POSTED: 24 April, 2025
15 90s PC Games That Started Our Gaming Journey
15 PC Games That Started Our Gaming Journey
Ah, the 90s and early 2000s! A time when dial-up internet was the norm, and our biggest worry was whether our Tamagotchi would survive the school day. But amidst all that, there was something magical happening on our PCs. Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the iconic games that kickstarted our gaming journey. Grab your Walkman, lace up your Air Max 97s, and let's dive in!
1. The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)

Image Source: IMDB
Who didn't want to be a pirate? The Secret of Monkey Island let us live out our swashbuckling fantasies as Guybrush Threepwood. With its witty dialogue and quirky characters, this game was the perfect blend of humour and adventure. Plus, it taught us that even pirates need a good sense of humour.
2. Lemmings (1991)

Image Source: Wikipedia
A puzzle strategy game that had us guiding those adorable, green-haired Lemmings to safety. It was all fun and games until you accidentally led them off a cliff. Oops! But hey, it was all part of the charm.
3. Wolfenstein 3D (1992)

Image Source: Steam
Before Doom, there was Wolfenstein 3D. This game introduced many of us to the world of first-person shooters. Battling Nazis and escaping from prison was just another day in the life of an American spy. It was intense, thrilling, and oh-so-satisfying.
4. SimCity 2000 (1993)

Image Source: Wikipedia
Who knew city planning could be so addictive? SimCity 2000 had us balancing budgets, managing disasters, and trying to keep our virtual citizens happy. It was like being a mayor, but without the actual responsibility. Perfect for those of us who couldn't keep our Tamagotchi alive.
5. Myst (1993)

Image Source: Wikipedia
Myst was the game that made us feel like detectives. With its stunning graphics and mind-bending puzzles, it was a visual feast that kept us glued to our screens. Exploring the mysterious island and uncovering its secrets was an adventure like no other.
6. Doom (1993)
The granddaddy of all first-person shooters. Doom was the game that had us blasting demons and navigating hellish landscapes. It was fast-paced, brutal, and incredibly fun. Plus, it gave us an excuse to crank up the volume on our PC speakers.
7. Theme Hospital (1997)
Running a hospital has never been this hilarious. Theme Hospital had us curing bizarre illnesses like "Bloaty Head" and "Slack Tongue." It was quirky, challenging, and had a sense of humour that was distinctly British. Perfect for those rainy UK afternoons.
8. Tomb Raider (1996)
Lara Croft became a household name with Tomb Raider. Exploring ancient tombs, solving puzzles, and battling enemies was all in a day's work for our favourite archaeologist. It was adventurous, thrilling, and made us feel like we were part of an epic movie.
9. Command & Conquer (1995)

Image Source: EA Official Website
Strategy sessions with Command & Conquer consumed entire weekends. Building bases, managing resources, and leading armies to victory was the ultimate test of our strategic minds. It was intense, competitive, and oh-so-satisfying.
10. Half-Life (1998)
Half-Life brought storytelling to the forefront of gaming. Playing as Gordon Freeman, we navigated through the chaos of the Black Mesa Research Facility. With its immersive narrative and groundbreaking gameplay, it set the standard for future FPS games.
11. The Sims (2000)

Image Source: IMDB
Who could forget The Sims? Creating virtual families, building dream homes, and managing their lives was oddly satisfying. It was like playing god, but with less smiting and more interior decorating. Perfect for those of us who loved a bit of control.
12. Quake (1996)
Quake took the FPS genre to new heights with its fast-paced action and multiplayer capabilities. It was the game that had us fragging our friends and mastering rocket jumps. The intense gameplay and dark atmosphere made it a standout.
13. Age of Empires (1997)
Age of Empires was the game that turned us into history buffs. Building civilizations, managing resources, and leading armies through different eras was both educational and entertaining. It was a strategy game that kept us hooked for hours.
14. Diablo (1996)
Diablo introduced us to the world of dungeon crawling and loot collecting. Battling through hordes of demons and uncovering powerful items was addictive. The dark, gothic atmosphere and intense gameplay made it a classic.
15. RollerCoaster Tycoon (1999)

Image Source: Wikipedia
Building and managing our own theme park was a dream come true with RollerCoaster Tycoon. Designing thrilling rides, managing finances, and keeping guests happy was both challenging and fun. It was the perfect blend of creativity and strategy.
Feeling nostalgic about the good old days of gaming? Why not treat your PC or gaming laptop to an upgrade and re-download some of our old favourites! Relive the magic of classic games like The Secret of Monkey Island, Lemmings, and SimCity 2000. With modern hardware, these timeless gems will run smoother and look better than ever.
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