The Nintendo Entertainment System had its heyday in the ’80s. Arising from the ashes of the decade’s video game crash as a rebranding of Japan’s Family Computer, or Famicom, the NES saw a slew of popular releases that helped shape gaming as it is known today.
By the ’90s, Nintendo had moved on to the SNES, which was technologically superior to the NES. However, the elder console continued to see memorable releases. These include the likes of Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers.
Battletoads Is Better in Single-Player
Players should approach Battletoads with an open mind. They should forgo the game’s infamous multiplayer mode, which is rife with friendly fire and accidental deaths. Meanwhile, the single-player mode, while no less hard, helps one appreciate the game’s surprisingly great graphics and gameplay.
Here, Rash and Zitz need to rescue Pimple, the third member of the titular Battletoads. He has been kidnapped by the vindicative Dark Queen, who has also captured a damsel: Princess Angelica. With its exciting soundtrack and challenging yet enjoyable levels, Battletoads has everything it needs to keep players engaged.
Tecmo Super Bowl Is the NES’s Best Third-Party Sports Game
Sports video games were never a particularly niche genre, but it didn’t truly hit its stride until the release of Tecmo Super Bowl for the NES in 1991. Featuring contemporary NFL players like Jim Kelly, Randall Cunningham, and Bernie Kosar, Tecmo Super Bowl has gamers try to lead their team to victory.
More than other sports video games of the era, the title made good use of the NFL license, bringing some of the NFL’s greatest players to the roster. It helped set the stage for later football video games, including the John Madden series.
Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers Is Better Than DuckTales
Capcom was on a roll during the NES era, especially when it came to Disney games. After the memorable DuckTales, Capcom made Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, based on the animated show of the same name. The titular Rescue Rangers appear to be rescuing a missing kitten, but this may be a ruse that lets the real villains strike.
As great as Capcom’s DuckTales might’ve been, Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers is even better on so many levels. This is thanks to its co-op, with players able to assist each other in taking down enemies.
Castlevania III Is One of the Greatest and Hardest NES Games
Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse is one of the best Castlevania games and, paradoxically, one of the hardest installments in the franchise. It sees Alucard, Dracula’s estranged son, Sypha Belnades, and Grant Danasty working with main protagonist Trevor Belmont to help bring down Dracula once more.
As alluded to, Castlevania III is more punishing than necessary because of unforeseen death traps that players won’t be able to detect until it’s too late. However, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience, and the game is elevated by its unique level designs and epic soundtrack.
Dragon Warrior IV Marked the 8-Bit Peak for the Series
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, originally released in the U.S. as Dragon Warrior IV, is set over the span of five chapters. Each chapter introduces a new character whose party confronts major threats until they unite to defeat a pervasive force threatening the world.
If not for the grand narrative structure, Dragon Quest IV is well regarded for its gameplay in general. When it comes to battles, players can assign “Tactics” to party members to dictate how they behave in battle. During normal exploration, the game world is as expansive as an NES RPG can get.
Final Fantasy Was Only the Beginning of an RPG Legend
Final Fantasy was meant to be Square’s final video game, but by a stroke of luck, it turned out to mark the start of the company’s biggest franchise ever. The game follows the Warriors of Light as they attempt to defeat the Elemental Fiends, who have dimmed crystals in order to facilitate their takeover of the world.
The first Final Fantasy game is one of the best RPGs on the NES, and it doesn’t take much to see why that is. With its exciting boss fights, which place enemies on one side of the screen and the player’s party on the other, Final Fantasy set a new standard for the genre.
Kirby’s Adventure Is a Step up From Its Predecessor
Whereas Kirby’s Dream Land for Game Boy was meant to be a platformer for beginners, Kirby’s Adventure for NES was designed to help players expand their platforming skills. Kirby’s Adventure sees the titular rounded pink hero traversing through Dream Land to fix the Star Rod, stolen and broken by King Dedede.
Kirby’s Adventure is much larger in scope compared to its predecessor, and a lot more enjoyable as well. One notable and cherished addition is copy abilities. Kirby can absorb specific enemies in order to gain their powers, which has since become his signature power.
Mega Man 3 Is the Great Middle Mega Man Experience
Mega Man 3 was the first of four NES Mega Man titles released in the ’90s. The game sees Dr. Light and his creations, including Mega Man, taking on Dr. Wily once again. Dr. Wily lied about being reformed, and has created new robots that could help his plans for world domination.
Mega Man 3 may not be as expansive as the later NES Mega Man games, but it didn’t need to be. All it had to do was provide players with some of the most impressively challenging levels and some of the best boss fights in the franchise’s history. Thankfully, Mega Man 3 does jsut that, making for the greatest middle Mega Man experience.
Ninja Gaiden II Is the Ultimate NES Skills Test
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is set a year after the events of the first Ninja Gaiden game. A new threat looms over the world, with Ashtar, who is emperor of the Realm of Darkness, seeking to avenge Jaquio’s defeat. It is up to the expert ninja Ryu Hayabusa to stop Ashtar’s dastardly plans.
The first Ninja Gaiden game might’ve been incredibly challenging, but it’s nothing compared to Ninja Gaiden II, which requires the player’s full attention. Despite its difficulty, or even because of it, players will remain deeply engaged from beginning to end.
Super Mario Bros. 3 Is the Greatest NES Game Ever Made
Super Mario Bros. 3 was first released in Japan in 1988, received public exposure in the U.S. in 1989 via The Wizard movie, and finally came to North America in 1990. The game sees Mario traversing through eight worlds, each with their own terrain and hazards. Once again, this is all to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser.
If there’s any NES game better than The Legend of Zelda, it would be Super Mario Bros. 3, by many miles. The game isn’t just the best NES game ever made; it set the template for all future 2D platformers. With its fast platforming mechanics, variety of power-ups, and great level designs, no other NES game can beat Super Mario Bros. 3.
