Star Ocean: The Second Story is one of the finest examples of late-’90s action RPG design, and it remains a fan-favorite entry in the Star Ocean franchise. Building on the systems and themes introduced in the original Star Ocean on…
March 10th (MAR10 Day) is the perfect time to look back at the incredible journey of Mario, gaming’s most iconic plumber. From classic platformers to kart racing, sports, and RPGs, Mario has done it all. Let’s take a look at…
Few games have left as lasting an impact on the first-person shooter genre as GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64. Released in 1997, this game wasn’t just a great movie tie-in—it redefined what a console shooter could be. With a…
When most RPG fans think of the genre’s golden age, they often recall games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. However, Phantasy Star carved out its own legacy with a unique blend of futuristic sci-fi, traditional RPG mechanics, and an…
When Ecco the Dolphin surfaced on the Sega Genesis in 1992, it was unlike anything else in gaming at the time. Combining breathtaking aquatic visuals, an eerie atmosphere, and unexpectedly deep (and difficult) gameplay, it was a bold departure from…
Chrono Cross was Square’s ambitious follow-up to the legendary Chrono Trigger, and while it diverged significantly from its predecessor, it remains a remarkable RPG in its own right. With an intricate story, unique battle system, and one of the most…
When Altered Beast first hit arcades in 1988, it was a spectacle—an action-packed, side-scrolling beat ’em up drenched in Greek mythology and transformation-based combat. Developed by Sega and helmed by Golden Axe creator Makoto Uchida, Altered Beast quickly became a…
“Cybernator” (also known as “Assault Suits Valken” in Japan) is a run-and-gun platformer developed by NCS Corporation and published by Konami for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1992. “Cybernator” boasts impressive graphics for its time, with detailed sprites…
Released in 1994 by Natsume, Wild Guns is a fast-paced arcade-style shooting game that blends a Wild West aesthetic with steampunk and sci-fi elements. It’s a two-player action-packed gem that challenges players to survive relentless enemy waves while racking up…
The Guardian Legend for the NES is a gem that blends genres seamlessly, offering an experience that stands out among the console’s library. Developed by Compile and released in 1988, the game is part top-down adventure and part vertical-scrolling shooter,…
