1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
It’s impossible to talk about the NES without starting with Super Mario Bros., the game that put Nintendo on the map globally. Developed by Shigeru Miyamoto, this platformer introduced us to Mario, the plucky Italian plumber, and his quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of Bowser.
Why It Was Popular
- Groundbreaking Gameplay: With side-scrolling mechanics, hidden secrets (hello, warp zones!), and power-ups like the Super Mushroom, the game felt fresh and exciting.
- Iconic Music: Koji Kondo’s upbeat theme song is one of the most recognizable pieces of video game music.
- Pack-in Game: Bundled with the NES in many regions, it became a household staple.
Legacy
Super Mario Bros. wasn’t just a game; it was the blueprint for countless platformers that followed. Its influence is felt even today in games across genres.
2. The Legend of Zelda (1986)
If Super Mario Bros. was the NES’s heart, The Legend of Zelda was its soul. This adventure game introduced players to the vast world of Hyrule, filled with dungeons, puzzles, and treasures.
Why It Was Popular
- Freedom to Explore: Unlike linear games of the time, Zelda allowed players to roam freely and tackle challenges in (almost) any order.
- Battery Save: A first for consoles, the game included a battery backup that let players save their progress.
- Mythical Storytelling: The story of Link, Princess Zelda, and Ganon resonated deeply with players.
Legacy
Zelda redefined what video games could be—immersive, challenging, and deeply rewarding. It’s the foundation of an iconic franchise that continues to thrive.
3. Metroid (1986)
A dark, atmospheric journey through the alien world of Zebes, Metroid introduced players to Samus Aran, one of gaming’s first female protagonists.
Why It Was Popular
- Atmosphere: The eerie music and sprawling, interconnected map created a sense of isolation and mystery.
- Exploration: With power-ups that unlocked new areas, Metroid was one of the first games to emphasize "backtracking" as a core mechanic.
- Surprise Ending: Revealing that Samus was a woman blew players’ minds in an era of male-dominated protagonists.
Legacy
Metroid laid the groundwork for the "Metroidvania" genre, inspiring countless games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Hollow Knight.
4. Duck Hunt (1984)
Who doesn’t remember pointing the NES Zapper at their TV screen and taking aim at those pesky ducks? Duck Hunt was simple yet endlessly entertaining.
Why It Was Popular
- Accessibility: It was easy to pick up and play, appealing to gamers and non-gamers alike.
- Technology: The NES Zapper was a marvel, making the game feel interactive in a way that was novel for the time.
- The Dog: Love him or hate him, the snickering dog is etched in gaming history.
Legacy
Duck Hunt demonstrated the potential of peripherals in gaming, paving the way for innovations like the Wii Remote and VR controllers.
5. Mega Man 2 (1988)
The Mega Man series is synonymous with challenging gameplay, and Mega Man 2 is often regarded as its pinnacle. With tight controls, inventive bosses, and memorable music, it’s a quintessential NES experience.
Why It Was Popular
- Robot Masters: Defeating each boss and acquiring their powers added a unique layer of strategy.
- Difficulty: Tough but fair, it was immensely satisfying to conquer.
- Soundtrack: The tunes are still considered some of the best in gaming.
Legacy
Mega Man 2 solidified the Blue Bomber’s status as an NES icon and established conventions that the series follows to this day.
6. Contra (1987)
"Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start." If you know that code, you’re a true NES fan. Contra was the ultimate run-and-gun action game for the system.
Why It Was Popular
- Two-Player Co-op: Gaming with a friend was half the fun.
- Challenge: Without the Konami Code, the game’s difficulty was legendary.
- 80s Action Vibes: Its aesthetic drew inspiration from movies like Predator and Aliens.
Legacy
Contra became a staple of the co-op shooter genre, with sequels and spinoffs keeping the series alive for decades.
7. Punch-Out!! (1987)
Step into the boxing ring with Little Mac in Punch-Out!!, a game that combined sports action with puzzle-like gameplay.
Why It Was Popular
- Colorful Opponents: Memorable characters like King Hippo and Bald Bull made every match unique.
- Timing-Based Gameplay: Success relied on reading patterns and reacting quickly.
- Mike Tyson: The original version featured the heavyweight champion himself, adding star power.
Legacy
Punch-Out!! remains a beloved series, with its unique blend of humor and challenge standing the test of time.
8. Castlevania (1986)
The Belmont family’s battle against Dracula began with Castlevania, a gothic action-platformer dripping with atmosphere.
Why It Was Popular
- Dark Aesthetic: It was one of the first games to embrace a horror-inspired setting.
- Whip Mechanics: The Vampire Killer whip was both a weapon and a tool for exploration.
- Challenging Bosses: From Medusa to Frankenstein, the enemies were as iconic as the setting.
Legacy
Castlevania became a cornerstone of gaming, influencing genres from platformers to RPGs.
9. Final Fantasy (1987)
The NES brought Final Fantasy, Square’s role-playing masterpiece, to life. Its epic story and innovative mechanics were groundbreaking.
Why It Was Popular
- Turn-Based Combat: Strategic and methodical, it rewarded planning over reflexes.
- Rich World: The game’s story and lore drew players into a fully realized fantasy realm.
- Customizable Party: Choosing your team’s composition added replayability.
Legacy
Final Fantasy’s success ensured the survival of its developer, Square, and launched one of gaming’s most enduring franchises.
10. Excitebike (1984)
Excitebike brought motocross excitement to the NES with its unique track editor and exhilarating gameplay.
Why It Was Popular
- Simple Controls: Easy to pick up but hard to master.
- Track Design: Players could create and race on their own courses.
- Replayability: Every race felt different, especially with the track editor.
Legacy
Excitebike showcased the potential of user-generated content, an idea that would flourish in later games.
Conclusion
The NES wasn’t just a gaming console; it was a cultural landmark. These games represent the best of that era, blending innovation, challenge, and charm. Each title on this list has left an indelible mark on gaming history, inspiring generations of developers and players.
Whether you spent countless hours blowing on cartridges or are discovering these classics for the first time, the legacy of these NES gems endures.
Which of these games were your favorites? Let us know in the comments, and share your fondest NES memories!