15 Best Years In Video Game History

11. 1994

Notable Releases - Super Metroid, Donkey Kong Country, Final Fantasy VI, Sonic 3 & Knuckles

In the early 1990s, it looked like Sega had a decent chance at replacing Nintendo as the granddaddy of gaming.

However, those concerns were put to rest in 1994, when Nintendo literally upped their game. Donkey Kong Country's magnificent pre-rendered graphics, smooth gameplay, luscious tunes, and focus on hidden secrets re-established the tie-wearing ape as a the top-tier franchise. Although Final Fantasy has revolutionised the RPG genre time and time again, the sixth instalment is still regarded as a wonder to behold. Earthbound may not have garnered much praise at the time, but it's now viewed as the Super Nintendo's most underrated title.

Also, Super Metroid... no other details necessary.

Now, that's not suggesting Sega wasn't bringing their A-game. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic & Knuckles proved the original 2D Sonic series went out on a high.

There were many other titles dominating 1994, including the console ports of Mortal Kombat II, Virtua Fighter 2, and Doom II. (Basically, a lot of 2s.)

But there's no question it was the year where Nintendo came out on top.