20 Video Games Every Millennial Played
Millennials grew up in the golden era of video gaming, experiencing the transition from 8-bit classics to the immersive worlds of modern consoles. From after-school gaming marathons to friendly competitions with siblings, these video games are staples in every millennial’s memory. Here are 20 video games that every millennial played at some point.
1. Super Mario Bros. (NES)
Arguably the most iconic video game of all time, Super Mario Bros. was a household staple for millennials. Whether it was running through the Mushroom Kingdom, dodging Goombas, or rescuing Princess Peach, this side-scrolling adventure was pure gaming bliss.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, Ocarina of Time introduced many millennials to the expansive world of Hyrule, puzzle-solving, and epic boss battles. The unforgettable music from Link’s ocarina still gives players goosebumps.
3. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis)
Speed was the name of the game with Sonic the Hedgehog, as players zipped through colorful levels collecting rings and battling Dr. Robotnik. The fast-paced gameplay and catchy soundtrack made Sonic an instant classic, especially for Sega fans.
4. Pokémon Red/Blue (Game Boy)
Pokémon Red and Blue started the Pokémon craze, and millennials were hooked on “catching ’em all.” Exploring Kanto, battling gym leaders, and trying to complete the Pokédex on their trusty Game Boy created hours of childhood adventure.
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5. The Sims (PC)
Before there was Animal Crossing, there was The Sims, the ultimate life-simulation game. Millennials spent hours creating virtual families, building dream homes, and, of course, removing ladders from pools for a little dark humor. It was like playing life, but with cheat codes.
6. GoldenEye 007 (N64)
GoldenEye 007 was the multiplayer shooter that dominated sleepovers. Millennials remember intense split-screen battles with proximity mines and oddjob debates (no one liked playing against Oddjob). This was the original couch co-op shooter that everyone loved.
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7. Final Fantasy VII (PlayStation)
For many millennials, Final Fantasy VII was their introduction to the epic world of RPGs. With its memorable characters (Cloud, Tifa, and Sephiroth), turn-based combat, and groundbreaking story, it’s a game that left a lasting impact on an entire generation of gamers.
8. Mario Kart 64 (N64)
Friendships were both made and tested over Mario Kart 64. Whether you were hitting your friends with red shells on Rainbow Road or zipping past them at the last second, this game was the go-to party racer that everyone loved to play—until someone pulled out a Blue Shell.
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9. Street Fighter II (Arcade/SNES)
The competitive fighting game Street Fighter II was an arcade favorite before making its way to consoles. Every millennial has memories of button-mashing their way to victory with iconic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile, shouting “Hadouken!” the whole way through.
10. Crash Bandicoot (PlayStation)
Naughty Dog’s Crash Bandicoot became a PlayStation icon, with its fun platforming levels and chaotic spinning attacks. The game’s vibrant levels, challenging gameplay, and wacky villains made it a staple of millennial gaming in the late ‘90s.
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11. Mortal Kombat (Arcade/Various Consoles)
“Mortal Kombat” was the fighting game that upped the ante with its brutal finishers and gore. Millennials remember sneaking in matches when their parents weren’t looking, memorizing Fatality moves to take down their friends in the most stylishly violent way possible.
12. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (PlayStation)
This skateboarding game was a massive hit with its smooth gameplay, epic trick combos, and legendary soundtrack. Millennials spent hours trying to master their favorite moves and uncovering secret levels, all while jamming out to punk rock and hip-hop classics.
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13. Tetris (Game Boy)
Game Boy’s portable Tetris game was the ultimate puzzle challenge that could keep you entertained for hours. The satisfaction of clearing multiple lines at once (and the stress of when things started stacking too fast) is something every millennial remembers vividly.
14. Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox)
Halo: Combat Evolved was the game that revolutionized first-person shooters and LAN parties for millennials. Its campaign, featuring Master Chief and the alien Covenant, was epic, but the real magic happened in multiplayer mode, where chaotic battles created gaming legends.
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15. Animal Crossing (GameCube)
Before the modern-day Animal Crossing craze, millennials were quietly building their cozy villages on the original GameCube version. Catching bugs, fishing, paying off Tom Nook’s endless loans, and befriending animal villagers made this game a relaxing, quirky escape.
16. Donkey Kong Country (SNES)
Donkey Kong Country was a game-changer with its revolutionary graphics and platforming gameplay. Playing as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, millennials jumped through jungles and mines in search of bananas and battled a host of wild enemies, including the infamous King K. Rool.
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17. Duck Hunt (NES)
The light gun game Duck Hunt was an arcade experience right at home. Millennials remember the joy of aiming the plastic gun at their old tube TVs and shooting ducks while the snickering dog either praised or mocked their efforts. It’s a nostalgia bomb for many early gamers.
18. Guitar Hero (PlayStation 2/Wii)*
Guitar Hero turned millennials into rock stars overnight. Jamming out to classic rock and metal tracks with a plastic guitar, everyone was obsessed with mastering the hardest songs like “Through the Fire and Flames.” It was a party game that made air-guitar dreams come true.
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19. Super Smash Bros. (N64)
Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. took all of your favorite characters—Mario, Pikachu, Link, and more—and threw them into chaotic battles where anything could happen. The original game (and its sequels) sparked epic tournaments and heated debates over the most OP characters.
20. Spyro the Dragon (PlayStation)
Spyro the Dragon was an instant hit on the PlayStation, featuring colorful worlds, fun platforming, and a lovable purple dragon with attitude. Millennials loved charging through enemies, collecting gems, and soaring through the sky in this whimsical adventure.
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