Nostalgia Overload: 5 Iconic ’96 Games That Revolutionized Our Joysticks

1996 was a landmark year for video games. It was a time when the gaming industry was beginning to shift gears, with new technologies and innovative gameplay mechanics changing the landscape forever. If you were around during this time, you probably have fond memories of some of the most iconic games ever released. Let’s dive into the five best video games of 1996 and explore why they captured our hearts, their flaws, cheats, glitches, and some fun facts that you might not know.

From the advent of 3D graphics to the birth of some of the most beloved franchises, 1996 was a year that left an indelible mark on the gaming world. These games not only defined a generation but also set the stage for the future of gaming. So, grab your controller, and let’s take a trip down memory lane.

As a pop-culture-savvy gamer, I remember spending countless hours glued to my TV screen, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and exploring vast virtual worlds. These games were more than just entertainment; they were an escape, a way to connect with friends, and a source of endless fun. Now, let’s break down the five best video games of 1996 and see what made them so special.

• The revolutionary impact of 3D graphics in 1996
• Iconic franchises that began or evolved in 1996
• Fun facts, cheats, and glitches that made these games memorable

Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 was a game-changer, quite literally. Released on the Nintendo 64, it was the first Mario game to feature 3D graphics, and it blew everyone’s minds. The game introduced players to a fully explorable 3D world, complete with intricate levels, hidden secrets, and a sense of freedom that was unprecedented at the time. Mario’s new moves, like the triple jump and wall kick, added depth to the gameplay and made exploring the Mushroom Kingdom an absolute joy.

Everyone loved Super Mario 64 because it was a perfect blend of innovation and nostalgia. It took the familiar characters and settings from the classic Mario games and reimagined them in a way that felt fresh and exciting. The game’s controls were tight and responsive, making it easy to pick up and play, but challenging enough to keep players coming back for more. The level design was top-notch, with each stage offering unique challenges and surprises.

But no game is without its flaws. One of the most common complaints about Super Mario 64 was the camera system. While it was revolutionary for its time, it could be frustrating to control, especially in tight spaces or during tricky platforming sections. Additionally, some players found the game’s difficulty curve to be uneven, with certain levels being significantly harder than others.

Of course, we can’t talk about Super Mario 64 without mentioning the cheats and glitches. One of the most famous glitches is the “backwards long jump,” which allows players to bypass certain parts of the game and reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. This glitch became a staple in speedrunning communities and added an extra layer of fun for those looking to push the game to its limits.

Fun fact: Did you know that the voice of Mario, Charles Martinet, improvised many of Mario’s iconic lines during his audition? His energetic and playful performance helped bring the character to life and has become synonymous with Mario ever since.

• First 3D Mario game
• Introduced new moves like the triple jump and wall kick
• Camera system was revolutionary but flawed
• Famous glitch: backwards long jump

Resident Evil

Resident Evil, known as Biohazard in Japan, was the game that put survival horror on the map. Released on the PlayStation, it introduced players to the terrifying world of Raccoon City, where they had to navigate a mansion filled with zombies, puzzles, and limited resources. The game’s fixed camera angles and tank controls added to the sense of tension and dread, making every encounter with the undead a heart-pounding experience.

What made Resident Evil so beloved was its ability to create a genuinely scary atmosphere. The game’s sound design, with its eerie music and unsettling ambient noises, kept players on edge. The story, while cheesy at times, was engaging and full of twists and turns. And who could forget the infamous line, “You were almost a Jill sandwich!”? It’s moments like these that have cemented Resident Evil as a classic.

However, Resident Evil was not without its flaws. The tank controls, while adding to the tension, could be cumbersome and difficult to master. The game’s inventory system was also a point of frustration for many players, as it required careful management of limited space. And let’s not forget the voice acting, which, while charming in its own way, was often laughably bad.

When it comes to cheats and glitches, Resident Evil had its fair share. One of the most well-known cheats is the “infinite ammo” trick, which allows players to start the game with unlimited ammunition for all weapons. This cheat made the game significantly easier and allowed players to focus more on exploration and puzzle-solving. There were also several glitches that could be exploited to skip certain sections of the game or bypass enemies.

Fun fact: The original Japanese version of Resident Evil was significantly more difficult than the North American release. The enemies were tougher, and there were fewer resources available, making survival even more challenging.

• First survival horror game to gain mainstream popularity
• Fixed camera angles and tank controls added to the tension
• Infamous line: “You were almost a Jill sandwich!”
• Infinite ammo cheat and various glitches

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider introduced the world to Lara Croft, one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. Released on the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and PC, the game combined action, exploration, and puzzle-solving in a way that had never been seen before. Players took on the role of Lara as she navigated ancient tombs, battled dangerous enemies, and uncovered hidden treasures.

Everyone loved Tomb Raider because it offered a sense of adventure and discovery that was unmatched at the time. The game’s 3D environments were vast and detailed, with each level offering new challenges and secrets to uncover. Lara’s acrobatic abilities, such as her ability to climb, swim, and perform flips, added depth to the gameplay and made exploring the game’s world a joy.

However, Tomb Raider was not without its issues. The game’s controls could be clunky and imprecise, leading to frustrating moments where players would miss jumps or fall to their deaths. The camera system was also a point of contention, as it could sometimes get stuck or provide awkward angles that made navigation difficult. Additionally, some players found the combat to be repetitive and less engaging than the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects of the game.

When it comes to cheats and glitches, Tomb Raider had some memorable ones. One of the most famous cheats is the “all weapons” cheat, which allows players to access all of Lara’s weapons and unlimited ammo. This cheat made the game significantly easier and allowed players to focus on exploration. There were also several glitches that could be exploited to skip certain sections of the game or bypass enemies.

Fun fact: Lara Croft was originally designed to be a male character, but the developers decided to change her to a female to make the game stand out and appeal to a broader audience. This decision paid off, as Lara Croft has become one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in gaming history.

• Introduced Lara Croft, an iconic video game character
• Combined action, exploration, and puzzle-solving
• Clunky controls and camera issues
• All weapons cheat and various glitches

Quake

Quake was a revolutionary first-person shooter developed by id Software, the same team behind the iconic Doom series. Released on PC, Quake took the genre to new heights with its fully 3D graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and multiplayer capabilities. The game’s dark, gothic atmosphere and intense action made it an instant hit among gamers.

What made Quake so beloved was its combination of cutting-edge technology and addictive gameplay. The game’s 3D engine was a marvel at the time, allowing for more complex and detailed environments than ever before. The fast-paced, skill-based combat kept players on the edge of their seats, and the multiplayer mode became a phenomenon, with players competing in deathmatches and forming clans.

However, Quake was not without its flaws. The game’s single-player campaign was criticized for its lack of variety and repetitive level design. The story was also minimal, with little context or motivation for the player’s actions. Additionally, the game’s high system requirements meant that not everyone could experience it in all its glory.

When it comes to cheats and glitches, Quake had some memorable ones. One of the most famous cheats is the “god mode” cheat, which makes the player invincible and allows them to breeze through the game without fear of death. There were also several glitches that could be exploited to skip certain sections of the game or gain an advantage in multiplayer matches.

Fun fact: Quake was one of the first games to support online multiplayer, paving the way for the competitive gaming scene that we know today. The game’s modding community also played a significant role in its longevity, with players creating custom maps, mods, and even entirely new games using the Quake engine.

• Revolutionary 3D graphics and fast-paced gameplay
• First game to support online multiplayer
• God mode cheat and various glitches
• High system requirements limited accessibility

Diablo

Diablo, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, was a game that redefined the action RPG genre. Released on PC, it introduced players to the dark and foreboding world of Sanctuary, where they had to battle hordes of demons and uncover the secrets of the titular demon lord, Diablo. The game’s addictive loot system, randomly generated dungeons, and cooperative multiplayer made it a hit among gamers.

Everyone loved Diablo because it offered a perfect blend of action, strategy, and exploration. The game’s combat was fast-paced and satisfying, with a wide variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to choose from. The randomly generated dungeons ensured that no two playthroughs were the same, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. The cooperative multiplayer mode allowed players to team up with friends and tackle the game’s challenges together.

However, Diablo was not without its issues. The game’s graphics, while impressive for the time, could be considered dated by today’s standards. The story, while engaging, was relatively simple and straightforward. Additionally, the game’s difficulty could be uneven, with some sections being significantly harder than others.

When it comes to cheats and glitches, Diablo had its fair share. One of the most famous cheats is the “duplicate item” glitch, which allows players to create multiple copies of valuable items. This cheat made it easier to acquire powerful gear and progress through the game. There were also several glitches that could be exploited to bypass certain challenges or gain an advantage in combat.

Fun fact: The original concept for Diablo was a turn-based RPG, but the developers decided to switch to real-time combat to make the game more fast-paced and engaging. This decision helped shape the game’s identity and contributed to its success.

• Redefined the action RPG genre
• Addictive loot system and randomly generated dungeons
• Duplicate item glitch and various cheats
• Originally conceived as a turn-based RPG

Reflecting on the best video games of 1996, it’s clear that this was a year of innovation and transformation for the gaming industry. These games not only pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time but also laid the groundwork for future generations of gamers. Whether it was the groundbreaking 3D graphics of Super Mario 64, the spine-chilling horror of Resident Evil, the adventurous spirit of Tomb Raider, the intense action of Quake, or the addictive gameplay of Diablo, each of these titles left a lasting impact on the gaming world.

As we look back on these classics, it’s important to appreciate the creativity and dedication of the developers who brought them to life. These games were more than just entertainment; they were experiences that shaped our childhoods and brought us countless hours of joy. So, the next time you fire up your console or PC, take a moment to remember the games that paved the way for the incredible experiences we enjoy today.

And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll look back on the games of today with the same fondness and nostalgia. Until then, let’s continue to celebrate the rich history of gaming and the incredible journeys that these games have taken us on.

References

1. Nintendo
2. Capcom
3. Blizzard Entertainment
4. Tomb Raider