NES Nostalgia Debunked: Classic Games That Haven’t Aged Well!

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The Nintendo Family Computer (FC) debuted in Japan on July 15, 1983. Subsequently, it expanded globally, first appearing in North America, specifically the United States and Canada, on October 18, 1985. In both regions, it achieved remarkable success and ultimately became synonymous with the video gaming industry during the 1980s.

Although the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) has a rich collection of classic games, it’s important to acknowledge that many of its earlier titles, including popular ones like Metal Gear and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, may not hold up as well today compared to later NES releases. Despite their initial acclaim, these games might not measure up to players’ fond memories of them.

Release Date – Oct. 18, 1985

  • Developer and Publisher: Nintendo

Super Mario Bros.” is a classic platforming video game, part of a series that includes 17 titles. It was revolutionary for its era, but its age shows now, in terms of both gameplay and plot. The narrative, interestingly, has been replicated numerous times in subsequent “Mario” games, making it seem particularly old-fashioned when looked back upon today.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that my mission in Super Mario Bros. is to save Princess Peach from the clutches of King Bowser who has taken over our beloved Mushroom Kingdom. This tale has been revisited throughout numerous Mario games, introducing new items, diverse terrains, a multitude of enemies, and most excitingly, true side-scrolling that permits me to explore backwards as well. In contrast, the original Super Mario Bros., while classic, lacks these features and may not compare favorably with other series titles.

Release Date – Circa July 1990

  • Developer and Publisher: Square and Nintendo

Final Fantasy, initially causing some worry at Square, didn’t signify the end but rather the beginning of the extended and thriving Final Fantasy series. The game focuses on a team called the Warriors of Light, who each possess crystals that guide them throughout their perilous journey. These crystals prove essential due to the hazards they’ll encounter along the way.

From humble beginnings on the NES, the original Final Fantasy was indeed a groundbreaking title. Yet, as a devoted fan, I can confidently say that the latest installments in the series have significantly evolved from their roots. Today, we enjoy more complex stats, a broader array of attack options for our party members, and a richer, more expansive narrative compared to the early game.

Release Date – Oct. 18, 1985

  • Developer and Publisher: Intelligent Systems and Nintendo

The game titled “Duck Hunt” falls under multiple categories such as light gun games, sports, and shooting galleries. Initially released for the Nintendo Entertainment System bundled with Super Mario Bros., this game features an uncomplicated concept: various ducks or targets appear on screen, and your goal is to eliminate them all using a virtual gun.

The original version of this game was intended for play with the included NES Zapper accessory, which functioned best on the old-fashioned CRT televisions that were common during its era. However, by the turn of the 21st century, most TVs had evolved to flat-screen or plasma/LCD technology, making it difficult or impossible to play Duck Hunt as intended without modifications. Despite potential workarounds, the game feels quite dated when compared to modern shooter games.

Release Date – Oct. 18, 1985

  • Developer and Publisher: Nintendo

Excitebike is a racing game that was one of the initial titles released for the Nintendo Entertainment System. In this game, players take control of a motocross racer, performing thrilling stunts in a high-octane rally event – that’s where the game gets its name. The courses for these stunts are pre-made, but players can also design and race on their own custom tracks if they prefer.

Despite its initial excitement, Excitebike doesn’t maintain that appeal as strongly today. A frequent complaint is that the game can seem rather sluggish at times, which is surprising for a racing game. Additionally, the custom course maker isn’t as user-friendly as those in similar games. In essence, if Excitebike hadn’t been an NES launch title, it might have been overlooked.

Release Date – Circa Nov. 1986

  • Developer and Publisher: Capcom

Back in the day, I was thrilled when Capcom unleashed their spine-chilling platformer, Ghosts ‘n Goblins, into the arcades. Later on, this terrifying adventure found its way onto home consoles like the legendary Nintendo Entertainment System. The concept is straightforward: the dastardly demon king Astaroth has snatched Princess Prin-Prin, and it’s down to the valiant knight Sir Arthur to save her from the clutches of these ghoulish monstrosities.

As a devoted gamer, I must admit that diving into the world of Capcom classics from the past is an exhilarating experience – one that often comes with its fair share of tough challenges. However, when it comes to Ghosts ‘n Goblins, I find myself questioning whether the difficulty justifies the playtime.

Unfortunately, the game seems to rely heavily on repetition, as the final six stages are simply rehashes of the first six. This repetition, rather than adding layers of challenge or intrigue, feels more like an attempt to artificially inflate the game’s length. As a result, I find it hard to recommend Ghosts ‘n Goblins as a worthwhile gaming experience in today’s era, where there are countless other titles that offer a more balanced and rewarding challenge.

Release Date – Circa June 1989

  • Developer and Publisher: Konami

The action-platformer game titled “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” was created by Konami and launched under their Ultra Games brand in the U.S. This exciting game is inspired by the widely acclaimed “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” series from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The story revolves around our green-shelled heroes as they embark on a mission to return their mentor, Master Splinter, to his original form.

Back in 1989, the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was met with great success, and astonishingly, it went on to sell more than four million cartridges. However, modern players may find it challenging to even complete the first level without losing all the turtles. The game’s toughness is such that even those who grew up playing it find it hard to fathom why they loved it then or why it continues to be a topic of conversation today.

Release Date – Circa July 1987

  • Developer and Publisher: Tose and Nintendo

Kid Icarus is a platform game created by Tose and distributed by Nintendo. This game is set in the mythology-inspired world of Angel Land, where our protagonist, an angel named Pit, resides. In the storyline, Pit receives a mission to vanquish Medusa, who has teamed up with fearsome monsters to seize control over Angel Land. Throughout his journey, Pit encounters numerous terrifying obstacles.

It seems that the game “Kid Icarus” has received an excess of focus lately, mainly because of new installments in the series and Pit’s appearances in the “Super Smash Bros.” video games. However, it’s important to note that the original “Kid Icarus” can be rather unappealing at times. Interestingly, despite his frequent appearances, Pit seems surprisingly frail compared to other characters.

Release Date – Circa Nov. 1990

  • Developer and Publisher: Capcom

The game titled Mega Man 3 is an action-packed platformer produced and distributed by Capcom, serving as the third installment in their video game series. This thrilling adventure unfolds shortly after the events of Mega Man 2, where Dr. Wily seemingly teams up with Dr. Light. However, this alliance proves to be deceptive, requiring Mega Man to foil Dr. Wily’s schemes yet again.

Among the controversial games in the Mega Man franchise, Mega Man 3 is often cited for its lengthy, repetitive levels that make gameplay feel tedious to many players. Despite Mega Man’s extended move set, the game still feels laborious to play, which weakens its position in the series.

Release Date – Nov. 24, 1988

  • Developer and Publisher: Konami

Simon’s Quest” is an action role-playing game with horror elements that was both developed and published by Konami. This game serves as the sequel to the original “Castlevania.” The protagonist, Simon Belmont, returns on a mission to free a haunted village from its oppressive darkness. His main objective is to vanquish Dracula, but he must first gather his dispersed remains before doing so.

The game is well-known for being excessively large and intricate, beyond what is necessary. The pleasure one can derive from playing “Simon’s Quest” is frequently overshadowed by its complexities, which include puzzles that are enigmatic and appear intentionally designed to hinder the player’s progress. Most notoriously, there’s a section in Simon’s Quest where a specific and obscure action is required to advance to another location.

Release Date – Circa June 1988

  • Developer and Publisher: Konami

The game titled “Metal Gear” is a stealth-action adventure developed by Konami and distributed under their Ultra Games banner in the U.S. This game marks the start of the larger “Metal Gear” series, where the main character, Solid Snake, appears, much like in many subsequent games. In this narrative, Snake is a new member of FOXHOUND, an organization that will eventually become his adversary.

As a dedicated Metal Gear fan, I can’t deny that playing the original game on the NES was a bit of a struggle. While it certainly lays the groundwork for the intricate lore that defines this franchise, the stealth mechanics in the first game feel quite dated compared to the more sophisticated and adaptable evasion techniques introduced in later editions.

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2025-04-27 05:25