1995 was the year the 16-bit era was at its height. The year marked a time of experimentation in video games.

It was a year of decision-making, as players could experience the mastery of 16-bit on consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), or embrace the more technologically advanced PlayStation with the 32-bit revolution, redefining what was possible in 3D environments.

1995 delivered a library of classics that remain playable today, from JRPG highlights to genre-defining platformers and competitive fighting games.

The following ranking covers 10 games from 1995, assessed using Metacritic and IMDb ratings.

10. Kirby’s Dream Land 2

This 1995 platformer by HAL Laboratory follows Kirby, who can swim and fly as well, to save Dream Land from Dark Matter. Dark Matter has stolen rainbows from Rainbow Islands and has summoned King Dedede. The game's uniqueness is the combos you can hit with Kirby's friends: Rick the Hamster, Coo the Owl, and Kine the Fish. The game is ranked 10th because of its tedious difficulty, especially towards the end. Also, monochromatic graphics and slow-paced gameplay make it sit in this position.

9. Star Wars: Dark Forces

Star Wars: Dark Forces is a first-person shooter by LucasArts. It follows the story of the mercenary Kyle Katarn, who is working for the Rebel Alliance and needs to stop Dark Trooper battle droids. The game features mission-based 3D labyrinth levels, and players can use gadgets such as night-vision goggles. The game is ranked 9th because most players find it difficult to get past the complex, maze-like levels, and the absence of an in-game save option adds to the challenge.

8. Marvel Super Heroes

The Marvel Comics Infinity Gauntlet storyline inspires this 1995 Capcom fighting game. One of its unique features is the Infinity Gem system, which provides heroes with specific enhancements during combat. The game ranks 8th because of its limited roster size and the fact that infinite combos are locked to only certain characters.

7. Mega Man 7

The Super Nintendo dominated the 16-bit era, and one of its most recognizable franchises was Mega Man, released multiple times on the platform. The blue bomber returns with a vibrant 16-bit art-style environment. The game also features large-sprite graphics and colorful, expressive character models. The game ranks 7th because it has only four initial selectable stages and a poorly designed final fight against Dr. Wily.

6. Mortal Kombat 3

Mortal Kombat 3 follows a new storyline in which Shao Kahn invades Earthrealm, with gameplay set across various environments. The game stays action-packed with its gameplay mechanics. We've put it in 6th place because of a major setback: it doesn't have Scorpion or Kitana!

5. Suikoden

Suikoden follows the story of Tir McDohl, who gathers 108 Stars of Destiny and fights against the corrupt Scarlet Moon Empire. The game is based on themes like politics, maturity, and liberation. It takes a peculiar take on the workings of the real world. It is a classic JRPG that helped start the PlayStation era of JRPGs. The game ranks 5th because it lacked a proper inventory management system and because of its linear design and simple combat system, which improved in later iterations.

4. Dragon Quest VI

Dragon Quest VI is the final Dragon Quest title for Super Famicom, by Heartbeat. The game featured a dual-world mechanic, featuring the Real World and the Dream World. It has a well-classified vocation system with deep character customization. It is not as memorable as its predecessors because of its slow-paced storyline and perplexing, non-linear progression.

3. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

This title changed the landscape of the later Kong games, with its tighter level design, David Wise’s atmospheric soundtrack, and eight eclectic worlds to explore. It follows Diddy and Dixie Kong, who embark on a journey to save Donkey Kong from Kaptain K. Rool.

2. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

The critically acclaimed 2D platformer is known for its hand-drawn, crayon-style art. Players play as Yoshi, who is protecting Baby Mario from Kamek and Baby Bowser. Utilizing the Super FX2 chip, Yoshi’s Island featured scaling and rotation effects that were technically advanced for the period. It stands as one of Nintendo's greatest platforming titles.

1. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is often cited as the greatest RPG ever made. The game features time-travel themes, fast-paced gameplay, and a well-received soundtrack. Developed by the "Dream Team", players can experience different timelines like the prehistoric and medieval ages. Chrono Trigger continues to be cited as an influence on modern RPG design.

From 16-bit heights to 32-bit beginnings, these ten titles from 1995 represent a range of genres and platforms from a significant transitional period in gaming history.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat