Okay, let’s dive into the best Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games! This is a highly subjective topic, but I’ll give you a breakdown, categorized for different tastes, with explanations of why they’re great. I’ll also give a little “vibe check” – what kind of player would enjoy it. I’ll aim for a mix of iconic, influential, and just plain fun. I’ll also give a rough idea of difficulty (1-5, 1 being easy, 5 being brutal).
Important Note: Availability and price of original cartridges can vary wildly. Many of these are readily available on the Nintendo Switch Online service, which is a fantastic way to experience them.
I. The Absolute Must-Plays (The Hall of Fame)
These are the games that defined the NES and gaming in general. If you’re going to play a handful of NES games, start here.
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988/1990 US) – Difficulty: 3/5
Widely considered the pinnacle of 2D Mario. Incredible level design, a huge variety of power-ups (Tanooki Suit!), secrets galore, and a charming world. It’s just polished.
- Vibe Check: Anyone who likes platforming, exploration, and a sense of accomplishment.
- The Legend of Zelda (1986/1987 US) – Difficulty: 4/5
A groundbreaking action-adventure game. Open world (for the time), exploration, dungeons, puzzles, and a compelling story. It’s a bit cryptic by modern standards, but that’s part of the charm.
- Vibe Check: Players who enjoy exploration, puzzle-solving, and a sense of mystery. Those who don’t mind a bit of trial and error.
- Metroid (1986/1987 US) – Difficulty: 4/5
Another genre-defining game. Non-linear exploration, a lonely atmosphere, and a focus on power-ups and upgrades. It’s a precursor to the “Metroidvania” genre.
- Vibe Check: Players who like exploration, a sense of isolation, and a bit of a challenge.
- Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (1989/1990 US) – Difficulty: 5/5
A notoriously difficult but incredibly rewarding action platformer. Multiple playable characters, branching paths, and a gothic atmosphere.
- Vibe Check: Masochists. Just kidding (sort of). Players who love a serious challenge and appreciate precise platforming.
- Mega Man 2 (1988/1989 US) – Difficulty: 4/5
Tight platforming, memorable boss battles (each with a weakness to exploit), and a fantastic soundtrack. It’s the game that really cemented the Mega Man formula.
- Vibe Check: Players who like action, challenging boss fights, and a sense of progression.
II. Action & Platforming Greats
These games are all about fast-paced action and skillful platforming.
- Contra (1987/1988 US) – Difficulty: 4/5
Run-and-gun action at its finest. Co-op play is legendary. It’s relentlessly challenging, but incredibly satisfying.
- Vibe Check: Players who want pure, adrenaline-fueled action. Co-op fans.
- Ninja Gaiden (1988/1989 US) – Difficulty: 5/5
Another brutally difficult action platformer. Fast-paced combat, cinematic cutscenes (for the time), and a ninja protagonist.
- Vibe Check: Players who thrive on challenge and appreciate a stylish aesthetic.
- Kirby’s Adventure (1993) – Difficulty: 2/5
A colorful and charming platformer. Kirby can copy abilities from enemies, leading to a lot of variety. A good entry point for younger players or those new to the NES.
- Vibe Check: Players who want a more relaxed platforming experience with a lot of charm.
- DuckTales (1989) – Difficulty: 3/5
Surprisingly good platformer based on the cartoon. Scrooge McDuck’s pogo jump is iconic.
- Vibe Check: Fans of the cartoon, players who like exploration and collecting.
III. RPGs & Strategy
The NES had some surprisingly deep RPGs.
- Final Fantasy (1987/1989 US) – Difficulty: 3/5
The game that launched a legendary series. Classic turn-based RPG combat, character customization, and a sprawling story.
- Vibe Check: Players who enjoy turn-based combat, character progression, and epic stories.
- Dragon Warrior (1986/1987 US) – Difficulty: 3/5
Another foundational RPG. Simpler than Final Fantasy, but still engaging.
- Vibe Check: Players who want a more streamlined RPG experience.
- Crystalis (1990) – Difficulty: 3/5
Action RPG with a unique setting and interesting combat system.
- Vibe Check: Players who like action RPGs with a bit of a story.
IV. Sports & Racing
- Tecmo Bowl (1987/1988 US) – Difficulty: 2/5
A classic football game. Simple but addictive gameplay.
- Vibe Check: Football fans, players who like arcade-style sports games.
- Excitebike (1984/1986 US) – Difficulty: 3/5
A surprisingly deep racing game. Track editor is a highlight.
- Vibe Check: Racing fans, players who like customization.
V. Unique & Underrated Gems
- Bionic Commando (1988/1989 US) – Difficulty: 4/5
A unique action game where you swing around using a bionic arm.
- Vibe Check: Players who want something different and challenging.
- Blaster Master (1988/1989 US) – Difficulty: 3/5
A mix of top-down shooting and side-scrolling platforming. You control a tank!
- Vibe Check: Players who like a variety of gameplay styles.
- Bubble Bobble (1986/1987 US) – Difficulty: 2/5
A charming and addictive puzzle-platformer. Co-op play is a blast.
- Vibe Check: Players who like puzzle games and co-op experiences.
Where to Play
- Nintendo Switch Online: The best and most affordable way to play a large library of NES games.
- Original Hardware: If you’re a collector, playing on original NES consoles is the authentic experience.
- Emulators: Legal to use if you own the original game.
This is just a starting point, of course. The NES has a huge library, and there are many other great games to discover. I hope this list gives you a good foundation for exploring this classic console! Let me know if you have any specific genres or preferences, and I can give you more tailored recommendations.