The Nintendo Entertainment System launched in North America on October 18, 1985, bringing with it a curated selection of titles that helped revitalize the video game industry. While many games from that era have aged into relics, a select few retain their luster, offering engaging gameplay and memorable experiences even today. Here are 10 NES games that are still worth playing from start to finish.
Ninja Gaiden
Publisher: Tecmo Released in 1988, Ninja Gaiden immediately captivated players with its blend of ninja action set in a contemporary urban environment, starring the agile hero Ryu Hayabusa. The game is renowned for its significant challenge, featuring bosses that attack with relentless speed and environmental hazards like precarious ledges. Despite its difficulty, Ninja Gaiden spawned two successful sequels and a modern revival. However, the original NES title remains the definitive starting point for the series.
Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse
Publisher: Konami While the Castlevania series boasts many acclaimed entries, Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, released in 1989, stands out for its comprehensive approach to the franchise's early development. It introduced a variety of playable characters and branching paths through its gothic landscapes, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different strategies and weapon combinations in its battles against supernatural foes.
The Legend of Zelda
Publisher: Nintendo First released in Japan in 1986 and arriving on the NES in North America in 1987, The Legend of Zelda offers a sprawling adventure where players guide Link through Hyrule. While initially appearing as a series of straightforward tasks, hidden tips from NPCs and the freedom to tackle dungeons in almost any order reveal its deeper complexity. Players can discover crucial gear to aid their quest to defeat Ganon and save the land, even revisiting areas to uncover new secrets.
Dragon Warrior 4
Publisher: Enix
Dragon Warrior 4, released in 1990, is a standout entry in the long-running Dragon Quest series. Its narrative structure is particularly noteworthy, dividing its initial half into distinct RPG scenarios featuring various characters before uniting them in the final chapter. The game’s expansive world map, ambitious storytelling, and technical prowess solidify its status as a memorable conclusion to the series on the 8-bit platform.
Kirby’s Adventure
Publisher: Nintendo
Following its Game Boy debut, Kirby arrived on the NES in 1993 with Kirby's Adventure, a more colorful and expansive experience. This title allows players to explore Dream Land, absorbing enemy abilities to gain new powers. It remains an accessible and charming entry point for those interested in the Kirby series' more recent installments, showcasing one of the character's earliest and brightest home console appearances.
Contra
Publisher: Konami Contra, released in 1988, is a relatively short game, making it an ideal candidate for a playthrough today, whether solo or with a co-op partner. While its stages can be unforgiving, the famous "Konami code" provides ample lives, allowing players to eventually reach the end and repel an alien invasion. Based on the arcade original, this first installment offers a pure and exhilarating experience.
Mega Man 2
Publisher: Capcom
Mega Man 2, from 1988, is a frequently cited favorite among the NES Mega Man installments. It is praised for its more streamlined design compared to later entries like Mega Man 3, which introduced new mechanics but also featured repetitive Doc Robot stages. Among the franchise's strong initial six NES titles, Mega Man 2 is often considered the most essential and replayable.
Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!
Publisher: Nintendo
Released in 1987, Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (later retitled Punch Out!! after a license expiration) is remembered for its memorable roster of international boxers, each with distinct personalities and attack patterns. Players control the diminutive Little Mac as he faces off against these opponents. The game provides a series of escalating challenges, from the initial bout with Glass Joe to the climactic fight against Tyson himself. Experienced players can complete the game quickly, but newcomers will find the investment rewarding.
DuckTales
Publisher: Capcom DuckTales, released in 1989, is celebrated for its high replayability and engaging level design. Players can tackle its five main stages in any order, exploring diverse locations like the Amazon, the Himalayas, and the Moon. The game is filled with secrets to uncover, making exploration a constant delight. While DuckTales Remastered offered a modern update, the original NES version remains a highly accessible and enjoyable experience, available as part of The Disney Afternoon Collection.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Publisher: Nintendo
Super Mario Bros. 3, from 1988, is widely regarded as a pinnacle of its generation, featuring a vast array of unique stages across eight worlds. Each world presents distinct challenges, from climbing cloud-top towers to swimming through underwater caverns and braving harsh deserts. The inclusion of airships, secret mushroom houses, and warp whistles contributes to its enduring appeal. Whether played through linearly or using shortcuts, the journey through the Mushroom Kingdom offers a consistently fantastic experience.
