Komatsu
Member
It has been a huge topic of debate how this upcoming generation is launching with very few "killer apps", that is, generational exclusives that would drive people to the stores during the holiday season. As the next generation rapidly approaches, I thought it was a good opportunity to go over and debate the launch line-ups of past generations, what we remember, what stood out, etc. I will continue posting line-ups as the thread progresses, but I think the consoles below are a good starting point.
As one can see below, most launch titles are rather forgettable. For example, I am sure I played Kileak but I can't really remember anything about it. So, what was your favorite launch line-up? Which ones can you remember fondly?
*I am using the US as the reference market. Different regions had different launch titles, particularly so in the industry's early days.
SEGA GENESIS - August 14, 1989
A surprisingly diverse line-up, as is usually the case with SEGA (the Saturn being the notable exception). We have a mascot-driven tentpole (Alex Kidd), arcade ports (Altered Beast, Space Harrier), among other action titles.
SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - August 23, 1991
Both Pilotwings and F-Zero were successful and spawned franchises. The other two games available at launch were ports: Gradius III and Sim City. A pretty decent line-up, all things considered.
SONY PLAYSTATION - September 9, 1995
Twelve titles, well distributed. Air Combat and Total Eclipse as a pioneer 3D flying games. A shoot-them-up (Raiden Project), Rayman as a solid platformer, NBA Jam and Power Serve to shore up the launch on the sports side. Battle Arena Toshinden (good) and Street Fighter the Movie (awful) gave figting fans options right off the bat.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
The European release, almost a year later, had Turok et al, but it must be said that the N64's US launch has the smallest line-up of any major console release I can think and remember. The fact that one of the two titles is considered one of the greatest games of all time does not change this.
As one can see below, most launch titles are rather forgettable. For example, I am sure I played Kileak but I can't really remember anything about it. So, what was your favorite launch line-up? Which ones can you remember fondly?
*I am using the US as the reference market. Different regions had different launch titles, particularly so in the industry's early days.
SEGA GENESIS - August 14, 1989
A surprisingly diverse line-up, as is usually the case with SEGA (the Saturn being the notable exception). We have a mascot-driven tentpole (Alex Kidd), arcade ports (Altered Beast, Space Harrier), among other action titles.
SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - August 23, 1991
Both Pilotwings and F-Zero were successful and spawned franchises. The other two games available at launch were ports: Gradius III and Sim City. A pretty decent line-up, all things considered.
SONY PLAYSTATION - September 9, 1995
Twelve titles, well distributed. Air Combat and Total Eclipse as a pioneer 3D flying games. A shoot-them-up (Raiden Project), Rayman as a solid platformer, NBA Jam and Power Serve to shore up the launch on the sports side. Battle Arena Toshinden (good) and Street Fighter the Movie (awful) gave figting fans options right off the bat.
Nintendo 64 - September 29, 1996
The European release, almost a year later, had Turok et al, but it must be said that the N64's US launch has the smallest line-up of any major console release I can think and remember. The fact that one of the two titles is considered one of the greatest games of all time does not change this.
Last edited:
