LEMON BLOG

In 2000, Nintendo gave fans a brand-new way to experience the Mushroom Kingdom with Paper Mario on the Nintendo 64. Unlike Mario's usual platforming adventures, this was a role-playing game that blended turn-based combat with puzzle-solving, exploration, and a playful storybook aesthetic. What emerged was one of the most unique and beloved RPGs of its era—a game that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the N64 library.

The mid-90s were a golden era for platformers, and in 1996, Crystal Dynamics gave the PlayStation 1 something completely different with Pandemonium!. Known for its whimsical humor, colorful worlds, and unique 2.5D perspective, this cult classic carved out a special place among fans who wanted a platformer with both style and silliness.

Released in 1997 by Bullfrog Productions, Theme Hospital took the idea of running a medical facility and turned it into one of the funniest and most memorable simulation games of the 90s. Following in the footsteps of Bullfrog's Theme Park, this game replaced rollercoasters with operating rooms, and thrill-seekers with patients suffering from comically bizarre conditions.

When Lemmings 2: The Tribes was released in 1993 for DOS, it had the tough job of following up one of the most beloved puzzle games of the early 90s. The original Lemmings introduced the world to the tiny green-haired creatures who needed guidance to reach safety, and its mix of charm, humor, and challenge captured millions of players.

In 1996, New World Computing released Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars for DOS, and it quickly became a cornerstone of the strategy genre. Building on the success of the original Heroes of Might and Magic, HoMM II refined the formula with improved visuals, expanded factions, and deeper gameplay that would set the stage for one of the most beloved franchises in PC gaming.