The evolution of rain

Rain? Really? Are we that out of ideas?

Maybe. But also – shut up and show some respect. Rain is much more than a gimmicky graphical effect. Rain sets mood. Rain builds atmosphere. Rain convinces you that the make-believe world depicted on your screen is alive, cycling through stages of rebirth and regeneration just like our own. With videogames in particular, rain is an excellent way of revealing the technology of the time: early titles could barely render the extra layer of droplets, while modern titles are now producing fully automated meteorological weather systems.

Or perhaps I simply couldn't resist the phrase "April showers." (Because it's April!) Either way, enjoy watching the evolution of videogames (over 50 titles! over 25 years!) through this very watery lens, and bethankful I'm not planning something about "May flowers." Yet.

1984

Suspect
(PC)

1989

Continental Circus
(Commodore 64)

Ghouls 'N Ghosts
(Genesis)

1991

Mega Man 4
(NES)

Ninja Gaiden
(Lynx)

Rad Mobile
(Arcade)

1992

Sonic the Hedgehog 2
(Game Gear, Sega Master System)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
(SNES)

1993

The Fantastic Adventures of Dizzy
(Sega Master System)

Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck
(Genesis, Sega CD)

Streets of Rage 2
(Genesis)

1994

Super Metroid
(SNES)

Jazz Jackrabbit
(PC)

Donkey Kong Country
(SNES)

1995

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
(SNES)

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
(Arcade)