The '90s, an era that resonates with gamers who cherish their pixelated past and embrace modern technology. It was a time when gaming magazines were our windows to the virtual worlds we loved. These glossy publications weren't just sources of information; they were treasure troves of videogame tips, tricks, and camaraderie that defined a generation of gamers.
Table of Contents
In this journey, we'll traverse the gaming magazine landscape of the '90s, exploring the most popular titles from the USA, the UK, and Japan. Each magazine had its own unique charm and catered to a specific gaming audience, whether it was Nintendo aficionados, Sega enthusiasts, or fans of the iconic PlayStation.
These magazines weren't just ink on paper; they were portals to the gaming universe, offering game reviews, cheats, and previews of exciting titles. They captured the essence of an era when the internet was in its infancy, and the excitement of opening a fresh issue was unmatched.
Join me as we unlock the vault of the '90s gaming magazines, turning back the clock to a time when gaming was a pure and unadulterated joy. From Nintendo Power to Famitsu, we'll delve into their contents, topics covered, and uncover some interesting facts that made them legendary.
USA: Nintendo Power
- Publisher: Nintendo of America, Inc.
- Categories: Primarily focused on Nintendo games and consoles.
- Frequency: Initially monthly, but it shifted to bi-monthly later in its run.
- Format: Primarily a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://www.nintendo.com
Nintendo Power was the holy grail for Nintendo fans. Published by none other than Nintendo itself, it was the official magazine for Nintendo enthusiasts. Inside its pages, you'd find a treasure trove of Nintendo content, including in-depth game guides, exclusive game previews, and even fan art. One of its notable features was the player's poll, which allowed readers to submit their thoughts and opinions. The magazine's covers were adorned with stunning artwork, often becoming collector's items.
Interesting Fact: Nintendo Power played a significant role in popularizing the Konami Code, which first appeared in the magazine in 1988.
USA: Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)
- Publisher: EGM Media, LLC (formerly Ziff Davis).
- Categories: Covered a wide range of video games, including those for Sega, Nintendo, and other platforms.
- Frequency: Initially monthly but shifted to a more irregular schedule.
- Format: Initially a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://egmnow.com
Electronic Gaming Monthly, or EGM, was the go-to source for gaming enthusiasts looking beyond Nintendo. EGM featured extensive game reviews, in-depth articles, and industry news. The magazine was known for its candid and sometimes humorous writing style. The “Review Crew” and “Quartermann” column were notable features, adding to its charm.
Interesting Fact: EGM introduced the iconic “Review Crew” and “Quartermann” column, known for their humorous and candid style.
USA: GamePro
- Publisher: IDG.
- Categories: Covered a wide range of video games across platforms.
- Frequency: GamePro was a monthly publication.
- Format: Initially a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://www.gamepro.com
GamePro was known for its iconic rating system that used a combination of words and numbers. It included game reviews, strategies, and even a section called “ProTips” that featured hints and cheats. The magazine was recognized for its commitment to providing practical advice for gamers.
Interesting Fact: GamePro's iconic rating system combined words and numbers, offering a comprehensive assessment of games.
USA: Tips & Tricks
- Publisher: Larry Flint Publications (LFP).
- Categories: Focused on providing tips, cheats, and strategies for various games.
- Frequency: Tips & Tricks was a monthly publication.
- Format: A paper magazine, specializing in offering in-depth game strategies.
- Official Website https://www.tipstimes.com
Tips & Tricks catered specifically to gamers looking for an edge. It was the ultimate source for cheat codes, tips, and strategies for a wide range of games. It provided solutions to those particularly challenging levels and bosses, making it an invaluable resource.
Interesting Fact: Tips & Tricks became the go-to source for cheat codes and in-depth game strategies, providing solutions to gamers in need.
UK: Mean Machines
- Publisher: EMAP.
- Categories: Focused on Sega Genesis and Mega Drive games and consoles.
- Frequency: Initially monthly, later shifting to bi-monthly.
- Format: Primarily a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://www.meanmachinesmag.co.uk
Mean Machines was Sega-centric, unapologetically cheeky, and known for its humorous and sometimes sarcastic writing style. It offered game reviews, gameplay tips, and tricks, with a candid approach that resonated with readers. The magazine even included free game demo discs, a significant perk in an era when the internet was not widely available.
Interesting Fact: Mean Machines included free game demo discs, allowing readers to experience games before purchasing them, a valuable feature in a pre-internet era.
UK: Super Play
- Publisher: Future Publishing.
- Categories: Devoted to Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games and related content.
- Frequency: Super Play was a monthly publication.
- Format: Primarily a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://www.gamesradar.com/superplay/
Super Play was the ultimate source for SNES fans. It featured extensive game reviews, strategy guides, and artwork. Import reviews were a standout feature, giving readers a sneak peek into Japanese games. It maintained a playful and light-hearted tone, fostering a sense of camaraderie among readers.
Interesting Fact: Super Play introduced import reviews, offering readers a glimpse into Japanese games not yet available in other regions.
UK: GamesMaster
- Publisher: Future Publishing.
- Categories: Focused on game reviews, tips, and challenges.
- Frequency: GamesMaster was a monthly publication.
- Format: A paper magazine with a strong focus on reader interaction.
- Official Website: https://www.gamesradar.com/gamesmaster
GamesMaster combined game reviews with a unique twist: challenges. The magazine featured reader-submitted challenges for various games, often with humorous and entertaining results. It fostered a sense of community among readers by involving them directly in the content.
Interesting Fact: GamesMaster's reader-submitted challenges added an interactive and entertaining element to the magazine, creating a strong sense of community.
UK: Sega Power
- Publisher: Future Publishing.
- Categories: Sega-focused content, including game reviews and tips.
- Frequency: Sega Power was a monthly publication.
- Format: Primarily a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://www.muzines.co.uk/mags/sega-power
Sega Power was a dedicated magazine for Sega fans. It offered game reviews, tips, and even comic strips. Its distinct character, “Fighting Force,” provided a lighthearted narrative that ran through its pages, adding a unique flavor to the magazine.
Interesting Fact: Sega Power's recurring character, “Fighting Force,” introduced a narrative element that added a distinct and entertaining aspect to the magazine.
Japan: Famitsu
- Publisher: Enterbrain (formerly ASCII Corporation).
- Categories: Comprehensive coverage of video games, including console and arcade games.
- Frequency: A weekly publication, providing up-to-the-minute gaming news and reviews.
- Format: Primarily a paper magazine.
- Official Website: https://www.famitsu.com
Famitsu was a legendary Japanese gaming magazine. It introduced a unique review system, with games rated by four anonymous reviewers. It didn't just cover games; it included content on manga, anime, and pop culture. Famitsu was an unbiased source of information, even for developers who didn't know which reviewers played their games.
Interesting Fact: Famitsu introduced the review score system, with games rated out of 40, based on four anonymous reviewers, setting a standard for Japanese gaming journalism.
Japan: Dengeki PlayStation
- Publisher: ASCII Media Works.
- Categories: Focused on PlayStation games and related content.
- Frequency: Dengeki PlayStation was a bi-weekly publication.
- Format: A paper magazine, with digital versions introduced.
- Official Website: https://dengekionline.com
Dengeki PlayStation catered specifically to PlayStation fans. It offered game reviews, strategy guides, and features on the latest PlayStation titles. The magazine's visual style, including character artwork and vibrant layouts, made it distinct. It encouraged reader-submitted content, fostering a strong sense of community.
Interesting Fact: Dengeki PlayStation combined a dynamic visual style with community involvement, creating a sense of unity among PlayStation fans.
These gaming magazines were more than just sources of information. They were portals to the gaming worlds we loved, connecting us to a community of like-minded enthusiasts. Each magazine had its own unique flavor, catering to the gaming tastes of its audience.
In Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the treasure trove of '90s gaming magazines, it's clear that these publications were more than just ink and paper. They were windows into worlds that captured our hearts and fueled our passion for gaming consoles.
The '90s were a time when the internet was in its infancy, and gamers relied on the wisdom imparted by these magazines. The anticipation of each issue was a thrill in itself, a moment when we'd eagerly flip through pages filled with reviews, cheats, and previews of the latest titles. The magazines themselves became collectibles, cherished artifacts that now evoke a wave of nostalgia.
It's essential to recognize that these publications were pioneers in the world of gaming journalism. Magazines like Nintendo Power, EGM, Famitsu, and others laid the foundation for the gaming media we have today. Their reviews, tips, and strategies provided invaluable guidance, helping players conquer challenging levels and bosses.
While many of these magazines are no longer in print, they've left a lasting legacy. The '90s gaming magazines continue to influence modern gaming media, and their nostalgic allure endures. We may have moved into the digital age, with websites and YouTube channels delivering the latest gaming news, but the spirit of those '90s magazines lives on.
In a world where instant information is at our fingertips, there's something magical about turning back the clock and revisiting the era when gaming secrets were hidden between the pages of these magazines. They were our companions, our mentors, and our friends in the world of gaming. And for that, we'll forever hold a special place in our hearts for these iconic '90s gaming publications.
Whether you were a Nintendo aficionado, a Sega devotee, or a PlayStation enthusiast, these magazines united us under the banner of gaming. They nurtured our love for the pixelated worlds, and their legacy continues to shine brightly in the ever-evolving galaxy of gaming.
As we continue our modern gaming adventures, let's not forget the classics that paved the way and kindled our geeky spirits.
