When it comes to real-time strategy (RTS) games that stood the test of time, few have achieved the legacy of Age of Empires. Released in 1997 by Ensemble Studios and published by Microsoft, Age of Empires was more than just a strategy game — it was a historical journey through the ancient world. Blending elements of resource management, empire-building, and warfare, it paved the way for a new generation of RTS titles.

Few games have left as lasting a mark on the dungeon crawler genre as Dungeon Master. Originally released in 1987 for the Atari ST and later ported to DOS, this game introduced a revolutionary real-time approach to role-playing games. Instead of turn-based battles and static grids, players experienced immersive first-person exploration, dynamic enemy encounters, and a deep spellcasting system that pushed the limits of hardware at the time.

The Evil Dead franchise has always had a dedicated fanbase, blending campy horror, gore, and dark humor in a way few others could replicate. In 2000, fans finally got a chance to step into the boots of Ash Williams once again in Evil Dead: Hail to the King, released for the original Sony PlayStation. This survival horror title serves as a direct sequel to Army of Darkness, bringing players back to the iconic cabin in the woods for another dose of Deadite-slaying action.

In 1999, Nintendo released a bold and unexpected title for the Nintendo 64 that would go on to become one of the most beloved fighting franchises in gaming history. Super Smash Bros. brought together characters from multiple Nintendo universes in a fast-paced, chaotic brawler that immediately captured the attention of gamers everywhere.

Before the massive franchises, trading cards, anime series, and mobile apps, there was Pokémon Red & Blue—the very first Pokémon games that introduced players to the world of Kanto, a land teeming with adventure, wild creatures, and the dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. Released globally in the late 1990s for the Nintendo Game Boy, these titles defined a generation and laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time.