1997

1997 was a landmark year in PC gaming, delivering groundbreaking innovation, genre-defining classics, and major leaps in storytelling and 3D technology. 🌟
Noteworthy releases:

  • Fallout – A gritty, open-ended post-apocalyptic RPG with unmatched player choice

  • Age of Empires – A real-time strategy masterpiece blending history and deep gameplay

  • Quake II – A fast, fluid FPS showcasing id Software’s next-gen 3D engine

  • Ultima Online – One of the first persistent, massively multiplayer online worlds

  • Dungeon Keeper – A clever RTS where you play the villain, full of humor and innovation

1997 pushed PC games into new creative territory. RPGs became deeper and more reactive with Fallout, introducing moral choices that shaped entire playthroughs. Meanwhile, strategy fans saw Age of Empires blend civilization-building with RTS combat, laying the foundation for a long-running series and inspiring countless games that followed.

On the action front, Quake II represented a technical leap, popularizing hardware-accelerated 3D graphics and multiplayer deathmatches. Simultaneously, Ultima Online pushed boundaries by creating one of gaming’s first true virtual societies, while Dungeon Keeper flipped the RTS formula on its head with dark humor and a brilliant “evil overlord” twist. Overall, 1997 was a year of bold experimentation and iconic breakthroughs that still influence PC gaming today. 🎮✨