Do you remember the days of blowing into cartridges, furiously tapping on the controller, and mastering the art of button mashing?
Look no further than the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the console that revolutionized the gaming industry and paved the way for modern gaming. From iconic classics to hidden gems, the NES has a vast library of games that have stood the test of time.
Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the best NES games of all time, from timeless favorites to cult classics that still hold a special place in our hearts.
Don’t have a NES to play these games? No problem, take a look at our guide to NES Emulators and play these on your modern system.
1. Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. for the NES is probably the most important video game of all time. It revolutionized the video game industry with its gameplay mechanics and level design. This game is also credited with revitalizing the video game industry after the video game crash of 1983.
The game features Mario, the Italian plumber, as he sets out to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. The gameplay is simple yet challenging, with players having to navigate through various levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and power-ups. The game’s tight controls and clever level design make it a joy to play even to this day, with players being able to discover new secrets and techniques even after decades of playing.
The significance of Super Mario Bros. in video game history cannot be overstated. It was the game that popularized the side-scrolling platformer genre and set the standard for future video games. The game’s success also helped to establish Nintendo as a dominant player in the video game industry, and it spawned a multimedia franchise that includes sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, and even a movie. The game’s influence can be seen in countless video games that followed it, with its impact still being felt in modern video games.
Finally, the music in Super Mario Bros. is legendary. The game’s soundtrack is composed by Koji Kondo, who created some of the most iconic video game music of all time. The game’s main theme is instantly recognizable and has become a cultural phenomenon, with countless covers and remixes being created by fans. The music in Super Mario Bros. is not just a catchy tune, but it also serves a gameplay purpose, with different musical cues indicating power-ups, danger, and progress. The music in Super Mario Bros. is a testament to the power of video game music and its ability to enhance the overall experience of playing a video game.
2. Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 is objectively the better game compared to the original. However, lists are mostly subjective, and Super Mario Bros.’s importance to the industry should catapult it to the star even at the expense of this game.
Released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros. 3 built upon the success of the original Super Mario Bros. game and expanded it in every way possible. The game introduced several new gameplay mechanics, power-ups, and enemies, but it was the level design that really set Super Mario Bros. 3 apart. Each level felt carefully crafted, with a unique theme, a clear objective, and a series of challenges that tested the player’s skills and creativity. The levels were also packed with secrets, hidden areas, and alternate paths, encouraging players to explore and experiment.
The impact of Super Mario Bros. 3 cannot be overstated. The game was a commercial and critical success, selling over 18 million copies worldwide and winning numerous awards. It helped cement Mario’s status as a video game icon and established the Super Mario franchise as one of the most successful and enduring in gaming history. Super Mario Bros. 3 also had a significant impact on the platformer genre, influencing countless games that followed in its footsteps. Its level design, in particular, has been studied and emulated by game designers for decades. The game’s legacy continues to this day, with re-releases on various platforms and a devoted fanbase that continues to discover new things about the game even after all these years.
Super Mario Bros. 3’s level design is nothing short of brilliant. Each level feels like a self-contained puzzle, with a clear goal and a series of obstacles to overcome. The game is full of memorable moments, like the first time you ride a flying carpet through a desert level, or the moment you discover that you can slide down slopes on ice levels. The game’s power-ups also play a key role in the level design, with each one opening up new possibilities and challenges. For example, the Tanooki Suit allows Mario to fly and turn into a statue, while the Hammer Suit lets him throw hammers and break blocks. The game’s difficulty curve is also expertly crafted, gradually ramping up the challenge while still being accessible to players of all skill levels. Overall, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a masterclass in level design and remains a shining example of what a great platformer can be.
3. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse
This is the first half of the metroidvania genre-starter. Konami’s Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest disappointed many fans of the original due to its RPG-flavored approach, but Konami redeemed itself with Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. This third installment brought back the standard action-platforming of the original while adding new twists such as the ability to control additional characters with unique powers, multiple paths to Dracula’s Castle, longer levels, and more challenging boss fights. The visuals are impressive, featuring backgrounds that exceed those of previous NES releases. The music is a mix of old and new, with some newer tracks being among the best-sounding NES titles ever crafted.
Dracula’s Curse is considered by many fans to be the best Castlevania title of them all due to its faithful adherence to the original gameplay while adding innovative twists. The longer levels and challenging boss fights require the player to rely less on special items and more on their skills, adding to the overall experience. The addition of multiple paths and unique characters with different powers increases the game’s replay value. The visuals and music are top-notch and showcase the capabilities of the NES hardware. Castlevania fans should not miss out on this amazing game that carries on the tradition set by the original title.
4. Metroid
It all makes sense that after the two pillar video games: the Super Mario Bros. titles, are the craze-maker where every game from then until now tries to emulate: metroidvania.
The original Metroid had indeed passed the test of time but only with a C minus. The game had a lot of frustrating elements that interfered with their enjoyment. While there were still aspects that set it apart from mediocre clones, like Legends of the Universe – Starcore, the game’s age was apparent.
The game started off rough, with Samus’s low health and limited range of the arm cannon requiring an upgrade just to shoot across the screen. Additionally, the inability to shoot diagonally or downward left the player vulnerable to cheap shots. The design of the game was especially egregious in that the first enemies encountered were out of Samus’s range due to the inability to crouch in the original Metroid. This lack of balance in the difficulty curve made the game more challenging at the start than at the end, with the exception of the final area.
5. The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda game series has managed to stand the test of time, despite being 34 years old. It captures all the essential elements of a classic LoZ game, including exploration, battle, and puzzles, while minimizing the frustrating aspects commonly found in NES games.
The game was designed to offer two distinct experiences on the new NES console. One would be a linear platforming game, such as Super Mario, while the other would require problem-solving and offer an open world, as in Legend of Zelda. Miyamoto, the creator of both franchises, drew from his childhood experiences to create an atmosphere that was perfect for exploration.
Initially, Legend of Zelda was a standalone game, but it has since spawned several other games that are all part of the same timeline. While each game has its own unique motifs, they are all part of the larger Zelda universe, which has been masterfully retconned to create an amazing narrative that is worth exploring.
6. Contra
This classic side-scrolling shooter that takes players back to the good old days of gaming in the 80s. In this game, you assume the role of a Rambo-esque soldier tasked with saving Earth from invading aliens. Your objective is simple: kill everything in sight using a variety of weapons while traversing through different stages, which range from lush jungle savannahs to dark and dreary alien bases, and even inside a giant alien.
While the gameplay primarily involves moving from left to right and shooting enemies, occasionally, the perspective switches to up and down, which adds an extra layer of challenge. Each new environment adds new elements to the gameplay, such as hiding in the water on the jungle stages.
The enemies you face vary in difficulty, with some being incredibly easy to defeat and others challenging you with different attack patterns. The bosses at the end of each stage are particularly tough, but beating them is essential to progress to the next level. You start with a machine gun, but you can upgrade to other weapons such as the Spread Gun and M-Gun. However, not all of the weapons are useful, and there’s no way to choose which weapon you want, which can be frustrating.
While the graphics were impressive for their time, they look dated now, with the same being true for the midi-based sounds and small explosion and ammunition-based sounds. Despite this, Contra is a must-play game for fans of side-scrolling shooters. While it’s not incredibly difficult, with an average player needing to use all the continues in the game to beat it, the game offers enough challenge to keep players engaged.
7. Excitebike
Older gamers will undoubtedly have fond memories of Excitebike, which was one of the original launch titles for the NES in 1985. Despite its age, this classic game still manages to retain its appeal and is worth purchasing for the Virtual Console. Although the presentation may not hold up quite as well, the game is still incredibly fun.
Excitebike is a side-scrolling racer where you must move between four lanes to avoid other bikes and obstacles. You can use ramps to jump and tilting forwards or backwards while in mid-air allows you to position yourself for a decent landing. You can even pop wheelies. The controls are simple: one button accelerates, while the other acts as a turbo. Be careful, though, as overusing it will cause your engine to overheat.
There are five tracks in total, and to progress from one track to the next, you need to finish in the top three against your opponents. Completing the game doesn’t take much practice, but it’s so much fun to play that you will probably want to come back and try to beat your best track times.
Unfortunately, there is no two-player option, but the game does include a track editor which offers a bit more long-term fun. The Virtual Console release is an improvement on the original, which didn’t let you save your creations.
8. Dragon Warrior IV
Dragon Warrior IV, is ranked number 1 in our best NES RPG list, was both a critical and commercial success, and is often regarded as one of the best RPGs ever made. It was commended for its innovative storytelling, party talk system, and diverse gameplay experiences. It also had a significant impact on the RPG genre, influencing future games like Final Fantasy IV and V, as well as other Dragon Quest titles. The game’s legacy can still be seen today, with the series continuing to be popular in Japan and gaining a growing following worldwide.
9. Duck Hunt
Duck Hunt is a shooting video game released on the NES platform in 1984 in Japan, the following year for the US, and 1987 for Europe. The game required the use of a light gun peripheral, the NES Zapper. It was primarily known in the US as part of a 2-in-1 cartridge with Super Mario Bros. and was sold with the console and the required Zapper. The game was re-released on the Wii U Virtual Console, using the original Wii remote in place of the Zapper.
The game’s premise is straightforward; ducks or clay pigeons appear on the screen, and players have to aim and shoot at them with the NES Zapper. The game features three modes, with varying numbers of targets appearing on screen simultaneously. Players must meet the minimum shooting requirement to progress to the next round. The game also features a sniggering dog, which appears out of the grass and serves as one half of the titular Duo in Smash.
The graphics are simple, brightly colored, and full of cartoony expressions, with limited sound effects and a catchy soundtrack.
10. Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario is a puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo. Released in 1990, it is a spin-off of the Super Mario Bros. series and features Mario as a physician who must eradicate deadly viruses with colored pills. The gameplay is simple yet addictive, as players must match the colors of the viruses with the corresponding colors of the pills to eliminate them from the screen.
Compared to the early Mario games, Dr. Mario is vastly different in terms of gameplay and mechanics. Instead of platforming and jumping, Dr. Mario is a puzzle game that requires strategic thinking and quick reflexes. However, it still retains the colorful graphics and upbeat soundtrack that the Mario series is known for. Overall, Dr. Mario is a fun and challenging puzzle game that stands out from the early Mario games in its unique gameplay.
11. Bomberman
Bomberman for the NES, released in 1985, is a classic action-packed game that is still loved by many gamers today. The game features a single-player campaign mode, as well as a multiplayer mode that allows up to two players to compete against each other.
One of the most impressive features of Bomberman is its password system. With this system, players can save their progress by entering a specific code, allowing them to continue their game later from where they left off. This was a significant technological advancement at the time, as it allowed players to take breaks from the game without having to start over from the beginning.
However, despite the password system, Bomberman is a notoriously difficult game. The game starts off easy enough, with players navigating through simple mazes and taking out enemies. But as the levels progress, the difficulty spikes, and players must navigate increasingly complex mazes filled with dangerous enemies and obstacles. This difficulty spike is especially noticeable in the later levels, making it a challenging game even for experienced players.
12. Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2 is a classic NES game that has stood the test of time. Released in 1988, the game improved upon its predecessor in every way possible. The controls are tight, the music is catchy, and the level design is excellent. The game features eight robot masters, each with their own unique abilities, and the player must defeat them in order to reach the final stages and face Dr. Wily.
One of the standout features of Mega Man 2 is its difficulty. The game is challenging, but not unfair. It rewards careful planning and precise execution, making it incredibly satisfying to play. The game also introduced the “E-tank” mechanic, allowing players to refill their health on demand, which helped balance out the difficulty.
Mega Man 2 is not a metroidvania like #3 and # on this list, Mega Man 2 is a much more linear experience. While there is some exploration involved in finding the robot master stages, the game is primarily focused on platforming and combat. The game is also more forgiving than most metroidvanias, as the player can continue from the beginning of any stage they have already cleared using the password system.
13. Punch Out!!
Punch Out!! Featuring Mr Dream is a classic boxing game that has stood the test of time. While many video game adaptations of the sport have fallen short, Punch Out!! remains a fan favorite. With extravagant opponents such as Soda Popinski, Super Macho Man, and King Hippo, the character design is a standout feature of the game.
What really sets Punch Out!! apart from other boxing titles is its tight and responsive interface, allowing for a range of moves and combos despite the limited NES pad. As you progress through the game, it transforms from a button-basher to a game of skill, timing, and intuition. It’s no wonder many fans consider this version to be better than the SNES one, and its influence on the gaming industry is undeniable.
This game is usually known as Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out. “Featuring Mr. Dream” is a re-release of the same game replacing the troubled boxer after some criminal charges.
14. Ninja Gaiden
Are you looking for a challenge that will test your skills and push you to the limit? Look no further than Ninja Gaiden. This game will throw everything it has at you, from relentless homing birds and pumpkin-headed stick throwers to machine-carrying soldiers and flying jet-pack ninjas.
Even Castlevania’s fleamen make an appearance, along with giant spike wheel throwers, sword-wielding knights, boxers, bazooka troopers, and falling ninjas. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’ll have to face cheetahs, gargoyle alligators that shoot fireballs, and even your own father! It’s a non-stop onslaught that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you breathless.
15. Kirby’s Adventure
Released in 1993, Kirby’s Adventure was a game that pushed the limits of the NES hardware, delivering a refreshing platforming experience. Kirby, the lovable pink puffball, sets out on a mission to restore order to the kingdom by defeating the mischievous King Dedede, who has stolen the Star Rod. Along the way, Kirby can suck up and consume his enemies, allowing him to use their special abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat bosses.
This game features innovative boss battles, a unique weapons system, and multiple worlds with different stages. While it may not be the most challenging 2D platformer, completionists will enjoy uncovering every hidden room and switch to unlock the special ending. Kirby’s Adventure is still a joy to play today and is well worth the 500 Wii points for a trip down memory lane.
16. TwinBee
TwinBee is a classic vertical scrolling shooter game for the NES that was released in 1985. Despite being relatively obscure, it’s definitely one of the best shoot-em-up games for the console. One of the standout features of this game is its incredible music; it’s catchy and upbeat, making it the perfect background for blasting enemies out of the sky.
The weapon system in TwinBee is also really interesting. Rather than just picking up power-ups, you have to shoot clouds to uncover bells, which you then have to catch to get upgrades to your weapons. It adds an extra layer of strategy to the game and keeps things interesting.
TwinBee also has a unique multiplayer system that allows two players to take on the game at the same time. While this was a common feature in many NES games, it’s especially fun in TwinBee because players can combine their ships into one more powerful one, which can lead to some really exciting gameplay moments.
The gameplay in TwinBee is solid and it’s definitely challenging, but it’s not too difficult to pick up and play. While it might not have the same level of depth as some other shoot-em-up games, it’s still a lot of fun to play and has some great replay value.
17. Battle City
While the single-player campaign is engaging, the true star of the game is the multiplayer mode. Playing with a friend or family member adds a whole new level of excitement to the already intense tank battles. The ability to work together to strategically take down enemy tanks or compete against each other to see who can survive the longest provides endless hours of fun. The only downside is that the multiplayer mode is limited to two players, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the best multiplayer experiences on the NES.
18. DuckTales
DuckTales is a classic NES platformer that stands out among its peers due to its exceptional production value. The graphics and sound are some of the best the system has to offer, with vibrant colors and catchy music that perfectly capture the whimsical nature of the Disney cartoon. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing for precise movements and jumps as you navigate through levels inspired by the show’s iconic locations.
Compared to other platformers of the era, DuckTales shines in its attention to detail and its faithful adaptation of the source material. It’s clear that Capcom put a lot of effort into creating a game that would please both fans of the show and NES gamers in general. While some may find the difficulty level a bit steep, the overall quality of DuckTales makes it a must-play for anyone looking for a top-tier NES platformer.
19. Arkanoid
Arkanoid is a game that’s easy to pick up, but difficult to put down. The simple concept of using a paddle to hit a ball up towards blocks might not sound like much, but it quickly becomes an addictive experience. As you progress through the levels, the game introduces new challenges such as different types of blocks and power-ups to help you on your journey. The gameplay is so satisfying that it’s easy to lose track of time and keep playing for hours on end.
One of the great things about Arkanoid is that the difficulty is just right. It starts off easy enough to allow players to get used to the mechanics, but as you progress, it becomes increasingly challenging. However, even when you fail a level, it never feels unfair or impossible. It’s always just a matter of improving your skills and learning from your mistakes.
20. Circus Charlie
Circus Charlie is a charming game that captures the spirit of the circus with its five entertaining stages. As an action-platformer, it successfully blends the best elements of both genres, delivering a fun and addictive gameplay experience. The game’s graphics may be simplistic, but they are colorful and lively, perfectly capturing the excitement of the circus performances. The cheering audience and background elephants are a nice touch, and the musical tracks are catchy and enjoyable.
The controls may take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of them, the game becomes a joy to play. Each stage presents unique challenges, such as jumping over burning pots and through flaming rings while riding a lion in the first stage, or walking a tightrope and avoiding monkeys in the second stage. The difficulty gradually ramps up as the game progresses, with rolling balls, trampolines, and trapeze making for some seriously challenging gameplay. Fortunately, there’s a “mode B” for those who want to start in hard mode, and two-player modes for some friendly competition.
Despite being released in 1984, Circus Charlie doesn’t feel dated at all. The game’s simple but effective gameplay and charming visuals make it a classic that stands the test of time. It may not have Super Mario Bros. controls, but the game’s unique jumping mechanics add to its charm and make it stand out from other platformers of the era. So, if you’re looking for a fun and addictive game that captures the magic of the circus, look no further than Circus Charlie.
21. 1943: The Battle of Midway
1943: The Battle of Midway is an intense and addictive shooter game that remains fun to play even in the 21st century. While it is not a realistic portrayal of World War 2 air combat, it offers a thrilling experience with its armada of heavily-armed ships and warplanes supplemented by smaller aircraft. With 24 stages to dodge and weave through, the game gradually becomes more challenging, and you will find yourself holding your breath as you navigate through a gauntlet of bullets.
The boss confrontations are also a highlight of the game, with each encounter feeling unique and challenging. The game’s graphics and soundtrack may be described as ‘efficient,’ but this doesn’t detract from its addictiveness. 1943: The Battle of Midway is one of those games where a ‘Game Over’ screen is never the end, and there’s always something new to experience. It’s no wonder why this game has stood the test of time and remains a classic NES shooter that many gamers still enjoy playing today.
