Retro Games From 1998

Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit is a seminal 1998 racing game that redefined the series by introducing high-stakes police chases. Players can race exotic supercars on scenic, open roads or take on the role of a police officer in pursuit of speeding racers, using spike strips and roadblocks. This cat-and-mouse dynamic, combined with a killer electronic soundtrack, made it an instant classic.

Mizzurna Falls is a cult PlayStation adventure game developed by Human Entertainment, known as 'Japan's answer to Twin Peaks.' Set in a small, snow-covered American mountain town over a seven-day period, players control high school student Matthew to investigate the mysterious disappearance of his classmate Cathy. The game features a real-time open world with a day-night cycle, dynamic weather, and a non-linear narrative where every action affects the story's outcome.

The Fifth Element is a PlayStation action-adventure game based on Luc Besson's 1997 cult sci-fi film. Players primarily control Korben Dallas, a New York cab driver turned hero, navigating 3D environments to complete missions that follow the movie's plot. The game blends third-person shooting, driving sequences, and puzzle-solving, featuring voice acting from the original film cast, including Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich.

Thrill Kill is the infamous, never officially released PlayStation fighting game that gained legendary status for its extreme content and subsequent cancellation. Developed as a 4-player fighting game, it was set in a twisted purgatory where ten damned souls battle in a tournament for a chance at resurrection. The game was notorious for its graphic violence, sexual content, and dark humor, featuring characters with disturbing backstories and over-the-top 'Thrill Kill' finishing moves.

Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. (Bio Freaks) is a 3D fighting game for PlayStation renowned for its over-the-top gore, futuristic cyborg warriors, and unique arena-based combat that incorporates full 3D movement and verticality. Set in a dystopian future where genetically engineered 'Freaks' battle for entertainment, the game emphasizes brutal dismemberment, projectile-based combat, and the ability to perform Fatalities called 'Freakalities' that showcase its grotesque, darkly humorous style.

Cardinal Syn is a gothic fantasy 3D fighting game for PlayStation set in the dark realm of Aura. Players choose from a roster of monstrous warriors, each representing a sin or virtue, to compete in a bloody tournament for the throne of the fallen king. The game is known for its intricate weapon-based combat, deep combo system, and a unique 'Glyph' system that allows players to cast magical spells mid-fight, blending hack-and-slash mechanics with traditional fighting game elements.

LSD: Dream Emulator is an exploration game developed and published by Asmik Ace Entertainment for the PlayStation. Conceived by Japanese multimedia artist Osamu Sato, the game rejects traditional video game objectives in favor of simulating the experience of dreaming. Players wander through surreal, first-person environments, with the only action being to move and touch objects, which 'links' them to new dreamscapes. The game is based on a decade-long dream journal kept by Hiroko Nishikawa, a designer at Asmik Ace.

Wild 9 is a 1998 action-platformer developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Interplay for the PlayStation. You play as Wex Major, a wisecracking space pirate who wields 'The Rig' — a powerful energy beam that lets you grab, smash, and throw enemies across twisted alien environments. With its dark humor, heavy industrial art style by a former Metallica cover artist, and a soundtrack by Tommy Tallarico, the game channels the spirit of mid-90s alternative comics into a punishing but creative 2.5D gauntlet.

Tales of Phantasia is a landmark action RPG originally developed by Wolf Team and published by Namco for the Super Famicom in 1995, later receiving an enhanced PlayStation port in 1998. The game follows Cress Albane, a young swordsman who inherits his father's blade and embarks on an epic journey through time to defeat the sorcerer Dhaos. Featuring the innovative Linear Motion Battle System, a sweeping orchestral score by Motoi Sakuraba, and fully voiced characters, it established many conventions that would define the long-running Tales series.

Ehrgeiz is a 3D fighting game developed by DreamFactory and published by Square for the PlayStation in 1998. Blending weapon-based combat with hand-to-hand brawling, it features a sprawling single-player Quest Mode—an action-RPG dungeon crawler—alongside a traditional arcade fighter starring not only original characters but also Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, and other heroes from Final Fantasy VII. Its ambitious crossover design and deep customisation set it apart as one of the most unconventional fighting games of its era.

Pokémon Yellow is a special edition Pokémon RPG featuring Pikachu as your starter Pokémon who follows you throughout the game. Based on the anime, with elements from the first season incorporated into gameplay.

A digital adaptation of the Pokémon TCG where players duel AI opponents using customized decks. Features cards from the Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil expansions with RPG-style progression.

The definitive Game Boy Color version of Tetris featuring vibrant colors, new multiplayer modes, and the iconic 'Marathon' challenge. Includes 3 game modes and battery backup for high scores.

Wario Land 2 is a unique platformer starring the greedy antihero Wario. After pirates steal his treasure, Wario embarks on a quest to reclaim his riches in this sequel that introduced revolutionary invincibility mechanics and branching paths.

Color-enhanced remake of the classic Game Boy adventure featuring new Color Dungeon and photo album side quest. Link explores Koholint Island to awaken the Wind Fish.

A monster-taming RPG spin-off of the Dragon Quest series where players breed and battle monsters. Features Terry from DQ6 as the protagonist exploring a mysterious world to rescue his sister.

The third and final Castlevania game for Game Boy, featuring Sonia Belmont - the first female Belmont protagonist - in her battle against Dracula in 1450 Transylvania.

A side-scrolling action-adventure game based on the Disney/Pixar film. Players control Flik through various insect-sized environments, solving puzzles and avoiding predators.