The 20th century introduced a wealth of groundbreaking video game franchises that laid the foundation for the medium's future. These series not only captivated players with compelling narratives and innovative gameplay but also left an indelible mark on the industry.
Electronic Arts recognized the potential for sports simulation with John Madden Football in 1988. This partnership with the former player and coach spawned a series that brought digital versions of popular athletes to consoles, resonating with a broad audience beyond traditional fantasy or adventure game enthusiasts. The franchise's enduring appeal was underscored by the anticipation of a forthcoming Madden movie.
Capcom's Mega Man series, despite a shaky start, found its footing with Mega Man 2, establishing a reliable formula for action platforming. The adventures of the Blue Bomber, featuring his acquisition of new abilities and numerous encounters with Dr. Wily's creations, expanded into the Mega Man X spin-off and other console and arcade titles. While its popularity has waned, Mega Man has maintained a presence through animated series, as a character in Super Smash Bros., and with new game announcements.
Konami's Castlevania franchise is not only celebrated for its gothic adventure themes but is also a co-inspirer of the entire Metroidvania subgenre, largely due to the success of Symphony of the Night on PlayStation in 1997. The series, which began on earlier hardware like the NES and Genesis, has seen numerous installments and inspired adaptations, including a popular Netflix anime. A revival is underway, with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse slated for release in October.
Nintendo's Donkey Kong franchise proved to be a pivotal early offering. The original arcade game, and its subsequent sequels like Donkey Kong Jr. and Donkey Kong 3, established the groundwork. The series saw a significant resurgence with Rare's Donkey Kong Country trilogy on the Super Nintendo, which extended the console's lifespan and formed the basis for later revivals on Wii and Wii U. Most recently, Donkey Kong Bananza released near the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.
Capcom also delivered the survival horror genre-defining Resident Evil. The series' ability to make fictional locations like Raccoon City feel viscerally real, coupled with its tense zombie encounters and the pervasive threat of the Umbrella Corporation, influenced countless imitators and media adaptations. Despite its enduring popularity, the late '90s are often considered its peak performance.
Fighting games were revolutionized by Capcom's Street Fighter series, particularly with Street Fighter 2: The World Warrior's arcade debut in 1991. Its subsequent release on the Super Nintendo brought the competitive experience to home consoles. The game's widespread popularity led to numerous iterations and media expansions, inspiring rival franchises like Mortal Kombat and Tekken.
Sega introduced a stylish counterpoint to Nintendo's plumber with Sonic the Hedgehog, who debuted in 1991. The fast-paced platforming and ring-collecting mechanics of Sonic, coupled with his distinctive attitude, immediately positioned him as Mario's rival. This rivalry fueled a significant cultural phenomenon in the '90s.
Nintendo's Pokémon franchise, with its iconic slogan "Gotta catch 'em all," became a cultural touchstone for a generation. The act of collecting, training, and battling creatures resonated deeply, leading to massive success in video games, trading cards, and an anime series. The franchise's popularity, though immense in the '90s, continues to thrive today.
The Birth of First-Person Shooters
Id Software's Doom, released in 1993, redefined the first-person shooter genre. Its introduction of LAN parties and exploration of hellish landscapes spawned a beloved franchise that inspired numerous other games. While the series' prominence has shifted since its initial success, the impact of the original Doom remains undeniable, even inspiring ports to a vast array of devices.
Epic Adventures and 3D Worlds
Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise began with a simple, fairy-tale-like premise that evolved into one of gaming's most revered series. Early installments on the NES and Super Nintendo, followed by the Game Boy's Link's Awakening, showcased expansive worlds. The transition to 3D with Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64 was a landmark achievement, demonstrating the series' continuous innovation and influence on game design. The franchise has also seen a significant anime adaptation and continues to be a major force in the industry.