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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThere is no single, objective winner among the best games of 1989: the answer changes with platform, genre, and region. This shortlist spans arcade games, home consoles, and computers, with a distinct reason to consider each pick. Its ranking reference is one reader-submitted retrospective list—not a 1989 award or industry consensus.
How to read this list
The games below were selected to show different strengths across formats: distinctive combat, role-playing systems, branching routes, influential action design, and city-building strategy. The order follows the retrospective ranking where a game appears on that list; SimCity and Prince of Persia are included as cross-platform standouts rather than assigned an invented rank.
The ranking comes from GaIcian’s user-submitted GameFAQs list, published August 23, 2006. It is a useful perspective, not a definitive measure of quality or a contemporaneous 1989 result. Read the GameFAQs list.
Best games of 1989 to know
1. Ys Book I & II — Turbo CD
At the top of GaIcian’s list, Ys Book I & II is singled out for voiced cutscenes, striking visuals, a strong soundtrack, and straightforward combat. It is a good choice for players curious about a more direct action-RPG approach than menu-heavy role-playing games. The ranking describes it as a Turbo CD title; release timing and version history can vary by region, so this entry does not imply a simultaneous worldwide launch.
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2. Phantasy Star II — Genesis
GaIcian places Phantasy Star II second and presents it as a memorable early 16-bit role-playing game and a notable entry in its series. It is the list’s clearest pick for someone looking for a substantial console RPG rather than arcade-style action.
3. Willow — NES
The list regards Willow as an unusually successful film adaptation, built as a Zelda-style action RPG. Its appeal lies in the combination of weapons, magic, visual presentation, and music—elements that make it a stronger fit for players who want exploration and character progression alongside action.
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4. River City Ransom — NES
River City Ransom merges beat-’em-up fighting with role-playing mechanics. That blend gives its brawling a progression-focused hook: it is a natural choice for players who like action but want more than a sequence of fights.
5. Neutopia — TurboGrafx-16
Neutopia appears fifth in the retrospective ranking. Its inclusion broadens the list beyond the better-known Nintendo and Sega platforms, making it a useful pick for readers exploring the TurboGrafx-16 library.
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- Enjoy Enhanced Features Added to the Classic Collection – To enhance your playability experience, we incorporated the favorite added features from Capcom Fighting Collection including gallery mode, quick save, training mode for all fighting titles, and the high score challenge. Beginners and first timers into the franchise are also welcome to play through adjusted settings and execution of one-button specials!
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6. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse — NES
Multiple playable characters and branching story paths distinguish Castlevania III in GaIcian’s description. Those features make it a strong choice for players who enjoy challenging action with meaningful route variation.
7. Aleste Gaiden — MSX
Aleste Gaiden is the list’s MSX representative, extending its range beyond arcade and console releases. Its position reflects the contributor’s ranking, not a comparative industry score.
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8. Final Fight — arcade
GaIcian places Final Fight in the evolution of the beat-’em-up and favors the original arcade version over later home renditions. That distinction matters: the arcade game and its ports are separate releases, so a home version should not be assumed to reproduce the original experience exactly.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — arcade
The arcade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is described as a strong adaptation of the franchise. It is the list’s pick for players seeking a cooperative-feeling, character-driven arcade action game, though the ranking itself does not establish specific mode or player-count details.
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10. Strider — arcade
Strider rounds out the top ten as a stylish side-scrolling action game. It offers a different tone and presentation from the list’s fantasy RPGs and brawlers, making it a useful pick for players drawn to fast-paced arcade action.
SimCity — computers and later listed platforms
GameSpot classifies SimCity as a management/strategy game and lists January 1, 1989 as its first release date. That date may reflect database convention rather than a specific regional on-sale date. GameSpot lists versions for PC, BBC, C64, Mac, ST, Amiga, NES, PC-98, CPC, Archimedes, X68000, FM Towns, and SNES. The platform list does not mean the versions all arrived at the same time. See GameSpot’s SimCity metadata.
Prince of Persia — computers and consoles
GameSpot lists October 3, 1989 as Prince of Persia’s first release date and classifies it as 2D action/platform. Its platform list includes PC, Mac, Amiga, NES, Master System, Genesis, SNES, Game Boy, Game Gear, and Turbo CD. These are platform entries, not evidence of simultaneous launches; check the specific version and region when researching a release. See GameSpot’s Prince of Persia metadata.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which 1989 game should you start with?
- For role-playing: Try Phantasy Star II for a 16-bit console RPG, Willow for an action-RPG structure, or Ys Book I & II for direct combat and presentation highlights.
- For action with progression or route choices: River City Ransom pairs brawling with RPG mechanics; Castlevania III adds playable characters and branching paths.
- For arcade action: Consider the original arcade versions of Final Fight, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, or Strider.
- For strategy: SimCity is the shortlist’s city-building and management pick.
- For platform history: Compare the original platform named for a game with its later ports; a shared title does not guarantee the same version or release date.
What “best of 1989” can and cannot mean
A cross-platform shortlist necessarily mixes unlike experiences: arcade cabinets, console releases, and computer games are judged by different expectations. The GameFAQs ranking provides one person’s retrospective ordering, while GameSpot’s pages establish release metadata and genre classifications for SimCity and Prince of Persia. Neither source establishes a universal winner, sales ranking, award result, or a complete critical consensus for the year.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Original platform listings also do not establish current availability or compatibility. Before buying or planning to play a particular game, verify the exact edition, region, licensing, and hardware requirements; arcade availability through cabinets or ports in general does not confirm that a specific title is currently accessible. GameSpot’s overview of classic arcade games discusses access in broad terms, not availability of each game named here.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
