Sonic the Hedgehog launches on Sega Genesis

Genesis

Sega's answer to Mario gave the Genesis its defining mascot and a speed-first identity.

Nintendo 64 and Super Mario 64 launch in Japan

N64

Mario's first fully 3D outing established the camera and analog-stick conventions that defined the genre for years.

Deus Ex releases

PC

Ion Storm's cyberpunk RPG-shooter hybrid let players solve missions through combat, stealth, or hacking, influencing a generation of immersive sims.