These Were the Best Video Games of 1987

April 12, 2026 - 04:01

While the world outside was shaped by historic speeches and financial tremors, a quieter revolution was unfolding in living rooms and arcades. The year 1987 stands as a monumental chapter in video game history, delivering a staggering lineup of titles that would define genres for decades to come.

In the realm of role-playing games, Square's Final Fantasy made its humble debut on the Nintendo Famicom. Though its initial release was fraught with development challenges, this foundational title laid the entire groundwork for one of gaming's most beloved and enduring franchises, proving that deep, narrative-driven experiences could thrive on home consoles.

Meanwhile, the arcades were dominated by the lightning-fast action of Contra. This run-and-gun masterpiece, best known for its legendary "Konami Code," became the quintessential co-operative experience. Its challenging gameplay and iconic alien-blasting action set a new standard for arcade-style intensity. Not to be outdone, Capcom unleashed Street Fighter, introducing special moves and six-button controls that planted the seeds for the entire one-on-one fighting game genre.

On home computers, Sierra On-Line's Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards brought a new, risqué brand of humor to adventure gaming, while The Legend of Zelda on the NES continued to captivate players with its vast, explorable overworld. From RPGs to run-and-gun classics, 1987 wasn't just a good year for games; it was a foundational period where creativity and technology collided to create timeless digital legends.