Some debates never die out. Gaming is a topic that has sparked many debates throughout its history. Many of today's most heated contests started back in the 1990s during the early days of video games. Sometimes specific games will go head-to-head, and fans get very passionate about their favorites.
The debates can also be much bigger than just one single game, and entire franchises can vie for popularity or superiority. Other times the topics are more broadly related to gaming as a whole. Differing viewpoints and feelings are each of value, and these debates may never truly conclude.
10 The Fists Still Fly Over Whether The Superior Fighting Game Franchise Is Mortal Kombat Or Street Fighter
The debates over which fighting game is the best are long-lived. One of the oldest and highest-profile of those rivalries is the battle between the Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat franchises. They both made their debut back in the 1990s, and are still going strong today.
In terms of sheer popularity, Street Fighter has an edge, as its prominence exploded in the arcades and home consoles in the early gaming days. Mortal Kombat games had a strong showing of their own back then. Many fans enjoy the more visceral, brutal nature of its combat.
9 The Debate For The Pinnacle Of 16-bit RPGs Divides Many Chrono Trigger And Final Fantasy VI Fans
Most debates for the best entries in the RPG genre during the 1990s come down to Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. This particular debate can be partially tied to the distinct narrative and gameplay choices in each game.
Final Fantasy VI tells a fantastic story with deep, memorable characters in a more traditional fashion. Chrono Trigger takes a different approach, with non-linear gameplay, varied plot progression, and multiple attainable endings. Each game could be considered a triumph of its own design.
8 Mario Faces Off Against Sonic For The Platformer Crown
There is perhaps no friendlier, high-profile video gaming rivalry than the one between big red and the blue blur. Mario and Sonic have been in friendly competition since the 1990s, where they were both kings of the 2D platforming genre. In the later 1990s, they made the jump to 3D, and the rivalry only continued from there.
In the modern gaming landscape, Mario and Sonic seem to be on amicable terms. Many fans are still divided and have strong preferences. But thankfully, there are plenty of games in both of their storied franchises for fans to enjoy.
7 "The Best Nintendo 64 Shooter" Is Tied Between Goldeneye 007 And Perfect Dark
The FPS genre didn't exactly get its start on the Nintendo 64, but it certainly played a big part in popularizing the genre for home console players. This was thanks to two games in particular: Goldeneye 007 and Perfect Dark. Fans still debate which of these is the better game.
Goldeneye 007 was the first to release and is the most popular by far. One reason for that popularity is its engaging multiplayer. Perfect Dark is a technically more capable spiritual successor, and while it sold many copies and enjoyed success, far more people played Goldeneye 007 back in the 1990s.
6 The Brawl Never Ends Between Final Fight And Streets Of Rage
The brawler or beat-'em-up genre has a lot of noteworthy entries, but Final Fight and Streets of Rage both stand out from the 1990s. The two franchises share a surprising number of similarities. Perhaps that's at least partly why the debate continues between them.
Streets of Rage made its home primarily on the Sega Genesis console. Final Fight started in the arcades before finding its way to a variety of home platforms, perhaps most notably to the Super Nintendo. Modern entries in both franchises exist on several different platforms today.
5 Blocks Or Blobs, Tetris And Puyo Puyo Compete To Be The Best Puzzle Game
If it were strictly a popularity contest, Tetris would be the obvious winner over the Puyo Puyo franchise. Tetris has a long history and even today is still the better-known franchise. But Puyo Puyo had noteworthy entries even back in the 1990s.
Retro game fans may recall two Puyo games from other franchises: Kirby's Avalanche on the Super Nintendo, and Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine on the Sega Genesis. More modern entries have used the Puyo name, and it has become recognizable and noteworthy. Nowadays there's even a game series called Puyo Puyo Tetris, which combines the two franchises for the best of both worlds.
4 The Realism Vs. Creativity Debates Have Continued Since The Early Days Of Gaming
The 1990s also arguably started the debates about what the overall priority should be for the video game entertainment medium. Of course, there's no one right answer to a subjective question about what is most important. It's worth noting that many advocates will prioritize either realism or creative expression.
It's a vast topic that covers many angles, and one of those is the type of gaming experience that is being proposed. Some developers choose to branch off in a particular direction with all of their creations, and others shift back and forth between different approaches on a per-project basis. Regardless, the debates have been ongoing since the 1990s, and shows no signs of concluding.
3 Are Video Games Too Violent? Can Educational Games Be Made Engaging And Fun? These Debates Remain From The 1990s
Back in the 1990s, these types of questions and debates originated mostly from parents and educators, concerned with all the violence emerging in gaming. It's become a prevalent topic to be considered at large in modern times. For example, even games with mild/cartoon violence are still technically violent.
Making progress on this topic doesn't require purging all violent games. People need to have choices. A better option would be providing a wider variety of appealing games that aren't violent. How can non-violent games keep people engaged to the same extent that violent ones seem to? That's another long-standing debate worth considering.
2 The Console Wars Started In The 1990s With The Super Nintendo And Sega Genesis
The concept of a console war or format war is so ingrained into video game culture that most gamers nowadays wouldn't even bat an eye at the suggestion. It wasn't really until the 1990s that the comparisons between home consoles really took off. The first big battle in those days was Nintendo vs. Sega.
The Sega Genesis and the Super Nintendo were the heavy hitters. The 1990s also saw the two companies competing in the handheld space, and with later consoles too. Fans remain fiercely loyal to their favorite system of the 16-bit era, but there's no denying that both consoles and companies had many success stories and noteworthy games.
1 The 2D Vs. 3D Arguments Began In The Late 1990s And Continue Today
With the rise of 3D gaming in the late 1990s, players also saw the dawn of endless debates over the superior game presentation, 2D or 3D. Of course, as time goes on, more games have entered the 3D space and the expectations of most players reflect the advancements in technology. But the renaissance of 2D games in recent years, especially among indie developers, has proven that both formats can still flourish in the modern age.
Like with most long-lasting debates, there is room for both sides to co-exist, but some fans are more passionate about one aspect over the other, especially within the scope of a specific game franchise. There may never be a single answer to a question like 2D or 3D, and that's a good thing for players. It ensures everyone continues to have more variety to choose from.