1998 in video games

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Jagged 85 cleanup Template:Year nav topic5

1998 saw many sequels and prequels in video games, such as F-Zero X, Marvel vs. Capcom, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Resident Evil 2, Metal Gear Solid, Glover, Crash Bandicoot: Warped, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Gex: Enter the Gecko, Fallout 2, Return to Krondor and Tomb Raider III, along with new titles such as Banjo-Kazooie, Dance Dance Revolution, Half-Life, MediEvil, Radiant Silvergun, Spyro the Dragon, StarCraft and Xenogears. In Japan, Sega released the Dreamcast which was the first console of the sixth generation and also the company's last-ever console.

The year has been retrospectively considered one of the best and most influential in video game history due to the release of numerous critically acclaimed, commercially successful and influential titles across all platforms and genres at the time.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The year's best-selling video game console was the PlayStation for the third year in a row. The year's most critically acclaimed title was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which remains Metacritic's highest-scoring game of all time. The year's best-selling home video game worldwide was Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Pikachu for the Game Boy, while the year's highest-grossing arcade game in Japan was Tekken 3.

EventsEdit

Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) hosts its first annual Interactive Achievement Awards. Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo is inducted into the AIAS Hall of Fame.
British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the first annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards.
January 1 – The ESRB changes the "K-A" (Kids to Adults) rating to "E" (Everyone).
March 14 – Sega announces the discontinuation of the Sega Saturn in North America to prepare for the launch of its successor, the Dreamcast.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
May:
- 28 – Bill Williams, designer of Alley Cat, Necromancer, and Mind Walker, dies.
- 28–30 – The fourth annual E3 is held in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following the show, the inaugural Game Critics Awards was held with winners being titled Best of E3.

July 3 – Danielle Bunten Berry, designer of M.U.L.E. and Seven Cities of Gold, dies.
September 6 – Infogrames Entertainment, SA and Canal+ launch the Game One television channel.
November 28 – Video game retailer FuncoLand opens its 300th location in Nashville, Tennessee.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
December – Take-Two Interactive forms the Rockstar Games publishing label.
December 11 - The final Sega Saturn game is released in North America, Magic Knight Rayearth.

Hardware releasesEdit

File:Dreamcast-Console-Set.png

Dreamcast

Month	Day	System
April	14	Game Boy Light^{Template:Abbr}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October	21	Game Boy Color^{Template:Abbr}<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November	18	Game Boy Color^{Template:Abbr}
November	23	Game Boy Color^{Template:Abbr}
November	27	Dreamcast^{Template:Abbr}<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Top-rated gamesEdit

Game of the Year awardsEdit

The following titles won Game of the Year awards for 1998.

Awards	Game of the Year	Platform(s)	Publisher(s)	Genre	Template:Abbr
CESA Awards	The Legend of Zelda: Toki no Ocarina (Ocarina of Time)	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Japan Media Arts Festival	The Legend of Zelda: Toki no Ocarina (Ocarina of Time)				citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Digitiser	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time				<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Edge					citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)					<ref name="egm117-114">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Game Informer					citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
GamePro					<ref>GamePro, issue 130 (July 1999), pages 44-46</ref>
GameSpot					citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Interactive Achievement Awards					citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	First-person shooter	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Video Software Dealers Association	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	First-person shooter	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Hyper	Final Fantasy VII	PlayStation, PC	Sony, Eidos	Role-playing	<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
RPGFan	Final Fantasy VII	PlayStation, PC	Sony, Eidos	Role-playing	<ref name=":5" />
GameSpot	Grim Fandango	PC	LucasArts	Adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Gamest Awards	Psychic Force 2012	Arcade	Taito	Fighting	<ref name=":4" />
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine	Metal Gear Solid	PlayStation	Konami	Stealth	<ref>"1998 OPM Editors' Awards", Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine, volume 2, issue 5, February 1999, pages 92-99</ref>
RPGFan	Lunar 2: Eternal Blue	Sega Saturn	Game Arts	Role-playing	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Critically acclaimed titlesEdit

Metacritic and GameRankingsEdit

Metacritic (MC) and GameRankings (GR) are aggregators of video game journalism reviews.

citation
Game	Publisher	Release Date	Platform	MC score	GR score
CitationClass=web }}</ref> or 87.5% (GR)<ref name="GameRankings Best">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="GameRankings 1998">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo	November 21, 1998	Nintendo 64	99/100	97.54%
Tekken 3	Namco	March 26, 1998	PlayStation	96/100	95.8%
Half-Life	Sierra Entertainment	November 19, 1998	Microsoft Windows	96/100	94.02%
Metal Gear Solid	Konami	September 3, 1998	PlayStation	94/100	93.24%
Grim Fandango	LucasArts	October 30, 1998	Microsoft Windows	94/100	92.97%
Resident Evil 2	Capcom	January 21, 1998	PlayStation	89/100	93.13%
Street Fighter Alpha 3	Capcom	December 23, 1998	PlayStation	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
StarCraft	Blizzard Entertainment	March 31, 1998	Microsoft Windows	88/100	92.85%
Panzer Dragoon Saga	Sega	January 29, 1998	Sega Saturn	Template:N/A	92.46%
Banjo-Kazooie	Nintendo	June 29, 1998	Nintendo 64	92/100	92.38%
Thief: The Dark Project	Eidos Interactive	December 1, 1998	Microsoft Windows	92/100	89.41%
Baldur's Gate	Interplay Entertainment	December 21, 1998	Microsoft Windows	91/100	91.94%
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX	Nintendo	December 12, 1998	Game Boy Color	Template:N/A	91.21%
International Superstar Soccer 98	Konami	June 4, 1998	Nintendo 64	91/100	89.15%
Crash Bandicoot: Warped	Sony Computer Entertainment	October 31, 1998	PlayStation	91/100	89.07%
Xenogears	Square	February 11, 1998	PlayStation	84/100	90.99%
Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus	GT Interactive	November 17, 1998	PlayStation	88/100	90.42%
NFL Blitz	Midway Games	September 12, 1998	PlayStation	Template:N/A	90.13%
NFL Blitz	Midway Games	September 9, 1998	Nintendo 64	Template:N/A	90.02%
1080° Snowboarding	Nintendo	February 28, 1998	Nintendo 64	Template:N/A	89.60%
Battlezone	Activision	March 11, 1998	Microsoft Windows	Template:N/A	89.03%
Railroad Tycoon II	Gathering of Developers	November 2, 1998	Microsoft Windows	89/100	83.15%
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil	Acclaim Entertainment	December 10, 1998	Nintendo 64	86/100	88.96%
FIFA 99	EA Sports	October 31, 1998	Microsoft Windows	Template:N/A	88.87%
Caesar III	Sierra Entertainment	September 30, 1998	Microsoft Windows	Template:N/A	88.6%
Unreal	GT Interactive	May 22, 1998	Microsoft Windows	Template:N/A	88.58%
NBA Live 99	EA Sports	November 10, 1998	PlayStation	Template:N/A	88.39%
R4: Ridge Racer Type 4	Namco	December 3, 1998	PlayStation	88/100<ref name="Metacritic 1999" />	88.16%<ref name="GameRankings 1999" />
NHL 99	EA Sports	September 30, 1998	Microsoft Windows	Template:N/A	88.11%
Wario Land II	Nintendo	March 7, 1998	Game Boy Color	Template:N/A	88.04%<ref name="GameRankings 1999" />
Myth II: Soulblighter	Bungie	December 28, 1998	Microsoft Windows	88/100	86.39%
Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit	Electronic Arts	March 25, 1998	PlayStation	88/100	85.63%
Starsiege: Tribes	Sierra Entertainment	December 23, 1998	Microsoft Windows	88/100	84.77%
Shogo: Mobile Armor Division	Monolith Productions	October 15, 1998	Microsoft Windows	88/100	81.6%
FIFA 99	EA Sports	October 31, 1998	PlayStation	Template:N/A	87.95%
F-Zero X	Nintendo	July 14, 1998	Nintendo 64	85/100	87.61%
Madden NFL 99	EA Sports	September 23, 1998	Nintendo 64	Template:N/A	87.59%

Famitsu Platinum Hall of FameEdit

The following video game releases in 1998 entered Famitsu magazine's "Platinum Hall of Fame" for receiving Famitsu scores of at least 35 out of 40.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Title	Platform	Publisher	Genre	Score (out of 40)
The Legend of Zelda: Toki no Ocarina (Ocarina of Time)	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	40
Tekken 3	PlayStation	Namco	Fighting	39
Sonic Adventure	Dreamcast	Sega	Platformer	38
Biohazard 2 (Resident Evil 2)	PlayStation	Capcom	Survival horror	37
Metal Gear Solid	PlayStation	Konami	Stealth	37
Virtua Fighter 3tb	Dreamcast	Sega	Fighting	36
Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (Panzer Dragon Saga)	Sega Saturn	Sega	Role-playing	35
Neo Atlas	PlayStation	Artdink	Strategy	35
Shiritsu Justice Gakuen: Legion of Heroes (Rival Schools)	PlayStation	Capcom	Fighting	35
Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry no Wonderland	Game Boy Color	Enix	Role-playing	35
Beatmania	PlayStation	Konami	Rhythm	35
R4: Ridge Racer Type 4	PlayStation	Namco	Racing	35
Crash Bandicoot 3 (Warped)	PlayStation	Sony	Platformer	35
Street Fighter Zero 3 (Street Fighter Alpha 3)	PlayStation	Capcom	Fighting	35

Financial performanceEdit

Best-selling video game consolesEdit

Rank	Manufacturer	Game console	Type	Generation	Sales
Rank	Manufacturer	Game console	Type	Generation	Japan	United States	Worldwide
1	Sony	PlayStation	Home	32-bit	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	9,130,000<ref name="scei" />	22,500,000<ref name="scei" />
2	Nintendo	Game Boy / Game Boy Color	Handheld	8-bit	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	2,430,000<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	12,990,000<ref name=":42" />
3	Nintendo	Nintendo 64	Home	64-bit	1,210,000<ref name=":42" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	7,860,000<ref name=":42" />
4	Nintendo	Super NES / Super Famicom	Home	16-bit	50,000<ref name=":42" />	{{#expr:12410*0.0161 round 0}},000<ref name="Clements & Ohashi" />	1,430,000<ref name=":42" />
5	Sega	Dreamcast	Home	128-bit	900,000<ref name=":22">Template:Cite journal</ref>	Template:N/A	900,000
6	Sega	Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)	Home	16-bit	Template:N/A	{{#expr:12410*0.0531 round 0}},000<ref name="Clements & Ohashi" />	659,000+
7	Sega	Sega Saturn	Home	32-bit	150,000<ref name=":22" />	{{#expr:12410*0.0044 round 0}},000<ref name="Clements & Ohashi" />	205,000+
8	Nintendo	NES / Famicom	Home	8-bit	50,000<ref name=":42" />	{{#expr:12,410,000*0.00001 round −1}}<ref name="Clements & Ohashi" />	50,120

Best-selling home video gamesEdit

The following titles were the top ten best-selling home video games (console games or computer games) of 1998 in Japan, the United States, and Germany.

Best-selling home video games in Japan, United States and Germany
Rank	Title	Platform	Sales
Rank	Title	Platform	Japan	United States	Germany	Combined
1	Pokémon Red / Green / Blue / Pikachu	Game Boy	3,288,391Template:Efn	4,000,000<ref name="Kohler" />	Template:N/A	{{#expr:3,288,391+4,000,000}}
2	Resident Evil 2 (Biohazard 2)	PlayStation	2,298,814<ref name="TV"/>	1,194,840<ref name="highscores" />	Template:Unknown	{{#expr:2,298,814+1,194,840}}+
3	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo 64	920,000<ref name="Dengeki"/>	2,500,000<ref name=":0" />	Template:Unknown	{{#expr:920,000+2,500,000}}+
4	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	1,495,761<ref name="magicbox" />	1,431,483<ref name="highscores" />	270,000+<ref name=":2"/>	{{#expr:1,495,761+1,431,483+270,000}}+
5	Tekken 3	PlayStation	1,266,000<ref name="magicbox" />	1,113,749<ref name="highscores" />	100,000+<ref name="vud1998-2"/>	{{#expr:1,266,000+1,113,749+100,000}}+
6	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	2,300,000<ref name=":1"/>	Template:Unknown	2,300,000+
7	Metal Gear Solid	PlayStation	765,000<ref name="Dengeki" />	1,064,909<ref name="highscores" />	Template:N/A	{{#expr:765,000+1,064,909}}
8	Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry no Wonderland	Game Boy Color	1,660,000<ref name="Dengeki"/>	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	1,660,000
9	Crash Bandicoot: Warped (Crash Bandicoot 3)	PlayStation	649,000<ref name="Dengeki" />	858,726<ref name="highscores" />	Template:Unknown	{{#expr:649,000+858,726}}+
10	Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back	PlayStation	395,884<ref name="magicbox" />	941,686<ref name="highscores" />	Template:Unknown	{{#expr:395,884+941,686}}+

The following titles were the top ten highest-grossing home video games of 1998 in the United States and Europe.

Highest-grossing home video games in United States and Europe
Rank	Title	Platform(s)	Sales revenue
Rank	Title	Platform(s)	United States	Europe<ref name="Milia">Template:Cite news</ref>	Combined	Inflation
1	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo 64	$150,000,000<ref name=":0" />	€39,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
2	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	$58,568,520<ref name="highscores" />	€66,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
3	Resident Evil 2	PlayStation	$58,597,202<ref name="highscores" />	€29,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
4	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	$70,377,973+<ref name="highscores" />	€19,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
5	Tekken 3	PlayStation	$48,554,550<ref name="highscores" />	€36,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
6	Banjo-Kazooie	Nintendo 64	$51,790,624<ref name="highscores" />	€26,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
7	Tomb Raider III	Multi-platform	Template:Unknown	€68,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$74,000,000+	$Template:Inflation+
8	Pokémon Red / Blue	Game Boy	$70,000,000+<ref name=":3" />	Template:N/A	$70,000,000+	$Template:Inflation+
9	Super Mario 64	Nintendo 64	$39,184,953<ref name="highscores" />	€21,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
10	FIFA 99	Multi-platform	Template:Unknown	€50,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$56,000,000+	$Template:Inflation+

JapanEdit

In Japan, the following titles were the top ten best-selling home video games of 1998.

Rank	Title	Platform	Publisher	Genre	Sales	Template:Abbr
1	Pocket Monsters: Red / Green / Blue / Pikachu (Pokémon)	Game Boy	Nintendo	Role-playing	3,288,391	Template:Efn
2	Biohazard 2 (Resident Evil 2)	PlayStation	Capcom	Survival horror	2,298,814+	<ref name="TV">Template:Cite book</ref>
3	Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry no Wonderland	Game Boy Color	Enix	Role-playing	1,660,000	<ref name="Dengeki">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
4	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	Sony	Racing simulation	1,495,761	<ref name="magicbox"/>
5	Tekken 3	PlayStation	Namco	Fighting	1,266,000	<ref name="magicbox"/>
6	Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters	PlayStation	Konami	Card battle	1,175,000	<ref name="Dengeki"/>
7	Parasite Eve	PlayStation	Squaresoft	Horror	1,049,000	<ref name="Dengeki"/>
8	Tales of Destiny	PlayStation	Namco	Action role-playing	965,280+	<ref name="TV"/>
9	The Legend of Zelda: Toki no Ocarina (Ocarina of Time)	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	920,000	<ref name="Dengeki"/>
10	Xenogears	PlayStation	Squaresoft	Role-playing	892,015	<ref name="magicbox"/>

United StatesEdit

In the United States, the following titles were the top ten best-selling home video games of 1998.

Rank	Title	Platform	Publisher	Genre	Sales	Revenue	Inflation
1	Pokémon Red / Blue	Game Boy	Nintendo	Role-playing	4,000,000<ref name="Kohler">Template:Cite book</ref>	$70,000,000+<ref name=":3">Template:Cite news</ref>	$Template:Inflation+
2	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	2,500,000<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref>	$150,000,000<ref name=":0"/>	$Template:Inflation
3	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Shooter	2,300,000<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref>	$70,377,973+<ref name="highscores">Template:Cite news</ref>	$Template:Inflation+
4	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	Sony	Racing simulation	1,431,483<ref name="highscores"/>	$58,568,520<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
5	Resident Evil 2	PlayStation	Capcom	Survival horror	1,194,840<ref name="highscores"/>	$58,597,202<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
6	Tekken 3	PlayStation	Namco	Fighting	1,113,749<ref name="highscores"/>	$48,554,550<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
7	Madden NFL 99	PlayStation	EA Sports	Sports	1,073,777<ref name="highscores"/>	$44,130,798<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
8	Metal Gear Solid	PlayStation	Konami	Stealth	1,064,909<ref name="highscores"/>	$51,834,077<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
9	Banjo-Kazooie	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Platformer	1,054,349<ref name="highscores"/>	$51,790,624<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
10	Super Mario 64	Nintendo 64	Nintendo	Platformer	946,411<ref name="highscores"/>	$39,184,953<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation

EuropeEdit

In Europe, the following titles were the top ten highest-grossing home video games of 1998.

Rank	Title	Platform(s)	Europe sales revenue<ref name="Milia"/>		France	Germany
Rank	Title	Platform(s)	Sales revenue	Inflation	Rank	Sales
1	Tomb Raider III	Multi-platform	€68,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	Template:Unknown
2	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	€66,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
3	FIFA 99	Multi-platform	€50,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	Template:Unknown
4	World Cup 98	Multi-platform	€48,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	339,000+<ref name=":2"/>
5	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo 64	€39,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	Template:Unknown
5	Tomb Raider II	Multi-platform	€39,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	358,000+<ref name=":2"/>
7	FIFA: Road to World Cup 98	Multi-platform	€37,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	160,000+<ref name=":2"/>
8	Tekken 3	PlayStation	€36,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	100,000+<ref name="vud1998-2">Template:Cite press release</ref>
9	Colin McRae Rally	Multi-platform	€30,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	colspan="2" rowspan="2" Template:Unknown
10	Resident Evil 2	PlayStation	€29,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+

AustraliaEdit

In Australia, the following titles were the top ten best-selling home console games of 1998.<ref name="Australia">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Rank	Title	Platform	Developer	Publisher	Genre
1	GoldenEye 007	Nintendo 64	Rare	Nintendo	First-person shooter
2	Gran Turismo	PlayStation	Polys Entertainment	Sony	Racing simulation
3	Banjo-Kazooie	Nintendo 64	Rare	Nintendo	Platformer
4	Crash Bandicoot (Platinum)	PlayStation	Naughty Dog	Sony	Platformer
5	Mario Kart 64	Nintendo 64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Kart racing
6	Super Mario 64	Nintendo 64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Platformer
7	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo 64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Action-adventure
8	Croc: Legend of the Gobbos	PlayStation	Argonaut Software	Fox Interactive	Platformer
9	Yoshi's Story	Nintendo 64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Platformer
10	Tekken 2 (Platinum)	PlayStation	Namco	Sony	Fighting

Highest-grossing arcade games in JapanEdit

In Japan, the following titles were the highest-grossing arcade games of 1998.

Rank	Gamest<ref name=":4">Template:Cite magazine alternate url</ref>		Game Machine<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Rank	Title	Manufacturer	Title	Type	Points
1	Tekken 3	Namco	Tekken 3	Software	4561
2	Street Fighter Zero 3 (Street Fighter Alpha 3)	Capcom	Virtua Striker 2 / Ver. 98	Software	4366
3	Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes	Capcom	Print Club 2	Other	3534
4	The King of Fighters '98	SNK	The House of the Dead	Dedicated	3334
5	Virtua Fighter 3 Team Battle (Virtua Fighter 3tb)	Sega	Virtua Fighter 3 Team Battle	Dedicated	2936
6	The King of Fighters '97	SNK	Sega Bass Fishing (Get Bass)	Dedicated	2931
7	Virtua Striker 2	Sega	The Lost World: Jurassic Park	Dedicated	2719
8	Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratorio Tangram	Sega	Strikers 1945 II	Software	2622
9	Street Fighter EX2	Capcom	Final Furlong	Dedicated	2414
10	Virtua Striker 2 Ver. 98	Sega	The King of Fighters '97	Software	2377

BusinessEdit

Activision acquires CD Contact Data and Head Games Publishing.
Eidos Interactive acquires Crystal Dynamics.
Electronic Arts Inc. acquires Westwood Studios, and with so they also acquire the North American operations of Virgin Interactive.
JTS Corp. (Atari Corporation) files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Hasbro Interactive acquires the Atari brand and property from JTS in May. They also acquire MicroProse in August.
Square Co. and Electronic Arts form Square Electronic Arts LLC to publish a wealth of Square Co. titles in the U.S.
Havas, a subsidiary of Vivendi, acquires Cendant Software, which includes Sierra On-Line and Blizzard Entertainment.
Lego Media established by Lego Group
New companies: BreakAway, Elixir, Metro3D, Rockstar, Sunrise, Troika, WildTangent, Loki, Retro Studios
Defunct: DWANGO

Game releasesEdit

The list of games released in 1998.

Video game platforms

}}

January–MarchEdit


Month	Day	Title	Platform(s)	Genre(s)	Source(s)
J A N U A R Y	5	Robotron 64	N64	Shoot 'em up	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	8	No One Can Stop Mr. Domino!	PS1	Puzzle	Template:Citation needed
	12	Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	21	Resident Evil 2	PS1	Survival horror	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	22	Machi	Sega Saturn	Visual novel	<ref>Template:Vndb</ref>
	29	Bomberman World	PS1	Action, maze	Template:Citation needed
		Bust a Groove	PS1	Music, fighting	Template:Citation needed
		Panzer Dragoon Saga	Sat	Action-adventure, role-playing	Template:Citation needed
F E B R U A R Y	6	Skullmonkeys	PS1	Platform	Template:Citation needed
	9	James Bond 007	GB	Action-adventure	Template:Citation needed
	11	Xenogears	PS1	Role-playing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	24	Gex: Enter the Gecko	PS1	Platform	Template:Citation needed
	26	Burning Rangers	Sat	Action, third-person shooter	Template:Citation needed
		Tenchu: Stealth Assassins	PS1	Action-adventure, stealth	Template:Citation needed
		X-Men vs. Street Fighter: EX Edition	PS1	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	28	1080° Snowboarding	N64	Racing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Battlezone	Win	First-person shooter, real-time strategy	Template:Citation needed
		ReBoot	PS1	Action	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Star Wars: Rebellion	Win	Real-time strategy	Template:Citation needed
M A R C H	9	Wario Land II	GB	Platform	Template:Citation needed
	19	Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War	Win	Space combat simulation	Template:Citation needed
	20	Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	25	Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit	PS1, Win	Racing	Template:Citation needed<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	26	Dungeon Master Nexus	Sat	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
		Redneck Rampage Rides Again	Win	First-person shooter	Template:Citation needed
		The House of the Dead	Sat	Rail shooter	Template:Citation needed
		The King of Fighters '97	Sat	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
		Tekken 3	PS1	Fighting	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	29	Parasite Eve	PS1	Action role-playing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	31	Blasto	PS1	Third-person shooter	Template:Citation needed
		StarCraft	Win	Real-time strategy	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Warhammer: Dark Omen	Win	Real-time tactics	Template:Citation needed
		World Cup 98	PS1, Win	Sports (soccer)	Template:Citation needed

April–JuneEdit


Month	Day	Title	Platform(s)	Genre(s)	Source(s)
A P R I L	4	Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die	Sat	Tactical role-playing, dating sim, visual novel	<ref name="Sakura2Release">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	7	Warhammer: Dark Omen	PS1	Real-time tactics	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	9	G-Darius	PS1	Shoot 'em up	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	14	GT 64: Championship Edition	N64	Racing	Template:Citation needed
	17	Puyo Puyo Sun	Win	Puzzle	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	29	Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers	Neo	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
		Shining Force III Scenario 2 – Target: Child of God	Sat	Tactical role-playing	Template:Citation needed
		Super Tempo	Sat	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	30	Bomberman Hero	N64	Platform	Template:Citation needed
		Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven	Win	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
		World Cup 98	Win	Sports (soccer)	Template:Citation needed
M A Y	7	Jazz Jackrabbit 2	Win	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	18	World Cup 98	N64	Sports (soccer)	Template:Citation needed
	21	Baroque	Sat	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	22	Unreal	Win	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	28	Radiant Silvergun	Arcade	Shoot 'em up	Template:Citation needed
	28	The King of Fighters '97	PS1	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
J U N E	4	Atelier Marie Plus	PS1	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
		International Superstar Soccer 98	N64	Sports (soccer)	Template:Citation needed
		Vigilante 8	PS1	Vehicular combat	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	11	Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix	PS1	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	12	Wetrix	N64	Puzzle	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	24	Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines	Win	Real-time tactics	Template:Citation needed
	25	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night	Sat	Action-adventure	Template:Citation needed
	29	Banjo-Kazooie	N64	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	29	Street Fighter Alpha 3	Arcade	Fighting
	30	Deathtrap Dungeon	Win	Action-adventure	<ref>Template:Citation</ref>
		Deep Fear	Sat	Survival horror	Template:Citation needed
		N2O: Nitrous Oxide	PS1	Shoot 'em up	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

July–SeptemberEdit


Month	Day	Title	Platform(s)	Genre(s)	Source(s)
J U L Y	4	Heart of Darkness	PS1	Platform	Template:Citation needed
	9	Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix	Sat	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	14	F-Zero X	N64	Racing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	14	WWF War Zone	PS1	Sports (professional wrestling)	Template:Citation needed
	16	Brave Fencer Musashi	PS1	Action role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	16	Hopkins FBI	Win	Adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	23	Radiant Silvergun	Sat	Shoot 'em up	Template:Citation needed
	23	Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers	NeoCD	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	30	Star Ocean: The Second Story	PS1	Action role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	31	Urban Assault	Win	First-person shooter, real-time strategy	Template:Citation needed
		F-1 World Grand Prix	N64	Racing	Template:Citation needed
		Heart of Darkness	Win	Platform	Template:Citation needed
		Iggy's Reckin' Balls	N64	Racing	Template:Citation needed
A U G U S T	1	Gex: Enter the Gecko	N64	Platform	Template:Citation needed
	1	Pokémon Stadium	N64	Role-playing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	6	Resident Evil: Director's Cut – Dual Shock Version	PS1	Survival horror	Template:Citation needed
	6	Wachenröder	Sat	Tactical role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	11	WWF War Zone	N64	Sports (professional wrestling)	Template:Citation needed
	21	Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six	Win	Tactical shooter	Template:Citation needed
	25	Madden NFL 99	PS1	Sports (football)	Template:Citation needed
	27	Black/Matrix	Sat	Tactical role-playing	Template:Citation needed
S E P T E M B E R	3	Metal Gear Solid	PS1	Action-adventure, stealth	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	9	NASCAR 99	N64	Racing	<ref name="IGN N64 September">{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	9	NFL Blitz	N64	Sports (football)	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="IGN N64 September"/>
	10	NFL Blitz	PS1	Sports (football)	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	10	Spyro the Dragon	PS1	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	12	Pokémon Yellow	GB	Role-playing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	17	Suikoden	Sat	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	23	Digital Monster Version S: Digimon Tamers	Sat	Virtual pet	Template:Citation needed
		Madden NFL 99	N64	Sports (football)	<ref name="IGN N64 September"/>
		Shining Force III Scenario 3 – Bulzome Rising	Sat	Tactical role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	25	Dragon Warrior Monsters	GBC	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	26	Dance Dance Revolution	Arcade	Music	Template:Citation needed
	30	Body Harvest	N64	Action-adventure	Template:Citation needed
		Caesar III	Win	City-building	Template:Citation needed
		Delta Force	Win	Tactical shooter	Template:Citation needed
		Gex: Enter the Gecko	Win	Platform	Template:Citation needed
		NHL 99	PS1, Win	Sports (ice hockey)	Template:Citation needed
		Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012	PS1	Vehicular combat	Template:Citation needed
		Shogo: Mobile Armor Division	Win	First-person shooter	Template:Citation needed

October–DecemberEdit


Month	Day	Title	Platform(s)	Genre(s)	Source(s)
O C T O B E R	1	MediEvil	PS1	Action-adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	1	NHL 99	N64	Sports (ice hockey)	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	2	NFL Blitz	Win	Sports (football)	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	12	Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit	Win	Racing	Template:Citation needed
	14	Star Trek: The Next Generation: Klingon Honor Guard	Win, Mac	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	21	Turok 2: Seeds of Evil	N64	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Tetris DX	GBC	Puzzle	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Wario Land II	GBC	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	22	Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter	Sat	Fighting	Template:Citation needed
	28	Grim Fandango	Win	Adventure	<ref name="sfgate review">Template:Cite news</ref>
	28	Trespasser	Win	Action-adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	29	Fallout 2	Win	Role-playing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }} "Fallout 2 for Windows 95/98 should show up on retailers' shelves nationwide on Thursday, October 29."</ref>
	30	The Fifth Element	Win, PS1	Action-adventure game	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	31	Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome	Win	Real-time strategy	Template:Citation needed
		Apocalypse	PS1	Third-person shooter	Template:Citation needed
		Centipede	Win	Shoot 'em up	Template:Citation needed
		Crash Bandicoot: Warped	PS1	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		FIFA 99	Win	Sports (soccer)	Template:Citation needed
		Glover	N64, Win	Platform	Template:Citation needed
		Heretic II	Win	Action-adventure	Template:Citation needed
		NBA Live 99	PS1, Win	Sports (basketball)	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus	PS1, Win	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Railroad Tycoon II	Win	Business simulation	Template:Citation needed
N O V E M B E R	1	Red Comrades Save the Galaxy	Win	Adventure	Template:Citation needed
	4	NBA Live 99	N64	Sports (basketball)	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	5	Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill	Win	Adventure	Template:Citation needed
	9	SiN	Win	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	10	Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA	N64	Racing	Template:Citation needed
	11	Sonic R	Win	Racing	Template:Citation needed
	14	The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard	Win	Action-adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	19	Half-Life	Win	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	20	The Settlers III	Win	Real-time strategy, city-building	<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
	20	Tomb Raider III	PS1, Win	Action-adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	21	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	N64	Action-adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	25	Blood II: The Chosen	Win	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	27	Puyo Puyo Sun	GBC	Puzzle	Template:Citation needed
	30	FIFA 99	PS1, N64	Sports (soccer)	Template:Citation needed
D E C E M B E R	1	Gex: Enter the Gecko	GBC	Platform	Template:Citation needed
	1	Thief: The Dark Project	Win	Stealth	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	3	Star Wars: Rogue Squadron	Win	Action	Template:Citation needed
	4	Magic and Mayhem	Win	Real-time strategy	Template:Citation needed
	7	Star Wars: Rogue Squadron	N64	Action	Template:Citation needed
	12	Falcon 4.0	Win	Air combat simulation	Template:Citation needed
		Hey You, Pikachu!	N64	Virtual pet	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX	GBC	Action-adventure	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	17	Suikoden II	PS1	Role-playing	Template:Citation needed
	18	Mario Party	N64	Party	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Pokémon Trading Card Game	GBC	Digital collectible card game	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		StarCraft: Brood War	Win	Real-time strategy	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }} "Starcraft fans have been waiting - and not so patiently - for Blizzard's first expansion pack Brood War[s]. Well, Blizzard announced that the title is on its way to stores nationwide (and we actually received box copies Friday morning to prove it)."</ref>
	21	Baldur's Gate	Win	Role-playing	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	21	South Park	N64	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	23	Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon 2	PS1	Roguelike	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Sonic Adventure	DC	Platform	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
		Starsiege: Tribes	Win	First-person shooter	<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1\|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
	28	Myth II: Soulblighter	Win	Real-time tactics	<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
	31	Akuji the Heartless	PS1	Action-adventure	Template:Citation needed

NotesEdit

Template:Notelist

ReferencesEdit

Template:Reflist

Template:History of video games