Classic Gaming: Top Ten NES Games

Shatterhand: A late 1991 release for the NES, Shatterhand is an underrated action title. Developed by the little-known Natsume, it is a side-scrolling game often overlooked in favor of other, more popular action games such as Double Dragon, River City Ransom, or Contra. The basis for the plot is somewhat typical, beat up the enemy to save the world. There is a twist, however. In order to gain the power to defeat these bad guys, the main character is given a pair of hands equipped to destroy anything. Taking place in the year 2030, medical technology has allowed for missing limbs to be replaced with cybernetic limbs. This technology is applied to military use, but a group called Metal Command make an army of cyborg soldiers intent upon taking over the world. Police Officer Steve Hermann attempts to stop a pair of these cyborgs, but fails and his hands and ribs are badly damaged as a result. Hermann is given an opportunity to combat evil when his body is repaired with the cybernetic technology. The storyline is not a large part of the quality of this game. The reason Shatterhand cracks the list of top ten NES games is the gameplay. The simplistic functions, entertaining levels, and ingenuity all combine for a top-notch gaming experience. The player has the ability to punch through walls and use a satellite robot, available to the character periodically, to take out enemies. For a NES game, the graphics are splendid. The background and the characters have a great amount of detail. Pulling a page from the Mega Man series, after the first "intro" stage, players are free to select between five areas. The design and difficulty for each of these areas vary enough that challenge and redundancy are not a problem.

The Legend of Zelda: This 1987 game started a phenomenon of action RPGs that lasted throughout the 2D gaming era. The popularity of the legend of zelda, and its hero Link, continue to soar despite being over two decades old. Most people would probably rate the Legend of Zelda higher, however, the first game is not the best in the series. It is better than the disappointing sequel on the NES, but if you are looking for the same quality of game found in the SNES, Link to the Past, or N64, Ocarina of Time, you will not find it. Of course, this game is very fun and challenging on its own right, but a number of other games for NES are better.

Dr. Mario: This game was born in 1990 out of the growing Super Mario fad and the mass interest in puzzles games like Tetris. One of the later releases for the NES, it provides hours of good entertainment playing as Dr. Mario trying to outsmart viruses. Although it is stamped with the face of Super Mario, it is difficult for younger children to grasp how the game is played or to stay patient enough to play a slower paced puzzle game. A better alternative for younger children is the faster paced, Yoshi game. Older children, teenagers, and adults, on the other hand, can enjoy the challenge of aligning the vitamins by color to take out the viruses. This is not simply a Tetris game with Super Mario printed on the box. The strategy involved manages to distance itself enough that it could stand strong alone, without Super Mario. Overtime, it can become repetitive, the same as with Tetris. However, with a bit of a break, it'll have you coming back for more.

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StarTropics: Developed by Nintendo and released in the U.S. for the NES in 1990, StarTropics is another action-adventure RPG, but this game is relatively unknown compared to the Legend of Zelda. Although it has not garnered the same level of respect, StarTropics uses a variety of innovations, mixing different types of gameplay, and a more interactive storyline to outduel LoZ. StarTropics is one of the most unique games for the NES, if not for any console. Mike, the main character must explore the tropical island game world to look for his missing uncle, equipped with a yo-yo. Mike's uncle, has been abducted by aliens and Mike will need the help of local people, dolphins, and a submarine to find him. The player will even get the chance to explore the inside of a whale. There is a notable problem with the game, however, for current players who have a used game. To complete the game, a letter from a character in the game was packaged with it. Getting a hold of this letter could prove very difficult, but websites such as GameFaqs can sufficiently substitute.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/843/843696p1.html

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Metroid: This action, side-scrolling platformer opened a world full of possibilities for future games. If not for the high popularity of the game, revealing that the main character is female would have been a spoiler. At the time of its release, no one would know until reaching the ending. Samus Aran, a bounty hunter enters the planet Zebes on a mission to take out Mother Brain. She is armed with a simple gun, but can acquire a variety of abilities such as the ice beam, or the iconic rolling up into a ball. The music is wonderfully paired with the environment although it uses only a few selections. Metroid provides a challenge that requires acute thinking along with skills for a fast paced action game. The introduction to the internet of websites such as GameFaqs takes a little away from the game. In the past, players would have to draw up maps to aid their quest and spend time looking for secrets that were necessary to complete the game.

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Excitebike: Compared to subsequent consoles, the sports and racing genre is lacking on the NES. However, Excitebike is one of the most memorable racing games to have ever been made. The red motorcycle and the tracks tinted with different colors is imprinted into the minds of many people. The best part of the game is the option to create your own race track. Given a set of obstacles to place onto an empty track, it allowed the player the freedom to challenge themselves, expanding the replay value exponentially. The cult following of Excitebike had spawned a very different, disappointing sequel for the N64 and a rejuvenating remake for the Wii. However, when it comes to motorcycle racing, the original Excitebike tops any more modern motorcycle game.

Mega Man 2: The first Mega Man game did not achieve the popularity that the series grew to become known for. From the intro scene, till the last boss is defeated, Mega Man 2 is the foundation for the popularity of this classic series that had 6 games on the NES. Mega Man 2 is the first game in the series to have eight robot masters. From the selection of NES games, Mega Man2 is most often regarded as the best Mega Man game. Mega Man 3 is also a very good choice, but it does not provide the same challenge as Mega Man 2, nor does it have the same sense of high-quality gameplay. A huge plus for Mega Man 2 is the soundtrack. The music used in the game is still highly respected even though the audio capability for the NES was very limited. It will give the player the impression that the fight against Dr. Wily must not fail. The game also has high replay value because of the challenge it presents. Even after beating the game on normal, the player can take on the difficult setting which alters the gameplay to a new level of challenge. The variety of levels is great, and the overall presentation is sculpted like a piece of art.

Ninja Gaiden 2: The first Ninja Gaiden game introduced gamers to Ryu Hayabusa and the Dragon Sword. It was one of the first games to incorporate visual cutscenes. This sequel improved upon everything from the first game. One of the best elements about Ninja Gaiden 2 is the combination of excellent gameplay and challenge. Adding to this, the suspenseful, action-packed cutscenes will keep players on edge. This game can be seriously frustrating at times, but this is not due to poor programing or unreasonably sadistic gameplay. The challenge allows the player to walk in the shoes of Hayabusa. Clearly, the task presented to Hayabusa is remarkably extreme, even for a ninja. Another added bonus for romantics, is the relationship between Ryu and Irene. Most games from this era merely hint at a relationship, but the cutscenes from Ninja Gaiden 1 and 2 allow for a great amount of characterization. It is almost like an RPG without the slow pace.

Super Mario Bros: No one can claim to be a "gamer" without having played this classic game at least once. Even among younger players and even non video game players, Super Mario is easily one of the most recognizable fictional characters to have been created for any medium. This is the game that started the craze, and with good reason. Although it is one of the older NES titles, it harbors a distinct feel which entices the player to come back again and again. Released all the way back in 1985, the game is still just as fun as twenty-five years ago.

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Super Mario Bros 3: SMB3 is a typical selection for a list of best NES games. It is one of the best selling games of all-time and ranks at the top of many lists of best all-time games. The graphics may seem dated to current generation gamers, but the excitement of taking down Bowser and saving the Princess can never get old. The ability to use a variety of suits, including the famous Tanooki suit, provides an experience different from other Super Mario games. Also, the challenge does not let down even veteran players. When the game was first released, it had been hyped by a movie, The Wizard, made solely for the publicity of Nintendo and this game. Never before, and never since has any game's marketing been dealt with in such a manner. SMB3 deserved the recognition. From what the original SMB started, SMB3 took to new heights. From what video games represented at the time, SMB3 molded a growing culture. For anyone who hasn't played this game, young or old, it is a must-play. And it is even better with two players!

Citations:

Farrelly, Joshua
Shatterhand (NES)

ConsoleClassix
Shatterhand

GameFaqs
Dr. Mario

Thomas, Lucas M.
StarTropics Review

GameFaqs
StarTropics

GameFaqs
Metroid

GameFaqs
Super Mario Bros