Video Games Released in 1988

Last Updated on: August 8th, 2021

Video Games Released in 19881988 in Review:

1988 was another significant year for the video game industry, marked by the release of several important games and the continued growth of the console market. Here are some key events that took place:

  1. Super Mario Bros. 2: “Super Mario Bros. 2” was released for the NES in 1988 and would become one of the most popular games in the series. The game featured new gameplay mechanics and introduced several memorable characters.
  2. The Sega Mega Drive: Sega released the Mega Drive (known as the Genesis in North America) in 1988, further establishing the company as a major player in the console market.
  3. Sonic the Hedgehog: “Sonic the Hedgehog” was released for the Sega Mega Drive in 1988 and would become one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time. The game featured fast-paced platforming gameplay and memorable characters.
  4. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link: “Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” was released for the NES in 1988 and would become a controversial entry in the series. The game featured side-scrolling gameplay and role-playing game mechanics, departing from the formula of the original game.
  5. Electronic Arts: Electronic Arts (EA) continued to grow in popularity in 1988, with several successful releases for various platforms, including “Populous” and “John Madden Football”.
  6. The Commodore Amiga: The Commodore Amiga computer continued to be popular among video game developers and gamers, with many classic games released for the platform in 1988.

Overall, 1988 was a year of continued growth and innovation in the video game industry, with classic games and consoles further cementing the medium’s place in popular culture. The release of the Sega Mega Drive and “Sonic the Hedgehog” would also set the stage for future console wars between Sega and Nintendo.

Video Games Released in 1988:

Here is our enormous collection of video games released in 1988 and detailed information on each. As always, new games are added to this collection regularly.

Click on a game listing to find out much more about it.