The Top 20 NES Games of All Time: A Nostalgic Journey

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the gaming industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers worldwide. With its vast library of groundbreaking titles, the NES introduced us to iconic characters and franchises that continue to captivate players to this day. Join us on a nostalgic journey as we count down the top 20 NES games of all time, exploring what made each one a true classic.

The Top 20 NES Games of All Time

20. Bubble Bobble (1986)

Bubble Bobble is a classic platformer featuring adorable dinosaurs Bub and Bob, who must navigate 100 levels while trapping enemies in bubbles and popping them to progress. The game’s cute graphics, catchy music, and cooperative gameplay make it a beloved NES title. Learn more about Bubble Bobble.

19. Ninja Gaiden (1988)

Ninja Gaiden is a challenging action-platformer that follows the ninja Ryu Hayabusa on his quest to avenge his father’s death. The game is known for its intense gameplay, cinematic cutscenes, and memorable soundtrack. Its difficulty level is notorious, but mastering Ryu’s ninja skills is immensely rewarding. Discover the world of Ninja Gaiden.

18. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (1990)

The third installment in the Castlevania series, Dracula’s Curse, is a prequel to the original game. Players control Trevor Belmont and his allies as they battle through Dracula’s castle to defeat the vampire lord. The game features branching paths, multiple playable characters, and improved graphics and sound compared to its predecessors. Explore Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse.

17. Contra (1988)

Contra is a run-and-gun action game that tasks players with battling an alien invasion. The game is known for its challenging gameplay, two-player cooperative mode, and the famous Konami Code, which grants players 30 extra lives. With its tight controls, varied levels, and memorable boss battles, Contra is a quintessential NES classic. Experience the action of Contra.

16. Kirby’s Adventure (1993)

Kirby’s Adventure is a charming platformer that introduced the iconic pink puffball’s copy ability, allowing him to absorb enemies’ powers. The game features vibrant graphics, imaginative levels, and a memorable soundtrack. As one of the last NES games released, Kirby’s Adventure showcases the console’s capabilities. Embark on Kirby’s Adventure.

15. Punch-Out!! (1987)

Punch-Out!! is a boxing game that combines rhythm-based gameplay with pattern recognition. Players control Little Mac as he fights his way through a series of colorful, stereotypical opponents. The game’s unique mechanics, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay make it a beloved sports title on the NES. Step into the ring with Punch-Out!!.

14. Mega Man 2 (1988)

Mega Man 2 is a classic action-platformer that improves upon its predecessor in every way. Players control the Blue Bomber as he battles eight Robot Masters and acquires their weapons to use against them. The game features tight controls, challenging levels, and an iconic soundtrack. Many consider Mega Man 2 the best in the series. Discover the world of Mega Man 2.

13. Castlevania (1986)

The first entry in the legendary Castlevania series, this action-platformer follows Simon Belmont as he battles through Dracula’s castle armed with his trusty whip. The game’s gothic atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and memorable music set the stage for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. Explore the origins of Castlevania.

12. Final Fantasy (1987)

Final Fantasy is the game that started the iconic JRPG series. Players control a party of four heroes as they embark on a quest to defeat the evil forces threatening their world. The game’s turn-based combat, character customization, and epic story laid the foundation for future RPGs. Begin your Final Fantasy adventure.

11. Metroid (1986)

Metroid is a groundbreaking action-adventure game that introduced the world to bounty hunter Samus Aran. Players explore the alien planet Zebes, acquiring power-ups and battling space pirates. The game’s non-linear exploration, atmospheric music, and surprise ending make it a classic. Discover the secrets of Metroid.

10. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990)

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos is a sequel that surpasses the original in every way. With improved graphics, new ninja abilities, and even more challenging gameplay, this action-platformer is a testament to the series’ excellence. The game’s cinematic story and memorable boss battles cement its place as a classic. Continue Ryu Hayabusa’s adventure in Ninja Gaiden II.

9. Mega Man 3 (1990)

Mega Man 3 builds upon the success of its predecessor, introducing new mechanics like the slide and Rush, Mega Man’s robotic canine companion. The game features eight new Robot Masters, challenging levels, and an engaging story. While some argue that Mega Man 2 is superior, Mega Man 3 remains a classic in its own right. Take on Dr. Wily in Mega Man 3.

8. Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest (1987)

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest is a departure from the linear gameplay of the first game, introducing RPG elements and a day-night cycle. Players control Simon Belmont as he searches for Dracula’s body parts to resurrect and defeat the vampire once more. While the game’s cryptic clues and unforgiving difficulty can be frustrating, its ambition and atmosphere make it a memorable entry in the series. Embark on Simon’s Quest.

7. Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)

Super Mario Bros. 2 is a unique entry in the Mario series, based on the Japanese game Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic. Players can control Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Princess Toadstool, each with their own abilities, as they navigate surreal dreamscapes. The game’s vibrant graphics, catchy music, and imaginative levels make it a fan favorite. Discover the dream world of Super Mario Bros. 2.

6. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

The Legend of Zelda is a groundbreaking action-adventure game that introduced players to the magical land of Hyrule. Players control Link as he searches for the eight fragments of the Triforce to rescue Princess Zelda from the evil Ganon. The game’s open-world exploration, puzzle-solving, and memorable characters launched one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. Begin your legend in The Legend of Zelda.

5. Mega Man (1987)

Mega Man is the first entry in Capcom’s iconic action-platformer series. Players control the Blue Bomber as he battles six Robot Masters and acquires their weapons to use against them. The game’s challenging gameplay, memorable boss battles, and catchy music set the stage for a legendary franchise. Start your Mega Man journey.

4. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (1989)

Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse is a prequel to the original game, introducing multiple playable characters and branching paths. Players control Trevor Belmont and his allies as they battle through Dracula’s castle to defeat the vampire lord once and for all. The game’s non-linear level design, improved graphics, and memorable soundtrack make it a standout entry in the series. With challenging gameplay, multiple endings, and the introduction of fan-favorite characters like Alucard, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse is a must-play for any NES fan. Embark on a dark adventure in Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse.

3. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

Super Mario Bros. 3 is a masterpiece of platforming excellence. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the game introduces new power-ups like the Tanooki Suit and Frog Suit, a world map with branching paths, and a variety of imaginative levels. The game’s tight controls, beautifully designed stages, and memorable boss battles make it a timeless classic. Many consider Super Mario Bros. 3 the best Mario game ever made. Experience the magic of Super Mario Bros. 3.

2. Dragon Warrior IV (1990)

Dragon Warrior IV, also known as Dragon Quest IV, is a remarkable role-playing game that innovated the genre with its unique chapter-based structure. Players experience the story through the eyes of multiple characters, each with their own distinct storylines and abilities, before ultimately uniting to face the final challenge. The game’s engaging narrative, memorable characters, and strategic turn-based combat system make it a standout title in the Dragon Quest series and a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.

1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Super Mario Bros. is the game that defined the platforming genre and launched Nintendo’s most iconic franchise. Players control Mario or Luigi as they run, jump, and stomp their way through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. The game’s perfect controls, imaginative levels, and catchy music make it a timeless classic. Super Mario Bros. set the standard for all future platformers and remains a beloved masterpiece. Play the game that started it all: Super Mario Bros..

These 20 NES games represent the best of what the console had to offer, showcasing a wide variety of genres and groundbreaking titles that continue to influence game design to this day. From the platforming perfection of Super Mario Bros. to the epic adventures of The Legend of Zelda, these games define the NES’s legacy as one of the most important consoles in gaming history.