The most popular PC games of the 90s (part 2)

We all rave about the golden era of 90s video games – but which games do we actually mean? Here are the very best of them!

• The Simpsons Hit & Run – A Love Letter to the Better GTA
  
  

Sure, a lot has changed in the last 30 years of gaming. Technological possibilities, graphics, size, and capacity have all reached incredible new heights – and yet... few modern titles can match the charm of a cult 90s classic.
Games back then felt “real,” even with clunky gameplay and blocky graphics. Everything was crafted by hand, with passion, and that feeling carried through the screen into our joy of playing.
Joy that still lasts today, whenever we load up one of these old titles again.
Today, we want to take you on a nostalgic journey, revisiting a few of these unforgettable classics and remembering why they’re forever tied to our gaming youth in the 90s.
Our ranking is based on international sales, critical acclaim, and a touch of pure gamer love.

5. Command & Conquer (1995)

Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Developer: Westwood Studios
Command & Conquer tells the story of the global conflict between the GDI and the Brotherhood of Nod. It captivated players with a thrilling storyline featuring real video sequences, intuitive gameplay, and fast-paced battles that were easy to learn but hard to master. With early online and LAN matches, plus the legendary “Hell March” soundtrack, it became an RTS classic that defined the genre.

4. Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994)

Genre: Real-Time Strategy
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
In Warcraft, orcs and humans fight for dominance in a fantasy world. The game combined fast resource management, strategic base building, and epic fantasy battles. It stood out for its signature Blizzard humor, intuitive controls, and multiplayer via modem or LAN, laying the foundation for legendary successors like Warcraft II and World of Warcraft.

3. Myst (1993)

Genre: Adventure / Puzzle
Developer: Cyan Worlds
Myst transports you to a mysterious island full of machines, books, and puzzles. With its breathtaking, almost photorealistic visuals, calm and atmospheric gameplay, and intricate brainteasers, it was a game for both the mind and the senses. Remarkably, Myst was one of the first major CD-ROM experiences, appealing to many casual players who weren’t looking for action.

2. SimCity 2000 (1993)

Genre: City-Building Simulation
Developer: Maxis
In SimCity 2000, you take on the role of a city planner and build your own metropolis – from roads to power grids to education and the environment. The game impressed with deep yet accessible mechanics, offered incredible creative freedom, and simulated social, economic, and ecological systems. Its addictive “just one more turn” factor made it one of the most played building games of all time.

1. Doom (1993)

Genre: First-Person Shooter
Developer: id Software
In Doom, you play as a nameless space marine fighting demons from hell on Mars. The game amazed players with groundbreaking 3D graphics and fast, brutal action like never before. It laid the foundation for all modern shooters and spread explosively through its shareware model. Doom is considered a revolution that defined an entire genre.
You’ve probably seen Doom running on almost anything – even a PDF or a captcha. But why settle for that when you can make classics shine again with the latest tech?
How about the AMD Ryzen 7 7700? No matter how big your Sim metropolis gets or how many units you command across the galaxy – a PC of this caliber ensures smooth gameplay without lag or long load times. And if the specs aren’t quite your style, you can configure it exactly how you like.

 (Image source: id Software)