7 NES Games That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

The NES rescued the video game industry, and it couldn’t have done so without a huge collection of games. While many of those games haven’t aged well – and some weren’t great to begin with – there are still a few truly excellent titles that remain enjoyable today, just as they were back in the 1980s.

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is widely considered the most influential video game console ever created, and many of its games remain enjoyable even today. Nintendo developed most of these titles, along with other leading companies like Capcom and Konami, offering a diverse range of experiences – from classic platformers and action games to immersive RPGs and unique, experimental titles.

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! is the Most Addicting Game on the NES

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! is a truly unique game for the NES. Beyond its initial appeal, it’s incredibly well-designed and plays perfectly. While it seems like a typical boxing game, Punch-Out!! is actually one of the first examples of a pattern-based action game, known for its challenging gameplay and memorable fighters.

Punch-Out!! is a game where you win by learning your opponents’ patterns, reacting quickly, and timing your punches and dodges perfectly. While easy to pick up, it’s surprisingly addictive and difficult to truly master, which makes it a favorite among speedrunners and a classic NES title.

Mega Man 2 Set a New Standard For Action Platformers

The original Mega Man was good for its time, but Mega Man 2 is widely considered the best in the classic series. It refined everything that made the first game enjoyable and essentially set the standard for all six Mega Man games that followed.

Mega Man 2 improved on the original in almost every way. It looks much better, has one of the best soundtracks on the NES, and the platforming is incredibly smooth and well-designed. This installment introduced eight unique Robot Masters and featured power-ups that were a joy to use. It also found a sweet spot in terms of difficulty – challenging enough to be engaging, but more user-friendly and reliable than the first Mega Man.

Kirby’s Adventure is the Best-Looking Game on the NES

Released late in the NES’s lifespan, Kirby’s Adventure really stands out visually. Compared to other games on the console, it’s beautifully designed with detailed characters and backgrounds, and its bright colors are truly impressive. This great look is perfectly matched by a fantastic soundtrack.

While not the very first Kirby game, Kirby’s Adventure is essentially where the series became known for its iconic Copy ability. It’s a brief and straightforward platformer, but remains incredibly accessible and enjoyable for almost anyone, even for just a short play session.

Ninja Gaiden Offers the Most Fair But Brutal Challenge on the NES

As a fan, I always thought Ninja Gaiden was something special. It’s amazing because it’s one of the most well-known NES games that wasn’t made by the usual suspects – Nintendo, Capcom, or Konami! You play as Ryu Hayabusa, and the game is just a blur of fast-paced action. You’re constantly running, jumping, and taking down enemies, using all sorts of ninja moves to get through these really tough levels. It’s a blast!

Ryu is a really fun character to play in the NES game, especially because of his ability to jump and grab onto things. The game can be quite challenging, but it’s also forgiving – when you lose, you always start back at the beginning of the level, encouraging you to keep practicing until you succeed.

Battletoads is Too Often Overshadowed By its Difficulty

People often call Battletoads one of the hardest games ever made. But having finished it, I can tell you that’s not accurate. This reputation actually hides how truly innovative and enjoyable Battletoads was when it first came out.

Before creating the popular Donkey Kong Country series, Rare developed Battletoads, a game known for its impressive graphics, exciting action, clever level design, and diverse gameplay. It also features a great soundtrack. While challenging, Battletoads is considered a near-perfect NES game – just avoid playing with a friend if you want to succeed!

Super Mario Bros. 2 is Far More Fun Today Than its More Highly Praised Sequel

While many consider Super Mario Bros. 3 the greatest NES game, I don’t even think it’s the best Mario game on that console. Although the graphics are technically improved, they appear blurry and washed out. Plus, the game is surprisingly easy, and Super Mario World did pretty much everything it tried, but better.

Super Mario Bros. 2 is a uniquely charming game that remains unmatched, despite laying the groundwork for many future Mario titles. It was innovative for its time, giving Mario and Luigi distinct ways to play, making Princess Peach and Toad playable characters with their own special moves, and introducing memorable enemies like Shy Guys and Birdo. Plus, its level design was unlike anything seen in other Mario games.

Zelda II The Adventure of Link is the Most Underrated NES Game of All Time

It’s strange that Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is often overlooked, while the original Legend of Zelda is considered a classic. Zelda II is actually a better game, offering a more balanced and fair challenge compared to the groundbreaking, but sometimes frustrating, original.

Despite being different from the original Zelda, Zelda II boasts a fantastic combat system and successfully incorporates RPG elements. Its graphics and music are as good as, or even surpass, those of the first game. Players will enjoy learning and using the new sword skills and spells, and while the game can be mysterious, it’s generally easier to navigate than the original. The towns and characters you meet along the way add a delightful charm to the experience.

2026-04-27 01:42