Games · 1987
The Dawn of Iconic Gaming Franchises
In 1987, the video game industry solidified its rebirth as revolutionary franchises were born in Japanese arcades and living rooms. From sprawling role-playing adventures to pioneering action classics, this landmark year laid the foundation for modern gaming culture.
- October 1987 | Home Console | NEC
PC Engine
Co-developed by Hudson Soft and NEC, this compact Japanese console launched with powerful graphics capabilities that rivaled contemporary arcade machines.
- February 1987 | NES | Action-Adventure
The Legend of Zelda
Hitting North America in an iconic gold cartridge, Nintendo's sprawling fantasy quest allowed players to save progress using a revolutionary internal battery.
- December 1987 | Famicom | RPG
Final Fantasy
Square launched a desperate, turn-based role-playing gamble in Japan that unexpectedly saved the company and spawned a world-renowned franchise.
- August 1987 | Arcade | Fighting
Street Fighter
Capcom introduced the world to martial artists Ryu and Ken, pioneering special move joystick motions and dynamic pressure-sensitive attack pads.
- December 1987 | NES | Action Platformer
Mega Man
Players met the Blue Bomber for the first time, battling six Robot Masters in a nonlinear platformer where defeating bosses granted their powers.
- July 1987 | MSX2 | Stealth Action
Metal Gear
Hideo Kojima revolutionized game design by emphasizing tactical evasion over direct combat, single-handedly launching the stealth action genre.
- February 1987 | Arcade | Run-and-Gun
Contra
Konami delivered brutal, high-octane two-player cooperative shooting action against alien invaders that quickly became an arcade sensation.
- December 1987 | Master System | RPG
Phantasy Star
Sega showcased groundbreaking smooth 3D dungeon-crawling animation and a grand sci-fi narrative starring female protagonist Alis Landale.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?