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Contrary to popular belief, the Nintendo Entertainment System was not an overnight success. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, it took a few years for the NES to truly become an international phenomenon, especially in the U.S. In due time, however, the console came to redefine gaming forever.
The biggest contributing factor to the NES's long-term success and legacy all comes down to its games. Whether it's Super Mario Bros. 3 or The Legend of Zelda, the console has a little bit of everything for everyone. Regardless of one's personal thoughts on each of these games, there is no denying that they are objective masterpieces.
Ninja Gaiden is One of the Best NES Action Games
Ninja Gaiden was rather advanced for a console game, let alone one released for the NES. The game sees ninja master Ryu Hayabusa traveling to the U.S. to avenge his father. He already has the necessary skills to defeat his enemies, not to mention weapons like boomerangs and shurikens.
Truth be told, Ninja Gaiden is pretty hard and players must learn the mechanics, or they will struggle. When all is said and done, however, Ninja Gaiden proves to be a highly enjoyable action-platformer that is surprisingly timeless, and edges out other classics like the Mega Man games.
Kid Icarus Takes to the Sky
Kid Icarus is one of the most forgotten Nintendo franchises, which is a shame considering Pit, the main protagonist, had a whole life before the Super Smash Bros. games. Here, he has to take down Medusa and her goons. He has a bow and arrow at his disposal, which can be upgraded as the game goes along.
Kid Icarus, despite its Ancient Greek-inspired setting, isn't exactly a spiritual predecessor to the God of War games. Rather, it's a charming action and platforming mix that enjoys being played on its own merits, with the mechanics being simple to understand but difficult to master.
Double Dragon Is Twice the Fun
Double Dragon is a popular arcade game that got turned into an even more popular NES romp. The game sees Billy going out to rescue his girlfriend Marian. She has been abducted by Jimmy, Billy's brother, who proceeds to sic his goons against the latter.
Billy will now also have to take down every last enemy, making use of his punches and kicks. On this front, Double Dragon can get a little tedious, but it ends up being ultimately satisfying. It's the definition of being a simple but entertaining romp.
Metroid Is the Godfather of Metroidvanias
Metroid's premise couldn't be simpler: Samus Aran has to destroy monsters that have invaded a space station. These monsters, dubbed Metroids, were all unleashed by the Space Pirates, who are led by Ridley. The game has Samus shooting at every last Metroid and acquiring energy that restores her health.
Unlike its sequels, Metroid isn't quite as refined in its non-linear action-adventure gameplay. Still, as the godfather of the Metroidvania genre, its influence can't be denied. The open-world makes finding items all the more exciting, as does the thrill of encountering unexpected bosses.
Punch-Out!!! Is a Knock-Out NES Boxing Game
Punch-Out!!!, originally released in the U.S. as Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!!, sees players in control of an aspiring boxer, who is willing to punch below and above their weight. To this end, they'll face opponents both larger and smaller than them, including Mike Tyson himself. It's an infamously hard game, which makes it all the more alluring to beat.
The boxing mechanics have aged surprisingly well for something released in the '80s, never mind how it laid the groundwork for how future boxing games should play. Although, here, it really is more of a unique rhythm-puzzle game than anything focused on action.
Super Mario Bros. 3 Is Platforming Masterpiece
The first two Super Mario Bros. games, Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 2, were stepping stones for the platforming genre. Super Mario Bros. 3, meanwhile, completely perfected the franchise's signature platforming mechanics.
The best part about Super Mario Bros. 3 is the varying terrain between worlds, which includes grasslands, deserts, tundra, and even the sea. This means players must plan their approach to each world's specific platforming challenges, and make effective use of the game's new power-ups.
Kirby’s Adventure Is a Beginner’s Best Platformer
Kirby's Adventure is the sequel to Kirby's Dream Land, which effectively serves as a novice's platformer. Similarly, Kirby's Adventure serves as a beginner's best console platformer, although unlike its predecessor, the game is considerably more intuitive.
Here, instead of simply swallowing or spitting out enemies, Kirby can actually copy the abilities of his enemies, which makes getting through levels much easier. This gameplay mechanic would come to define the series, and Kirby's Adventure remains one of the best looking and sounding games on the NES.
Contra Cracked the Code For Action Games
Contra is an NES game so hard that Konami included a secret yet famous code that lets players start with 30 lives instead of just 3. Regardless of what amount of lives a player starts with, the game doesn't get easier; the player just gets more chances to die.
Run-and-gun romps are always fun to play, and Contra perfects the genre's mechanics. Players are able to use all sorts of firearms, including the default shotgun and even futuristic laser guns. Being able to take down anything and anyone with these weapons proves to be immensely satisfying in the long run despite how hard the game can get.
Final Fantasy Was Only the Beginning of an RPG Legend
Final Fantasy was famously intended to be Square's final video game before its closure. If that were the case, the game would've let the company go out with a bang. The game, which sees the Warriors of Light battling against the Elemental Fiends, was fairly advanced for an RPG of the time, with players engaging in turn-based combat on a fantastical adventure.
Fortunately for Square, Final Fantasy proved to be enough to keep the company afloat. Consequently, it allowed for Final Fantasy to become one of the biggest video game franchises of all time. With how thrilling it is to explore the in-game world, it shouldn't be surprising that it succeeded.
The Legend of Zelda Is Forever Iconic
The Legend of Zelda sees Link rescuing Zelda from Ganon, going on an adventure across Hyrule armed with his trusted sword. The path to completion is anything but straightforward, though, with the game demanding that players explore every corner of its world to discover all its secrets.
Few games have had as big an impact on gaming as The Legend of Zelda, and playing it today will give players an understanding as to its endearing popularity four decades later. The soundtrack also remains iconic, and is one of the best on the NES.
