Relive 1999: 5 Iconic Games That Shaped Our Childhood and Their Quirky Glitches

Ah, 1999. The year when Y2K was the biggest fear, boy bands ruled the airwaves, and video games were hitting their stride. It was a golden era for gaming, with developers pushing the boundaries of what was possible on consoles and PCs. Let’s dive into the five best video games of 1999 that everyone loved, dissect their flaws, explore some fun cheats and glitches, and share a few fun facts.

Whether you were a kid with a PlayStation controller glued to your hands or a PC gamer hunched over a keyboard, these games likely hold a special place in your heart. They weren’t just games; they were experiences that defined a generation. From groundbreaking graphics to unforgettable storylines, these titles set the bar high for future games.

So, dust off your nostalgia goggles and get ready to relive the magic of 1999. These games didn’t just entertain us; they shaped the way we think about gaming today. And while they were far from perfect, their impact is undeniable.

• The best video games of 1999 were groundbreaking in graphics and storytelling.
• Despite their flaws, these games left a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
• Fun cheats and glitches added an extra layer of enjoyment for players.

Final Fantasy VIII

In 1999, Square Enix (then SquareSoft) dropped Final Fantasy VIII on us like a ton of bricks. It was the game that made us all want to be brooding, gunblade-wielding mercenaries. The story follows Squall Leonhart and his friends as they navigate a world of political intrigue, sorcery, and time compression. The graphics were jaw-dropping for the time, with full-motion video (FMV) sequences that left players in awe.

But let’s not pretend it was all sunshine and roses. The Junction System was as confusing as trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. And who could forget the infamous Draw System? It was like a bad trip to the DMV every time you needed to stock up on spells. Yet, despite these quirks, the game was a massive hit, selling over 9.6 million copies worldwide.

Fun fact: The game’s soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is considered one of the best in the series. “Eyes on Me,” performed by Faye Wong, even won a Song of the Year award at the Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Now, for the cheats and glitches. Remember the Infinite Gil glitch? By repeatedly selling and buying back items, players could amass a fortune without breaking a sweat. And who could forget the Card Mod glitch that allowed you to duplicate rare cards in Triple Triad? These little tricks made the game even more enjoyable, especially for those of us who needed a bit of extra help.

• 9.6 million copies sold worldwide
• Soundtrack won a Song of the Year award
• Infinite Gil glitch
• Card Mod glitch

Silent Hill

Before there was Resident Evil making us jump out of our seats, there was Silent Hill, the game that made us question our sanity. Released by Konami, this survival horror game took us to the eerie town of Silent Hill, where fog and darkness hid unspeakable horrors. You played as Harry Mason, a man searching for his missing daughter in a place where nightmares come to life.

The game was a masterclass in psychological horror. The use of fog wasn’t just a clever way to hide the limitations of the PlayStation hardware; it added a layer of suspense that kept players on edge. The sound design, with its industrial noises and haunting melodies, was enough to make anyone sleep with the lights on.

But let’s talk about the flaws. The tank controls were clunky, making it feel like you were steering a shopping cart with a broken wheel. And the voice acting? Let’s just say it was… memorable. Yet, these issues didn’t stop the game from becoming a cult classic.

Cheats and glitches? You bet. The UFO Ending was a hidden gem that rewarded players with a bizarre, comedic conclusion involving aliens. And who could forget the Konami Code? Entering this famous cheat code unlocked a secret weapon, the Hyper Blaster, making the game a bit more manageable for those of us who were too scared to face the horrors head-on.

• Psychological horror masterclass
• Infamous tank controls
• UFO Ending
• Konami Code for Hyper Blaster

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

If you didn’t spend hours trying to nail a 900 in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, did you even live through 1999? This game, developed by Neversoft and published by Activision, was a cultural phenomenon. It brought skateboarding to the masses and made Tony Hawk a household name. The game was all about pulling off insane tricks and combos in a variety of skate parks, from the Warehouse to the School.

The controls were tight, the graphics were impressive for the time, and the soundtrack? Absolute fire. Tracks from bands like Goldfinger, Dead Kennedys, and Primus made every session feel like a high-energy skate video. It was the perfect blend of gameplay and style.

But let’s not ignore the flaws. The physics could be a bit wonky, leading to some hilarious (and frustrating) wipeouts. And the game’s difficulty curve was steeper than a half-pipe. Yet, these issues were overshadowed by the sheer fun of chaining together tricks and exploring every nook and cranny of the levels.

Cheats and glitches added even more fun. The Moon Gravity cheat let players pull off ridiculous air tricks, while the Perfect Balance cheat made grinding a breeze. And who could forget the Spider-Man unlock? Yes, you could skate as the web-slinger himself, adding a whole new level of cool to the game.

• Iconic soundtrack featuring Goldfinger and Dead Kennedys
• Moon Gravity cheat
• Perfect Balance cheat
• Unlockable Spider-Man character

Super Smash Bros.

Before there was Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, there was the original Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64. Released in 1999, this game brought together characters from various Nintendo franchises for an all-out brawl. Mario, Link, Pikachu, and others duked it out in colorful arenas, making it the ultimate party game.

The gameplay was simple yet addictive. Players could use a variety of attacks and items to knock their opponents off the stage. The game’s charm lay in its accessibility; anyone could pick up a controller and have a blast, regardless of their gaming experience. It was the perfect game for sleepovers and family gatherings.

However, the game wasn’t without its flaws. The roster was limited to just 12 characters, and the graphics, while charming, were a bit rough around the edges. The single-player mode was also pretty basic, lacking the depth of later entries in the series. But these issues were minor compared to the sheer joy of multiplayer mayhem.

Cheats and glitches? Oh, there were plenty. The Unlockable Characters cheat allowed players to add Luigi, Captain Falcon, Ness, and Jigglypuff to their roster. And who could forget the Kirby glitch that let players duplicate items? These little tricks added an extra layer of fun to an already fantastic game.

• 12-character roster featuring Nintendo icons
• Unlockable Characters cheat
• Kirby item duplication glitch

Counter-Strike

Last but certainly not least, we have Counter-Strike. Originally a mod for Half-Life, this game took the world by storm in 1999. Developed by Minh “Gooseman” Le and Jess Cliffe, Counter-Strike was a team-based first-person shooter that pitted terrorists against counter-terrorists in a variety of scenarios. It was the game that launched a thousand LAN parties and introduced many of us to the world of competitive gaming.

The gameplay was intense and tactical. Players had to work together to complete objectives, whether it was planting a bomb or rescuing hostages. The game’s realism and emphasis on teamwork set it apart from other shooters of the time. It was a breath of fresh air in a genre dominated by run-and-gun gameplay.

But let’s be real; the game had its issues. The graphics were dated even by 1999 standards, and the hit detection could be frustratingly inconsistent. Yet, these flaws were overshadowed by the game’s addictive nature and the sense of camaraderie it fostered among players.

Cheats and glitches? Absolutely. The Bunny Hop glitch allowed players to move faster by jumping repeatedly, giving them an edge in firefights. And who could forget the Wall Hack? This notorious cheat let players see through walls, making them nearly unstoppable. While these cheats were frowned upon in competitive play, they added an extra layer of excitement for casual gamers.

• Team-based tactical gameplay
• Bunny Hop glitch
• Wall Hack cheat

So, there you have it. The best video games of 1999, each one a gem in its own right. These games didn’t just entertain us; they shaped the way we think about gaming today. They were groundbreaking, flawed, and endlessly fun. And while we’ve come a long way since then, it’s always worth taking a trip down memory lane to appreciate the classics that paved the way.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer looking to explore gaming history, these titles are worth revisiting. They remind us of a time when gaming was simpler, yet no less impactful. So, fire up your old consoles or download an emulator, and relive the magic of 1999. Who knows? You might just find that these games are as fun today as they were back then.

References

1. GameSpot – The Best Games of 1999
2. Wikipedia – 1999 in Video Games
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