Collider ranks influential 1990s fantasy games by gameplay, design, storytelling, visuals, originality, influence, fan opinion and critical acclaim.

– ‘The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall’ (1996) is praised for advancing open-ended sandbox role-playing, deep lore and non-linear worldbuilding.
– ‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’ (1997) is highlighted as a polished gothic-fantasy action-platformer that helped define the Metroidvania genre.
– ‘Diablo’ (1996) is credited with popularising action RPG conventions through dark fantasy, real-time combat and procedurally generated dungeons.