Age Of Empires

Release Date: 1997 Platform: PC Developer: Ensemble Studios Genre: Strategy While advances in video games are typically characterized by leaps in technology or game play innovation, lateral crossover is also important. Like some novel technology concocted in one of its temples, Age of Empires crossed two existing game play templates and boiled down the result...

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Dr. Mario

Release Date: 1990 Platform(s): SNES, NES, Satellaview, Game Boy Developer: Nintendo Genre: Puzzle In Nintendo's rush to create a Tetris clone unencumbered by the legal disputes of the original, it seems nobody stopped to ask a few fundamental questions. For example, when did this world-saving plumber find the time to acquire a medical degree? Perhaps the reason no one...

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NBA Jam

Release Date: 1993 Platform(s): Arcade, SNES, SEGA Genesis, SEGA CD, Gameboy, SEGA Game Gear Developer: Midway Genre: Sports The catchphrases are legendary: "He's on fire!" "Is it the shoes?" "From downtown!" You're apt to hear all these and more during a single game of NBA Jam, and if you need proof of the game's cultural currency, walk up to somebody, say any of these one...

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Civilization

Release Date: 1991 Platform: PC Developer: Microprose Software Genre: Strategy Want to make a PC gamer of certain age cry? Whisper "Civilization" in his or her ear. There are any number of reasons why the tears might flow, but it's likely because more sleep, weekends, job, and relationships have probably been lost to Civilization than any other game. This seminal...

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