LEMON BLOG

Before indie shooters and modern bullet-hell games dominated the scene, Tyrian 2000 (DOS) stood tall as one of the most ambitious, creative, and content-packed shmups ever released. Launched in 1999 as the enhanced edition of the original Tyrian, this definitive version combined fast-paced arcade shooting with a deep story, extensive ship customization, branching missions, and a legendary soundtrack that PC gamers still remember today.

Before racing games became dominated by 3D engines and licensed cars, Crazy Cars 3 (DOS) delivered one of the most exciting, fast-paced street racing experiences available on PC. Released in 1992 by Titus Interactive, this classic DOS racer combined high-speed illegal racing with car upgrades, police chases, and a progression system that kept players hooked for hours. It remains one of the standout racing titles of the early 90s and a favourite among retro PC gamers.

Before modern management sims took over the genre, Theme Park (DOS) set the standard for creativity, strategy, and quirky charm. Released in 1994 by Bullfrog Productions, this iconic title let players design, manage, and grow an amusement park from the ground up. From building roller coasters to balancing finances, it offered a blend of humor and strategy that made it one of the most beloved PC simulation games of the 90s.

During an era dominated by corridor shooters like DOOM and Heretic, Radix: Beyond the Void (DOS) dared to push the first-person formula in a completely new direction. Released in 1995 by Neural Storm Entertainment, this sci-fi action shooter placed players inside a high-speed strike craft instead of a traditional foot soldier, allowing full 360-degree movement through alien bases, tunnels, and massive underground environments. It offered something few DOS shooters attempted — genuine freedom of movement and combat that came from every direction.

Before football games became annual photorealistic blockbusters, FIFA 97 (PSX) delivered a fast, energetic, and remarkably advanced football experience for its time. Released in 1996, this early entry in the FIFA franchise became famous for its motion-captured animations, iconic indoor stadium mode, lively commentary, and the signature gameplay speed that defined a generation of PlayStation football fans.

When the racing genre was evolving in the late 90s, Wipeout 64 (N64) stood out as one of the most intense and stylish futuristic racers ever released. Developed by Psygnosis in 1998, the game brought blistering anti-gravity racing, precision handling, and combat-driven strategy to the Nintendo 64 — all wrapped in a techno-futuristic aesthetic that instantly set it apart from every other racer on the system.

Few arcade puzzle games have achieved the universal popularity of Puzzle Bobble (Neo Geo) — also known worldwide as Bust-A-Move. Released in 1994 by Taito, this cheerful yet deeply addictive bubble-shooting masterpiece became an icon of 90s gaming and remains one of the most beloved puzzle titles ever made.

For more than three decades, Tetris has stood as one of gaming's purest and most addictive experiences. In 1996, Natsume brought a fresh take on the legendary formula to the Neo Geo with Tetris Plus, combining classic line-clearing gameplay with inventive puzzle stages and a charming character who brought personality to every level.

Few arcade shooters have reached the legendary status of Blazing Star (Neo Geo). Released in 1998 by Yumekobo, this visually stunning horizontal shoot-'em-up took full advantage of SNK's hardware, delivering a fast-paced, explosive, and unforgettable experience. With its flashy visuals, iconic voice lines ("BONUS! BONUS!"), and brilliantly designed stages, Blazing Star is widely regarded as one of the best shmups ever released on the Neo Geo.

If Aero Fighters 1 laid the foundation and Aero Fighters 2 perfected the formula, then Aero Fighters 3 (Neo Geo) is where the series truly went all-in. Released in 1995 by Video System, this third entry in the Sonic Wings franchise took the fast-paced arcade shooting fans loved and pushed it into bold, chaotic, and wildly creative territory. Bigger stages, crazier bosses, stranger pilots — Aero Fighters 3 is the series at its most unrestrained and unforgettable.

When Aero Fighters 2 (Neo Geo) touched down in 1994, it didn't just continue the Sonic Wings legacy — it elevated it. Developed again by Video System, this sequel built on everything that made the first game memorable and dialed it up with faster action, sharper visuals, more playable characters, and a delightful sense of personality that helped define the series.

Before bullet hell shooters became a staple of arcades, Aero Fighters (Neo Geo) — also known as Sonic Wings — soared onto the scene in 1992 and delivered one of the most stylish and accessible vertical shooters of its era. Developed by Video System, this fast-paced shmup combined tight gameplay, colorful sprite work, and a cast of quirky international pilots, turning it into a fan-favorite that still stands strong decades later.

When the Neo Geo launched in 1990, it delivered a lineup of explosive arcade titles—but one game stood out as the system's flagship sports experience: Baseball Stars Professional. Built on the success of SNK's earlier NES hit Baseball Stars, this Neo Geo edition transformed the sport into a fast, loud, and action-packed spectacle that became an instant arcade favorite.

When SNK released The Last Blade 2 (Neo Geo) in 1998, it didn't just build on the foundation of the first game — it elevated the entire weapon-based fighting genre. Widely regarded as one of the most beautifully animated 2D fighters ever made, this sequel blended poetic storytelling, refined combat mechanics, and atmospheric presentation into what many fans consider SNK's finest artistic achievement.

Among SNK's legendary library of arcade fighters, few titles stand out as boldly and beautifully as The Last Blade (Neo Geo). Released in 1997 at the height of SNK's creative golden era, this 2D weapon-based fighter blended elegant sword combat with dramatic storytelling, atmospheric presentation, and some of the most fluid animation ever seen on the Neo Geo system.