The most interesting games released in 1997
All the best and most popular games of the year, upcoming releases, and hits from the past. Use filters to narrow down search.
Need for Speed II
Racing
March 31, 1997
Sequel to the racing game that was released in 1995 by Electronic Arts and that changed the racing genre. Need for Speed II let's you control eight completely new licensed vehicles. Among them are: McLaren F1, Ferrari F50, Ford GT90, Jaguar XJ220, Lotus GT1, Lotus Esprit V8, Italdesign Cala and Isdera Commendatore 112i. The races take place on six distinctive tracks located in various areas of the world. In comparison to the original game, which was released two years earlier, there are many new features and improvements in Need for Speed II. Among them there is the possibility to change such parameters of the cars like gearbox position, brakes sensitivity etc. The game features improved, fully three-dimensional graphics engine that has better physics and is able to generate more details. The game also allows us to play with other people through the network.
Fallout
RPG
September 30, 1997
A classic cRPG developed by Black Isle Studios. The action of Fallout is set in a post-apocalyptic world of the future. In 2077, the struggle for oil deposits between the United States and China led to an outbreak of a war, which eventually ended with both sides using their nuclear arsenal. However, before the missiles came down some groups of American citizens had managed to find refuge in commercial shelters, called the Vaults. 84 years later, a malfunction occurs in Vault 13. The player-controlled protagonist is sent to the surface with the mission to find a new water chip, necessary to secure the Vault's water supply. The gameplay mechanics are inspired by the GURPS, with extensive character progression options and tactical turn-based combat. The visual style of Fallout clearly references science fiction culture from the 50s.
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
RPG
June 30, 1997
A sequel to the 1993’s RPG by Bethesda, which, despite its numerous bugs and issues, turned out to be a significant commercial success. In The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, we assume the role of a hero who, ordered by the Emperor Uriel Septim VII, sets out to the eponymous city to investigate why the soul of King Lysandus was unable to rest in peace and why it haunts the city’s streets at night. As far as gameplay is concerned, the game does not deviate significantly from its predecessor and offers an even bigger world, twice the size of Great Britain, to explore. The title’s nonlinearity remains its biggest attraction, though. The huge amount of freedom of action allows us to develop the our hero in any and all ways as well as engage in a number of additional activities and side quests. Depending on the player’s choices, the production offers six different endings.
Constructor
Strategy
June 1, 1997
A humorous economic strategy in which we take control of our own construction company, and our goal is to compete ruthlessly with the industry's competitors. By building appropriate workshops and houses for rent, we try to slow down the development of our rivals by means that are not necessarily in line with the law.
Quake II (1997)
Action
December 7, 1997
The sequel to the groundbreaking first-person shooter by id Software that, just like its predecessor released the year before, set new visual standards thanks to the enhanced idTech 2 engine. The action of Quake II takes place in the distant future where humanity established contact with a biomechanical race of the technologically advanced Stroggs. When it turned out that the alien secretly plan to conquer Earth, a special space marine unit was sent into action. They were completely crushed, though, and the player assumes the role of the sole survivor on whom the further fate of the humanity depends. Compared to the original, Quake II is characterized by a significantly richer plot and modified weapon arsenal. The levels were also greatly expanded, following different stylistics than in the previous game. Multiplayer remains the title’s strength. In Quake II, up to 16 players can play in several varied game modes.
Total Annihilation
Strategy
September 12, 1997
Total Annihilation is a real-time strategy (RTS) in science fiction climates created by Chris Taylor and Cavedog Entertainment's development team. The plot of the game depicts a galactic conflict between the two factions, Core and Arm, which has lasted for thousands of years and led to the collapse of both civilizations. The player takes control of the survivors of the army of one side, trying to recreate the former military potential and eventually tip the scales of victory.
Age of Empires
Strategy
June 30, 1997
A real time strategy developed by Ensemble Studios. The players take control of one of twelve ancient civilizations, including, among others, Babylon, Egypt, Greece, or Korea, with the task to lead them through four advancement stages spanning across 10 thousand years. The gameplay focuses on building our own settlement (based on four architectonic styles: Asian, Egyptian, Middle Eastern, and Greek), acquiring necessary resources (wood, food, stone, gold), researching new technologies, and recruiting military units. Aside from four story campaigns, Age of Empires includes special scenarios, a skirmish mode with AI-controlled opponents, and a multiplayer mode for up to eight players. The game is characterized by its hand-drawn, 2D graphics.
Disney's Hercules
Arcade
January 1, 1997
Two-dimensional platformer based on Walt Disney's animated film. We play the role of Hercules, who tries to prove that he is worthy of sitting at Olympus with the gods. In order to do so, we defeat numerous opponents known from mythology, jump on the rock shelves and prepare for the final battle with Hades.
Carnage Heart
Strategy
January 31, 1997
A futuristic turn-based strategy in which the player plays the role of the robot unit commander. Unlike other games of this type, in Carnage Heart the user has no direct control over their machines. Instead, he must program them in advance in such a manner, that in clashes they are able to cope without anyone's help.
FIFA 98: Road to World Cup
Sports
June 17, 1997
FIFA 98: Road to World Cup is a sports game created for football fans, which is another installment of the popular football cycle. Developers from EA Sports have prepared several fun variants, allowing players to participate in league, cup and international competitions. The game's visual setting contains references to the 1998 World Championships held in France.
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Arcade
September 18, 1997
A two-dimensional platform game with traits of an adventure game and a stealth game. The title, developed by Oddworld Inhabitants, takes place in an unknown planet inhabited by the race of Mudokons. The main protagonist of the game, Abe, is a Mudokon as well. The race is being abused by evil Glukkons, who force them to slave labor in a mine. When the protagonist discovers the new plans of the “master race” (they want to process Mudokons into tasty food), he decides to escape and save his friends from the danger. In Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee the player is jumping between platforms, sneaking up behind the backs of their opponents and solving various environmental riddles. During the game the protagonist can also give orders to other Mudokons. Since the protagonist has no health bar or energy, a single enemy hit is enough to kill him – in that case Abe respawns at the beginning of the level. The title lacks any interface – all information is presented in the level or on special tutorial screens.
Resident Evil: Director's Cut
Adventure
September 22, 1997
A re-release of Resident Evil, released exclusively in digital form as part of the PSOne Classics service. Developed by Capcom, the production is an expanded and uncensored version of the hit title that debuted in 1996 on the PlayStation console. In comparison with the original, Resident Evil: Director's Cut can boast, above all, the presence of three gameplay variants. Original Mode is a faithful copy of the original, not subjected to any changes or improvements.
Final Fantasy VII
RPG
January 31, 1997
The seventh installment of the extremely popular series of Japanese RPG games created by Square Enix. The production became famous as one of the most cult parts of the cycle, offering a heart-gripping story and many solutions adopted later permanently into the genre. The title tells the story of Cloud Strife and a group of his friends fighting against the powerful Shinra corporation.
Worms 2
Strategy
January 18, 1997
Worms 2 is the second part of the turn-based strategy cycle developed by Team 17 Software studio. The player directs the title actions of the robots armed with various weapons, and his task is to eliminate all enemy units. The creators envisaged several gameplay variants, including multiplayer mode for up to 6 people.
Shadow Warrior (1997)
Action
May 13, 1997
An action game by the creators of the cult FPP shooter Duke Nukem 3D, heavily based on the latter. It utilizes the same engine as its predecessor and features similar gameplay mechanics, but has a different atmosphere and setting. You play as a Japanese master assassin, a member of the Shadow Warriors clan. Betrayed by his employer, who's trying to conquer Japan, Lo Wang has to fight with the overwhelming forces of the enemy. Like a proper warrior from the Land of the Rising Sun, his weapon of choice is a samurai sword. He also uses shurikens and other typical Japanese weaponry, as well as more modern equipment, such as Uzis, shotguns, rocket and grenade launchers. Lo Wang faces his opponents in 3D surroundings, which are more advanced than those in Duke Nukem 3D—for example, the buildings are multi-storied now.
Myth: The Fallen Lords
Strategy
July 21, 1997
A tactical RTS set in a fantasy realm, developed by Bungie Software, a seasoned developer present since 1991. The game, loosely inspired by the setting of Glen Cook's The Black Company series, lets us play the part of a commander of the Army of Light, leading our armies to battle the forces of darkness led by powerful sorcerers, the eponymous Fallen Lords. Unlike most typical real time strategy games, Myth: The Fallen Lords ignores the resource gathering aspect, as the gameplay focuses entirely on skirmishes with enemy troops. Moreover, with each successive victory the surviving warriors gain experience, becoming more powerful and allowing us to win the fight even against a seemingly overwhelming enemy force. An undisputed advantage of the production is its fully three dimensional environment and a physics engine, whereby the outcome of clashes is affected by various external factors, and most objects present on the map can be used in battle.
Tomb Raider II: The Dagger of Xian
Action
October 31, 1997
A sequel to a groundbreaking action-adventure game released in 1996. In the original game, the player followed the adventures of the extraordinary Lara Croft - an archeologist exploring ancient tombs located all around the world, searching for valuable artifacts. In Tomb Raider II created again by Core Design, the plot focuses around the search for a mythical dagger from the Xian temple. The item itself is capable of turning a human being into a powerful dragon. Following the traces of the legendary dagger, the protagonist visits different locations, such as the Great Wall of China, Venice, Tibet, an oil rig or undersea depths. When it comes to the mechanics, the sequel remains faithful to the original game, delivering an alluring combination of an action-adventure game with platformer elements in third person perspective. However, the game features a number of new elements as well, such as different movements added, new weapons or enemies. Thanks to the modern-day 3D accelerators, the visuals were noticeably improved as well.
Colony Wars
Simulation
November 5, 1997
Colony Wars is a space clash simulator with a strong emphasis on non-linear gameplay. As we play, we play the rebellious pilot of the League of Free Worlds, determined to expel the ruthless forces of the Earth Empire from the colony. The player's combat effectiveness will determine the further development of the intergalactic war, and if it turns out to be the Space Ace, the command will assign him better and better combat machines. The game started a series of titles under the same name.
Leisure Suit Larry 7: Love for Sail
Adventure
November 19, 1997
Leisure Suit Larry 7: Love for Sail is the sixth part of a series of humorous adventures by Al Lowe and the development team of Sierra. This time the faulty amateur Larry Laffer sets off on a cruise in the company of beautiful women. The player must help the main character conquer the hearts of the ladies and eventually seduce the charming captain Kasia. Due to the erotic references, the game is recommended for people over 16 years of age. In the Polish language version, Jerzy Stuhr and Katarzyna Figura lent their voices to the characters.
Grand Theft Auto
Action
October 27, 1997
A controversial action game developed by the Scotch studio DMA Design. The game takes place in three American cities, based on Miami, New York and San Francisco. The objective of the game is to complete various missions received from mafia bosses. At first the missions are simple (for example, stealing cars), but as player’s reputation increases, the objectives become more complicated and player starts participating in bank robberies, murders and other insolent crimes. The action is shown from a top-down perspective and the game gives complete freedom to the player in terms of exploring the city and preferred means of travel – both in order to complete the mission and to escape from the police. The protagonist gradually becomes more drastic, and the game very brutal. For this reason the game was banned in some countries.
Xevious 3D/G
Action
June 30, 1997
The fourth part of the popular Japanese shoot'em upów series, and the first installment of the series, which has been presented in a three-dimensional graphic design. Xevious 3D/G made its debut on slot machines, but after a year it also hit the PlayStation 1 console. The title allows us to become the pilot of a spacecraft, which was the last hope of humanity when the Earth found itself on the target of the aggressive Xevian race.
Dungeon Keeper (1997)
Strategy
June 26, 1997
An innovative real-time strategy game set in a fantasy universe. Dungeon Keeper was created by Peter Molyneux’s Bullfrog Productions, the studio known for the Populous and Syndicate series. Unlike many dungeon crawlers popular in 1990s, Dungeon Keeper does not put you in the shoes of an adventurous hero, instead letting you play as a demonic lord of dungeons. Your main task is building an expansive net of dungeons and defending them from raiding heroes. To achieve this you have to put up various fortifications, set traps, and fill endless corridors with armies of monsters. At the same time you have to keep an eye on your economy, by looking out for new deposits of gold and diamonds, needed for dungeon expansion as well as recruiting and training of your warriors. Dungeon Keeper offers a single player campaign made up of 20 main missions and 5 extra missions, each one with specific objectives. The game also offers 4-people multiplayer with 15 dedicated maps. Gameplay uses isometric view, which is typical of the RTS genre.
Ultima Online
RPG
September 24, 1997
One of the first successful massive multiplayer online role-playing games. The story takes place in the universe brought to life in 1980 with the advent of the Ultima series. Ultima Online was developed by Origin Systems. The game world is a fantasy realm, bearing some resemblance to medieval Europe, called Britannia. It takes place after the events of the first installment of the series. After the fearsome wizard Mondain was defeated, his Gem of Immortality was destroyed. This led to the creation of many parallel worlds, represented in-game as individual servers. Ultima Online allows us to create a character of predefined profession (warrior, merchant or mage) and participate in the life of online community consisting of thousands of players. The players can complete various quests, fight monsters and develop their character. The world is being constantly watched by the so-called Game Masters who make sure that the players will be never bored.
Blade Runner
Adventure
November 21, 1997
An adventure game with a view from a third person's perspective, loosely referring to the novel "Are androids dreaming about electric sheep". Philip K. Dick and the film "Blade Runner". Detective Ray McCoy tries to discover the identity of a group of replicants suspected of killing animals.
Azure Dreams
RPG
November 13, 1997
Hybrid jRPG and roguelike production, enriched with elements taken from dating simulators. As we play, we take control of Kohem, a warrior who travels the floors of the Monster Tower, in search of answers about the mysterious disappearance of his father. During his voyages, heros gains not only more and more powerful equipment, but also eggs from which monsters hatch - these can accompany him in his struggle and help in clashes with more and more powerful adversaries.
Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi
Fighting
October 31, 1997
A whip set in the world of Star Wars created by George Lucas. The production is a fully three-dimensional representation of its species, thanks to which the characters can move along all three planes. The game allows you to play iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia.
TOCA Touring Car Championship
Racing
October 15, 1997
A racing simulator made by the Codemasters company, a developer best known for the Dizzy platformer series and a purely arcade racing game franchise titled Micro Machines. TOCA Touring Car Championship is based on a racing event, which has been taking place periodically ever since 1958. The said event features various competitions for vehicles of the Touring Cars class. The races take place on several elaborately recreated British tracks, e.g. Donington, Silverstone or Brands Hatch. There are 16 world class drivers taking part in the rivalry alongside numerous licensed machines from renowned manufacturers, such as Peugeot, Renault, Audi, Volvo, Opel, Ford, Honda and Nissan. The production is distinguished by its extremely realistic destruction and collision model; the developers have also faithfully recreated the driving physics, making them dependent on factors such as surface type. We have three different game modes at our disposal: Championship mode, Single Race and Time Trial. Furthermore, an option for multiplayer competitions for up to 8 players on LAN or 4 players on Split Screen is also available.