Games Released in February 1996

123 new games debuted in February 1996, with PlayStation being the most active platform. February 1 was the busiest day, with 51 releases. Pokémon Red Version was the most popular release of the month.

Which days had the most releases?

February 1 saw the most activity with 51 releases.

51 releases

February 1

22 releases

February 23

13 releases

February 29

11 releases

February 16

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

Thu, Feb 1

51 releases

Fri, Feb 2

9 releases

Sat, Feb 3

2 releases

Sun, Feb 4

2 releases

Mon, Feb 5

No releases

Tue, Feb 6

2 releases

Wed, Feb 7

3 releases

Thu, Feb 8

8 releases

Fri, Feb 9

9 releases

Sat, Feb 10

1 release

Sun, Feb 11

No releases

Mon, Feb 12

4 releases

Tue, Feb 13

1 release

Wed, Feb 14

No releases

Thu, Feb 15

4 releases

Fri, Feb 16

11 releases

Sat, Feb 17

No releases

Sun, Feb 18

No releases

Mon, Feb 19

No releases

Tue, Feb 20

1 release

Wed, Feb 21

2 releases

Thu, Feb 22

2 releases

Fri, Feb 23

22 releases

Sat, Feb 24

No releases

Sun, Feb 25

1 release

Mon, Feb 26

2 releases

Tue, Feb 27

3 releases

Wed, Feb 28

1 release

Thu, Feb 29

13 releases

How did each week compare?

The first week of February was the busiest with 69 releases.

Week 1 (February 1–7)

69 releases

Most popular release in Week 1

Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara

Shadow over Mystara is a side-scrolling beat-'em-up with role-play elements that make it stand out from other similar games released at the time. In addition to the original four heroes found in its predecessor, Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom (Cleric, Dwarf, Elf and Fighter), Shadow of Mystara adds a Thief and a Magic-User to the selection. Furthermore, with the inclusion of two separate versions of each character's sprite set, the game allows up to two players to select the same character (in Tower of Doom each of the characters could only be selected once), effectively giving the game 12 "different" characters to choose from. The two Clerics and two Magic Users also have subtle differences within their spell books. The controls are using four buttons: Attack, Jump, Select (brings up a small inventory ring around the character allowing the player to choose what item is set in the Use slot) and Use. The Cleric, Elf and Magic-User also have two extra rings for their spells, with the Jump button used to switch from ring to ring. While the game uses the same kick harness as the previous game, the Select and Use buttons are reversed. Shadow over Mystara also introduced a selection of special moves which are executed by moving the joystick and tapping the buttons in certain combinations, in a way similar to the Street Fighter series. The characters (except for the Magic-User) have a Dashing Attack as well as a Rising Attack which can be used to combo monsters or even juggle them in the air. Most characters (again, with the exception of the Magic-User and also Cleric) also have a Megacrush, a move common to nearly all of Capcom side-scrollers, which damages all enemies standing close enough to the character but in turn also damaging the player themselves.

Week 2 (February 8–14)

23 releases

Most popular release in Week 2

Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom

Wing Commander 4 is one of the greatest space sims of all time, and some even consider it the greatest one of all. It is one of those games that did everything right. This is one of the few games that actually successfully manages to integrate a lot of FMV into the action, mostly because it uses trained film actors and directors. The combat is straightforward, fluid, and entertaining. The characters are as believable and memorable as they come. The orchestrated music -- just perfect. Finally, its enthralling story is both deep and plausible -- a combination that is often lost in modern games. There is simply no reason not to play this game and, once you do start playing, you will find it hard to think of a reason why you should stop.

Week 3 (February 15–21)

18 releases

Most popular release in Week 3

Soul Edge

Soul Edge is a 3D arcade fighting game and the first in the Soul series, it is one of the first 3D fighting game in history that place a particular emphasis on the story of the fighters. Each character have their own weapon, allowing for a wide range of play styles. The slower, longer ranged characters try to deliver their heavy blows from a distance whereas the quicker, faster characters try to get in as close as possible and deliver quick-hitting attacks.

Week 4 (February 22–28)

31 releases

Most popular release in Week 4

Pokémon Red Version

Pokémon Red, along with Pokémon Green, are the first video games in the Pokémon series of games. They are the first paired versions of Generation I. Developed over the course of several years, Red and Green established several standards for later Pokémon games and sequels. They take place in the Kanto region, with the player having to collect eight Gym Badges to become the Pokémon Champion while also completing the Pokédex by collecting all 151 Pokémon.

Week 5 (February 29–29)

13 releases

Most popular release in Week 5

Sid Meier's Civilization II

A turn-based strategy video game set around several different historic civilizations.

Which platforms saw the most releases?

PlayStation received 30 new titles in February 1996. The runner up was Sega Saturn with 28 new titles.

PlayStation30 releases

Sega Saturn28 releases

Arcade17 releases

PC15 releases

DOS12 releases

Satellaview12 releases

Super Famicom9 releases

PC-9800 Series6 releases

Philips CD-i6 releases

3DO Interactive Multiplayer5 releases

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in February 1996 with 32 titles. Shooter followed closely with 27.

Adventure32

Shooter27

Sport26

Arcade19

Simulator17

Puzzle16

Role-playing16

Strategy12

Fighting11

Visual Novel11

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