Now that the kids from the 1990s have grown up and become some of the key creative forces behind pop culture, ’90s chic is all the rage. You see it in fashion. (Have you been to a music festival lately?) You see it on TV with revivals like Twin Peaks and Fuller House. You see it in movies like Baywatch and Saban’s Power Rangers, which is out June 13 on Digital HD and on Blu-ray®/DVD June 27.
And you definitely see it in video games, where new Super Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog games are some of the most anticipated titles at this week’s E3 convention. Here’s a closer look at the ’90s nostalgia coming to consoles later this year.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey returns the series to the freeform, exploration-focused level design previously featured in Super Mario 64, which was a landmark in 3D platforming. Expect to see Mario’s classic move set from that game – think long jumps, wall-jumping, and ledge grabbing – but in levels that take place in realistic locations instead of the fanciful Mushroom Kingdom. Also new to this entry is an additional use for Mario’s famous cap, as a temporary platform to jump up to hard-to-reach locations.
Super Mario Odyssey will hit store shelves for the Nintendo Switch in late 2017.
Sonic Mania/Sonic Forces
2017 promises to be a great year for fans of Sega icon Sonic the Hedgehog. The company has two incredible-looking games on the horizon for both classic and modern fans.
The first, Sonic Mania, is a beautiful throwback to the traditional 2D Sonic games that defined the Sega Genesis. Not only did Sega embrace fan wishes for a return to classic Sonic, but they also brought outside developers who’ve created famous Sonic fan games.
And if you prefer the 3D Sonic games of the Dreamcast era, get excited for Sonic Forces. For the first time in series history, players will be able to create their own unique character who will take part in the story alongside Sonic and his friends. Similar to Sonic Generations, Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic will both make an appearance. This brings different gameplay types and stages depending on who you play as.
Sonic Mania is slated for release on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on August 15, while Sonic Forces will come out later in the year on the same platforms.
Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
With the initial release of Pokémon Red and Blue in the ‘90s, children were transported into the fantastical world filled with cute and ferocious creatures. Pokémon was (and is) a pop-culture juggernaut, whether you’re into collecting plushies, trading cards, or eating Pokémon-themed Pop Tarts.
It’s comforting to see the Pokémon series remain such a massive success in the following decades. Pokémon fans new and old alike have a lot to look forward to in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. We know players that will return to the Alola region to catch some new Pokémon that weren’t there the first time around. Also expect some new versions of the legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon drops on 3DS on November 17, 2017.
Gran Turismo Sport
The Gran Turismo series got its start in the late 1990s on the PlayStation, and for years, it was the premiere racing game for auto enthusiasts. Gran Turismo revolutionized the realistic handling of various cars and allowed massive amounts of customization to fine-tune cars exactly to your preference.
Now, after a four-year hiatus, the series will make its triumphant return in Gran Turismo Sport. The game has been referred to by series creator Kazunori Yamauchi as the first in a new era of Gran Turismo games. Also a first for the series is the inclusion of Porche vehicles.
Keep an eye out for Gran Turismo Sport on PS4 later this year.
Saban’s Power Rangers is out June 13 on Digital HD and on Blu-ray®/DVD June 27.
