The Famicom (NES) celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023. While 40 years may seem young for humans, it’s ancient for tech. Released during the Betamax vs VHS debate and Walkman craze, many NES games haven’t aged well, but some have stood the test of time.
What does it mean for an NES game to “age well”? For me, it’s a game that remains enjoyable today, without feeling outdated or needing modern conveniences. Some are technically impressive, others feel ahead of their time, and many feature design styles still seen in games today—all while being fun to play.
From timeless classics to hidden gems, these are the most notable NES games that have stood the test of time.
1. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
The Legend of Zelda remains a classic that has aged remarkably well, but its sequel, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, takes a bold departure from the top-down perspective and shifts to a side-scrolling action platformer. Despite this, it keeps core Zelda elements like dungeon exploration and puzzle-solving while adding RPG mechanics such as leveling up and magic. Known for its punishing difficulty, the challenge remains part of its charm. Zelda II stands out as one of the most unique and experimental entries in the series, and its unconventional approach continues to captivate players even today.
2. Contra
Contra remains an action game that holds up remarkably well, not just for its genre-defining impact but for the sheer fun it still offers. While many games were inspired by Contra, few have matched its fast-paced action, responsive controls, and exciting two-player mode. Its level design, varied enemies, and weapons deliver a thrilling experience that never gets old. Contra’s smooth gameplay and urgency set it apart from many action games that followed, proving how ahead of its time it truly was. Even today, it’s one of the most enjoyable and intense two-player experiences on the NES.
3. Bucky O’Hare
For many years, Bucky O’Hare was a hidden gem in the NES library, overlooked by many despite its origins from the prolific developer Konami. Based on the comic series, the game features tight platforming, responsive controls, and challenging yet fair level design. What truly sets it apart are its ahead-of-its-time graphics, with vibrant colors and detailed sprites that push the NES to its limits. The game also includes multiple playable characters, each with unique abilities, adding replay value. A prime example of a late-era NES game, Bucky O’Hare’s timeless gameplay and visuals still hold up, offering a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
4. Strider
When Strider was ported to the NES, few expected it to capture the chaotic brilliance of the arcade version, known for its fast-paced action and stunning graphics. However, the NES version found its own identity by slowing down the pace and introducing adventure elements, making it a more methodical action game, similar to Bionic Commando. Despite some rough edges and repetitive sections, Strider remains an engaging and enjoyable title. Its unique blend of action and exploration stands out on the NES, proving that even with limitations, it could carve out its own legacy.
5. Super Dodge Ball
Super Dodge Ball stands out among NES sports games, still holding up remarkably well today. Unlike modern, complex simulations, it keeps things simple, making it accessible for all players. What sets it apart is how it transforms the basic concept of dodgeball into an exciting and fast-paced experience with just the right amount of depth. With different teams, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses, strategy and timing are key to success. The quirky character designs and art style add charm to the game. Despite some minor technical issues, Super Dodge Ball remains a timeless classic, delivering fun gameplay that’s still enjoyable decades later.
6. Life Force
Even though the NES had its technical limitations, it was still home to some truly exceptional shoot-em-up (shmup) games, and Life Force stands out as one of the best examples of what the system could achieve within the genre. A sequel to the equally excellent Gradius, Life Force takes the formula of its predecessor and refines it with improved level design and tighter gameplay mechanics. The game mixes traditional side-scrolling shooting with some unique, on-rails, top-down sections, creating a variety of gameplay experiences that never get boring. What truly sets Life Force apart is its perfect balance of difficulty, gameplay variety, and visual appeal. Despite being limited by the NES’s hardware, the game still manages to deliver an unforgettable shmup experience, with challenging but fair levels and some of the best level design ever seen in the genre. The innovative gameplay, combined with a fantastic soundtrack and impressive visuals for its time, makes Life Force an enduring classic that is still enjoyable today. It’s a shining example of how the NES was able to deliver exceptional games in a genre that was often defined by its reliance on advanced technology.
7. Destiny of an Emperor
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Destiny of an Emperor is one of those underrated gems that few people talk about, but it remains one of the most unique and compelling RPGs on the NES. Set in ancient China, the game blends strategy with traditional JRPG elements, creating a unique experience that hasn’t been replicated in many other games. The game features a detailed recruitment system, allowing players to recruit defeated enemies to their party if certain conditions are met, adding an extra layer of depth to the strategy and combat. The mix of strategic battles, exploration, and character-building gives Destiny of an Emperor an unforgettable charm that still makes it worth playing today. Though it didn’t get the recognition it deserved at the time, this early entry in the RPG genre remains an intriguing experiment, and one that is arguably better than ever. The game’s blend of tactical combat and RPG elements created a lasting legacy, and it’s easy to see why it remains a favorite among hardcore RPG fans.
8. Faxanadu
Hudson Soft, known for a number of excellent NES titles, delivered one of their finest offerings with Faxanadu. A perfect blend of action, role-playing, and exploration, Faxanadu was ahead of its time, mixing the best elements of Metroid with RPG mechanics to create a highly engaging and deeply satisfying experience. In many ways, Faxanadu is an action RPG that laid the groundwork for the modern Metroidvania genre, offering a world to explore, secrets to uncover, and powerful upgrades to collect. The game’s ability to balance fast-paced action with thoughtful exploration and character progression sets it apart from many of its contemporaries. While some of its controls and mechanics may feel a bit dated by today’s standards, Faxanadu still holds up as a fantastic NES title. The game’s atmospheric world, combined with the satisfying exploration and combat, makes it one of the hidden gems of the NES library, and it’s a testament to how well action RPGs could work on the system.
9. Vice: Project Doom
Vice: Project Doom is a game that few people talk about, but those who do often praise it for its unique blend of genres and its ability to seamlessly combine action, platforming, driving sequences, and light-gun-like shooting levels. Released at a time when many NES games were sticking to well-established formulas, Vice: Project Doom stood out by mixing a variety of gameplay styles into one package. The variety of gameplay keeps the experience fresh and engaging, as each section feels distinct yet is still enjoyable to play. What’s most impressive about Vice: Project Doom, however, is how well it executes these different gameplay styles. The action sections are fast-paced and satisfying, the driving sequences feel fluid, and the shooting mechanics are sharp and responsive. The game’s visuals, while limited by the hardware, are highly polished for an NES title, and the soundtrack is catchy and atmospheric. Despite being largely overlooked upon release, Vice: Project Doom has earned its place as an underrated classic, and it’s easy to see why it has become a cult favorite over time.
10. StarTropics
StarTropics is one of those NES games that feels more refreshing today than it did back in its time. Although it shares some similarities with The Legend of Zelda, StarTropics stands apart with its quirky sense of humor, charming characters, and unique setting. The game combines action, puzzles, and platforming elements in a way that still feels fresh, and its real-time combat mechanics are easy to pick up and enjoy. It’s a game that embraces its fun, almost cartoony nature, without sacrificing its depth or challenge. The story, revolving around a young boy named Mike who embarks on an adventure to rescue his uncle, is a delightful mix of pulp adventure and lightheartedness, making it a great fit for players of all ages. The controls and gameplay are tight, and the level designs are imaginative, making for an enjoyable and rewarding experience. StarTropics is often overshadowed by other NES classics, but it is one of the most unique and innovative games the console has to offer. Even today, its charm and clever design make it an unforgettable NES experience.
11. Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 is undoubtedly one of the greatest games ever made, and it stands as a testament to Nintendo’s ability to innovate within the limitations of the NES hardware. While it’s often considered an obvious choice for a top spot on any NES list, the reason it remains one of the most beloved games of all time is simple: it still holds up as the perfect 2D platformer. The game takes everything that made Super Mario Bros. great and adds a wealth of new power-ups, world designs, and gameplay mechanics, making it feel fresh and exciting even decades after its release. Its wide variety of levels, each with its own theme and unique challenges, offers something for everyone. The addition of new suits and abilities, like the Tanooki suit and the Frog suit, gave players even more ways to approach each stage. The precise controls and clever level design make every playthrough satisfying, and the whimsical visuals and memorable soundtrack only add to the overall experience. Super Mario Bros. 3 is the gold standard for platformers, and it is a game that continues to influence the genre to this day. It’s a shining example of what the NES was capable of and remains a timeless masterpiece that will be cherished for years to come.
12. Mega Man 3
The Mega Man series is one of the NES’s defining franchises, and while all the entries are excellent in their own right, Mega Man 3 is often regarded as the pinnacle of the series. Building on the solid foundation laid by its predecessors, Mega Man 3 refines the gameplay in almost every way, introducing new abilities like the slide and adding even more depth to the already excellent stage and boss designs. The levels are meticulously crafted, filled with challenging platforming sections and inventive enemy designs, keeping players on their toes throughout. The addition of the sliding mechanic gives Mega Man 3 a new dimension of control, allowing players to dodge attacks and reach hard-to-reach platforms with ease. The eight Robot Masters are as memorable as ever, each with their own unique weapons and weaknesses, making each boss fight a tactical puzzle. Mega Man 3 is a near-perfect action game, with tight controls, creative level design, and a fantastic soundtrack. Its lasting appeal is undeniable, and it remains one of the best NES games ever made, offering an experience that is both challenging and immensely satisfying.
13. River City Ransom
River City Ransom may have been an unsung hero in the beat-’em-up genre when it was released, but it has since become one of the most cherished and influential games of its kind. It blends classic beat-’em-up mechanics with RPG elements in a way that was almost revolutionary for its time. The ability to explore different areas, level up your characters, and purchase power-ups creates a deeper experience than the standard beat-’em-up fare. The game’s open-world design, where you can take on different levels in any order, was an innovative feature that made it feel more like an adventure than a simple brawler. The combat, while simple at its core, allows for a great deal of experimentation, and the combination of action and RPG elements makes it more engaging than many of its contemporaries. The quirky sense of humor, memorable characters, and catchy soundtrack also add to its charm. River City Ransom is one of those games that holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, and its influence can still be seen in modern brawler-style games. It’s a perfect example of how combining genres and gameplay elements can create something truly special.
14. Crystalis
Crystalis is often referred to as the ultimate action RPG on the NES, and for good reason. This epic game takes everything that made The Legend of Zelda great and adds even more depth, crafting a memorable and rewarding experience that holds up incredibly well even by today’s standards. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game blends traditional RPG mechanics with real-time combat and exploration. The story is surprisingly deep for an NES title, with intricate world-building and characters that feel real. The game also offers a wealth of side quests, upgrades, and weapons to keep players engaged throughout the adventure. The graphics, while simple by modern standards, are beautifully crafted and set a distinct tone that complements the game’s story and setting. The gameplay is tight, with satisfying combat and the kind of exploration that makes the world of Crystalis feel alive and worth discovering. Crystalis is an excellent example of how the NES could deliver more than just simple platformers or action games—it could create immersive, unforgettable experiences. Even though it’s often overlooked compared to some of its contemporaries, Crystalis is one of the finest action RPGs of its era, and one that stands the test of time.
15. Kirby’s Adventure
Kirby’s Adventure is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, game on the NES, and it’s easy to see why. Released late in the NES’s lifecycle, it takes full advantage of the system’s capabilities to deliver an unforgettable experience. The game’s visuals are stunning, with colorful and imaginative designs that showcase what the NES could do with its limited hardware. The level design is exceptionally creative, offering a mix of platforming, puzzles, and combat that feels fresh throughout. What sets Kirby’s Adventure apart from many other games of its time, however, is its innovative copy ability mechanic. This allows Kirby to absorb enemies’ powers and use them to his advantage, adding a layer of strategy and variety to the gameplay that was unheard of on the NES. The game’s difficulty is just right—not too hard to be frustrating, but challenging enough to keep you engaged. With its charming characters, catchy soundtrack, and inventive gameplay mechanics, Kirby’s Adventure remains one of the most polished and enjoyable games on the NES, and arguably the pinnacle of what the system was capable of. It’s the perfect example of how to create a game that is both accessible and deep, and it remains a beloved classic that still captivates players today.
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