1998 might have been another year for everyone. But for the gaming fraternity, this was a turning point. This is the time when developers were getting their hands steady on 3D worlds. This ambition was also seen in the scale and creativity of the releases in that year.

Even today, some of the games of 1998 still influence how modern titles are made. Here are some of the best games from that year:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Ocarina of Time actually redefined what a 3D adventure game could look like. The key factors of this game were the extensive open world, time-based storytelling, and the new lock-on targeting system. Players could literally live Link's childhood and adulthood in the game's universe.

2. Metal Gear Solid

Very few titles have managed to bring cinematic storytelling into gaming the way MGS did. Rather than rushing into all guns blazing, its stealth-focused gameplay encourages players to avoid combat. It is still considered the blueprint for story-driven action games today.

3. Half-Life

Half-Life changed the FPS genre when it introduced storytelling directly into gameplay. Instead of cutscenes, players experienced events through Gordon Freeman’s perspective in real time. The game featured action with puzzles and environmental interactions.

4. Tekken 3

Everyone is aware of how Tekken 3 shaped the fighting game genre. Smoother mechanics, deeper gameplay systems, and sidestepping - it brought a revolution. It also expanded the movement beyond the traditional 2D plane.

5. Resident Evil 2

With a larger story and dual character campaigns, Resident Evil 2 expanded on its predecessor hugely.

The Raccoon City setting created an intense and varied survival horror experience. Improved gameplay systems and atmosphere kept players constantly on edge.

6. StarCraft

StarCraft implemented the perfect real-time strategy gameplay with three completely different and distinct factions. Each of them needed different tactics to master. The game's campaign also delivered a strong sci-fi narrative.

7. Banjo-Kazooie

Banjo-Kazooie was built on the foundation of 3D platformers. The detailed world and creative level design of this game was very rare in the late 90s. Players explored open environments filled with collectibles, puzzles, and a variety of challenges.

8. Gran Turismo

In 1998, no one thought racing games could be this real until Gran Turismo came. It featured authentic driving experiences with physics-based mechanics, car handling, and a progression system. Players could earn licenses, upgrade vehicles, and compete in a wide range of events.

9. Grim Fandango

The blend of film noir storytelling and adventure gameplay is what made Grim Fandango stand out at that time. On the outside, the game was filled with humor. But if you dig deeper, the narrative is about corruption and identity. Set in the Land of the Dead, its art style and writing were unmatched compared to its contemporaries.

10. Crash Bandicoot: Warped

Crash Bandicoot: Warped featured more extensive level design and mechanics at that time than the series had ever seen. Its time-travel theme allowed for diverse environments and gameplay styles. There were also a variety of platforming formulas because of new abilities and vehicles. This closed the trilogy on a high note.

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Written by

Nilendu Brahma

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote