Gaming is an ever-evolving medium, but some days in history stand out as pivotal moments in its journey. Whether it’s a groundbreaking movie tie-in that defied expectations, a racing title that redefined high-stakes intensity, or a handheld console that reshaped portable gaming, the titles released on this date left an indelible mark. Let’s rewind time and revisit the highlights.
Super Star Wars (SNES, 1993)
A Cinematic Platformer Worthy of a Jedi
In an era when movie-to-game adaptations were often lacklustre, Super Star Wars was a revelation. Released in 1993 on the SNES, this LucasArts-developed side-scrolling action platformer took the blockbuster magic of Star Wars: A New Hope and transformed it into a brutally challenging but thrilling interactive experience.
Why It Was Special
Unlike many cash-grab tie-ins of the time, Super Star Wars was a well-crafted (if sometimes surreal) love letter to the original trilogy. Featuring fast-paced gameplay, a variety of playable characters (Luke, Han, and Chewbacca), and levels that kinda, sorta mirrored key scenes from the film, it captured the excitement of the galaxy far, far away.
Brutal Difficulty and Responsive Controls
If Super Star Wars is remembered for one thing, it’s the unforgiving arse-kickings it handed out to all and sundry. Precision platforming, relentless enemies, and limited continues made it a test of reflexes and patience. Yet, the tight controls and exhilarating combat kept players engaged despite the challenge.
Behind the Scenes Trivia
- The game was originally intended for the NES but shifted to SNES late in development.
- LucasArts’ team worked closely with George Lucas’s staff to ensure authentic sound effects and character likenesses.
- A Japan-exclusive version of the game added an Easy Mode (which Western players could only dream of).
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
A pioneering 2D Star Wars action game that set the template for later 3D movie tie-ins like The Phantom Menace and Revenge of the Sith.
Where to Play It Today
- Super Star Wars is available on PlayStation Store (PS4/PS5) as part of the Star Wars Classics collection.
- Or get it on eBay.
Need for Speed: High Stakes (PS, 1999)
The Aussie Sprinkled Racer That Upped the Ante
By 1999, Need for Speed had cemented itself as the go-to arcade racer. High Stakes took things further, introducing high-risk career progression, damage modelling, and intense police chases that paved the way for later franchise staples.
Innovations That Changed Racing Games
- Persistent Car Damage: Unlike previous entries, crashing your car here wasn’t just cosmetic—it affected handling and performance.
- High Stakes Mode: Lose a race, and you risked losing your car permanently.
- Improved AI: Cops weren’t just obstacles—they adapted their tactics based on your driving style.
Behind the Scenes Trivia
- The game was developed in Canada by EA Canada, separate from earlier entries created by EA Seattle.
- We got a rare “Aussieified” version which featured Fords and Commos (and even an unlockable Lowndes Supercar).
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
This was the Need for Speed that introduced true consequences to racing. It directly influenced Most Wanted and Underground.
Where to Play It Today
- No digital re-releases yet, but you can find copies on eBay.
Pac-Man Vs. (GameCube, 2004)
Multiplayer Chaos With a Pac-Man Twist
This lesser-known Pac-Man entry was a multiplayer masterpiece, designed by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto.
Unique Multiplayer Design
One player controlled Pac-Man (on the Game Boy Advance screen), while up to three others played as ghosts on the GameCube screen. This asymmetric design created hilarious, tense chases.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
An early example of asymmetric multiplayer design that influenced Nintendo Land and Among Us.
Where to Play It Today
- The Namco Museum collection on Switch includes it.
Nintendo DSi Launch (2009)
The Handheld That Prepped Nintendo for the Future
The Nintendo DSi introduced the DSiWare digital store, a precursor to the modern eShop.
Key Features
- Two cameras for augmented reality experiments.
- No GBA slot, making it slimmer but less backwards-compatible.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
The first Nintendo handheld to embrace digital gaming. Its success led to the Nintendo 3DS’s online ecosystem.
Where to Buy One Today
- Find a second-hand unit on eBay.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time (DS, 2009)
An Action RPG Gem With Co-Op Charm
The sequel to Crystal Chronicles let DS and Wii players adventure together online.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
A bold cross-platform experiment between DS and Wii, showing early ambition for Nintendo’s cross-play ideas.
Where to Play It Today
- No modern re-release. Find a copy on eBay.
