A massive shoutout to all our fellow Nintendo fans cause we’re ranking the 10 best NES games of all time! No, we’re not kidding; you’re not dreaming, this is real, and we’re making another retro gaming list. We’ll never tire of making these, for we’re retro gamers for life. Well, let’s not waste more time and jump into the thick of things. We’ve got 10 slots to fill, so there’s plenty of wiggle room.
Which NES Games Are the Best?
To decide which titles qualify for our list of top-tier NES games, we’ll clearly explain our selection procedure. It’s not complicated, nor is it boring. All you need to know is that we’re looking for 2 things in the Nintendo Entertainment System console.
- The NES games must have fun gameplay that can deliver fantastic thrills and leaves a lasting impression on the players.
- Secondly, the NES games should have incredible stories and characters that resonate with players.
One last thing before we begin, only one game entry per franchise. We realize this isn’t ideal, but to have more variety in our list, this is a hard limit we’re setting.
Alright, now that we’ve set the selection criteria, let’s begin our list! Here we go!
10. Ghosts ‘n Goblins – The Retro NES Side-Scroller Still Holds Up With Today’s Best
Kicking things off for us, we have Ghosts ‘n Goblins, one of the original run-and-gun style NES games. Starring Sir Arthur, who is famous mainly for his gallant bravery, and of course, ending up in his underwear after a single hit from enemies. All joking aside, though, Ghosts ‘n Goblins is infamous for its punishing difficulty levels. Ghosts ‘n Goblins requires players to get good at timing their dodges.
The platforming in this NES game leaves little margin for error, and the enemies are relentless. Players will need to pick up special weapons to deal high damage to enemies, and they also need to watch the clock. That’s right; the levels will restart if the time limit expires before completing a level.
Take it from us; Ghosts ‘n Goblins will leave you stressed and a mess. You can unwind with a couple of the funniest PC games to pick yourself up afterward.
9. Bionic Commando – This Underrated Gem is A Delightful and Innovative Platformer
Next up on our list of the top NES games, we have Bionic Commando, one of the pioneers of the platforming genre. Bionic Commando puts players in the shoes of the titular character, who must navigate sections and eliminate enemies. The primary means of traversal is through the grappling hook, and using whatever weapons players can find along the way is a necessity.
Here’s the twist, Bionic Commando, for all his stylish movements using the grappling hook, cannot jump! While it may seem silly, it actually creates a whole new dynamic for players to master this new movement method. Bionic Commando is one of the most fun platformers we’ve ever played, and it deserves a comeback in this age of gaming remakes and reboots.
So, Capcom, if you’re listening, dust off Bionic Command asap! It’s one of the most fun games ever from the NES era. In the meantime, for more platforming fun, check out our list of fantastic platforming games.
8. Duck Hunt – Never Before Has Hunting Ducks Been So Fun
Imagine a game about shooting ducks and a dog that laughs at you if you miss. Who could have thought such a concept would translate so well to an NES game and succeed? Certainly not us. Anyway, DuckHunt is precisely what it sounds like. You shoot flying ducks on the screen before they fly off-screen. Do it right; you win, fail, and hear that annoying dog giggle.
Players will need the zapper light gun to play it; sorry, folks, it’s kind of like an essential sports accessory for Switch. That’s all there is to the gameplay, simple but wholly satisfying. You’ll find yourself playing addictive NES games like Duck Hunt for much longer than you think. You can check out our list of top PS4 hunting games for more modern titles within the same ballpark.
7. Contra – Konami’s Original Side-Scroller Shooter is One of the Finest NES Games
Moving onto the next entry on our list of top NES games, we have Contra. The weird, wonky, bizarre, and absolutely stunning shooter, side-scroller, and run-gunner is another of Konami’s excellent I.Ps. Players take on the role of commandos, Bill and Lance, as they infiltrate and sabotage a sinister plot. The culprits are the aliens who plan to eradicate humans, and it’s up to our heroes to stop it.
The gameplay is highly innovative, with not just sideways movement but there’s also vertical traversal and a sort of 3D movement where players move the characters inwards toward the screen. It’s not perfect or ideal, but the tactical options are plenty, where characters are able to crouch, lie low, and shoot in 8 different directions.
Oh, and the weapon power-ups in Contra are super fun. Trust us; you can’t go wrong with Contra, so check it out. It’s one of the most fulfilling NES games out there.
6. Legend Of Zelda – The Grand Debut of Zelda on a Major Home Console is a Masterpiece
Woof, lots of first in today’s list of NES games, huh? Not that we’re complaining. Keeping in line with the theme of firsts, we have the first game in Nintendo’s flagship franchise, Legend Of Zelda. Yep, the very first one, which resulted in Nintendo’s biggest cash cow. That’s not a dig; we’re huge fans of the series.
We have fond memories of the first title; that darn endless forest still haunts us. Players go on this epic adventure to rescue the princess, vanquishing the evil Ganondorf and obtaining the tri-force of wisdom. The first Legend Of Zelda is the blueprint that’s still timeless. Every subsequent mainline sequel borrows from this while improving the gameplay and story.
You can go about the game in any order, and it truly drives home the point of setting off on your adventure. For more gaming suggestions that have a similar vibe, you’ll enjoy our collection of the 9 best single-player adventure games.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Heroes In A Half Shell Make A Splash on Their First NES Game Outing
Moving into the upper half of our list of top NES games, we’re going full retro with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The first game of the beloved Ninja Turtles franchise was a hit and offered unique gameplay dynamics for players. The default character for players is Leonardo, but players can swap him out to play as any of the other 3 turtles. The game doesn’t hold your hand, requiring precision.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is the kind of game that will give you the feels of a simpler time if you grew up in the 90s. If you’re feeling like checking out other retro-style games, check out our top PS1 JRPGS list. Anyway, in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the comic book art style and the colorful sprites of the turtles are gorgeous by NES game standards. The beat’em style is incredibly satisfying.
4. Metroid – Samus Aran Stands Proud in Her Initial Foray of Sci-fi Action and Incredibly Slick Gameplay
The next one on our list of top NES games we have one that needs no introduction, the very first Metroid. Yep, the one and only incomparable Samus Aran’s first game, and she passes with flying colors. The rapid movement and platforming and the aspect of exploration where you revisit previous levels stem partly from Metroid. Hell, even the term Metroidvania’s first half comes from Metroid.
Players have to balance caution because Samus Aran’s power suit isn’t fully upgraded. She can make life easier by exploring and defeating boss enemies, but that still doesn’t mean players can get complacent. Metroid also has multiple endings but stricter requirements for unlocking them. It’s an excellent incentive to get good at the NES game.
3. Castlevania – The Definitive Vampire Game is a Timeless Classic
We’re in the final stretch of our list of top NES games, and we’re thrilled to introduce the genre-defining vampire game Castlevania. From the outset, it’s the gothic theme and aesthetic of Castlevania that immerses players. The quest to slay the iconic creature of darkness, Dracula, by none other than the original protagonist of the series, Simon Belmont, is awe-inspiring.
The satisfying sound of the vampire slayer whip cracking as it strikes the undead creatures feels exhilarating. Castlevania is the other half of the Metroidvania terminology, meaning there are levels players can explore after clearing them to unlock hidden weapons, items or abilities, or upgrades. The combat is smooth but challenging, which is par for the course in NES games.
Simon Belmont is kind of like a glass cannon, he can strike enemies, but if players aren’t careful, he can easily die. Castlevania’s ambiance and atmosphere are breathtaking, and the NES game ranks in the upper echelon of vampire games.
2. Ninja Gaiden – Our Runner-Up Choice is an Action Game That Embraces the Spirit of NES Gameplay
For our runner-up choice of the best NES games list, we choose Ninja Gaiden. While not the hack-and-slash masterpiece that it becomes in the later generations, the first Ninja Gaiden title is impressive nonetheless. Everything feels spectacular, from its anime-esque cinematic story-telling cutscenes to its sound design of the attacks and animations.
Ninja Gaiden is one of the most challenging and complex games on the NES. There’s no hand-holding, and players must rely on the skills of Ryu Hayabusa, the protagonist. The gameplay involves cutting down enemies using Ryu’s Dragon Sword and his ninpo which take up his spiritual energy. Bosses are extremely tough and require reading their movements to best them.
The plot and gameplay blend together sublimely and give players a visual treat. If you love NES games like Ninja Gaiden, where the narrative is equally as compelling as the gameplay, you’ll love our favorite story-driven games.
1. Batman: The Video Game – Our Top Pick for the Best NES Title is a Batman Game, Nuff Said!
Alright, the last one on our list, and our absolute favorite NES game, is about none other than the dark knight himself, Batman. You heard that right; we’re referring to Batman: The Video Game on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game’s musical score alone is enough to get players pumped to play. As for the gameplay, at the time, this was the definitive Batman game.
Players got to take control of Batman and go against thugs in a 2D sid-scrolling environment but with his signature arsenal of weapons. The grappling hook and wall-jumping ability combo made traversal a heck of a lot of fun. Plus, using batarangs and other projectiles authenticate the Batman experience.
It would be a great injustice if we didn’t mention the supervillains that Batman faces. There are quite a few of them, from Deadshot, Killer Moth, and even the clown prince of crime himself, the Joker. Batman: The Video Game is awesome, and in our opinion, its enjoyability trumps other NES games. Read more about the ranking of the Batman titles in our friend’s rating of the best Batman games.
Final Thoughts on the Best NES Games
Well, there you have it, folks; our list of the top NES games finally reaches its conclusion. We hope you had as much fun reading as we did curating and gushing over the entries. A few of our choices are, without question, pioneers of the genre and rightfully deserving of their critical acclaim. Tell us your thoughts on today’s picks in the comments below and what you prefer to change.
If there’s a game we’re missing, do not hesitate to notify us, we always love to hear from our readers. If you’re still feeling the nostalgia bug, we’ve got an excellent assortment of the 32 best Game Gear games you’ll love. Well, until next time, take care, stay safe, and happy gaming!
