success, compounded with that of Command & Conquer, led to an “RTS boom” within the gaming industry of the mid-90s. Tides of Darkness challenges players to collect resources, amass their armies, and defeat their enemies in battle, complete with an expansive multiplayer aspect.

   • Developer: Blizzard
   • Current Platforms: PC (Remastered), classic Mac OS

11

Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)

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1. 
   Set in the Star Wars expanded universe, Dark Forces is a first-person shooter set shortly before the events of the first film (Episode IV – A New Hope). Players step into the shoes of Kyle Katarn, a mercenary employed by the Rebel Alliance and tasked with stealing the plans for the Death Star—a plot that later ended up being used in the Rogue One movie!

   • Developer: LucasArts
   • Current Platforms: PC (Remaster)
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12

Quake (1996)

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1. 
   Quake picked up where DOOM left off (literally, since both were developed by id Software). A 3D first-person shooter with gritty action and gothic environments, this game was the first in the Quake series, building on the technology and gameplay implemented in DOOM. With real-time 3D rendering and brutal multiplayer deathmatches—not to mention music from Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails—Quake quickly became a staple of the FPS genre.

   • Developer: id Software
   • Current Platforms: PC

13

Civilization II (1996)

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1. 
   Civilization II was an upgrade from the first Civilization game, with more civilizations for players to control and enhanced mechanics—including diplomatic reputation. The Civilization franchise shows no signs of losing steam, even today, and Civ II in particular is a reminder of why the series is so beloved, having won many awards and been recognized as one of the best games of all time.

   • Developer: MicroProse
   • Current Platforms: PC, classic Mac OS, PlayStation
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14

Tomb Raider (1996)

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1. 
   Archaeologist and adventurer extraordinaire Lara Croft is one of the most famous video game characters out there, and her story began with the 1996 Tomb Raider game. In the original game, Lara is hired by a wealthy businesswoman to find the Scion of Atlantis, traveling across Peru, Greece, Egypt, and beyond in search of the monumental find. Not only did Tomb Raider launch an incredibly successful franchise, but the game itself is getting a remake called Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.

   • Developer: Core Design
   • Current Platforms: PC

15

Diablo (1997)

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1. 
   Yet another game from Blizzard Entertainment (and the start of an iconic Blizzard franchise), Diablo was released as an action RPG with dungeon crawl elements—and a final boss in the form of Diablo himself, one of the three Lords of Hell. Players can choose their class (Warrior, Rogue, or Sorcerer) before mowing through legions of demons and eventually descending into Hell itself to defeat Diablo.

   • Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
   • Current Platforms: PC
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16

Grand Theft Auto (1997)

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1. 
   The first game in the Grand Theft Auto series came out back in 1997, starting players in the seedy criminal underbelly of Liberty City (and later San Andreas), where they must work their way up the ranks of organized crime. While reviews of the original game were mixed, it still managed to grow into one of the best-selling game franchises ever, and a sequel, Grand Theft Auto 2, was later released in 1999.

   • Developer: DMA Design
   • Current Platforms: PC, PlayStation, online browser

17

Fallout (1997)

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1. 
   At this point, the Fallout franchise has reached new heights of fame, with the incredibly popular game series currently helmed by Bethesda, not to mention the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime TV series. But it all goes back to the original Fallout, a game also acclaimed for its story, open-ended gameplay, skill system, and, of course, its iconic retro-futuristic post-apocalyptic setting.

   • Developer: Interplay Productions
   • Current Platforms: PC, Mac OS
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18

Age of Empires (1997)

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1. 
   Age of Empires became the first in the game series of the same name. It’s a 2D, sprite-based game in which players become the leaders of an ancient civilization, building it (and its people) up through the ages. Of course, building an empire requires strategy and resource management, which in turn unlocks advanced units and technology. Though released in 1997, a remastered edition of the game was also released in 2018.

   • Developer: Ensemble Studios (original), Forgotten Empires and Tantalus Media (Definitive Edition)
   • Current Platforms: PC

19

Half-Life (1998)

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1. 
   Half-Life is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved first-person shooter games ever made (as is its sequel, Half-Life 2), even all these years later! Determined to innovate the FPS genre, Valve crafted a game with fantastic visuals and a unique level of immersion, as players have nearly uninterrupted control of the player character—meaning there aren’t really any cutscenes, just scripted sequences.

   • Developer: Valve
   • Current Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux
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20

StarCraft (1998)

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1. 
   Blizzard is mainly known for its Warcraft (particularly World of Warcraft) series, but also notable is StarCraft—Blizzard’s sci-fi RTS game (and franchise). StarCraft is set in the distant future, and a far-off corner of the Milky Way galaxy; in the game, three opposing species fight one another for dominance. Players can join with the Terrans (humans exiled from Earth), the Zerg (insectoid aliens), or the Protoss (an advanced humanoid species) in their fight for survival.

   • Developer: Blizzard
   • Current Platforms: PC, Mac OS (Remastered)

21

Thief: The Dark Project (1998)

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1. 
   Thief is yet another famous 1990s game, this one renowned for its cutting-edge stealth mechanics and complex artificial intelligence. The game takes place over a series of missions, with the player character employing stealth to navigate their environment—and, at the time of Thief’s release, the use of light and sound as stealth mechanics had never been done before! Thus, the beloved “first-person sneaker” went down in gaming history.

   • Developer: Looking Glass Studios
   • Current Platforms: PC
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22

Baldur’s Gate (1998)

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1. 
   Baldur’s Gate and its sequel, Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn were the games that redefined western CRPGs (computer roleplaying games). With real-time, play-and-pause combat and a deep, epic storyline packed into the isometric Infinity Engine, Baldur’s Gate made a big impression upon its release—and continues to do so today, since the franchise’s revival with Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023). And, of course, it offered this nugget of wisdom: “You must gather your party before venturing forth.”

   • Developer: BioWare
   • Current Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Enhanced Edition)

23

RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999)

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1. 
   Rollercoaster Tycoon was the ambitious creation of Scottish programmer Chris Sawyer, one that allowed players to build and run their own amusement parks. With different types of roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and other amusement park ride staples (like log flumes and carousels), players could basically create the amusement park of their dreams—but, of course, they had to take care of things like upkeep, entertainment, and visitor needs, too!

   • Developer: Chris Sawyer
   • Current Platforms: PC
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24

Worms Armageddon (1999)

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1. 
   Worms Armageddon truly is a classic of the turn-based strategy genre—a game in which players control teams of earthworms equipped with heavy weapons, guaranteeing lots of destruction, chaos, and hilarity. With a huge variety of weapons available as well as single-player and multiplayer modes, Worms Armageddon was considered the best of the Worms games thus far (and is still one of the top games of the 1990s).

   • Developer: Team17
   • Current Platforms: PC, PlayStation, N64, Game Boy Color (Classic version); PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S, Nintendo Switch (Anniversary edition)

25

Planescape: Torment (1999)

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1. 
   Planescape: Torment was made on the same Infinity Engine used for Baldur’s Gate—and was hailed as even more of a marvel upon its release. That’s because Planescape: Torment is a story-rich CRPG with emphasis on dialogue and narrative over combat (whereas most CRPGs balance the two, or focus more on combat). When you add Planescape’s unique setting, memorable characters, and meaningful plot, you get a game that still regularly appears on “best games of all time” lists.

   • Developer: Black Isle Studios
   • Current Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Enhanced Edition)
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26

EverQuest (1999)

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1. 
   EverQuest is the incredibly long-running MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) that launched in 1999—and it’s still being played today! Sure, it’s evolved a lot, but the fact remains that EverQuest, in its early form, was the first commercially successful MMORPG with a 3D game engine! Set in the world of Norrath, the game lets players build their character, fight monsters, join player guilds, and interact with other players and NPCs. It’s your standard MMORPG fare, but EverQuest was one of the first to do it!

   • Developer: Verant Interactive, 989 Studios
   • Current Platforms: PC

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• Gaming expert Shaihiem King says the most iconic and influential video games from the 1990s include Mortal Kombat, Sonic the Hedgehog, Final Fantasy 7, Resident Evil, 007 Goldeneye, Crash Bandicoot, and Pokémon.
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• According to King, the 1990s shaped the future of gaming by moving from 2D to 3D animation. He says, “Bringing games to online multiplayer [mode] was a fantastic experience, [compared to] just playing with someone that was near you. It felt like you were connected with people all around the world in a positive way.”
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