1989 Games Collection
1989 stands as a landmark year in video game history, delivering iconic titles across Nintendo, SEGA, and emerging platforms that defined generations. This era saw the peak of 8-bit brilliance while laying foundations for 16-bit revolutions. From action-platformers to RPG breakthroughs, these classics remain beloved on modern retro platforms like NES, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis.
Nintendo's Dominance
The NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) solidified its reign with:- Tetris: The puzzle phenomenon debuted on Game Boy, selling 35 million copies bundled with the handheld.
- Mega Man 2: Refined the "Blue Bomber" formula with unforgettable stages like Metal Man and Quick Man.
- Super Mario Bros. 3: Revolutionized platforming with the overworld map, suits like the Tanooki Leaf, and airships.
SEGA's Ascent
SEGA Genesis launched in North America with:- Altered Beast: Pack-in title showcasing "morphing" combat and the iconic "Rise from your grave!" line.
- Phantasy Star II: Pushed RPG storytelling forward with sci-fi depth on 16-bit hardware.
Handheld Revolution
Nintendo's Game Boy debuted with:- Super Mario Land: Scaled-down Mario magic with quirky twists like Moai bosses.
- Pokémon Red/Green (Japan): Though released in 1996 globally, Satoshi Tajiri began developing his monster-collecting concept this year.
Cultural Impact
1989's games pioneered:- Non-linear design: Metroid II expanded exploration on Game Boy.
- Character-driven narratives: Dragon Quest IV introduced chapter-based storytelling.
- Competitive multiplayer: Tecmo Bowl became a sports gaming staple.
Legacy
Emulated across modern devices, 1989's catalog represents gaming's creative zenith before 3D. Whether replaying Castlevania III's gothic challenge or discovering SimCity's urban planning roots, these titles remain essential playthroughs for retro enthusiasts.Showing 18 games from 1989
Tetris
1989
PuzzleTetris is a tile-matching puzzle game developed and published by Nintendo for the NES. Released in 1989, it became the definitive version of Alexey Pajitnov's original concept, featuring addictive gameplay where players rotate and arrange falling tetrominoes to clear lines. The NES version is particularly renowned for its iconic music and competitive two-player mode.
EarthBound
1989
RPGEarthBound, known as Mother in Japan, is a role-playing video game developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, and published by Nintendo. The game follows Ness, a young boy with psychic abilities, and his friends as they journey across the world to collect melodies and defeat the cosmic horror Giygas.
Double Dragon II: The Revenge
1989
Beat 'em upBilly and Jimmy Lee return in this brutal sequel to avenge Marian's death, introducing new combat mechanics including aerial attacks and grapple throws across 9 stages of street brawling action.
River City Ransom
1989
Beat 'em upThis groundbreaking hybrid combines street brawling with RPG elements as Kunio and Riki fight through gangs to rescue Kyoko, featuring an open city to explore, shops to upgrade stats, and co-op gameplay.
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
This prequel to the original Castlevania features branching paths and multiple playable characters - Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, Grant Danasty, and Alucard - in the 15th century battle against Dracula's resurrection.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
1989
Beat 'em upThe first TMNT game for NES puts you in control of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as they battle through New York City to rescue April O'Neil and defeat the evil Shredder. Features unique abilities for each turtle and vehicle stages.
Disney's DuckTales
1989
PlatformerScrooge McDuck's treasure hunt adventure! Use his cane as a pogo stick across 5 non-linear stages like the Amazon and Transylvania to collect riches and outwit Flintheart Glomgold.
Batman: The Video Game
Based on Tim Burton's film, battle through Gotham's underworld as Batman with batarangs, wall-jumps and the grappling gun to defeat The Joker's deadly schemes.
Dynasty Warriors
1989
RPGA turn-based RPG adaptation of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, following Liu Bei's forces through iconic battles of the era. Combines traditional RPG exploration with tactical troop command systems.
Downtown – Nekketsu Koushin Kyoku – Soreyuke Daiundoukai
1989
SportsA chaotic track and field game featuring characters from the Kunio-kun series. Players compete in absurd sporting events like piggyback fights, eating contests, and obstacle course races with combat elements.
Baseball Stars
1989
SportsBaseball Stars is a groundbreaking NES baseball game that introduced franchise mode, player statistics tracking, and team customization. Players can create and manage their own baseball teams while competing in full 162-game seasons.
North & South
1989
ActionNorth & South is a unique strategy/action game based on the American Civil War, where players control either Union or Confederate forces across three gameplay modes: strategic map movement, real-time battles, and train robberies.
Adventures of Lolo
1989
PuzzleAdventures of Lolo is a puzzle-action game where players control Lolo, a blue spherical hero, through maze-like rooms to rescue Princess Lala. The game combines strategic block-pushing mechanics with enemy avoidance in increasingly complex puzzles.
The Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle
1989
PuzzleHelp Bugs Bunny rescue his girlfriend Honey Bunny from the Crazy Castle by solving platform puzzles and outsmarting classic Looney Tunes villains like Sylvester and Yosemite Sam across 60 challenging floors.
Golden Axe
1989
Beat 'em upGolden Axe is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up arcade game ported to the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. Players choose between three warriors - Ax Battler, Tyris Flare, and Gilius Thunderhead - as they battle through the forces of evil to rescue the king and princess from the villain Death Adder.
The Revenge of Shinobi
Joe Musashi returns in this seminal ninja action game featuring branching paths and iconic boss battles against licensed characters like Spider-Man and Godzilla.
Super Hang-On
1989
RacingThe high-speed motorcycle racing sequel featuring four continental circuits with scaling sprite technology. Master tight cornering at 300+ km/h while avoiding rival bikes and roadside obstacles.
Toki
1989
PlatformerCult classic arcade platformer where players control Toki, a jungle warrior transformed into an ape who spits deadly projectiles. Known for its colorful graphics, challenging gameplay, and humorous transformation premise.