1999 was one of thebest years in video game history.
What were the best games of 1999, though?
The answer to that question will obviously (hopefully obviously) vary wildly from person to person.
At the very least, though, its a fun conversation to have.
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Any games released for any regions during that period are considered eligible.
Here are the 20 best games of 1999:
20.
CTRs nearly perfect controls and expanded combat options made it a slightly more competitive alternative toMario Kartsparty game style.
This games exceptional remaster (2019sCrash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled) just goes to show how well it has aged.
Ultimately, thats not how things worked out.
Homeworlds surprisingly minimalist UI made it that much easier to appreciate the stunning beauty of its ship-to-ship battles.
The result was a true dream game that played, looked, and sounded like one.
Hell, this is the onlyResident Evilgame that is arguably still objectively better than its remake.
Being stalked by the Nemesis remains one of the most terrifying and exhilarating experiences in aResident Evilgame.
Roller Coaster Tycoon
There is a simple joy toRoller Coaster Tycoonthat resonates to this day.
No, those memories are often reserved for the simply delightful process of designing roller coasters.
Honestly, the lack of modernUnreal Tournament-like experiences makes this game feel that much more special today.
All these years later,Soul Reavers presentation and story remain often surprising highlights.
Silent Hill
There is a strong case to be made thatSilent Hillis the scariest game ever made.
Not the best horror game, mind you, and perhaps not even the bestSilent Hillgame.
If anything, you could criticizeSilent Hillfor being more interested in scaring players than entertaining them.
Then again, isnt that point of many of the truly great works of horror?
This game felt simply evil in 1999 and remains shockingly effective.
Just look atSoul Caliburcompared to the PlayStation and N64 games available at that time.
How couldnt you take one look at that game and convince yourself that the future of gaming had arrived?
It is one of the greatest achievements in strategy gaming.
Ultimately, they were right.
For many, their first time playingCounter-Strikewas something of a wake-up call.
However,3rd Strikeis now considered to be one of the greatest fighting games ever made.
In retrospect,3rd Strikewas a pretty clear declaration that 2D gaming wasnt going anywhere quite yet.
Gran Turismo 2
More is often the least we expect from a video game sequel.
Give us that game we loved and more of it.
Well,Gran Turismois that rare sequel that forever altered the course of its franchise by giving us more.
This game set a standard of escalation that theGran Turismofranchise would later struggle to replicate.
Tony Hawks Pro Skater
For many,Tony Hawks Pro Skaterwas the defining cultural video game of 1999.
Yes,Tony Hawks Pro Skaterhas style to burn.
It was a golden (or silver) age for one of gamings biggest franchises.
25 years later,Planescapefeels nearly as impressive as it was back then.
Only epics likeBaldurs Gate 3have come close to replicatingPlanescapes depth with modern visuals and presentation elements.
Looking Glass Studios had a vision, but they couldnt yet see how all of the pieces fit together.
Its timeless brilliance is also the inspiration for one of the most significant game preservation movements of our time.
