1997 Games Collection
1997 marked a paradigm shift as 3D gaming matured, RPGs reached narrative heights, and online multiplayer emerged. This year saw the PlayStation dominate while Nintendo 64 delivered landmark titles, creating fierce competition that pushed technological and creative boundaries.
Console Titans Collide
The battle between 32-bit and 64-bit systems peaked:- PlayStation solidified its lead with Final Fantasy VII (selling 10M+ copies) and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, redefining RPGs and metroidvanias
- Nintendo 64 countered with GoldenEye 007 (revolutionizing console FPS controls) and Star Fox 64 (introducing Rumble Pak haptic feedback)
- PC Gaming soared with Diablo (popularizing online loot mechanics) and Age of Empires (perfecting RTS formula)
Genre-Defining Masterpieces
Foundational games that shaped modern design:- Grand Theft Auto (PS1/PC) birthed the open-world crime genre with its controversial sandbox freedom
- Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back (PS1) showcased cinematic 3D platforming
- Fallout (PC) pioneered post-apocalyptic RPGs with its SPECIAL system
- PaRappa the Rapper (PS1) created the rhythm game genre
Technological Leaps
Groundbreaking innovations:- CD-ROM storage enabled Final Fantasy VII's 40+ hour cinematic experience
- 3D acceleration cards empowered Quake II (PC) with true 3D rendering
- Nintendo 64's cartridge speed allowed Mario Kart 64's split-screen perfection
- Online gaming took baby steps with Ultima Online (PC)'s persistent world
Cultural Phenomena
Beyond the screen:- Pokémon Red/Blue (Game Boy) triggered global merchandising empires
- Tamagotchi (Bandai) blurred gaming/toy boundaries
- Gaming magazines peaked with N64 Magazine and Official PlayStation Magazine demo discs
- Arcades saw swan songs with Dance Dance Revolution and Street Fighter III
Why 1997 Still Resonates
This transitional year bridged 2D nostalgia and 3D ambition. Many 1997 titles remain playable through retro platforms, with several receiving modern remakes. The creative risks taken this year continue influencing game design today, making 1997 essential for understanding gaming's evolution.Showing 14 games from 1997 - Page 2
Duke Nukem 64
Duke Nukem 64 is a first-person shooter game developed by 3D Realms and published by GT Interactive for the Nintendo 64. It is an enhanced port of Duke Nukem 3D with modified content for the console. Players control Duke Nukem as he battles alien invaders through various urban environments.
International Superstar Soccer 64
1997
Sports (Soccer)International Superstar Soccer 64 is a soccer simulation game developed by Konami for the Nintendo 64. Known as 'ISS' in Europe and 'Jikkyou World Soccer 3' in Japan, it's considered one of the best soccer games of its era with realistic gameplay and official team licenses.
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
Turok: Dinosaur Hunter is a groundbreaking first-person shooter that immerses players in a prehistoric jungle filled with dinosaurs, aliens, and ancient weapons. As the time-traveling warrior Turok, players must navigate treacherous terrain and defeat the evil Campaigner.
ISS Pro Evolution
1997
Sports (Soccer)The groundbreaking football simulation that evolved into the PES series. Featuring realistic gameplay, tactical depth, and the foundation of Konami's football legacy. Master the pitch with advanced controls and AI opponents that adapt to your play style.
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
1997
Action RPGCastlevania: Symphony of the Night is a 1997 action RPG that redefined the Castlevania series. Players control Alucard, Dracula's son, exploring a massive, nonlinear castle filled with RPG elements, platforming challenges, and iconic gothic horror enemies.
Final Fantasy Tactics
1997
Tactical RPGFinal Fantasy Tactics is a tactical RPG set in the war-torn kingdom of Ivalice, featuring grid-based battles and a deep job class system. The game follows Ramza Beoulve as he uncovers a conspiracy during the Lion War, blending political intrigue with fantasy elements.
Dragon Ball GT: Final Bout
1997
FightingDragon Ball GT: Final Bout is a 3D fighting game based on the Dragon Ball GT anime series, released for PlayStation in 1997. The game features characters from across the Dragon Ball timeline, including GT-exclusive forms like Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Vegeta, with combat taking place in destructible 3D arenas.
Gran Turismo
1997
RacingThe groundbreaking racing simulator that set new standards for realistic driving physics, featuring over 140 licensed cars and 11 tracks with realistic weather effects.
Breath of Fire III
1997
RPGThe third installment in Capcom's RPG series featuring dragon protagonist Ryu, blending traditional turn-based combat with innovative mechanics like dragon gene splicing and master-apprentice skill systems.
Alundra
1997
Action RPGAlundra is an action RPG developed by Matrix Software and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation in 1997. The game follows the adventures of a young dreamwalker named Alundra who must save a village from a nightmare curse. Known for its challenging puzzles and Zelda-like gameplay, it's considered a cult classic.
Bakusou Kyoudai Let's & Go!! Eternal Wings
1997
RacingA high-speed racing game based on the popular manga/anime series, featuring mini 4WD cars. Players can customize their cars and compete in thrilling races with characters from the series.
Spawn
1997
Beat 'em upSpawn is a 1997 Game Boy action game based on the dark comic book antihero. Players control the hellspawned warrior through 6 stages of demonic combat, using his necroplasmic chains and supernatural abilities against the forces of both Heaven and Hell.