> 90s games were more advanced than 80s by a lot but still immediately competitive, no long story to get into, quick play, simple menu, no config, just straight into the game, same settings for everyone and 100% ability comparison. The high score thing grew into profiles with badges now and no one cares anymore.

> The creativity put into the games made them a cult too, I mean we are talking about a 1995 game in 2021. I think it is unique to its time, games like these define that 90s futuristic grunge subculture that lingered to show up in The Matrix although a bit modernized.

We're in a different era, different technology and culture conditions, etc. agreed—however I'll say that there are games which hit on these points, they're just not going to be in the same sentence as Mario Kart or Smash

e.g. Cruelty Squad [1], released this year: experimental art game, excellent mechanics—behind somewhat intentionally deceiving (postinternet?) aesthetics—maybe best described as quake-hitman-immersive-sim, building cult fanbase, suprisingly high reviews from mainstream for what it is [2][3]. (goty for me so far, actually)

[1] https://store.steampowered.com/app/1388770/Cruelty_Squad/

[2] https://www.polygon.com/reviews/22596014/cruelty-squad-immer...

[3] https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/cruelty-squad-revie...