SM's Top 100 NES/Famicom games that still matter

[Satoshi Matrix]

Hey AA, I've started what will be an ongoing series as I count down my personal top 100 NES/Famicom games list.

 

Yes, there are already plenty of NES top 10?s, top 25?s and even top 100 lists all over the net. So why should you care about my top 100 list?

 

My aim here was to make a unique list that goes beyond simply my picks and my thoughts about them. This list was carefully crafted based on my experience of well over seven hundred individual titles for both the NES and Famicom. My criteria for this list was based on three factors – Overall appeal, uniqueness, and how well each have aged.

 

This list will include every kind of software ever written for the hardware, whether it be NES, Famicom, unlicensed, prototype, homebrew or Hong Kong original pirate – if it was sold in some forum, it's fair game for this list. The only type of games I have excluded are hacks of existing games. While many of these are incredible, I may at some point in the future write a separate list for these alone.

 

So here's part 1, #100-90. I will be continuing to work on this series with ten games per post. I hope you enjoy and discover some hidden classics you might have missed the first time around!

 

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2011/08/17/top-100-nesfamicom-games-list-100-90/

Edited August 17, 2011 by Satoshi Matrix

[genesisguy]

Very interesting project! I just started my own NES blog and I'll be adding this to my links. Keep it going!

[Satoshi Matrix]

Here's part 2 of my ongoing look back on the best of the best for the NES and Famicom. Here's #89-80. Hope you guys enjoy and maybe learn of some hidden gems!

 

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2011/08/20/top-100-nesfamicom-games-list-89-80/

[johnny_boy]

The GameBoy sequel to Balloon Fight, Balloon Kid also has a corresponding Famicom version, with a graphical makeover, as "Hello Kitty World".

 

Here's a

.

[Satoshi Matrix]

the train keeps on rollin'. Here's part 3, #79-70.

 

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/top-100-nesfamicom-games-list-79-70/

 

I hope you enjoy and discover some hidden classics you might have missed the first time around!

[DickNixonArisen]

Xexyz "is like Gradius but a little worse, and like Monster Party but better" - that got a laugh out of me. It really is.

 

I LOVE heavy barrel. Contra got the love it deserved back in the day, but heavy barrel didn't, and neither did JACKAL.

 

I like your format here with the ad if possible, fun fact, and reason to play.

[Satoshi Matrix]

Sorry about the delay guys!

 

Here's part 4, #69-60

 

Enjoy!

[BrianC]

It's cool Xexyz is on there. The JP one has some differences from the US that are worth mentioning, though. The story is very different and has a lot to do with turtles, there are intro cutscenes, some enemies and characters have different graphics, there are three different endings, and a lot of other differences here and there.

 

Here is a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvL60A92g9c

[DickNixonArisen]

See? I told you. Jackal.

[Satoshi Matrix]

Alright guys. After a delay I tried to avoid, I've got the next part finally finished. Here's part 5, #59-50 I hope you enjoy!

 

Be sure to leave your comments. I love hearing from you guys.

[pixelated]

Shadow of the Ninja. Good job adding that game, that's a title I wish more NES players knew about. I think I might like it better than Ninja Gaiden!

[The Usotsuki]

Yeah, I saw the 亀 for turtle, couldn't read the whole title though because my Japanese is rather limited.

[Rex Dart]

Excellent list so far. I've only skimmed through, but nice job. I'll have to see if I have any of these & set 'em up for regular rotation on whatever NES-emulating device I've got handy.

[Wickeycolumbus]

That's one awesome top 100 list, can't wait to see more! It's good to see all the info you've included rather than just a simple list of titles.

[Satoshi Matrix]

Hey guys, I'm not dead yet! Just been super busy with school and my best friend's wedding. I've finally finished the next entry so

 

here's part 6, #49-40 I hope you enjoy!

[Satoshi Matrix]

Wooo! Busy me finally finished the next entry in my continuing look back at the top 100 NES and Famicom games of all time.

 

Here's part 7, #39-30

 

As always, feel free to leave your thoughts both in this thread and in the comments section of the post itself. Enjoy!

[DickNixonArisen]

I hate to say anything negative because I really do like your reviews, since they offer interesting content that you don't usually get from a review. There are a lot of videogame reviews out there and you need to stand out or else. Some criticism sent via PM.

[Satoshi Matrix]

Hey guys, been super busy lately and I know you've been waiting for this, so here's the long awaited

 

Top 100 NES Games Part 8, #29-20

 

Enjoy and feel free to leave your lovely feedback!

[atarilovesyou]

GREAT series, man! Very enjoyable read, brings back the memories and many fave games in common. Plus, I now have a bunch more to try and track down. There's a few games that I don't agree with, but oh well!...Abadox, to mention one. But I really like this list, looking forward to the rest!

[pixelated]

Man, Contra, Super Mario Bros. 2 (US) and Duck Tales ought to be in the top 5!

[nvrmndtheruins]

One of the best lists I've seen.

 

Lots of info, not just a picture and a blurb

[Cynicaster]

I skimmed over this series for games I recognize or have heard about but never seen, because I don’t care enough about NES to spend the time to read it all.

 

But still, I just wanted to chime in and give credit where it’s due; this is some quality blogging.

 

There are countless retrogamers out there on Youtube and other areas of the net who try to do the “freelance retrogaming journalist” thing, but unfortunately, as well-intentioned as those folks are, the vast majority of the work out there comes across as tediously half-assed and shallow. This project is full of interesting information and the presentation is top notch; definitely a cut above. Kudos!

Edited December 7, 2011 by Cynicaster

[Lendorien]

I've only read two of the blog posts, but I have to say that you do a great job. Definitely going to looking into a couple of these titles.

[BenG76]

Ok I cant wait to see what will be in the top 20. Ive added several games to my want list from reading your blog. Im anxious to see the rest of your list.

[Satoshi Matrix]

One of the best lists I've seen. Lots of info, not just a picture and a blurb

I just wanted to chime in and give credit where it’s due; this is some quality blogging.

 

There are countless retrogamers out there on Youtube and other areas of the net who try to do the “freelance retrogaming journalist” thing, but unfortunately, as well-intentioned as those folks are, the vast majority of the work out there comes across as tediously half-assed and shallow. This project is full of interesting information and the presentation is top notch; definitely a cut above. Kudos!

 

Thank you both for saying this. When I started I thought to myself "okay. So there's plenty of people reviewing and talking about retro videogames. There are even top 100 NES game lists already. How can I make my list stand out?" My solution: make it visually interesting, make it informed, and make it superior to everything else out there.

 

You don't have to agree with my rankings or picks or anything. Again, this is "Satoshi Matrix's Top 100 NES/Famicom games that still matter", meaning its specifically what I think. I lay out my reasoning for each game and why I feel it should be on the list but hey, if you don't agree with something I said feel free to tell me why and what you think and why. That's why I post on discussion boards like this.