Six classic web browser games 90s kids will never forget

The turn of the 21^st century ushered in many new things, including a revolutionary new era of computer gaming. We did not have iPads or iPhones like the children have today. Instead, we looked to classic web games like these to supplement our leisure.

1. Runescape

Oh, the number of hours I spent on this game. The massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) was a classic hit amongst primary and secondary school kids back then. Featuring an open world where players explored various cities, set on quests, killed for loot and burnt shrimps in the fire, Runescape was without a doubt ahead of its time.

2. Neopets

While some preferred real life pets, others relied on virtual reality to give them their perfect companion. Neopets allowed players to raise and create their own pets all without the hassle of having to toilet train or clean up after them. Of course, the usual feeding and grooming was essential, but hey, you saved on the food and vet costs.

3. Adventure Quest (Battleon)

I once snuck out of bed at 5am just to have a go at this on the computer (which at that time was in the living room). My mum caught me eventually, but boy was it worth it. The 2D graphics, skeletons and weird frog-like things coupled with the leisurely turn-based moves opened the door to a completely new world for this wide-eyed, 7-year-old boy to step into.

4. Dragon Fable

The unofficial and unrelated upgrade to Adventure Quest, players were able to choose their classes and raise their own pets in Dragon Fable. Coupled with similar 2D graphics, this game was a monster galore. Many players will remember the fabled Dragon Amulet that we all wanted to purchase but never got our parent’s permission to do so.

5. Heli Attack 3

Many a tale has been told of how one man single-handedly took down an entire hoard of helicopters and machine-like things that tried to roast him alive with laser-like projectiles. The triple jumps to destroy a helicopter with a knife and then the coveted grenade launcher weapon unlock at the end are precious memories we all share from the infamous Heli Attack 3 game.

6. Robot Rage

Explosions, explosions everywhere! Robot Rage featured nail-biting battles atop a skyscraper in the middle of a city (strangely void of people and cars now that I think of it). Packed with weapon upgrades and level-ups, players would go head to head with missiles, claws and battering rams on vehicles modified and armed to the teeth.

With that, I am off to reminiscent on some Runescape music. Here is a playlist you Runescapers might just find interesting.