LEMON BLOG

For decades, Tetris has been the universal language of puzzle gaming, and Tetris Worlds (GBA) brought that familiar magic into a refreshed, modernised experience for the Game Boy Advance. Released in 2001, this edition expands on the classic block-stacking formula by introducing themed worlds, new rule variations, updated visuals, and faster gameplay, all while preserving the addictive simplicity that made Tetris a global sensation. With brighter graphics, smoother controls, and multiple gameplay modes, Tetris Worlds quickly became a standout puzzle title on Nintendo's popular handheld.

Among the many platformers released during the Game Boy Advance era, Donald Duck Advance (GBA) stands out as one of the most charming and energetic Disney titles on the handheld. Based on the classic Quack Attack/Donald Duck: Goin' Quackers console game, this portable reimagining delivers a bright, fast-paced adventure starring one of Disney's most iconic characters. With expressive animations, polished platforming, and that unmistakable Donald attitude, the game offers a nostalgic and engaging experience that still feels delightful today.

Among the many hidden gems on the Game Boy Advance, Mario Tennis: Power Tour (GBA) stands tall as one of the most polished and uniquely designed sports titles of its era. Released in 2005 and developed by Camelot, the creators of the Golden Sun RPG series, Power Tour delivers far more than simple tennis matches — it combines fast, arcade-style gameplay with an unexpected story-driven RPG mode that gives the experience depth, personality, and long-lasting engagement.

Long before modern reboots and cinematic universes, Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (DOS) delivered what many fans still call the "real" fourth Indiana Jones movie. Released by LucasArts in 1992, this masterpiece blended archaeology, mystery, sharp dialogue, and globe-trotting adventure into one of the most ambitious and beloved point-and-click titles of all time. With a fully original story — not tied to any film — and three playable pathways that dramatically change the journey, Fate of Atlantis stands as one of the greatest adventure games ever made.

In an era when PC gaming struggled to match consoles in the fighting genre, One Must Fall 2097 (DOS) blasted onto the scene with giant robots, fast-paced combat, and one of the most memorable soundtracks ever produced for DOS. Released in 1994 by Epic MegaGames, this cybernetic fighter transformed the limitations of PC hardware into a bold advantage by swapping human martial artists for massive Human-Assisted Robots (HARs). With fluid movement, deep customization, and addictive gameplay, One Must Fall 2097 quickly became one of the most beloved and respected fighting games of the 90s.

When Sierra On-Line released Lode Runner: The Legend Returns in 1994, it wasn't just a remake — it was a full reinvention of one of gaming's most influential puzzle-action classics. Originally born in 1983, Lode Runner earned worldwide recognition for its clever level design, fast-paced strategy, and iconic dig-to-escape mechanics. The Legend Returns brought that beloved formula into a new era with charming animations, expanded tools, expressive environments, and a polished presentation that cemented its status as one of the most memorable puzzle games of the 90s.

When the first-person shooter boom of the mid-90s reached its peak, Shadow Warrior (DOS) arrived with a katana in one hand and a rocket launcher in the other. Released in 1997 by 3D Realms and powered by the legendary Build Engine, this action-packed FPS blended martial arts, outrageous humor, and explosive weaponry into one of the most memorable shooters of its era. While Duke Nukem 3D brought attitude and Blood brought horror, Shadow Warrior carved out its place with fast combat, clever level design, and the unforgettable personality of its wisecracking hero, Lo Wang.

Long before cyberpunk became a mainstream aesthetic, Beneath a Steel Sky (DOS) delivered one of the most atmospheric, story-rich adventures ever released on the PC. Developed by Revolution Software and launched in 1994, this critically acclaimed point-and-click title combined gripping sci-fi storytelling, sharp humour, and distinctive artwork from Dave Gibbons — the legendary comic artist behind Watchmen. The result was a dystopian adventure that stood out in an era dominated by bright platformers and action-heavy shooters.

Before the rise of VGA graphics and CD-based adventures, Arctic Adventure (DOS) stood out as one of the most charming platformers of the early 90s. Developed by Apogee Software in 1991, the game sent players to the frozen north with treasure hunter Nevada Smith, blending classic platforming action with exploration, simple puzzles, and the unmistakable shareware magic that defined Apogee's early catalog.

Before modern city-builders introduced 3D skylines and complex economic systems, SimCity (DOS) laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Released by Maxis in 1989, this groundbreaking game introduced players to the idea of designing, managing, and growing a living city from scratch. With its zoning system, budget management, public services, and disaster scenarios, SimCity became a defining title of the simulation genre and one of the most influential PC games ever made.

In an era when DOS shooters were dominated by corridor-based gunplay, Terminal Velocity (1995) burst onto the scene with something completely different — blistering flight-speed combat, sprawling alien worlds, and a sense of freedom rarely seen in PC games of the time. Developed by Terminal Reality and published by 3D Realms, this iconic sci-fi shooter put players in the cockpit of the TV-202 fighter jet and unleashed them across massive battlefields filled with aerial duels, tunnel chases, and explosive firepower.

After becoming one of the most iconic browser games of the early 2010s, the Earn to Die series returned with a massive, ambitious sequel: Earn to Die 2. This expanded chapter took everything fans loved about the original games — physics-based driving, upgrade-heavy progression, and chaotic zombie smashing — and delivered a much larger adventure built around a full mission-based story mode. With longer levels, multi-route environments, destructible structures, and bigger vehicles to customize, Earn to Die 2 set a new benchmark for the franchise.

When the platforming genre began shifting into full 3D worlds in the late 90s, Rayman 2: The Great Escape (N64) emerged as one of the most polished, imaginative, and memorable games of its generation. Released by Ubisoft in 1999, Rayman 2 abandoned the 2D style of its predecessor and leaped into 3D with incredible confidence, delivering lush environments, engaging characters, and finely tuned gameplay that earned it instant classic status on the Nintendo 64.

Following the massive success of the original browser hit, Earn to Die 2012 – Part 2 delivered a larger, more challenging continuation of the apocalyptic road trip. Released at the height of the Flash gaming era, this sequel built on everything players loved about Part 1 — the physics-based driving, the upgrade progression, and the satisfaction of plowing through zombie-filled highways — and expanded it with longer levels, tougher roads, and a bigger set of vehicles to transform into survival machines.

Before mobile ports and sequels turned it into a franchise, Earn to Die 2012 – Part 1 began life as a small browser game that exploded in popularity thanks to its addictive mix of driving, physics, upgrades, and zombie-smashing chaos. Released during the golden age of Flash gaming, it quickly became one of the most played action-driving titles online, setting the template for the series' signature "drive farther, earn money, upgrade, repeat" gameplay loop that millions came to love.