The 90s was a golden age for computer gaming. Games like Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Quake, and Unreal Tournament paved the way for the first-person shooter genre. Other great titles like Myst, SimCity, and Age of Empires brought similar success to adventure, city-building, and strategy genres, respectively. These games were technologically sophisticated and immersive, yet accessible to a wide audience. They became cult classics and were adored by many.
However, with the rise of mobile gaming and the focus on graphics over gameplay, the glory of 90s computer games has been fading. These games, which were once viewed as groundbreaking, now often go overlooked as players flock to more modern fare. But is it possible to revive the glory days of 90s computer gaming?
The answer is a resounding yes. In recent years, a number of indie developers and game studios have created games that pay homage to 90s gaming while infusing it with modern twists. For example, the game DUSK is a love letter to classic first-person shooters like Doom and Quake. It’s fast-paced, action-packed, and features the same satisfying gunplay that gamers loved in the 90s. The 2013 game, Shadowrun Returns, similarly brought back the classic role-playing game that originally debuted in 1989.
But what sets these modern games apart from 90s titles is the advancements in technology. Today’s computers are more powerful than ever, meaning that developers can create games that are better-looking, more expansive, and more immersive than ever before. For example, the 2016 game, Obduction, reinvents the classic point-and-click adventure game for a new generation. It’s a beautiful game that takes players on a journey to a strange, alien world.
Additionally, the internet has made it easier than ever to discover and play classic 90s games. Websites like GOG.com (Good Old Games) and Steam offer classic games digitally remastered for modern computers. These sites have been instrumental in preserving and selling 90s games to a new generation of gamers.
In conclusion, the glory of computer 90s games can be revived through a combination of nostalgia and innovation. By paying homage to classic gameplay elements and infusing them with modern technology, indie developers and game studios are paving the way for a bright future in gaming. Additionally, the popularity of classic game websites like GOG and Steam is proof that there is still a hunger for these classic games. As long as there are gamers who are fond of the 90s era of gaming, there will always be a market for games that evoke that particular brand of nostalgia.
