Nothing is more important to a console’s early success than its launch titles. A system is worthless at launch if no good games come out with it. The ten launch titles below could only be found on their respective console, and their existence was forever made synonymous with the hardware.
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A few of these maybe came out in arcades first or had older versions, but their release on the console is a wholly unique edition. One exception is here near the bottom, though it makes it on the list for showcasing the console’s power and having a feature which the other version on previous generation’s hardware simply couldn’t accomplish.
10Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)
As Nintendo’s first foray into 3D, the company knew they had to come out of the gate swinging with their new console. The N64 launched with only two games in North America, andSuper Mario 64was one of them.Mario’sadventure inside Peach’s castle revolutionized3D game design, creating a blueprint all other three-dimensional platformers would follow.
The open environments presented unprecedented levels of exploration while still retaining the platform challenges for which the series is known. It would be the only 3DSuper Mariotitle for the system, and really the only one it needed.
9Wii Sports (Nintendo Wii)
The Nintendo Wii established the company’s ambition to not compete with the other two companies, instead forging its own slice in the market.
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The low price tag was enough to pique interest at the time, and its packaged in title,Wii Sports, showed how the system’s motion controls could be enjoyed by everyone, from veterans of the medium to their grandparents. Not only were the games fun diversions from the standard fare, they also helped people understand the new, unique controller.
8Panzer Dragoon (Saturn)
Sega Saturn’s library is admittedly thin. A few titles stand as triumphs for the medium, however, and everyone who owned theSegaconsole fondly remembers their time with the on-rails shooter. Though it is short, the detailed graphics presented a wow factor that begged for multiple playthroughs.
The title spawned a series, despite the Saturn’s small install base resulting in low sales. It is fortunate the series found life, considering Sega’s missteps with the console weren’t the game’s fault.
7Super Mario Bros. (NES)
TheNESexisted for some time as the Famicom in Japan before making its way to the states. Whenthe consolefinally hit western shores,Super Mario Bros.was alongside it to show people what games could be.
It was more than simply a fun diversion; it was a revolution in game design. The first level is often singled out as a perfect organic tutorial, introducing players to all the important mechanics naturally without directly telling the player. The Italian plumber has since become one of the most enduring characters in the medium.
6Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader (GameCube)
Luigi’s Mansionis phenomenal and deserves mention, but Factor 5’sStar Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leadershows theGameCube’s true capabilities. Seeing the introductory level for the first time blew people’s minds with its gorgeously detailed environments advanced enough to fool someone into thinking they were watching the movie.
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No other competitor console could possibly render graphics of this caliber. WhileSony’sconsole had plenty to brag about, seeing this dogfighting title certainly struck envy into somePS2owners.
5Tetris (Gameboy)
TheGame Boywas certainly not the first system to ever seeTetris, but the ability to play Alexey Pajitnov’s ingenious puzzle game on the go was a revelation for the industry. It made Nintendo’s massively successful handheld device for everyone and not just gamers.
It is hard to find anyone who doesn’t likeTetris.If they don’t, they could possibly be an alien. The legendary title was packaged in with theGame Boy, giving the system an addictive game right out of the box.
4Super Mario World (SNES)
The more powerfulSNESallowed several enhancements toSuper Mario Worldover its predecessors other than graphical improvements. The idea for Mario riding an animal companion was something Shigeru Miyamoto wanted for a long time and was only left out until the 1990 game because of the NES’s hardware limitations.
It was only one of two games released upon the SNES’s launch, the other title beingF-Zero. Thanks to its many secrets and ninety-six levels, it was all players needed for many months.
3Soulcalibur (Dreamcast)
Sonic Adventuregets a silver medal in this entry. While it is a great showcase for the mascot,Soulcaliburoutdoes it by presenting a perfect arcade conversion right in the living room. In fact, it looks and feels better on theDreamcastthan it did in an arcade.
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Such a feat was nearly unheard of and started a trend for Sega’s last console, as popular arcade games likeCrazy TaxiandVirtua Fighter3made their way to it. Unfortunately, the system wasnot meant to last, thoughSoulcaliburlives on in the memories of those who owned the machine.
2Breath Of The Wild (Switch)
While the game came out onWii U, theNintendo Switchversion ofThe Breath of the Wildis the only one gamers can take outside the comfort of their living room. Before 2017, a game looking this good running on a handheld system was simply unimaginable. WithBreath of the Wild, fans understood the extent of the hybrid console’s power.
Doing all the game has to offer easily takes over one hundred hours, which will occupy countless commutes to work or school. WithBreath of the Wild 2in development, fans are looking forward to exploring the massive Hyrule map once again.
1Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox)
Halo: Combat Evolvedaccomplished two major feats. Firstly, it was the first time a PC level first-person shooter experience came to consoles, where prior efforts in the genre always felt second-rate compared to playing on a computer. Secondly, it single-handedly saved Microsoft’s premier system. WithoutHalo: Combat Evolved, it is hard to say if the company would have bothered making an Xbox 360.
Because ofHalo, however, the originalXboxwas a must-have system. Even without online capabilities, playing local multiplayer with friends occupied countless nights filled with Warthog chases and intense capture the flag rounds in Blood Gulch.
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