The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) undoubtedly revitalized the US video game industry with its launch in 1985, quickly becoming the best selling console of its time and restoring faith in the minds of consumers as well as developers. As a result, some truly magnificent games came out for the system that shaped game design for years to come, and some are thought of as classics.
But which ones are classics? I'd like for you to comment which 10 (or less) NES games you think are deserving of the title, and (if you'd like) why. Here's my list (not in any particular order):
Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo)
Perhaps an obvious choice, but also an essential one. Super Mario Bros. was the killer app of the NES, and popularized the platforming genre. Sidescrollers thereafter followed its example, rendering it as one of the most iconic and influential video games of all time.
The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo)
Like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda was one of the first in its genre. Being the first NES title to sell over 1 million copies, it spawned an enormously successful and cherished franchise that is still celebrated to thsi day.
Final Fantasy (Square)
Generally regarded as one of the most successful and influential RPGs on the NES, it played a crucial role in popularizing the genre. Praised for its graphics and class system, it pushed the system to its limits and paved the way for the future of a huge series.
Dragon Quest (Enix)
Much like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest helped shape the RPG genre. Basing most of its popularity in Japan, it became the foundation for nearly every game in the genre, from gameplay to narrative.
Castlevania (Konami)
Castlevania is typically noted as one of the NES' most atmospheric and challenging games. It's often praised for its difficulty, visuals, gameplay and soundtrack, being thought of as a more 'adult' experience.
Metroid (Nintendo)
At the time, Metroid was lauded for being one of the few video games to feature a female protagonist. Aside from that, critics and fans alike adored its emphasis on exploration and the search for powerups, influencing other games as well as becoming a speedrun favorite.
Mega Man (Capcom)
Being the first of over 50 games on a variety of systems, Mega Man quickly became Capcom's most prolific franchise. Known for its innovative weapon-based platforming gameplay and amazing music, Mega Man became a sleeper hit overseas by word of mouth and went on to be one of the most iconic platforming series in gaming.
Ninja Gaiden (Tecmo)
Renowned for its elaborate story and use of anime cutscenes, Ninja Gaiden won numerous awards from video game magazines and is often described as one of the best arcade-styled games ever made.
Battletoads (Rare)
Outside of its popularity as a meme on the internet, Battletoads is famous for its extreme difficulty as well as being one of the most graphically demanding games on the NES.
Metal Gear (Konami)
Being the first of a series to popularize the action-adventure stealth genre, Metal Gear was noted for its unique gameplay and out-of-the-box mechanics.
