In the spirit of our list making, I thought I would first break out my top 10 per console, system or whatever, assuming I have 10 games that I like (I'm talking to you Sega Saturn). Once I have that, I'll select from that and turn it all into my top 100 list. So without further ado here are the NES Titles.
10. Ironsword: Wizards and Warriors II
Wizards and Warriors was a solid action game, but it's sequel Ironsword took it to a whole different level. Throw in some magic, equipment upgrades, nice looking bosses and some giant animals asking for golden treasures and you've got not only one of the most improved sequels ever made, but an absolutely solid game for any 8-bit library. Plus, it may only be #10 on this list, but on the sexiest box art of all time list it's #1.
9. Super Mario Bros.
Let's face it, this is the game that brought Nintendo to show and most of us to Nintendo for that matter. It's legendary and deserves every bit of praise it gets. Almost everything I love about gaming is summed up in this game. Great controls, catchy music, chock full of secrets, and an absolutely whimsical nature.
8. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
Castlevania III's soundtrack alone is enough to get it on this list. I honestly don't think it was topped by any other 8 bit game. However besides it's much refined action from its predecessors it offers up multiple characters, multiple paths, and mulitple endings. All of that guarantees its a game you'll want to play multiple times through. Assuming you're not too much of a pussy and can complete it.
7. Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2 is an all-time classic and probably the game most responsible for the series' success thanks to the original's god awful box art. I remember seeing screenshots of this game prior to its release in a game magazine and being utterly confused. The box to the first game looked so bad.... and yet these graphics were amazing! How could this be. Turns out the game was even better than those scans. It was a touch on the easy side, but aside from that there was nothing but greatness from this game.
6. The Legend of Zelda
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WIthout question the Legend of Zelda was the first grand adventure for the NES, and for an entire generation of gamers. A giant overworld, 9 different labyrinths to explore, and the monsters. Soooo many different monsters. The only thing that out numbered them were the secrets that seemed to be hidden on every screen. And maybe the most amazing this is that the game still holds up even now. If you haven't played it before, grab a map of Hyrule (you'll need it) and maybe a sandwich an go on an adventure.
The first Zelda was amazing. Suck it, GG.
10 great Saturn games?!
...and those were just off the top of my head...
Sorry! Continue...!
You're not supposed to be commenting until the list is complete. You of all people know this!!!!
...but you didn't say not to...
Seems like I started a trend on this site...
5. River City Ransom
A 2-D brawler that was years ahead of its time. The RPG type stats and the ways to acquire new fighting moves wouldn't be seen in another brawler for years. Plus the setting and sense of humor that the translators added to it really make the game a lot of fun and put it miles beyond its contemporaries.
4. Dragon Warrior IV
Epic. That's what Dragon Warrior 4 was. An epic. A multi-chapter storyline that sprawled across a world and into the heavens . So big that would never see an equal in the 8-bit world. It was just a huge amazing experience. Not only was it huge, but it was all a quality experience. Sure there was grinding, but there so very much to see an experience in the game. It may have come at the very end of the NES' lifespan but there was no better way to close out the era.
3. The Magic of Scherazade
Much like Mega Man, Scherazade was a victim of bad box art. Unlike Mega Man, it never got a shot at redemption and it's a damn shame. Think if Chrono Trigger and the Legend of Zelda had a baby that was raised by an Arabian genie. Well, this would be it. Different worlds to explore, party members to recruit, class changes that affected your character in battle and helped in solving puzzles. It was incredible. Plus, it was a rare example of a game that uses Arabian mythos as a setting and that's always a bonus in my book.
2. Tetris
Better version of Tetris have come out with better controls and flashier graphics but guess what? None of them have song selection C, the greatest 8-bit tune ever composed. Plus it's classic Tetris action. It's just about impossible to find a better puzzle game and this version always holds a lot of good memories for me.
1. Super Mario Bros. 2
SMB2 is a dark horse Mario game for a lot of people. Not for me. This is THE Mario game for me. A crazy dream world, multiple characters with unique abilities, and the best boss battles that Mario would come across for years. And....... Shyguys!!!! This was the first game that introduced the concept of video game hype to me, and to this date its one of the few games that lived up to it. And you can argue with me all you like that SMB3 was better, but no way can anyone say that this game didn't have the best ending of any NES game.
I shouldn't have to. It's understood. It's okay you're forgiven.
And as far as the Saturn goes, I'm sure there were lots of great games on it. However I never played them, primarily because I got my Saturn several years after it was long dead. The console was cheap as dirt ($30 plus a half dozen games which all blew except for NiGHTS). Unfortunately at the time almost all the genuinally good games for the system were sky high in value. $75 to $200. So I never played a lot of the rare gems on the system due to that. And for that I blame Sega.
I find your lack of Star Tropics, disturbing.
I damn fine list.
Honorable mention?