Kirk's BestOf Series: NES

[+kisrael]

I'm on a roll...

It's...

KIRK'S BEST OF SERIES: NES

 

Mega Man Series

Oh man...this game just resonated for me, one of my first big exposures to Japanese cute robot design. Beating bosses in cool one on one battles and taking their weapons was excellent.

 

Bionic Commando

Another terrific 2D platformer, swinging with the bionic grip thing was a great dynamic, and would could be better than putting a bazooka in Hitler's ugly mug? Plus had a cool "let me tell you a story" framing device before and after the actual game.

 

Blaster Master

Created great sci-fi worlds, great visual design. The tank upgrades were great, especially the way the wheels rotated down to hover ala Back to the Future. Hampered by its "big head guy running around" 2D sections, and an incredible spike in difficulty on the final level.

 

Metroid

This game is why I got an NES rather than living with my superior-in-many-ways C=64...when I saw it in the black-covered "Player's Guide" I just had to have it. Of course that's the same guide that probably turned me into the walk-through using wuss I am today.

 

SMB2

Except for some Gameboy games, the only 2D Mario I ever beat. I really liked the ending, it was one of those "oh it was just a dream" but it was well done.

 

Zelda 2

Again, the only 2D Zelda I've beaten, and again a game where that "Player's Guide" was a huge help. The sword combat was really well done.

 

Contra

Just classic 2D co-op action. Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start!

 

Lifeforce

Sentimental favorite (one of the first games I got) but with some nice co-operative action.

 

Solar Jetman

Too difficult but with a nice kinetic feel.

 

Micro Machines

Cool overhead racer...I think it actually had kooky 4-players-using-2-controllers support.

 

Honorable Mentions:

Smash TV / Archon / SMB3

[Dr. Morbis]

It's nice to see Micro Machines mentioned on a list like this. It doesn't get anywhere near the respect it deserves. If it had been a licensed NES title and had major distribution, I hazard to guess it would be in most peoples Top 10/50/whatever NES lists.

 

I agree with the rest of that list too except for Solar Jetman. Don't get me wrong, it's a good game. But in the NES library you pretty much need to be a bonafide Triple 'A' title to mentioned as one of the best. There are probably 50 other games that I would put up there before Solar Jetman.

 

Good job though