The Top Video Game Class of 1994

Ten years ago, in 1994, the continuing success of the 16-bit era in the video game industry was threatened by the coming of a new wave of next-generation video game consoles known as the 32-bit. As the console war between the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Sega Genesis reached a turning point, the Sony PlayStation and the Sega Saturn are beginning to start a new video game war although they were never released in North American gaming markets until 1995. But, soon, the release of Donkey Kong Country for the SNES in the holiday season of the said year proved that 16-bit gaming systems can rival even the new wave of consoles as long as there is overwhelming support from the gaming industry and the gamers as well.


1994 was indeed one of the best years in video games. It is not only because of the best video games that spawned on that year, but also of the breakthroughs that revolutionize gaming and changed the landscape of the industry such as the introduction of 3D fighting games like Tekken and Virtua Fighter. So, as a fitting tribute to the great year that was, I will give you the top ten games that made 1994 a great year for the industry. Note that the videos you are going to see are strong testaments of how great these games are.

1. Super Metroid (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

2. Final Fantasy III (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

3. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Knuckles (Sega Genesis)

4. Donkey Kong Country (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

5. Phantasy Star IV: End of the Millennium (Sega Genesis)

6. Gunstar Heroes (Sega Genesis)

7. Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Sega Genesis)

8. Shining Force II (Sega Genesis)

9. Mortal Kombat II (Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Sega Genesis)

10. NBA Jam Tournament Edition (Super Nintendo Entertainment System/Sega Genesis)