Back in Time Today
The 90s were a golden era for video games, especially for those who enjoyed the thrill of split-screen multiplayer experiences. These games not only defined a generation but also brought friends together, offering endless hours of competitive and cooperative fun. Whether you were racing, battling, or strategizing, these split-screen games offered something for everyone. Let’s explore the best 15 split-screen multiplayer games of the 90s that captured our hearts and fueled our competitive spirits.
1. GoldenEye 007 (1997)
GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64 stands as a monumental achievement in the world of multiplayer gaming. Released in 1997, this first-person shooter allowed players to engage in split-screen deathmatches that were both thrilling and competitive. The game was known for its intense gameplay, variety of weapons, and iconic James Bond settings.
One of the most memorable aspects was the infamous “No Oddjob” rule, a testament to its cultural impact. Whether you were sneaking through facility corridors or battling it out in the open, GoldenEye 007 delivered endless fun. It set a standard for multiplayer shooters of the future.
2. Mario Kart 64 (1996)
Released in 1996, Mario Kart 64 became an instant classic on the Nintendo 64. Known for its chaotic and entertaining races, this game was a staple in multiplayer gaming. Players could choose from beloved Nintendo characters, each with unique abilities and karts.
The thrill of launching a blue shell or dodging banana peels on tracks like Rainbow Road created memorable rivalries and friendships. The game’s colorful graphics and engaging sound effects added to its charm, making it a favorite at parties and gatherings.
Mario Kart 64’s legacy continues, influencing countless kart racing games.
3. Twisted Metal 2 (1996)
Twisted Metal 2 took vehicular combat to a new level when it launched in 1996. This game allowed players to choose from a diverse roster of vehicles, each equipped with unique weapons and abilities.
Set in various iconic locations worldwide, players could battle it out in explosive arenas from LA to Paris. The game’s over-the-top action and strategic depth made it a standout title. The split-screen mode was perfect for friends seeking chaotic fun, as they competed in destructive battles.
Twisted Metal 2’s legacy lives on as a pioneer in vehicular combat games.
4. Diddy Kong Racing (1997)
Released in 1997, Diddy Kong Racing was a standout title for the Nintendo 64, offering a refreshing twist to the kart racing genre. Unlike its competitors, it featured three types of vehicles: karts, planes, and hovercrafts, adding variety and depth to gameplay.
Players could explore an adventure mode alongside traditional racing, making it unique among peers. The split-screen multiplayer allowed friends to compete across imaginative tracks with beloved characters.
Diddy Kong Racing’s vibrant graphics, catchy music, and innovative mechanics ensured its place as a beloved classic in multiplayer gaming.
5. Super Smash Bros. (1999)
Super Smash Bros., released in 1999, was a revolutionary fighting game that brought together Nintendo’s iconic characters in an epic brawl. Players could choose from a roster including Mario, Link, and Pikachu, each with unique moves and abilities.
The game’s vibrant stages, inspired by beloved Nintendo franchises, provided dynamic environments for battles. Split-screen mode allowed up to four players to compete simultaneously, leading to chaotic, fun-filled matches.
Super Smash Bros. introduced a new genre of fighting games, capturing the hearts of fans and paving the way for future installments.
6. Crash Team Racing (1999)
Crash Team Racing, released in 1999, brought the thrill of kart racing to PlayStation. As Sony’s answer to Mario Kart, it featured beloved characters from the Crash Bandicoot series in fast-paced, action-packed races.
Players navigated through whimsical tracks, utilizing power-ups and weapons to gain an edge over opponents. The split-screen multiplayer mode offered intense competitive racing, making it a favorite among friends.
With colorful graphics, catchy music, and engaging gameplay, Crash Team Racing remains a nostalgic classic that continues to captivate racing enthusiasts.
7. Quake II (1997)
In 1997, Quake II brought the high-speed action of first-person shooters to the PlayStation with a thrilling split-screen multiplayer mode. Known for its fast-paced gameplay and intense battles, it attracted FPS enthusiasts seeking competitive fun.
The game offered a variety of weapons and maps, providing endless opportunities for strategic play and adrenaline-pumping action. Players could face off against friends in chaotic deathmatches, showcasing their skills and reflexes.
Quake II’s innovative approach to multiplayer gaming cemented its status as a beloved classic in the realm of FPS games.
8. Micro Machines V3 (1997)
Micro Machines V3, released in 1997, offered a unique twist on the racing genre with its miniature cars and unconventional tracks. Players raced on everyday surfaces like kitchen tables and workbenches, adding a creative flair to the gameplay.
The split-screen mode allowed up to four players to compete in chaotic races, requiring precision and quick reflexes to avoid falling off the edge. With its top-down view and engaging challenges, it became a favorite among racing fans.
Micro Machines V3’s innovative design and playful concept have left a lasting legacy in the racing genre.
9. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (1999)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2, released in 1999, revolutionized skateboarding games with its engaging gameplay and authentic skate culture. Players could choose from legendary skaters and perform tricks in vibrant skate parks.
The split-screen multiplayer mode allowed players to compete for high scores and master trick combos, adding a competitive edge to the experience. Its intuitive controls and varied challenges made it accessible and addictive.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2’s influence on extreme sports games is undeniable, and it remains a beloved classic among fans of skateboarding and multiplayer gaming.
10. Doom (1993)
Released in 1993, Doom is a pioneering first-person shooter that introduced players to intense, fast-paced action. Its split-screen multiplayer mode allowed friends to engage in thrilling deathmatches, a revolutionary concept at the time.
Players navigated through dark, demon-filled corridors, utilizing an array of weapons to defeat enemies and outsmart opponents. The game’s atmospheric design and engaging gameplay captivated audiences worldwide.
Doom’s groundbreaking impact on the FPS genre paved the way for future games, and its multiplayer experience remains a cherished memory for many.
11. Perfect Dark (2000)
Though released in 2000, Perfect Dark builds upon the split-screen legacy of GoldenEye 007 with enhanced graphics and gameplay. Players assume the role of secret agent Joanna Dark, engaging in thrilling missions and multiplayer battles.
The game introduced new weapons, gadgets, and strategic elements, offering depth and variety to the experience. Split-screen mode allowed players to team up or face off in intense matches, making it a favorite among FPS enthusiasts.
Perfect Dark’s innovative features and engaging multiplayer ensured its place as a standout title in the genre.
12. WWF No Mercy (1999)
WWF No Mercy, released in 1999, is heralded as one of the greatest wrestling games ever made. Players could choose from a roster of iconic WWF superstars, engaging in dynamic matches with deep customization options.
The game’s split-screen multiplayer mode allowed up to four players to battle it out in the ring, offering endless fun and competition. Its intuitive controls and engaging mechanics made it accessible to casual and hardcore fans alike.
WWF No Mercy’s lasting impact on wrestling games is evident, and it remains a cherished classic among fans of the genre.
13. Bomberman 64 (1997)
Bomberman 64, released in 1997, brought the explosive fun of the Bomberman series to the Nintendo 64 with a twist. Its split-screen multiplayer mode allowed players to engage in strategic battles, placing bombs to outwit opponents.
The game’s vibrant graphics and addictive gameplay made it a hit among fans of the series and newcomers alike. Players could choose from various arenas, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for strategic play.
Bomberman 64’s engaging multiplayer experience and timeless charm have ensured its place as a beloved classic in gaming history.
14. Star Wars Episode I: Racer (1999)
Star Wars Episode I: Racer, released in 1999, brought the thrill of podracing from the big screen to gaming consoles. Players could pilot various podracers, each with unique attributes, across iconic tracks inspired by the Star Wars universe.
The split-screen mode allowed friends to compete in high-speed duels, adding excitement and intensity to the experience. The game’s fast-paced action and engaging visuals captured the essence of podracing, making it a favorite among Star Wars fans.
Star Wars Episode I: Racer’s innovative gameplay and immersive world have left a lasting legacy in racing games.
15. Gauntlet Legends (1998)
Gauntlet Legends, released in 1998, offered a thrilling co-op hack-and-slash experience that brought friends together. Players could choose from various characters, each with unique abilities, to battle hordes of enemies in dungeon-like environments.
The split-screen mode allowed players to team up, strategize, and conquer challenges together, offering countless hours of cooperative fun. The game’s engaging mechanics and fantasy-themed visuals provided an immersive experience for players.
Gauntlet Legends remains a cherished classic, celebrated for its cooperative gameplay and vibrant world-building that captivated fans of the genre.