1999 was an excellent year for gaming, as it saw the release of multiple high-quality titles that are still being discussed to this day, like Silent Hill, Final Fantasy 8, Crash Team Racing, Donkey Kong 64, Pokemon Gold & Silver, and countless more. However, not every game that came out during this year had such a fortunate fate.
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That’s right, many great video games that were released at the tail end of the 90s have sadly been forgotten by most gamers today, whether it’s because they haven’t aged all that well and/or because they belong to franchises that have been dead for a long time. Needless to say, many of these classic 1999 titles deserve to be remembered, with the following ten being the most remarkable examples.
Syphon Filter
A Truly Groundbreaking Third-Person Shooter
Syphon Filter
- Released
- February 17, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Animated Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Stealth, Third-Person Shooter
2005’s Resident Evil 4 is often credited with revolutionizing and popularizing the third-person shooter genre with its over-the-shoulder perspective. However, it obviously wasn’t the first game that focused on third-person gunplay, seeing as the PS1 exclusive Syphon Filter was widely celebrated for its groundbreaking gameplay six whole years before Resident Evil 4 came out.
It’s quite unfortunate that this game (and the short-lived franchise it spawned) has been long forgotten, because its fast-paced gameplay was actually very refreshing and innovative for its time. Yes, maybe it hasn’t aged all that well, and shooting enemies without an over-the-shoulder camera system may feel odd at first, but it still is extremely fun, and it paved the way for many other shooters that came out after it. Sony should seriously reconsider bringing Syphon Filter back.
Omega Boost
A Fast-Paced Shoot 'Em Up With A Great Original Soundtrack
Omega Boost
- Released
- April 22, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
It’s safe to say that the space shoot 'em up genre greatly benefited from the appearance of 3D graphics, and it became especially evident when the groundbreaking Star Fox 64 came out. The genre really thrived during the late 90s and basically peaked with the release of Omega Boost, a criminally underrated space combat title that was developed by Polyphony Digital, the same studio behind the Gran Turismo games.
Omega Boost is undoubtedly one of the best-looking PS1 games, as it features extremely complex models of giant mechas quickly flying around space and tons of particle effects that enhance the high-octane combat. Additionally, this game also has an excellent original soundtrack full of vocal songs that make the overall experience even more exciting and memorable. If Sony still owns the rights to the Omega Boost IP, it should really bring it back and adapt it for modern audiences.
Aliens Vs. Predator
This Classic Crossover FPS Deserves More Love
Aliens vs. Predator (1999)
- Released
- April 30, 1999
- ESRB
- M for Mature - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Rebellion Developments
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
Fans of both the Alien and Predator franchises are aware that the 2004 film Alien vs. Predator was not the first time these two iconic movie aliens fought each other on-screen, as this match-up had previously been featured in countless comic books and video games. One of the most beloved instances of this classic crossover took place in Rebellion Developments’ classic Alien vs. Predator, which was released for PC in 1999.
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This game features impressive 3D graphics, flawless shooting mechanics, and a dark and creepy atmosphere (which becomes especially evident when controlling a Colonial Marine), but it’s also remarkable for allowing players to control a Xenomorph or a Yautja as well, both of which have their own unique mechanics and abilities. If all that wasn’t enough , Alien vs. Predator also boasted a frantic multiplayer mode that was expanded with the subsequent release of the Millennium Expansion Pack.
Um Jammer Lammy
PaRappa’s Good Friend Has Earned Some Time In The Spotlight As Well
Um Jammer Lammy
- Released
- August 17, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Rhythm
While the PaRappa the Rapper series hasn’t released a brand-new game in over twenty-four years, its titular character and his two rhythmic adventures still have a place in gamers' collective consciousness. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the PaRappa the Rapper spin-off, Um Jammer Lammy, even if some hardcore fans wholeheartedly believe that it’s the best entry in the entire franchise.
Um Jammer Lammy features the same adorable and distinct art style as the other PaRappa games (which was created by Rodney Alan Greenblat), and Lammy herself is quite a likable and relatable main character. Of course, the music by Masaya Matsuura is also extremely catchy, and its rhythm-based gameplay is very strange and unique, although it’s also notoriously more challenging than the other two games in this eccentric series.
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
A Super Famicom Exclusive Released In 1999 Should Not Be This Good
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
- Released
- September 1, 1999
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
The Fire Emblem franchise didn’t see any popularity in the West until the release of both Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Blazing Blade, so it’s not surprising that most of its older titles have faded into obscurity. However, Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 is an isolated case, not only because it was 100% exclusive to Japan, but also because it was originally released on the infamous Nintendo Power distribution service. That’s right, this is a Super Famicom game released in 1999, way past the console’s heyday and when its successor, the Nintendo 64, was already available on the market.
Thracia 776 has been forgotten by most casual Fire Emblem fans, but those who were able to experience it for themselves can attest to how great this Super Famicom title is. For starters, since it was released so far in the console’s lifespan, it boasts some of the most colorful and detailed sprite work in its catalog. However, Thracia 776 is infamous for arguably being the hardest game in the entire series, something that some of the most seasoned Fire Emblem fans find enjoyable, engaging, and satisfying.
Wipeout 3
One Of The Best Entries In This Classic Sci-Fi Racing Series
WipEout 3
- Released
- September 8, 1999
- ESRB
- e // Animated Violence
- Genre(s)
- Racing
It’s really strange how futuristic racing games were extremely popular during the 90s and early 2000s, and yet, they are almost non-existent today, with this niche genre only being kept alive by passion projects by indie developers. Not only was Nintendo’s F-Zero series doing very well during that time, but Sony’s Wipeout series was giving it some solid, much-needed competition.
While Psygnosis put out many great Wipeout games during the 90s, 1999’s Wipeout 3 is still considered one of the best ones in the entire genre. This excellent title features thrilling sci-fi races with high speeds that are enhanced by its surprisingly smooth frame rate, stunning 3D graphics that looked spectacular for its time, and a crushing difficulty level that scared away newcomers while also giving hardcore fans a solid challenge they could sink all their time into.
FreeSpace 2
The Best Space Combat Simulator Of Its Time
Freespace 2
- Released
- September 30, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- e
- Genre(s)
- Sci-Fi, Simulation
Simulation/strategy games were all the rage during the 90s, especially on PC, with Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War being a notorious commercial and critical success. To no one’s surprise, its 1999 sequel, FreeSpace 2, was even better, and it’s now considered one of the best space combat simulators ever made.
This game boasts detailed 3D graphics that have aged surprisingly well, a dark and engaging storyline, incredibly satisfying gameplay, and even mod support that improves and expands the entire experience. Unfortunately, the FreeSpace series hasn’t released a new entry in decades, but FreeSpace 2 is still worth playing, especially for fans of this genre.
Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return
A Platforming Hidden Gem Exclusive To The PS1
Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return
- Released
- October 28, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
The PlayStation 1 was the home of multiple iconic and influential 3D platformers, like Crash Bandicoot, Ape Escape, and Spyro the Dragon. However, many excellent 2D platforming titles were released for Sony’s first console as well, with Tomba! And its 1999 sequel, Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return being two notorious examples that have become cult classics.
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Unlike its predecessor, Tomba! 2 was actually made with 3D graphics, which allowed developer Whoopee Camp to experiment with the mechanics and the perspective while maintaining the old-school sidescroller gameplay that made this franchise so special in the first place. On top of that, Tomba! 2 is brimming with personality, thanks to its colorful presentation and charming character designs. Aside from some recent enhanced ports and an Astro Bot cameo, this IP has been mostly forgotten by modern gamers, and it’s in dire need of a full comeback.
The Longest Journey
A Unique Point-And-Click Adventure That Combines Sci-Fi And Fantasy Elements
The Longest Journey
- Released
- November 17, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
Point-and-click adventure games were also extremely popular in the 90s, during the rise of personal computers. While everyone today remembers the classics like Monkey Island and Grim Fandango, it seems like Funcom’s The Longest Journey has mostly been forgotten, and it’s a real shame because this is one of the absolute best games in the entire genre.
The Longest Journey tells the story of art student April Ryan, who has to travel between two parallel worlds: one is full of robots and is defined by scientific beliefs, while the other is inhabited by fantastical creatures and allows people to wield magic. Not only is this premise incredibly unique, but the game makes perfect use of it in both its narrative and deep gameplay, with the best part being that it’s accessible for gamers who are not too familiar with the point-and-click genre.
Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram
An Incredible 3D Fighting Game Starring Giant Robots
Cyber Troopers Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram
- Released
- March 1, 1998
Two pillars of the gaming industry that were incredibly relevant during 1999 have been mostly forgotten today: arcades and the Sega Dreamcast. So, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that a game like Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram, a Dreamcast port of an arcade-exclusive fighting game, is not discussed by modern gamers at all.
Nowadays, 3D fighters are often associated with shōnen anime series, but Cyber Troopers still stands out because its stars are giant robots that can fly around large 3D arenas where they can shoot projectiles and fight up-close with their melee weapons. It’s not a complex game, but the breakneck pace of its matches makes the gameplay very entertaining and accessible, not to mention that it’s reminiscent of other similar titles that came after it, like Custom Robo or Dynasty Warriors: Gundam.
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