The World Video Game Hall of Fame, part of The Strong National Museum of Play in New York, has selected four titles for its 2026 induction. The decision values their cultural impact, longevity, and global reach. The chosen ones are Dragon Quest, Silent Hill, FIFA International Soccer, and another title completing the quartet, all recognized for their contribution to the electronic entertainment industry.
Music and Atmosphere: The Technical Engine of Two Legends 🎵
Dragon Quest (1986) marked a milestone by treating video game music as serious art, thanks to the soundtrack by Koichi Sugiyama. On the technical side, Sugiyama composed orchestral pieces that elevated the RPG's narrative. Silent Hill (1999), on the other hand, used fog generated by the hardware limitations of the first PlayStation to create an oppressive atmosphere. Its graphics engine prioritized dynamic lighting and ambient sound, setting a standard in psychological horror.
FIFA and Its Competitors: The Goal That Knocked Out the Rest ⚽
FIFA International Soccer (1993) arrived and, without being the first football simulator, managed to make players worldwide forget that other alternatives like Sensible Soccer or Kick Off existed. EA Sports bet on official licenses and an isometric view that, for its time, seemed like magic. Ironically, today, three decades later, many long for that simplicity, while current titles seem more concerned with selling card packs than scoring goals.