Blast to 1995: Chrono Trigger & Friends Who Made Us Love and Loathe Gaming

Let’s hop in our DeLorean and cruise back to 1995, a year that was a golden age for video games. If you were rocking out to the Macarena or anxiously waiting for the next episode of “Friends,” you might also remember some epic games that kept you glued to your screen. These were the best of the best, the ones that made us laugh, cry, and throw our controllers in frustration. And yes, they were also loaded with their fair share of cheats and glitches that we either loved or loathed.

1995 was a year of innovation and creativity in the gaming world. From groundbreaking graphics to engaging storylines, these games weren’t just pastimes; they were experiences. The competition was fierce, but a few titles stood out, earning a special place in our hearts and on our shelves. Whether you were a console connoisseur or a PC purist, there was something for everyone.

So, what made these games so special? And what were the quirks that drove us bonkers? Let’s dive in and take a nostalgic journey through the five best video games of 1995. Spoiler alert: these classics still hold up today, glitches and all.

• Relive the magic of 1995’s top video games
• Discover why these games were adored despite their flaws
• Uncover fun facts, cheats, and glitches that defined the era

Chrono Trigger

Ah, Chrono Trigger. This gem from Square Enix (back when they were just Square) is the stuff of legends. It wasn’t just a game; it was an epic time-traveling adventure that had us hooked from the get-go. With a storyline that could rival the best sci-fi novels, Chrono Trigger was a masterpiece of narrative and gameplay.

The game’s multiple endings were a stroke of genius. Depending on the choices you made and when you faced the final boss, you could see one of several different outcomes. This replayability was a huge deal back in the day, giving gamers a reason to dive back in again and again. Plus, the character design by Akira Toriyama (yes, the Dragon Ball guy) was the cherry on top.

But let’s be real. It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Remember the infamous “Black Omen” glitch? If you tried to enter the Black Omen before it was meant to be accessed, the game could freeze or crash. And don’t get me started on the tricky side quests that sometimes felt like they needed a PhD to figure out. Yet, these quirks were part of the charm.

Fun fact: Did you know there’s a secret developer room hidden in the game? If you input a specific sequence during the right moment, you can access a room where the game’s creators left messages for the players. It’s like an Easter egg hunt within an Easter egg hunt!

• Chrono Trigger sold over 2.65 million copies worldwide.
• It received numerous awards, including Best RPG from multiple gaming magazines.
• The game’s soundtrack, composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, is still celebrated today.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

Next up, we’ve got Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. Rare outdid themselves with this sequel, giving us a game that was not only visually stunning but also incredibly fun to play. The pre-rendered 3D graphics were groundbreaking at the time, making us feel like we were playing something truly next-gen.

The game introduced us to Dixie Kong, who quickly became a fan favorite with her helicopter spin ability. The levels were beautifully designed, with each world offering unique challenges and secrets to uncover. And who could forget the unforgettable soundtrack by David Wise? It’s still considered one of the best video game soundtracks ever.

But, let’s talk about the glitches. One of the most notorious was the “wrong warp” glitch, which could teleport you to different parts of a level or even the game. Speedrunners loved it, but for the average player, it could be a real headache. And those bonus levels? Some of them were so hidden that you’d swear they were designed to make you pull your hair out.

Despite these issues, Donkey Kong Country 2 was a massive hit. It refined everything that made the first game great and added enough new features to keep things fresh. Plus, the pirate theme was just plain cool. Who doesn’t love pirates?

• Donkey Kong Country 2 sold over 4.37 million copies worldwide.
• It received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, and music.
• The game’s 100% completion was a challenge that kept players coming back for more.

Command & Conquer

Now, let’s shift gears to the realm of real-time strategy with Command & Conquer. Westwood Studios delivered a game that defined the RTS genre and set the stage for countless imitators. The battle between the Global Defense Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod was the stuff of legend, with full-motion video cutscenes that added a cinematic flair.

The game’s resource management and base-building mechanics were addictive, and the tactical depth kept players engaged for hours on end. Whether you were fortifying your base or launching a full-scale assault, every decision mattered. And let’s not forget the joy of deploying a well-timed airstrike to decimate your opponent’s forces.

Of course, no game is perfect. Command & Conquer had its share of bugs and exploits. The infamous “Harvester AI” glitch could cause your resource collectors to get stuck, throwing a wrench in your carefully laid plans. And the multiplayer mode? Let’s just say it was a bit rough around the edges, with desync issues that could ruin a match.

Still, the game’s impact on the industry was undeniable. It paved the way for future RTS classics and proved that strategy games could be both accessible and deeply engaging. Plus, the soundtrack by Frank Klepacki was an absolute banger, with tracks like “Act on Instinct” still getting stuck in our heads.

• Command & Conquer sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
• It received numerous awards, including Best Strategy Game from several gaming publications.
• The game’s FMV cutscenes were groundbreaking at the time.

EarthBound

Quirky, charming, and downright bizarre, EarthBound (or Mother 2 in Japan) was unlike anything else out there. This SNES RPG took us on a wild journey through a contemporary world filled with aliens, psychic powers, and an unforgettable cast of characters. It was a game that dared to be different, and for that, we loved it.

The game’s humor and satire were top-notch, poking fun at RPG tropes and pop culture. From battling hippies to using household items as weapons, EarthBound was a breath of fresh air. The story was heartfelt, with moments that could make you laugh out loud and others that tugged at your heartstrings.

However, EarthBound wasn’t without its quirks. The inventory management system was a bit of a mess, with limited space and no way to stack items. And the game’s difficulty curve? Let’s just say it could be brutal, especially in the early stages. But these issues were minor in the grand scheme of things.

One of the game’s most infamous glitches was the “Rock Candy” exploit, which allowed players to permanently boost their stats by using a specific item combination. It was a bit of a cheat, but hey, who could resist the temptation of making their characters overpowered?

• EarthBound sold over 440,000 copies worldwide.
• It received critical acclaim for its unique setting, humor, and story.
• The game’s cult following has only grown over the years, with fans clamoring for a sequel.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Last but certainly not least, we have Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. This game was a visual and gameplay marvel, with its hand-drawn art style and innovative mechanics. Playing as Yoshi, you had to protect Baby Mario while navigating through a series of beautifully designed levels. It was a fresh take on the Mario franchise, and it paid off big time.

The game’s egg-throwing mechanic was a stroke of genius, adding a new layer of strategy to the platforming action. The levels were filled with secrets and collectibles, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. And who could forget the epic boss battles? Each one was a unique challenge that tested your skills in different ways.

But, let’s talk about the glitches. One of the most notorious was the “Endless Flutter Jump” glitch, which allowed players to float indefinitely by timing their jumps just right. Speedrunners loved it, but for the average player, it could be a bit game-breaking. And those Shy Guys? They could sometimes get stuck in walls, causing all sorts of havoc.

Despite these issues, Yoshi’s Island was a triumph. It took everything we loved about the Mario series and added its own unique twist. The game’s art style was ahead of its time, and its influence can still be seen in modern games. Plus, the soundtrack by Koji Kondo was an absolute delight, with catchy tunes that still bring a smile to our faces.

• Yoshi’s Island sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
• It received critical acclaim for its graphics, gameplay, and creativity.
• The game’s influence can be seen in titles like Yoshi’s Woolly World and Yoshi’s Crafted World.

So, there you have it, folks. The top five video games of 1995 that left an indelible mark on the gaming world. These classics were more than just games; they were experiences that defined a generation. Whether you were battling aliens, saving Baby Mario, or traveling through time, these titles gave us memories that still resonate today.

As we look back, it’s clear that 1995 was a year of innovation and creativity in the gaming industry. These games pushed the boundaries of what was possible, and their impact is still felt in modern titles. So, dust off your old consoles, fire up those emulators, and take a trip down memory lane. You might just find that these classics are just as fun today as they were back then.

References

1. GameSpot
2. Kotaku
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