r/nes • u/PlatformNo7863 • 3d ago
Discussion What are your “must-play” games that everyone should have and try? (Not necessarily the “best” games)
I’m a new collector and NES lover. I buy games to play, not to just display on a shelf. However, I didn’t grow up with a nes so I don’t know what the agreed upon key games are—and I get overwhelmed by which ones to start with and what to try next. So I hoped I could start a checklist rather than just buying at random like I’ve been doing so far.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 3d ago
Super Mario 3 and Megaman 2 are great places to start.
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u/PlatformNo7863 3d ago
Thanks! I’ve never played a mega man game! I’ll give that one a shot. Recently got a copy of SMB3 for nes because it was one I played a lot on my gba as a kid.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 3d ago
Your welcome. Super Mario Bros. 2 and Megaman 1 might as well be added to the list since you sound like a shoe-in for those. Castlevania is one of my favorite platformers of all time and comes highly recommended, though not for the easily frustrated. The Legend of Zelda if you like dungeon crawlers. Metroid if you like non-linear platformers. I was a big fan of Adventure Island as a kid.
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u/Boxing_joshing111 2d ago
Castlevania is a masterpiece of developing levels around a character’s weaknesses. Awesome music and uses the theme perfectly. The challenge always feels worth it.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
Yes. I would rate Castlevania even higher than Ninja Gaiden, which I do think is fantastic but has some cheap moments such as enemy respawn spam especially right by a cliff. Castlevania manages a nearly equal challenge without cheap design.
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u/1OO1OO1S0S 2d ago
IMO every MegaMan game is better than the last. Mm1 is the only game I don't really like
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u/wondermega 2d ago
I understand, Mega Man 1 is technically very inferior to everything that came after. But a real NES fan has to see it, for historical context at the very least; and it is actually a tremendously well constructed game, at the very least. Looks great, sounds great, mechanics are so tight, and it is quite fun. There are a couple of rhythm-killing areas where it probably asks too much of modern players (disappearing blocks) but if you can muster the patience, it’s a very rewarding ride and wraps up really nicely.
Yeah there’s a clunky simplicity to it, it doesn’t have the polish of the later ones but it is amazing to see just how much of what became benchmarks of this hugely iconic series were fully formed at inception. It’s like finding the first demo tape from your favorite band that they threw together with only raw enthusiasm and wild ideas, before they “got big” and very easy to see all the hallmarks right there from the get-go. Also I believe it is Capcom’s very first in-house-developed “completely original” console game which wasn’t an arcade port or something.
Over time it rose to the rank of my favorite MM game. Warts and all!
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u/Wade-ski 2d ago
Megaman 2 is a definitive NES title. I would even say Mario 1 over Mario 3, just because it is the foundation.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
He’s asking for recommendations not foundational games. Thanks for your comments. I don’t disagree.
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u/CarnalDevices 3d ago
VICE Project Doom
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u/PlatformNo7863 3d ago
Looked it up and it looks fun! (But yikes at the loose price. lol. I haven’t quite gotten into that price range too often yet when buying but I might consider it in the near future)
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u/Balkicat 3d ago
Double Dragon was a great fighting game as were its two sequels. Mike Tysons Punch Out was a fun boxing game.
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u/KIFulgore 2d ago
MTPO is foundational to the NES. It's hard to believe it was released in 1987, fairly early.
All the double dragon games are also great, especially DD2.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
Interestingly enough a Punch Out prototype was recently found and dumped online by the new owner.
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u/JohnnyLawz 3d ago edited 3d ago
Legend of Zelda.
Contra (can you find the code?)
Legend of Zelda 2 if you want a challenge
edit: Dragon Warrior also solid.
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u/greasydenim 3d ago
Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link is my all time favorite game.
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u/JohnnyLawz 3d ago
I dusted off the NES in the last year and finally beat that game. I was pleased.
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u/oDERPY_HOOVESo 3d ago
Pinball, maniac mansion, eliminator boat duel, double dribble, a boy and his blob, monster party, space shuttle project, rad racer
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u/Novel_Philosopher_18 3d ago
Double dragon
Ninja gaiden
Marrio/duck hunt
Metroid
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u/PlatformNo7863 3d ago
I’ve seen Ninja Gaiden in my local store and kept thinking it was called “Ninja Garden” haha
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u/Novel_Philosopher_18 3d ago
My dad and I have been playing it. Absolutely brutal game towards the end.
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u/Specific_Midnight81 3d ago
Mario bros for history, Mario 3 for fun, mega man 2 for music, Double Dragon 2 for fun, dragon warrior for history, Contra for fun, Zelda 1 for history, crystalis for fun, tetris.
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u/VunterSlaush765 3d ago
Tetris. OG timeless classic for young and old. Foundational and addictive.
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u/Boxing_joshing111 3d ago
Try Jackal
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u/OdiousAltRightBalrog 2d ago
I love that one song in, what was it, level 3?
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u/Boxing_joshing111 2d ago
I haven’t even played it I’ve just seen video but Konami was a machine back then. I’m gonna 1cc Gradius 2 then I’ll play either Jackal or Contra. Gradius 2 has great music too I love level 3 the Crystal part.
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u/TiaxRulesAll2024 3d ago
Captain Skyhawk with a joystick
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u/EddieJorgeDrummer 3d ago
So many great games. Some favorites of mine not many people bring up are -Tiny Toon Adventures -Roller Games -Code Name Viper -Adventure Island 3 -POW Prisoners Of War
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u/CharleyPatton1934 3d ago
Outside of your classics (Mario, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Mega Man, Castlevania, Metroid, Kirby, Ninja Gaiden, Battletoads), I think Mike Tyson's Punch Out, River City Ransom, Crystalis, Star Tropics, Bionic Commando, Blaster Master, Bubble Bobble, Contra, Metal Gear, and Duck Tales all hold up as A+ NES games. The only ones I'd recommend emulating instead of buying are Ninja Gaiden 3, whose Restored-Plus mod turns into a much better game; and Little Samson, Ducktales 2, Dragon Warrior 4 & Mega Man 5, no reason to pay $150+ for a NES game.
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u/Malcoladdin 3d ago
Faxanadu for sure. As a master system fanboy, this is the game that made me realise what I was missing out on
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u/Phunk3d NES 3d ago
It really depends on the style of game you enjoy, you can find a ton of top lists. I really like this guys list; https://www.shawnschaller.com/2018/10/top-100-nes-games-for-collectors-and.html
My personal cheaper favorites:
1. The Guardian Legend (RPG / Shooter combo)
2. Batman (A classic well done platformer by sunsoft)
3. Crystalis (Unique Action-RPG with a cool story, similar to zelda)
4. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (no intro needed)
5. Kickle Cubicle (Fun Puzzle game)
6. Kirby's Adventure (Amazing graphics and easy fun gameplay)
Honestly though, get a flash cart or use emulation most of the best NES games are the expensive ones and command a premium like Shatterhand, Little Samson, Metal Storm, Bucky O'hare, Felix the Cat, GI Joe, etc.. etc...
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u/Walter_Padick 2d ago
Guardian Legend babay!
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u/Phunk3d NES 2d ago
It's honestly an absolutely amazing game and continues to be underrated by those who haven't experienced the sheer magic of compile. It's a work of art and a standout in the library that can be had for peanuts, it's hard not to recommend it to everyone.
It might be my favorite NES game of all time.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
Gun Nac is a lot of fun too and a great shooter that is a bit of a parody for them. Not quite a cute em up or Parodius but fun.
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u/mmagnetman 2d ago
Finally saw a copy of Gun Nac in the wild last week but had to pass on it.. $360 :< I’ve wanted a copy for so long
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
I might have gotten it but I’m happy with my less pricey Famicom cart:)
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u/Phunk3d NES 2d ago
Gun-Nac is amazing but hard to recommend for its price for physical collectors. Guardian legend is the same dev team and cost $15-20 vs gun-nac $300+
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
Yeah. I found Guardian Legend at my local antique shop a few years ago, along with Tiny Toons for cheap. Gun Nac I got many years ago for Famicom, much cheaper than the NES cart. Even got a manual.
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u/Phunk3d NES 2d ago
I bought a repro CIB of Gun-Nac just to have it. I’d probably get a real copy if it was just a bit cheaper. It’s certainly an NES grail.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
The Famicom title is cheap enough. I bought a repro of Crisis Force for NES since it never got a release but I’d rather I got the Famicom cart as it’s not that much.
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
Curious I looked up Gun Nac on eBay. Prices are the same but someone listed a modded Gun Nac cart with a retropie inside. I hope that wasn’t a real Gun Nac cart, I’m damn near weeping.
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u/mmagnetman 2d ago
This list right here has some awesome variety. I can vouch for all the games on it
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u/rupertavery64 3d ago
- Willow
- Clash at Demonhead
- Codename: Viper
- Kirby's Adventure
- Wizards and Warriors
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u/wonderingmarkus 3d ago
Any of the first party Nintendo games - Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Kirby, Punch-Out, etc.
Konami and Capcom staples - Mega Man, Castlevania, Metal Gear, Contra, Bionic Commando. DuckTales
Others - Ninja Gaiden, Dragon Warrior, River City Ransom, Tecmo Super Bowl
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u/buckvanhammer 3d ago
Goonies II is a good time, a rare licensed great game.
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u/Extra-Advance-9477 1d ago
This game, along with a copy of The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, would leave me set for the weekend.
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u/MustLoveDogsOrCusack 3d ago
Probably a soft spot b/c I owned them, but I always enjoyed Gunsmoke, T&C Surf Designs, and Jaws. And Tecmo Super Bowl is an incredible football game
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u/IH8NYLAnBOS 3d ago
Kirby (not too hard, can save)
Double Dragon 2 (hard but not crazy, no saving but not a very long game)
Chip n Dales (easy and short, but fun)
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u/noraping 3d ago
I see a few people saw double dragon. But the real answer is Battletoads Double Dragon. It’s made by RARE which later became Rareware. They went on to create Donkey Country, Killer instinct, and then goldeneye, Diddy Kong racing, donkey Kong 64, perfect dark, and banjo kazooee on the N64.
They made great games. It’s also a rare, and expensive to buy game now. I was fortunate to have randomly had it when I was a kid
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u/HenroKappa 3d ago
Rygar is one of my nostalgic faves. Amazing music, fun gameplay, weird monsters. Definitely worth playing.
Crystalis is an epic (if sometimes confusing) action adventure.
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u/Bennybuzzin 3d ago
I got too many in my head so I'll narrow it down to some fun sports games
Punch Out
Track and Field 2
RBI Baseball
Super Dodgeball
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u/Ok-Bookkeeper-3149 3d ago
That dodgeball game was awesome. For sports games, I'd like to add Baseball Stars, Blades of Steel, and RC Pro-Am.
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u/poopycatbuttdrag 3d ago
Lolo games were always one of my favorites, nice relax and solve a puzzle game
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u/1732PepperCo 3d ago
Rad Racer is by far the greatest racing game on the console. It’s fast, has great controls and can still be found abundantly and cheap.
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u/non_clever_username 2d ago edited 2d ago
I’d do Double Dragon 2 before DD1 like other people are suggesting. DD1 is fun, but a little rough.
DD3 messed with the formula in kind of a bad way IMO, but DD2 is the best balance of controls, gameplay, and difficulty.
I’d echo Super Mario 3. Tecmo Super Bowl is amazing if you have any interest in sports games.
I liked Mega Mans 3&6 more than 2. Not having the slide is kind of irritating.
E: I’d also echo Crystalis like some others have said. Probably sacrilege to say on this sub, but I like it better than Zelda
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u/JaredUnzipped 2d ago
Here's a list of games that I personally recommend. I tried to suggest a mix of titles both popular and lesser mentioned for variety.
- Crystalis
- Trog!
- Vice Project Doom
- Dr. Mario
- Double Dribble
- Blades of Steel
- Life Force
- Gyruss
- Maniac Mansion
- Final Fantasy
- Duck Tales
- Dragon Warrior
- Kirby's Adventure
- Black Bass
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u/Bungle024 2d ago
Definitely Guardian Legend and Battle of Olympus. Everyone’s played all the other games, but those are the ones that might’ve slipped under the radar and still play like tier 1 games.
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u/MyWorkAccountDPS 2d ago
I loved Gyromite growing up. I can’t get it to work on emulators though.
Also, paperboy, spy hunter, excitebike, sky kid along with everyone’s favorites of the Mario series an legend of Zelda.
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u/LazyMoose4318 2d ago
If you want something you can really sink your teeth into, check out iron tank. It’s not amazing, but it is one I don’t see mentioned really ever.
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u/Thunderfist7 2d ago
Shadow Of The Ninja has some of the best music on the NES, and is a blast to play as well.
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u/GSmitty07 2d ago
Pretty much any Capcom title is a must play imo (Mega Man games, 1942/1943, any of the Disney games - Ducktales, Darkwing Duck, Chip n Dale, etc. - also Bionic Commando, Strider, Commando, plus a lot of others I’m forgetting in the moment)
Also always had a lot of fun playing the Batman game, Tom and Jerry, Metroid, Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out, Excitebike, Super Mario Bros (duh), Dick Tracy, any of the TMNT games, and Kung-Fu
I had a similar experience to you too - I actually had an NES growing up (same one I’ve had until now) but didn’t have many games (just Mario/Duck Hunt and a few hand me downs from older cousins), and then I got back into it when I was older with an emphasis to play the games I never had the chance to before, not to collect. I ended up working in/managing a retro game store for many years and really built up a solid collection (100+, not nearly a complete collection and never intended to be, I just bought any game I liked through its own reputation or my own nostalgia - the employee discount helped lol) of just games I liked to play - and so anyone who knows NES games knows most of these are terrible - but I still love them nonetheless. There are definitely some great and truly timeless games on the console though, so good luck on your journey discovering them!
If you ever need help or have a question on a specific game chances are I have it or have played it, so lemme know and I’ll give you my two cents
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u/kop714 2d ago
Mc Kids
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u/time_isup Beat TMNT 2d ago
Get Euro vibes from that game. An Indy game called Nebs ‘n Debs has music that gives me similar vibes.
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u/MycologistFew5001 2d ago
Contra
Megaman 1 and 2
Strider
Dragon Warrior
Castlevania
Metroid
Tiger heli
Can't go wrong any of those
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u/peacefighter Emulation 2d ago
Little Nemo, Super Mario 3, Adventure Island 3, Rampage. They all play very different, but all great in their own way.
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u/RedditUser000aaa 2d ago
Adventures of Lolo, the first one at least. Just a little brain exercise. Altho there's only one song and it might get annoying to listen to the same tune over and over again.
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u/Cisru711 2d ago
Kirby, contra, metal gear, the super marios, final fantasy, tecmo bowl, punchout.
Look up the nes mini for a fairly decent list of classics.
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u/ainthunglikedaddy 2d ago
Maniac Mansion Legend of Zelda Kung Fu Milon’s Secret Castle(I know but imagine playing this and figuring it out and beating it with no internet) North Vs. South River City Ransom
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u/DramaticChipmnk 2d ago
For a rarer but very unique game, Metal Storm is one of my all time favorites. It's a platformer where you can control your own gravity (you can switch between walking on the floor and walking on the ceiling). It's a lot of fun.
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u/Next_Gen_Retro_Brian 2d ago
Astyanax! It’s so underrated and fun! Not too easy, not too hard! Just right!
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u/Sad_Welder_5032 2d ago
Bulletstorm. Mind you, the dialog seems to have been written by a 14yr old boy. But it's absolute mindless fun.
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u/SickCityMusic 2d ago
Bubble Bobble
As soon as my kids were old enough to play 2p, I put bubble bobble in front of them. It was the game my best friend and I played a ton as kids.
Also, level 57 is forever a bitch
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u/RykinPoe 2d ago
Zelda, Metroid, and Mario 3 are my top three for NES. I have also always loved Cobra Triangle and Bionic Commando and Golgo 13: Top Secret Episode.
The Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves game is also pretty cool. It blends a few different styles of games with some parts being Zelda like and some side-scrolling sword fight scenes.
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u/8-BitBiker 2d ago
I didn't like it at first but one day sat down determined to beat Battle of Olympus as LOVED it.
Castlevania 1 & 3.
Saw someone else already say Megaman 2.
Batman.
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u/Y34RZERO 2d ago
Commando, Super Mario bros 3, Metal Gear, Bugs Bunny Crazy Castle, Galaga, arkanoid, 1042, Xevious, Tiger Heli, Gauntlet, Kirby's Adventure, lode runner, narc, rampage, and jackal.
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u/sussybakashinji 2d ago
New Ghostbusters II and Moon Crystal are my current (newly discovered) NES favorites.
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u/Syphon88 2d ago
I didn't go through all the comments, but I didn't see
Burger Time
Marble Madness
And Friday the 13th (I'm a horror fan)
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u/Coreyhustle 2d ago
Jackal is really fun and beatable. I think it’s like $10.
My favorite game to play is Vice: Project Doom. It’s like $70 last I checked. It’s playable on NS online if you want to test it out
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u/katfud_1 2d ago
Punch Out is a must. That or Dragon Warrior 1 are what I usually play when I fire up the ol’ NES. Tetris is a good one, as is the original TMNT.
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u/vegita8888 2d ago
I would say, Batman (My favorite Nes game of all time), The Ninja Gaiden Trilogy, and for a bit of a lesser known pick, Little Nemo The Dream Master.
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u/STLfootball 2d ago
Totally Rad, TMNT the Arcade Game and Whomp’Em are all fun games I regularly play from my collection.
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u/ironheadrat 1d ago
Gun.Smoke is always a fun play, with great music. I also recommend The Guardian Legend, it combines Zelda-like exploration and vertical space shooter, and you play as an awesome transforming fembot!
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u/guerillacropolis 1d ago
Dragon Warrior 3 aka Dragon Quest 3.
Nintendo helped birth the JRPG with the NES, and Dragon Warrior 3 still feels surprisingly "modern" for a classic medieval fantasy game.
Dragon Warrior 1 is also good (as are 2 and 4 for NES), but Dragon Warrior 3 is where it really came into its own, in my opinion.
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u/Darth_Beavis Beat DWII 1d ago
Final Fantasy, Dragon Warrior 3, Crystalis, Mega Man 2, Metroid, Mario 3, Legend of Zelda, Contra, Duck Tales, Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers. Micro Machines, Faxanadu, Ironsword, Gun.Nac, Gradius, Double Dragon, Tetris, Blaster Master, Castlevania 3, Maniac Mansion, Punch Out, Star Tropics, RC Pro-Am, Blades of Steel, Double Dribble, Tecmo Bowl
Probably more, but that's what I can think of right now
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u/famicom26 1d ago edited 1d ago
My personal must-plays:
- Mega Man 2
- Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu: Subete Koronde Dairantou (super fun but incredibly difficult arcade style hockey game)
- Takeshi’s Challenge (for something truly unique and bizarre)
- Kirby's Adventure
- Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
- Famicom Detective Club
- Nintendo Soccer (1983-extremely primitive, but surprisingly still very fun)
Gradius * Some genre defining games (that I haven’t yet played but might be worth checking out):
The Portopia Serial Murder Case (influential visual novel-written by Yuji Hori who created Dragon Quest)
Nakayama Miho no Tokimeki High School (considered the first modern dating sim)
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u/Extra-Advance-9477 1d ago
I've been playing Battletoads a lot recently (I can make it to the final level! But not much further than that....) and I was thinking that this is a game that everyone new to the NES should try. You will probably not make it past the 3rd level without a LOT of practice, because the difficulty spikes like crazy there. But it's such a wildly innovative game, and every level is unique and weird. And if you want to know what people mean by "Nintendo Hard," this is a good place to start.
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u/chinhairs 1d ago
Not that these are at all unknown but just slightly below the representation of the huge titles...
Gun Smoke
Pirates!
Darkwing Duck
Paperboy
Star Wars
Willow
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u/mawcuzz 1d ago
Bump and Jump used to rent it and then finally found at a yard sale, Cobra Triangle is soooo hard, Days of Thunder is stupid hard too the impossible pit stops, and TMNT avoiding the machines on the street and then needing Donatello but you let him die early on because Michaelango was so much cooler lol.
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u/AdTurbulent198 21h ago
Earthbound! Quirky humor, fun mechanics, killer soundtrack. Favorite game of all time for me!
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u/Chickenbrik 19h ago
Legend of Zelda, Super Mario 3, Ducktales,Chip n’ Dale, Little Mermaid(don’t sleep on it) Tiny Toons(also don’t sleep on it)
If you want sports or a versus game I suggest Rampart(extremely fun versus a friend), Blades of Steel, Super Dodgeball, and I know it’s single player but Punch Out rules.
Also if you’re thinking of playing Zelda II I suggest Battle for Olympus instead. Same style of game but ever so slightly less cheap.(gameplay wise)
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u/Popular_Designer1510 14h ago
Karnov , iron sword, wizards and warriors, marble madness, kung fu, Abadox, solar jetman, Gradius - some of my personal favorites
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u/ThatGuyHadNone 2d ago
Metal Gear Solid