The Virtual Boy console came out in 1995 after Nintendo was in the middle of a successful period with their SNES and Game Boy video game systems. The console featured stereoscopy, which gave the illusion of three-dimensional space. Despite this being a relatively new feature for the time, the Virtual Boy did not succeed commercially. This lack of popularity led to Nintendo discontinuing it in 1996.
Though people often refer to the console jokingly, some can argue that the Virtual Boy helped to set the stage for future consoles that utilized similar visual technology. In its short lifespan, only twenty-two games came out for the system, some of which are very enjoyable to play. These games are not as accessible as those of many other consoles, but if fans can find a way to play them, they are sure to enjoy themselves.
Galactic Pinball
Pinball machines are a staple of arcades, and Galactic Pinball sought to replicate the experience by using the Virtual Boy's visual capabilities. Limited by the technology of the time, the physics of the pinball tables in-game are not entirely accurate, but players can easily adjust to this. While the use of 3D technology is limited, it helps to provide a bit of depth on the table when it is present. The changing environments of the tables add an extra layer to the experience, and though there are only a handful of tables to play on, Galactic Pinball has enough fun gameplay to make it worth it.
Mario's Tennis
Mario's Tennis has a legacy that long outlives the Virtual Boy, being the first game in the Mario Tennis series. It should receive partial credit for the success of the Nintendo 64's Mario Tennis, which came out in 2000 and is considered one of the best non-platformer Mario games.
It made good use of the Virtual Boy's visual capabilities and featured fun, albeit limited, gameplay. Mario's Tennis still stands tall in its own right, and even though it is less accessible than other Mario Tennis titles, it has its place in the history of the franchise.
Jack Bros.
Jack Bros. is an action game that features three initial playable characters: Jack Frost, Jack Lantern, and Jack Skelton. Choosing one, players must try to take Jack back to a portal that will only remain open for a short time. Players also fight through malicious enemies on their journey.
The Virtual Boy's visual technology was not utilized extensively in this game, only being incorporated in a few different ways. Despite this, Jack Bros. is an exciting, time-sensitive adventure that features engrossing gameplay.
Innsmouth No Yakata
There are plenty of '90s video games that are still scary today, and while Innsmouth no Yakata may not be among these, it is still a fascinating and captivating title for the Virtual Boy. The game features the player trying to escape a mansion that is infested with monsters. The first-person experience necessitates exploration and ammunition management.
Since horror games have changed, current players would likely not find Innsmouth no Yakata as scary as it was upon its release, but it is a fun game with interesting monster designs nonetheless.
Golf
Golf games are not always among fans' favorites, but Golf for the Virtual Boy is an entertaining look into early three-dimensional visuals for video games of this kind. As the name suggests, it simply entails playing golf on a course.
Many factors go into one's swing, which makes this game a bit harder to master than some others. As an early 3D title, the visual rendering of depth is not as accurate as it is in future games, but many aspects are still enjoyable and can make for a relaxing experience.
Virtual Boy Wario Land
Utilizing the console's three-dimensional features to a minor extent, Virtual Boy Wario Land is considered one of the best Wario games. In this title, players control Wario as he tries to find treasure, and they can use a slew of abilities to progress through the map.
The game is similar to many two-dimensional platformers, but in certain parts of the map, Wario can jump to the background, which makes for an interesting visual experience. There is also a variety of different environments, which helps to keep gameplay new and exciting.
Red Alarm
Though it may appear confusing to people who initially attempt to play it, Red Alarm quickly becomes engrossing and visually captivating. Gameplay entails players destroying enemy ships while progressing through levels.
Unlike many other shooter games of the time that involve spaceships, Red Alarm lets players control the direction of travel, leaving them to explore the levels and find their way to the end of the course. The game can quickly become disorienting if players lose track of their place in the environment, but the title is otherwise fantastic.
Space Squash
Using the console's visual technology more than many other games, Space Squash features the player character, a robot, playing against opponents in a variety of stages. Players can use power-ups to help them defeat common enemies and bosses, providing more opportunities to make gameplay more exciting.
The stages vary in the kinds of obstacles that are present, so while the basic premise of the game remains the same, it always feels fresh. The only problem is that while the game is called Space Squash, most of the game does not actually feature the sport, squash. This minor issue aside, Space Squash is a highly enjoyable Virtual Boy title.
Vertical Force
Scrolling shooter games were fairly common on early game consoles, including some that were made by Nintendo that deserves remakes. Vertical Force differs from many similar games of its time due to its use of the Virtual Boy's visual technology. In the game, players must defeat malfunctioning technology to save Earth.
On occasion, it can be difficult to differentiate between the foreground and background, leading to some potential confusion in combat. Aside from this, though, the game is very enjoyable and worthy of recognition.
Teleroboxer
Teleroboxer, a first-person boxing game, features the player controlling a robot that fights other robots to progress. The game is not easy to beat, and players should not expect to defeat their enemies with ease. This can be frustrating at times, but if players want to challenge themselves, Teleroboxer is an excellent title.
Enemy robots each have a unique design, which helps gameplay to feel less repetitive. The Virtual Boy's visual effects were only incorporated to a limited extent, but even so, Teleroboxer is a fun, albeit challenging, game.