For many PC gamers, the 1990s was a golden era for the genre. Sure, modern-day advancements have seen gaming in general improve a great deal, but that particular period saw some truly iconic gaming releases hit the shelves. In fact, many of the games released in the 90s have been given facelifts in more recent times, while others have inspired thousands of titles since.
In today’s world, despite the new and improved products of today, PC gamers everywhere are still craving the good old days. Sure, they’ll occasionally tuck into smash-hit releases like Alan Wake 2 for hours and dip in and out of online casino slots like Cash Eruption Rey Picante Del Pollo, but they’re also still pining for some undisputed favorites from the past. Luckily, some of them can still be explored today, while others have been consigned to the history books.
With that all in mind, below we briefly remember some top-notch PC games from the 1990s, all of which elevated the category and will never be forgotten by millions of PC gamers on the planet.
Fallout first came to the fore in 1997
Even though we’ve been exposed to an array of instalments from the Fallout series, the first game from 1997 is where it all started. Simply called Fallout, this post-apocalyptic RPG is an undoubted masterpiece where character customization and an enthralling branching narrative made for such a special gaming experience. A title every PC gamer in the ‘90s rated highly, Fallout is a fantastic game for numerous reasons.
Duke Nukem 3D will never be forgotten
These days, battle royale products like Fortnite and PUBG are thriving. While the clear appetite for them is understandable, Duke Nukem 3D clearly inspired this growing modern genre. An action-packed FPS title PC gamers know and love, it provided almost everything a gamer required. From comical value and epic action, to a variety of environments to interact with and a competitive community to take on, Duke Nukem 3D will always be remembered.
DOOM is a masterpiece from 1993
While many gamers in 2025 are enjoying the latest instalment of the title, Doom: The Dark Ages, others prefer the original game. Called DOOM, it truly revolutionized the FPS genre, with its all-action brutality making for a truly exhilarating gaming package. Also offering a strong modding culture and a huge community for fans to immerse themselves in, DOOM has been a huge inspiration for game-makers everywhere.
The original Baldur’s Gate is a must-play title
Another series that has received numerous modern-day facelifts, the original Baldur’s Gate game holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers.
Bringing Dungeons and Dragons to the forefront of gaming, this 1998 release set the bar for the RPG genre. Since then, we’ve seen an abundance of Baldur’s Gate-inspired side quests and storylines emerge, with this much-loved release having a notable impact on the genre.
Quake had a groundbreaking 3D engine
It’s fair to say that the vast majority of PC titles from the 90s wouldn’t stand up against some of today’s more detailed offerings. However, Quake is a game that was arguably ahead of its time. Released in 1996, this beloved skill-based multiplayer title established a large community of players thanks to its alluring visual package, its fast-paced scenarios, and its hugely competitive community. For players seeking a multiplayer gaming package in that particular era, Quake was an undoubted highlight.
Other top-notch PC games from the 1990s includes Half-Life (1998), Wolfenstein 3D (1992), Diablo (1996), Unreal Tournament (1999), Age of Empires II (1999), Myst (1993), The Sims (1999), RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999), StarCraft (1998), and Theme Hospital (1997).
Wayne is a unique blend of gamer and coder, a character as colorful and complex as the worlds he explores and the programs he crafts. With a sharp wit and a knack for unraveling the most tangled lines of code, he navigates the realms of pixels and Python with equal enthusiasm. His stories aren’t just about victories and bugs; they’re about the journey, the unexpected laughs, and the shared triumphs. Wayne’s approach to gaming and programming isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life that encourages curiosity, persistence, and, above all, finding joy in every keystroke and every quest.
