1998 in video games

1998 saw many sequels and prequels in video games, such as Crash Bandicoot: Warped, F-Zero X, Fallout 2, Gex: Enter the Gecko, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes, Metal Gear Solid, Panzer Dragoon Saga, Resident Evil 2, Return to Krondor, Sonic Adventure, Soulcalibur, Street Fighter Alpha 3, and Tomb Raider III, along with new titles such as Banjo-Kazooie, Dance Dance Revolution, Half-Life, MediEvil, Parasite Eve, 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 major 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.

Legend

{{#invoke:VgData|main|ct=platform|col=3|Arcade|DC|GB|GBC|GEN|MAC|N64|NEO|NEOCD|NES|PS1|SAT|SNES|WIN}}

{{#invoke:VgData|main|ct=genre|ver=none|col=3|Action|Action RPG|Action-adventure|Adventure|Business Sim|City builder|Dating sim|DCCG|Fighting|FPS|Music|Platformer|Puzzle|Racing|Rhythm|Roguelike|RPG|RTS|RTT|Sports|Stealth|Strategy|Tactical RPG|TPS|Virtual pet|Visual novel}}

Hardware releases

File:Dreamcast-Console-Set.png

Dreamcast

Date	System
April 14	Game Boy LightTemplate:Abbr<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 21	Game Boy ColorTemplate:Abbr<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 18	Game Boy ColorTemplate:Abbr
November 23	Game Boy ColorTemplate:Abbr
November 27	DreamcastTemplate:Abbr<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Top-rated games

Game of the Year awards

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)	N64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Japan Media Arts Festival					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	N64	Nintendo	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Video Software Dealers Association					citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Hyper	Final Fantasy VII	PS1, WIN	Sony, Eidos	RPG	<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
RPGFan					<ref name=":5" />
GameSpot	Grim Fandango	WIN	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	PS1	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	SAT	Game Arts	RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Critically acclaimed titles

Metacritic and GameRankings

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

citation

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>
Game	Publisher	Release Date	Platform	MC score	GR score
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	Nintendo	November 21, 1998	N64	99/100	97.54%
Tekken 3	Namco	March 26, 1998	PS1	96/100	95.8%
Half-Life	Sierra Entertainment	November 19, 1998	WIN	96/100	94.02%
Metal Gear Solid	Konami	September 3, 1998	PS1	94/100	93.24%
Grim Fandango	LucasArts	October 30, 1998	WIN	94/100	92.97%
Resident Evil 2	Capcom	January 21, 1998	PS1	89/100	93.13%
Street Fighter Alpha 3	Capcom	December 23, 1998	PS1	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
StarCraft	Blizzard Entertainment	March 31, 1998	WIN	88/100	92.85%
Panzer Dragoon Saga	Sega	January 29, 1998	SAT	Template:N/A	92.46%
Banjo-Kazooie	Nintendo	June 29, 1998	N64	92/100	92.38%
Thief: The Dark Project	Eidos Interactive	December 1, 1998	WIN	92/100	89.41%
Baldur's Gate	Interplay Entertainment	December 21, 1998	WIN	91/100	91.94%
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX	Nintendo	December 12, 1998	GBC	Template:N/A	91.21%
International Superstar Soccer 98	Konami	June 4, 1998	N64	91/100	89.15%
Crash Bandicoot: Warped	Sony Computer Entertainment	October 31, 1998	PS1	91/100	89.07%
Xenogears	Square	February 11, 1998	PS1	84/100	90.99%
Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus	GT Interactive	November 17, 1998	PS1	88/100	90.42%
NFL Blitz	Midway Games	September 12, 1998	PS1	Template:N/A	90.13%
NFL Blitz	Midway Games	September 9, 1998	N64	Template:N/A	90.02%
1080° Snowboarding	Nintendo	February 28, 1998	N64	Template:N/A	89.60%
Battlezone	Activision	March 11, 1998	WIN	Template:N/A	89.03%
Railroad Tycoon II	Gathering of Developers	November 2, 1998	WIN	89/100	83.15%
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil	Acclaim Entertainment	December 10, 1998	N64	86/100	88.96%
FIFA 99	EA Sports	October 31, 1998	WIN	Template:N/A	88.87%
Caesar III	Sierra Entertainment	September 30, 1998	WIN	Template:N/A	88.6%
Unreal	GT Interactive	May 22, 1998	WIN	Template:N/A	88.58%
NBA Live 99	EA Sports	November 10, 1998	PS1	Template:N/A	88.39%
R4: Ridge Racer Type 4	Namco	December 3, 1998	PS1	88/100<ref name="Metacritic 1999" />	88.16%<ref name="GameRankings 1999" />
NHL 99	EA Sports	September 30, 1998	WIN	Template:N/A	88.11%
Wario Land II	Nintendo	March 7, 1998	GBC	Template:N/A	88.04%<ref name="GameRankings 1999" />
Myth II: Soulblighter	Bungie	December 28, 1998	WIN	88/100	86.39%
Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit	Electronic Arts	March 25, 1998	PS1	88/100	85.63%
Starsiege: Tribes	Sierra Entertainment	December 23, 1998	WIN	88/100	84.77%
Shogo: Mobile Armor Division	Monolith Productions	October 15, 1998	WIN	88/100	81.6%
FIFA 99	EA Sports	October 31, 1998	PS1	Template:N/A	87.95%
F-Zero X	Nintendo	July 14, 1998	N64	85/100	87.61%
Madden NFL 99	EA Sports	September 23, 1998	N64	Template:N/A	87.59%

Famitsu Platinum Hall of Fame

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)	N64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	40
Tekken 3	PS1	Namco	Fighting	39
Sonic Adventure	DC	Sega	Platformer	38
Biohazard 2 (Resident Evil 2)	PS1	Capcom	Survival horror	37
Metal Gear Solid	PS1	Konami	Stealth	37
Virtua Fighter 3tb	DC	Sega	Fighting	36
Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (Panzer Dragon Saga)	SAT	Sega	RPG	35
Neo Atlas	PS1	Artdink	Strategy	35
Shiritsu Justice Gakuen: Legion of Heroes (Rival Schools)	PS1	Capcom	Fighting	35
Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry no Wonderland	GBC	Enix	RPG	35
Beatmania	PS1	Konami	Rhythm	35
R4: Ridge Racer Type 4	PS1	Namco	Racing	35
Crash Bandicoot 3 (Warped)	PS1	Sony	Platformer	35
Street Fighter Zero 3 (Street Fighter Alpha 3)	PS1	Capcom	Fighting	35

Financial performance

Best-selling video game consoles

Rank	Manufacturer	Platform	Type	Generation	Sales
					Japan	United States	Worldwide
1	Sony	PS1	Home	32-bit	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	9,130,000<ref name="scei" />	22,500,000<ref name="scei" />
2	Nintendo	GB / GBC	Handheld	8-bit	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	2,430,000<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>	12,990,000<ref name=":42" />
3	Nintendo	N64	Home	64-bit	1,210,000<ref name=":42" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	7,860,000<ref name=":42" />
4	Nintendo	SNES	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	DC	Home	128-bit	900,000<ref name=":22">Template:Cite journal</ref>	Template:N/A	900,000
6	Sega	GEN	Home	16-bit	Template:N/A	{{#expr:12410*0.0531 round 0}},000<ref name="Clements & Ohashi" />	659,000+
7	Sega	SAT	Home	32-bit	150,000<ref name=":22" />	{{#expr:12410*0.0044 round 0}},000<ref name="Clements & Ohashi" />	205,000+
8	Nintendo	NES	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 games

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
			Japan	United States	Germany	Combined
1	Pokémon Red / Green / Blue / Pikachu	GB	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)	PS1	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	N64	920,000<ref name="Dengeki"/>	2,500,000<ref name=":0" />	Template:Unknown	{{#expr:920,000+2,500,000}}+
4	Gran Turismo	PS1	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	PS1	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	N64	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	2,300,000<ref name=":1"/>	Template:Unknown	2,300,000+
7	Metal Gear Solid	PS1	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	GBC	1,660,000<ref name="Dengeki"/>	Template:N/A	Template:N/A	1,660,000
9	Crash Bandicoot: Warped (Crash Bandicoot 3)	PS1	649,000<ref name="Dengeki" />	858,726<ref name="highscores" />	Template:Unknown	{{#expr:649,000+858,726}}+
10	Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back	PS1	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
			United States	Europe<ref name="Milia">Template:Cite news</ref>	Combined	Inflation
1	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	N64	$150,000,000<ref name=":0" />	€39,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
2	Gran Turismo	PS1	$58,568,520<ref name="highscores" />	€66,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
3	Resident Evil 2	PS1	$58,597,202<ref name="highscores" />	€29,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
4	GoldenEye 007	N64	$70,377,973+<ref name="highscores" />	€19,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
5	Tekken 3	PS1	$48,554,550<ref name="highscores" />	€36,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
6	Banjo-Kazooie	N64	$51,790,624<ref name="highscores" />	€26,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
7	Tomb Raider III		Template:Unknown	€68,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$74,000,000+	$Template:Inflation+
8	Pokémon Red / Blue	GB	$70,000,000+<ref name=":3" />	Template:N/A	$70,000,000+	$Template:Inflation+
9	Super Mario 64	N64	$39,184,953<ref name="highscores" />	€21,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	Template:US$+	$Template:Inflation+
10	FIFA 99		Template:Unknown	€50,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$56,000,000+	$Template:Inflation+

Japan

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)	GB	Nintendo	RPG	3,288,391	Template:Efn
2	Biohazard 2 (Resident Evil 2)	PS1	Capcom	Survival horror	2,298,814+	<ref name="TV">Template:Cite book</ref>
3	Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry no Wonderland	GBC	Enix	RPG	1,660,000	<ref name="Dengeki">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
4	Gran Turismo	PS1	Sony	Racing (Sim)	1,495,761	<ref name="magicbox"/>
5	Tekken 3	PS1	Namco	Fighting	1,266,000
6	Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters	PS1	Konami	DCCG	1,175,000	<ref name="Dengeki"/>
7	Parasite Eve	PS1	Squaresoft	Horror	1,049,000
8	Tales of Destiny	PS1	Namco	Action RPG	965,280+	<ref name="TV"/>
9	The Legend of Zelda: Toki no Ocarina (Ocarina of Time)	N64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	920,000	<ref name="Dengeki"/>
10	Xenogears	PS1	Squaresoft	RPG	892,015	<ref name="magicbox"/>

United States

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	GB	Nintendo	RPG	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	N64	Nintendo	Action-adventure	2,500,000<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref>	$150,000,000<ref name=":0"/>	$Template:Inflation
3	GoldenEye 007	N64	Nintendo	FPS	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	PS1	Sony	Racing (Sim)	1,431,483<ref name="highscores"/>	$58,568,520<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
5	Resident Evil 2	PS1	Capcom	Survival horror	1,194,840<ref name="highscores"/>	$58,597,202<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
6	Tekken 3	PS1	Namco	Fighting	1,113,749<ref name="highscores"/>	$48,554,550<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
7	Madden NFL 99	PS1	EA Sports	Sports	1,073,777<ref name="highscores"/>	$44,130,798<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
8	Metal Gear Solid	PS1	Konami	Stealth	1,064,909<ref name="highscores"/>	$51,834,077<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
9	Banjo-Kazooie	N64	Nintendo	Platformer	1,054,349<ref name="highscores"/>	$51,790,624<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation
10	Super Mario 64	N64	Nintendo	Platformer	946,411<ref name="highscores"/>	$39,184,953<ref name="highscores"/>	$Template:Inflation

Europe

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
			Sales revenue	Inflation	Rank	Sales
1	Tomb Raider III		€68,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	Template:Unknown
2	Gran Turismo	PS1	€66,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
3	FIFA 99		€50,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	Template:Unknown
4	World Cup 98		€48,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	339,000+<ref name=":2"/>
5	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	N64	€39,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	Template:Unknown
	Tomb Raider II		€39,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	358,000+<ref name=":2"/>
7	FIFA: Road to World Cup 98		€37,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	160,000+<ref name=":2"/>
8	Tekken 3	PS1	€36,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	Template:Unknown	100,000+<ref name="vud1998-2">Template:Cite press release</ref>
9	Colin McRae Rally		€30,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+	colspan="2" rowspan="2" Template:Unknown
10	Resident Evil 2	PS1	€29,000,000+ (Template:US$+)	$Template:Inflation+

Australia

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	N64	Rare	Nintendo	FPS
2	Gran Turismo	PS1	Polys Entertainment	Sony	Racing (Sim)
3	Banjo-Kazooie	N64	Rare	Nintendo	Platformer
4	Crash Bandicoot (Platinum)	PS1	Naughty Dog	Sony
5	Mario Kart 64	N64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Racing (Kart)
6	Super Mario 64	N64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Platformer
7	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	N64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo	Action-adventure
8	Croc: Legend of the Gobbos	PS1	Argonaut Software	Fox Interactive	Platformer
9	Yoshi's Story	N64	Nintendo EAD	Nintendo
10	Tekken 2 (Platinum)	PS1	Namco	Sony	Fighting

Highest-grossing arcade games in Japan

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>
	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

Events

• 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.

Business

• 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

Games released in 1998

Release date	Title	Platforms	Genres	Template:Abbr
January 5	Robotron 64	N64	Shoot 'em up	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
January 8	No One Can Stop Mr. Domino!	PS1	Puzzle	Template:Fact
January 12	Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Fact
January 21	Resident Evil 2	PS1	Survival horror	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
January 22	Machi	SAT	Visual novel	<ref>Template:Vndb</ref>
January 29	Bomberman World	PS1	Action, maze	Template:Fact
January 29	Bust a Groove	PS1	Music, Fighting	Template:Fact
January 29	Panzer Dragoon Saga	SAT	Action-adventure, RPG	Template:Fact
February 6	Skullmonkeys	PS1	Platformer	Template:Fact
February 9	James Bond 007	GB	Action-adventure	Template:Fact
February 11	Xenogears	PS1	RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
February 23	Metal Slug 2	Arcade	Run and gun	Template:Fact
February 24	Gex: Enter the Gecko	PS1	Platformer	Template:Fact
February 26	Burning Rangers	SAT	Action, TPS	Template:Fact
February 26	Tenchu: Stealth Assassins	PS1	Action-adventure, Stealth	Template:Fact
February 26	X-Men vs. Street Fighter: EX Edition	PS1	Fighting	Template:Fact
February 28	1080° Snowboarding	N64	Racing	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
February 28	Battlezone	WIN	FPS, RTS	Template:Fact
February 28	ReBoot	PS1	Action	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
February 28	Star Wars: Rebellion	WIN	RTS	Template:Fact
March 9	Wario Land II	GB	Platformer	Template:Fact
March 20	Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Fact
March 25	Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit	PS1, WIN	Racing	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
March 26	Dungeon Master Nexus	SAT	RPG	Template:Fact
March 26	The House of the Dead	SAT	Rail shooter	Template:Fact
March 26	The King of Fighters '97	SAT	Fighting	Template:Fact
March 26	Tekken 3	PS1	Fighting	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
March 29	Parasite Eve	PS1	Action RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
March 31	Blasto	PS1	TPS	Template:Fact
March 31	StarCraft	WIN	RTS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
March 31	Warhammer: Dark Omen	WIN	RTT	Template:Fact
April 4	Sakura Wars 2: Thou Shalt Not Die	SAT	Tactical RPG, Dating sim, Visual novel	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
April 7	Warhammer: Dark Omen	PS1	RTT	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
April 9	G-Darius	PS1	Shoot 'em up	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
April 14	GT 64: Championship Edition	N64	Racing	Template:Fact
April 17	Puyo Puyo Sun	WIN	Puzzle	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
April 29	Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers	NEO	Fighting	Template:Fact
April 29	Shining Force III Scenario 2 – Target: Child of God	SAT	Tactical RPG	Template:Fact
April 29	Super Tempo	SAT	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
April 30	Bomberman Hero	N64	Platformer	Template:Fact
April 30	Might and Magic VI: The Mandate of Heaven	WIN	RPG	Template:Fact
May 7	Jazz Jackrabbit 2	WIN	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
May 13	Redneck Rampage Rides Again	WIN	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
May 19	World Cup 98	PS1, WIN, N64	Sports (soccer)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
May 21	Baroque	SAT	RPG	Template:Fact
May 22	Unreal	WIN	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
May 28	Radiant Silvergun	Arcade	Shoot 'em up	Template:Fact
May 28	The King of Fighters '97	PS1	Fighting	Template:Fact
June 4	Atelier Marie Plus	PS1	RPG	Template:Fact
June 4	International Superstar Soccer 98	N64	Sports (soccer)	Template:Fact
June 4	Vigilante 8	PS1	Vehicular combat	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
June 5	Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War	WIN	Space combat simulation	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
June 11	Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix	PS1	Fighting	Template:Fact
June 12	Wetrix	N64	Puzzle	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
June 24	Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines	WIN	RTT	Template:Fact
June 25	Castlevania: Symphony of the Night	SAT	Action-adventure	Template:Fact
June 29	Banjo-Kazooie	N64	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
June 29	Street Fighter Alpha 3	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Fact
June 30	Deathtrap Dungeon	WIN	Action-adventure	<ref>Template:Citation</ref>
June 30	Deep Fear	SAT	Survival horror	Template:Fact
June 30	N2O: Nitrous Oxide	PS1	Shoot 'em up	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
July 4	Heart of Darkness	PS1	Platformer	Template:Fact
July 9	Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix	SAT	Fighting	Template:Fact
July 14	F-Zero X	N64	Racing	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
July 14	WWF War Zone	PS1	Sports (wrestling)	Template:Fact
July 16	Brave Fencer Musashi	PS1	Action RPG	Template:Fact
July 16	Hopkins FBI	WIN	Adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
July 23	The King of Fighters '98	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Fact
July 23	Radiant Silvergun	SAT	Shoot 'em up	Template:Fact
July 23	Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers	NEOCD	Fighting	Template:Fact
July 30	Soulcalibur	Arcade	Fighting	Template:Fact
July 30	Star Ocean: The Second Story	PS1	Action RPG	Template:Fact
July 31	Urban Assault	WIN	FPS, RTS	Template:Fact
July 31	F-1 World Grand Prix	N64	Racing	Template:Fact
July 31	Heart of Darkness	WIN	Platformer	Template:Fact
July 31	Iggy's Reckin' Balls	N64	Racing	Template:Fact
August 1	Gex: Enter the Gecko	N64	Platformer	Template:Fact
August 1	Pokémon Stadium	N64	RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
August 6	Resident Evil: Director's Cut – Dual Shock Version	PS1	Survival horror	Template:Fact
August 6	Wachenröder	SAT	Tactical RPG	Template:Fact
August 11	WWF War Zone	N64	Sports (wrestling)	Template:Fact
August 21	Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six	WIN	Tactical shooter	Template:Fact
August 25	Madden NFL 99	PS1	Sports (football)	Template:Fact
August 27	Black/Matrix	SAT	Tactical RPG	Template:Fact
September 3	Metal Gear Solid	PS1	Action-adventure, Stealth	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
September 9	NASCAR 99	N64	Racing	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
September 9	NFL Blitz	N64	Sports (football)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="IGN N64 September"/>
September 10	NFL Blitz	PS1	Sports (football)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
September 10	Spyro the Dragon	PS1	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
September 12	Pokémon Yellow	GB	RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
September 17	Suikoden	SAT	RPG	Template:Fact
September 23	Digital Monster Version S: Digimon Tamers	SAT	Virtual pet	Template:Fact
September 23	Madden NFL 99	N64	Sports (football)	<ref name="IGN N64 September"/>
September 23	Shining Force III Scenario 3 – Bulzome Rising	SAT	Tactical RPG	Template:Fact
September 25	Dragon Warrior Monsters	GBC	RPG	Template:Fact
September 26	Dance Dance Revolution	Arcade	Music	Template:Fact
September 30	Body Harvest	N64	Action-adventure	Template:Fact
September 30	Caesar III	WIN	City builder	Template:Fact
September 30	Delta Force	WIN	Tactical shooter	Template:Fact
September 30	Gex: Enter the Gecko	WIN	Platformer	Template:Fact
September 30	NHL 99	PS1, WIN	Sports (hockey)	Template:Fact
September 30	Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012	PS1	Vehicular combat	Template:Fact
September 30	Shogo: Mobile Armor Division	WIN	FPS	Template:Fact
October 1	MediEvil	PS1	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 1	NHL 99	N64	Sports (hockey)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 2	NFL Blitz	WIN	Sports (football)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 12	Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit	WIN	Racing	Template:Fact
October 14	Star Trek: The Next Generation: Klingon Honor Guard	WIN, MAC	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 21	Turok 2: Seeds of Evil	N64	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 21	Tetris DX	GBC	Puzzle	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 21	Wario Land II	GBC	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 22	Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter	SAT	Fighting	Template:Fact
October 28	Grim Fandango	WIN	Adventure	<ref name="sfgate review">Template:Cite news</ref>
October 28	Trespasser	WIN	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 29	Fallout 2	WIN	RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }} "Fallout 2 for Windows 95/98 should show up on retailers' shelves nationwide on Thursday, October 29."</ref>
October 30	The Fifth Element	WIN, PS1	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 31	Age of Empires: The Rise of Rome	WIN	RTS	Template:Fact
October 31	Apocalypse	PS1	TPS	Template:Fact
October 31	Centipede	WIN	Shoot 'em up	Template:Fact
October 31	Crash Bandicoot: Warped	PS1	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 31	FIFA 99	WIN	Sports (soccer)	Template:Fact
October 31	Glover	N64, WIN	Platformer	Template:Fact
October 31	Heretic II	WIN	Action-adventure	Template:Fact
October 31	NBA Live 99	PS1, WIN	Sports (basketball)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 31	Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus	PS1, WIN	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
October 31	Railroad Tycoon II	WIN	Business Sim	Template:Fact
November 1	Red Comrades Save the Galaxy	WIN	Adventure	Template:Fact
November 4	NBA Live 99	N64	Sports (basketball)	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 5	Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill	WIN	Adventure	Template:Fact
November 9	SiN	WIN	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 10	Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA	N64	Racing	Template:Fact
November 11	Sonic R	WIN	Racing	Template:Fact
November 14	The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard	WIN	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 19	Half-Life	WIN	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 20	The Settlers III	WIN	RTS, City builder	<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
November 20	Tomb Raider III	PS1, WIN	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 21	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	N64	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 25	Blood II: The Chosen	WIN	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
November 27	Puyo Puyo Sun	GBC	Puzzle	Template:Fact
November 30	FIFA 99	PS1, N64	Sports (soccer)	Template:Fact
December 1	Gex: Enter the Gecko	GBC	Platformer	Template:Fact
December 1	Thief: The Dark Project	WIN	Stealth	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 3	Star Wars: Rogue Squadron	WIN	Action	Template:Fact
December 4	Magic and Mayhem	WIN	RTS	Template:Fact
December 7	Star Wars: Rogue Squadron	N64	Action	Template:Fact
December 12	Falcon 4.0	WIN	Air combat simulation	Template:Fact
December 12	Hey You, Pikachu!	N64	Virtual pet	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 12	The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX	GBC	Action-adventure	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 17	Suikoden II	PS1	RPG	Template:Fact
December 18	Mario Party	N64	Party	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 18	Pokémon Trading Card Game	GBC	DCCG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 18	StarCraft: Brood War	WIN	RTS	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>
December 21	Baldur's Gate	WIN	RPG	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 21	South Park	N64	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 23	Chocobo's Mystery Dungeon 2	PS1	Roguelike	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 23	Sonic Adventure	DC	Platformer	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 23	Starsiege: Tribes	WIN	FPS	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
December 28	Myth II: Soulblighter	WIN	RTT	<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
December 31	Akuji the Heartless	PS1	Action-adventure	Template:Fact

See also

• 1998 in games