1991 Games Collection
1991 stands as a landmark year that reshaped the gaming landscape, delivering timeless classics across Nintendo, SEGA, and emerging platforms. This era saw the perfection of 8-bit technology while laying foundations for the 16-bit revolution, offering players an unprecedented variety of genres and experiences.
Console Wars Heat Up
The battle between Nintendo's NES (Famicom) and SEGA's Genesis (Mega Drive) intensified:- Nintendo solidified its dominance with The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) and Super Mario World, defining adventure and platforming standards.
- SEGA countered with Sonic the Hedgehog, creating its iconic mascot and showcasing Genesis' blast processing power.
- Handheld gaming flourished with Game Boy hits like Final Fantasy Adventure and Metroid II: Return of Samus.
Genre-Defining Masterpieces
1991 birthed franchises that endure today:- Street Fighter II (Arcade) revolutionized fighting games with its six-button layout and combo system.
- Civilization (PC) pioneered 4X strategy gaming, while Lemmings (Multiple) introduced puzzle-platform hybrids.
- JRPGs gained traction with Final Fantasy IV (SNES) and Dragon Quest V (SNES) showcasing narrative depth.
Technical Innovations
Developers pushed hardware limits:- Mode 7 graphics in F-Zero (SNES) simulated 3D racing perspectives.
- Sonic's parallax scrolling demonstrated Genesis' graphical capabilities.
- CD-ROM technology emerged through platforms like TurboGrafx-CD with Ys Book I & II.
Cultural Impact
Beyond consoles, 1991 influenced pop culture:- Arcades thrived with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time.
- PC gaming expanded with Ultima Underworld, foreshadowing first-person RPGs.
- The handheld market saw Nintendo's Game Boy outsell competitors 10:1.
Why 1991 Still Matters
This year represents the perfect storm of 8-bit refinement and 16-bit ambition. Many 1991 titles remain playable today through retro platforms, proving great game design transcends technological limitations. For collectors and newcomers alike, 1991 offers a treasure trove of gaming history.Showing 18 games from 1991
Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones
1991
Beat 'em upThe Lee brothers embark on a global quest to recover five mystical stones, featuring new playable characters Chin Seimei and Yagyu Ranzou with unique fighting styles across 7 international stages.
Mega Man 4
The Blue Bomber returns to face a mysterious new enemy, Dr. Cossack, and his eight Robot Masters. Introduces the Mega Buster charge shot and the first appearance of Eddie, the item-delivery robot.
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
Ryu Hayabusa faces his greatest challenge aboard a cursed battleship, introducing energy-based special attacks and a life bar system across 7 biomechanical stages with enhanced cinematic storytelling.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project
1991
Beat 'em upThe Turtles' ultimate NES adventure! Battle through 8 stages across NYC and airborne battleships to stop Krang and Shredder from lifting Manhattan into space.
Battletoads
1991
Beat 'em upBrutal combo-based combat! Control Rash, Zitz and Pimple to rescue Princess Angelica from Dark Queen, battling through 13 punishing stages including the infamous Turbo Tunnel.
Batman: Return of the Joker
A side-scrolling action game based on Batman lore, featuring the Caped Crusader's battle against his archenemy Joker who has returned with deadly new weapons and gadgets.
Warriors of Fate 2: Legend of Zhuge Liang
1991
RPGThis turn-based RPG sequel follows Liu Bei's forces during the Three Kingdoms period, with legendary strategist Zhuge Liang as the central character. Features tactical battles with a unique 'Strategy' command system and character-specific special abilities.
Super Robot Wars 2
1991
Tactical RPGThe second installment in the crossover tactical RPG series featuring mecha from various anime franchises. Players command a squad of iconic robots in grid-based battles against the DC Army, with improved gameplay mechanics from the first game.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms II: Conqueror of the Continent
1991
Tactical RPGThe second installment in Koei's seminal historical strategy series, offering deeper governance simulation and expanded warfare mechanics set during China's Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). Players choose a warlord and compete for ultimate domination through diplomacy, economics, and military conquest.
Hudson's Adventure Island II
1991
PlatformerThe second NES installment in the Adventure Island series featuring Master Higgins' quest to rescue his girlfriend Tina from the evil Witch Doctor.
Downtown Special: Kunio-kun's Historical Period Drama! Everyone Gather!
1991
Beat 'em upA unique beat 'em up set in feudal Japan where Kunio and friends appear as samurai. Features 4-player simultaneous gameplay, multiple endings, and cameos from the entire Kunio-kun cast in historical roles.
Tiny Toon Adventures
1991
PlatformerTiny Toon Adventures is a 1991 platformer based on the animated series. Players control Buster Bunny as he runs, jumps, and bounces through six cartoon-themed worlds to rescue his kidnapped friends from Montana Max. Features signature moves like the Super Dash and cartoon-style transformations.
The Little Mermaid
1991
PlatformerThe Little Mermaid is a platform game developed and published by Capcom for the NES in 1991. Based on Disney's animated film, players control Ariel as she swims through underwater stages, uses her tail to attack enemies, and searches for hidden treasures.
Qi Wang: Chinese Chess
1991
Board GameQi Wang is a 1991 NES adaptation of Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) developed by Sachen. This version features computer opponents with adjustable difficulty levels, tutorial modes explaining piece movements, and traditional Chinese artwork. One of few officially licensed Xiangqi games for the NES platform.
Bubble Bath Babes
1991
PuzzleBubble Bath Babes is an adult-themed puzzle game released unofficially for the NES. Players solve tile-matching puzzles to remove bathing suits from cartoon women, with risqué images revealed as rewards.
Sonic the Hedgehog
1991
PlatformerSonic the Hedgehog is a platform game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Sega Genesis. It was released in North America in June 1991 and in PAL regions and Japan the following month. The game features Sonic the Hedgehog, who can run at supersonic speeds, as he sets out to defeat Dr. Robotnik.
Golden Axe II
1991
Beat 'em upThe direct sequel to the arcade hit, Golden Axe II improves upon the original with enhanced graphics, new magical attacks, and three returning warriors battling Dark Guld, the new ruler of the evil forces. Players can now perform running attacks and enhanced combo moves against deadly new enemies.