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 - Page 3
Ghost Pilots
1991
Shoot 'em upGhost Pilots is a 1991 vertically scrolling shooter arcade game by SNK for the Neo Geo MVS. Players control fighter planes through 7 stages with a unique two-player simultaneous mode. Known for its large sprites, detailed aircraft designs, and being one of SNK's first shooters for the Neo Geo system.
Crossed Swords
1991
Action RPGCrossed Swords is a 1991 action RPG arcade game by Alpha Denshi for the Neo Geo MVS. Players engage in first-person sword duels using a unique control scheme combining joystick movements with button presses for attacks and blocks. Notable for its innovative combat system and being one of the few Neo Geo games with RPG elements.
Thrash Rally
1991
RacingTaito's high-speed arcade racer featuring off-road rally action with a top-down perspective. Known for its aggressive AI opponents and challenging terrain deformation physics.
Ultraman
1991
Beat 'em upAn arcade beat 'em up based on the iconic Japanese superhero franchise. Players control Ultraman to battle giant monsters across various cityscapes using signature attacks like the Specium Ray.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
1991
Beat 'em upTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time is a 1991 arcade beat 'em up game developed and published by Konami. It is the sequel to the 1989 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game. Players control the four Ninja Turtles as they battle through time to stop Shredder and Krang from altering history.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
1991
Action-AdventureThe definitive SNES installment that established Zelda's core formula, featuring parallel Light/Dark Worlds, refined puzzle design, and an epic narrative about the Triforce. Revolutionized action-adventure gaming with its non-linear progression and intricate dungeon layouts.
Super Off Road
1991
RacingHigh-octane top-down racer featuring customizable trucks on treacherous dirt tracks. Known for its turbo-boost mechanics, split-screen multiplayer, and upgrade system between races. The SNES port enhanced the arcade original with new tracks and visual effects.
Final Fantasy IV
1991
RPGFinal Fantasy IV is a role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Released in 1991, it introduced the Active Time Battle system and follows the story of Cecil, a dark knight who journeys to redeem himself. The game features five playable characters with unique abilities.
SimCity
1991
Life SimulationSimCity is a city-building simulation game where players act as mayor to create and manage a thriving metropolis. The SNES version features unique Nintendo-themed content and simplified controls optimized for console gameplay.
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
1991
PlatformerThe knight Arthur returns in this notoriously difficult platformer to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the demon king Sardius. Features new armor upgrades, weapons, and the signature double-playthrough requirement to truly complete the game.
Super Castlevania IV
A reimagining of the original Castlevania with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players control Simon Belmont through 11 stages of gothic horror, featuring the revolutionary 8-directional whip attack and Mode 7 effects.
The Chessmaster
1991
Board GameThe Chessmaster is a chess simulation video game that provides comprehensive chess instruction and gameplay against computer AI. The SNES version features 2D chessboard graphics, multiple difficulty levels, and tutorials from chess master Josh Waitzkin.
Sonic the Hedgehog
1991
PlatformerSonic the Hedgehog is a 8-bit portable adaptation of Sega's iconic platformer for the Game Gear. While sharing the same title as the Genesis version, this game features completely original levels designed for handheld play. Players control Sonic as he speeds through zones to stop Dr. Robotnik's evil plans.
Aerial Assault
A vertically scrolling shooter featuring the experimental X-002 fighter jet battling alien forces across 8 intense stages. Notable for its power-up system and being one of the few Game Gear titles supporting the Sega Master System converter.
Ax Battler: A Legend of Golden Axe
1991
Action RPGA Game Gear spin-off of the Golden Axe series featuring RPG elements, following the barbarian Ax Battler through an overworld adventure with turn-based combat.
Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
Christopher Belmont's quest to rescue his son Soleiyu from Dracula in this non-linear Game Boy sequel. Features four explorable castles with unique themes and the debut of the magical Belmont weapon system.
Operation C
1991
Run and GunThe first Contra game for Game Boy featuring solo missions as Bill Rizer or Lance Bean against alien forces. Introduces the weapon storage system letting players switch between collected guns.