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1990s action games that still hold up

Brawling, fighting, and never quite standing still

82 games · page 1 of 2

Tekken 3 1997 Why it still holds upWhat holds up today is smooth controls and distinct movesets.
Streets of Rage 2 1992 Why it still holds upCharacters differ in stats and moves, and each enemy has its own recognizable attack pattern, so learning them still pays off today in fast combat that chains jabs, strings and specials.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 1992 Why it still holds upRings you can win back and acts built around a ride give it a pace of its own, and six hidden emeralds still give a reason to search every act.
SoulCalibur 1998 Why it still holds upEight way movement, a forgiving input buffer and Guard Impact still let you step around an opponent or turn their attack against them today.
Street Fighter II' Turbo 1993 Why it still holds upThe speed setting still lets you choose the pace you want to play at, and a faster game with more special moves makes each match about timing.
Super Smash Bros. 1999 Why it still holds upKnocking a rival off the stage, rather than wearing down a bar, still shapes how every match unfolds.
Tobal 2 1997 Why it still holds upA Quest Mode with dungeons and a town, and a roster that grows with captured monsters, still gives it more to do than the ring fights.
Bucky O'Hare 1992 Why it still holds upThe opening still gives you freedom, with four planets in any order and a team you can switch between.
Alien vs. Predator 1994 Why it still holds upFour fighters who reload in different ways still make the choice of character matter.
Pocket Fighter 1998 Why it still holds upBecause each match has plenty to grab, this lighthearted fighter is easy to enjoy even now.
Shadowrun 1993 Why it still holds upJobs you choose and a crew you hire yourself still let every run be planned your own way.
Fantastic Dizzy 1993 Why it still holds upA puzzle quest with a star hunt is still a good thing to play through.
Donkey Kong 1994 Why it still holds upA key, a door and a clock turn every screen into a small puzzle, and Mario's acrobatics are still the tools you solve it with.
Soul Edge 1996 Why it still holds upWeapon duels are still worth a go with a friend.
Disney's Aladdin 1993 Why it still holds upQuick jumps and a clear route through each stage make it an easy game to pick up now.
Gunstar Heroes 1993 Why it still holds upStages that switch formats and weapons you can combine are still what keep it varied today.
Ninja Warriors 1994 Why it still holds upThree androids with their own moves and a meter that clears the screen still give each stage a choice of how to fight.
Ecstatica 1994 Why it still holds upReading each scene for yourself, with nothing to lean on, still makes this cursed and oddly funny town worth exploring now.
Wild Guns 1994 Why it still holds upYou still keep moving every second, dodging in the foreground while you shoot into the background.
Aero Fighters 1992 Why it still holds upA route that changes with every run and every pilot still makes it worth starting another today.
Legend of Mana 1999 Why it still holds upBuilding the map to your liking is still a good reason to take a look today.
Frame Gride 1999 Why it still holds upA robot you build and tune yourself still gives each duel your own stamp.
Legendary Axe II 1990 Why it still holds upSwapping between a sword, a morning star and an axe, each with its own reach and power, still gives every fight a choice.
King of Fighters R-2 1999 Why it still holds upShort fights and a mode for building your own fighter still give a portable game plenty to try.

Fighting games and side scrolling brawlers fill much of this page, and many are at their best with a second player on the same sofa. What they reward is knowing exactly what each button does.

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