My Top 8 Games of 1987

Blogger’s Note: I’m doing something here that I don’t like. I’m revising and re-posting an old blog post. I prefer to present new content, and that’s not happening here (well, at least 50% isn’t new). Now, my reason for doing this is that I wanted to do one of these for each year beginning in 1987. I felt that the best way to kickstart that was to update my original post. Also, I’m starting in 1987 because I researched years prior, and I simply couldn’t find enough games I was familiar with or fond of to constitute a list. Please note, this list uses North American release dates as that would be when the game was first available to me.

8. Rygar

Rygar is a game that I’m sad to say I didn’t get to fully experience in my childhood. It is one of the first titles to utilize a non-linear gameplay style and was also unique in the use of the Diskarmor as a weapon. Rygar also included sections that were side-scrolling as well as sections that are presented in from an overhead viewpoint. While Rygar only saw one sequel/remake, the title is still held in high regard today, receiving digital releases on the eShop as well as inclusion on Nintendo Switch Online.

7. Kid Icarus

Considering that this game series was dormant for many years, it’s quite amazing how popular this title has remained since its release. Built on the Metroid engine, Kid Icarus is primarily a vertical scrolling platformer that puts you in control of Pit. Your weapon is a bow and arrow and you ascend each level, fighting monsters, collecting hearts (currency), and purchasing upgrades and/or supplies. The vertical platforming is interrupted by maze like levels that you traverse one room at a time as you search for the boss. This is a difficult game without a doubt, but was designed well enough that it’s still very playable today.

6. Wonder Boy

Re-imagined on the NES as Adventure Island, Wonder Boy is a nifty little platforming game. Instead of a timer, you are forced to constantly pick up fruit as your life meter depletes at a constant rate and fruit increases it. This could be extremely nerve wracking if you missed a few pieces or preferred to take your time in a level. This is also a pretty bare bones game, featuring just a couple of power-ups and none of the more adventure based gameplay that would follow in the sequels, but is still a very fun play.

5. The Goonies II

A sequel to a Japan only game that was based on the movie, The Goonies II is both very fun and very frustrating. A side-scroller, Goonies II allowed you to enter doors and search rooms for items. You could also exit these rooms to find the other side of the map (think of it as a mirror). Hand drawing a map to keep track of your progress was practically a must for this title. Still, in spite of these limitations, I still enjoy playing Goonies II. It has quite a bit of charm and, above exceptions noted, is designed quite well.

4. Castlevania

The roots of one of my favorite series began right here with Castlevania. Taking some lore from Bram Stoker (and, of course, Vlad Tepas), Castlevania put you in the shoes of Simon Belmont and tasked you with taking down the vampire Dracula, as well as a host of other fiends standing between him and you. Castlevania is not without its faults. The difficulty is brutal, as is the realistic but punishing jump mechanic (once you jump, there is no changing direction). Still, the game is extremely well made and while the platforming may be difficult, it doesn’t feel impossible or cheap. In addition to the entertaining gameplay, Castlevania boasts one of the best soundtracks of any NES game, including the now classic Bloody Tears track.

3. Mega Man

It’s hard to imagine that all of the sequels and spin-offs that were familiar with started because of this one title. Mega Man was revolutionary in a few ways. Choosing your level as opposed to progressing as the game dictates was practically unheard of, as was obtaining a boss’s power to use as your own. Mega Man has also endured thanks to excellent gameplay and level design. These staples have endured, resulting in the most recent sequel (11) being the best selling of the entire series.

2. The Legend of Zelda

The grandfather of all adventure games. Much like Metroid, Zelda abandoned most conventions of gaming that existed upon its release and created its own rules. You controlled Link from an overhead perspective and moved one screen at a time. There are dungeon levels, but you are free to attempt them out of order, so long as you have the required items to reach them. The game does give you obscure clues about where to go, but they can be very tricky to figure out. While this can be frustrating at times, once you figure out what to do or where to go, it becomes a very rewarding experience. Legend of Zelda remains one of my top games, not just of 1987, but of all games.

1. Metroid

Metroid broke many conventions upon its release. You were no longer forced to advance from left to right, you explored one large world with no separate stages, and backtracking was a must as your abilities grew. Metroid demanded some expert platforming to traverse the large world and take on the numerous enemies, but it was always well-designed platforming, sparing you from frustration or a sense of being cheated. Metroid also successfully created an atmosphere unlike any seen before. Everything in the game, from the music to the scenery, created an incredible sense of isolation. You were alone in this world and your success or failure was entirely in your hands. No mention of Metroid would be complete without citing the surprise ending, finding out that your adventurer was actually the female bounty hunter, Samus Aran, as opposed to being a man, which is what most players probably assumed. This seems like nothing major now, but in its time, a heroine was almost unheard of, especially one with the toughness of Samus Aran.

Top 8 games of 1988

8. (Tie) Bionic Commando (NES)

Bionic Commando is a very unique platformer from Capcom in that your character can run and gun, but can’t jump. Instead, all platforming is done via a bionic arm that acts as a grappling hook. This unique twist on the standard platformer combined with excellent design and challenging bosses would be enough reason to praise Bionic Commando, but the game also features branching paths, meaning that you can experience the game differently from one play to the next. The cherry on top of this game – you get to kill Hitler. It’s truly a good time.

8. (Tie) Contra (NES)

Contra is the quintessential run and gun game. Filled to the brim with enemies, bullets, aliens, etc… Contra simply never stops attacking you, and it’s truly a joy to experience. Offering a variety of weapons, level designs, and enemies, Contra never ceases to be both exciting and frustrating. That said, it never feels unfair, which is, to me, a sign of a very well designed game. A special shout out here to those of you that have bested this title without using the Konami Code. I certainly have not.

8. (Tie) Golvellius: Valley of Doom (Master System)

Intentionally or not, Golvellius was the Master System’s answer to The Legend of Zelda. Utilizing an overhead view, your hero navigates around the overworld one screen at a time, attacking enemies with a sword. It’s quite Zelda-esque. Once you begin investigating the multiple caves of the overworld, things change up a bit. In some dungeons, you are shifted to a side-scrolling view and the games becomes something of a platformer. Other dungeons become a play on overhead, auto-scrolling shooters. Golvellius has a few issues to be sure, but it is still a solid game well worth visiting.

7. RC Pro-Am (NES)

You race against the computer over a variety of tracks, picking up or buying power-ups after each race. I honestly don’t know what else to say here. It’s possibly the most simplistic game style in the world, yet this game by Rare is a ton of fun. I can’t describe why I love this game. Maybe it just has to be played to be understood. Whatever it is, it deserves to be on this list.

6. Blaster Master (NES)

Innovation seems to be a theme on this list, and Blaster Master is no exception. The world of Blaster Master is explored in a tank named Sophia the 3rd in a side-scrolling fashion. The world is broken into sections that can’t be fully explored, or accessed, until you gain a power-up, very much like Metroid. At certain points, you have to exit Sophia and enter dungeons. These sections are played from an overhead perspective, and are where the bosses in this game are hidden. This could have been a disaster, but thanks to some excellent design work by a development team of around five people, Blaster Master is still held in high regard today.

5. Phantasy Star (Master System)

Phantasy Star is Sega’s answer to Final Fantasy, and it is a strong answer (I’ll argue that Phantasy Star is better than the original Final Fantasy). Playing much like most RPG’s of the era, you explore an overworld, battle in random, turn-based encounters, and level up. Phantasy Star is original in that dungeons are explored in a first person mode, and practically require the drawing of a map to navigate. This may seem cumbersome to some, but for the time, it was hardly unusual, and, for me, holds some charm even today.

4. Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished (Master System)

The first game in the long-running Ys series, Ys I, like many games on this list, was a very different beast than most games. The game is viewed similarly to Zelda, but your hero, Adol Christin, doesn’t attack in the traditional manner. Instead of attacking with the push of a button, you run into your enemies a bit off-center to do damage. This can be frustrating at first, but when it finally clicks, it almost has a rhythm to it, and becomes extremely fun. Ys I also has killer music as well as killer challenge, though not cheap challenge. Definitely one of the best of 1988.

3. Wonder Boy in Monster Land (Master System)

Abandoning the rather barebones approach of the original Wonder Boy (no offense meant, I love Wonder Boy and Adventure Island), Monster Land has many RPG elements. You, as Wonder Boy, explore multiple levels, purchasing stronger equipment as you go, as well as finding or earning items that give you additional powers. Making such drastic changes from one game to the next is a risky move, but in this instance it worked better than I can imagine anyone ever expected. Wonder Boy has kept this style of play, and is still a very relevant franchise today via remakes and sequels.

2. Super Mario Brothers 2 (NES)

At this point, we all know the story. Nintendo of Japan thought American gamers were terrible, so instead of getting the true Mario 2, we got Doki Doki Panic with a Mario facelift. Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me. I think this was a positive development as I don’t care for Japanese Mario 2. Super Mario Brothers 2 (US) was quite different from its namesake. You pick up enemies instead of jumping on them. You attack by throwing vegetables. Four Mario characters are playable, each with strengths and weaknesses. Bowser is no where to be found. For as different as it was, it was still a great game with great design, nice graphics, and interesting worlds. It was even released in Japan as Super Mario Brothers USA. For a title that was only made as a compromise, it has certainly cemented itself as a classic NES title, and is my best of 1988.

1. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)

Much like Super Mario Brothers 2 deviated from the original (though for vastly different reasons), Nintendo chose to make Zelda II differ from its predecessor. While a top down view was retained for the world map, all action takes place from a side-scrolling perspective. The difficulty of Zelda II was also ramped up, making it a true challenge in latter areas of the game. Finally, Zelda II removed all usable items such as bombs and the boomerang and added magic spells. Zelda II has long been considered a black sheep of the series, but I’ve always adored this title. It feels like a fuller game than the original, and the discovery of a second entire continent halfway through the game was joyful surprise in my original playthrough. This is a title that I played extensively in my childhood and continue to playthrough today. As a result, it’s my #1 game of 1988.

My Top 8 Games of 1989

Honorable Mention: Bomberman, Willow, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Adventures of Lolo, Legacy of the Wizard, Adventures of Dino Riki

8. (Tie) Monster Party (NES)

Monster Party is easily one of the oddest games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. You are Mark, a young boy recruited by a winged monster (Bert) to help him save his realm, the Dark World. Bert fuses himself to you, so that you can transform into Bert upon acquiring a specific power-up, though this is temporary. You then traverse multiple platforming levels, battling incredibly odd bosses while searching for a key to exit the level. Monster Party is very strange, but fun in an off-the-wall way. It’s also become known for the fact that Nintendo allowed large amounts of blood and the word “Hell” to remain in the game, in spite of their notorious censorship.

8. (Tie) Adventures of DinoRiki (NES)

On its face, Adventures of DinoRiki would appear to be an overhead adventure title, in the vein of The Legend of Zelda, but upon playing it, it becomes clear that this game is nothing of the like. DinoRiki is best described as a top down shooter, as you navigate DinoRiki through each vertically scrolling stage, shooting numerous enemies and navigating the occasional water and gaps that demand precise jumping. While DinoRiki has a very interesting gameplay style, it’s held back a bit by the aforementioned jumping, which feels spotty at times, as well as the high difficulty. Still, look past those flaws and you’ll still see a game well worth playing.

7. (Tie) Thunder Force II (Sega Genesis)

Following up the well-made Thunder Force, Thunder Force II improved on the original in numerous ways. Two stage types were included, the overhead view, tasking the player with destroying enemies and bases, and the side-view (which would become the standard for future titles). Thunder Force II also expanded the weapon system and added a pod accessory. Like most games in the shoot-em-up category, Thunder Force II was very difficult, and demanded a certain level of dedication to master. Still, it never feels unfair, and contains enough fun that playing through it multiple times never seems to grow old.

7. (Tie) Ninja Gaiden (NES)

I suspect that this game was responsible for at least a few broken NES controllers, probably due to those $%&@$# birds, but even with all the frustration this game can cause, it is still an excellent title. The level design is just fantastic, and Ryo’s ability to climb walls allowed the developers to structure levels differently than most platformers. And while enemy placement was just sadistic, after a few minutes with the game, you come to understand said placement and adjust your playstyle accordingly. While I do think the sequel is a better game overall, there’s no denying that Ninja Gaiden is an NES classic.

6. Dragon Warrior (NES)

One of the first RPG’s to grace the NES, Dragon Warrior includes many aspects that would become staples of future RPG games for years to come. All of the usual RPG suspects are here, world maps to traverse, random encounters, towns to explore, citizens to speak with, and magic to help your hero in battle. Unlike Final Fantasy, Dragon Warrior puts you in battle in a first person perspective and limits encounters to one enemy at a time. Your goals are also laid out for you, though you will still need to gather information to fully find your way. The first in the series, Dragon Warrior (a/k/a Dragon Quest) is still going strong today, with Dragon Quest XII currently in development.

5. Faxanadu (NES)

A spin-off of Falcom’s Dragon Slayer series, Faxanadu combines RPG elements with side-scrolling and platforming elements (it also has a little Metroid DNA in it). You must purchase items in towns you will find to make your character stronger, and battle enemies to gain money and experience. Talking to townspeople is also a must in order to both get information regarding the plot as well as determining your next destination. The game itself is very well made, if a bit difficult, but is held back by an extremely cumbersome password system. Aside from that, the gameplay is solid and holds up just as much today as when the game initially launched.

4. Ducktales (NES)

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s Capcom and Disney had a magical relationship, and no game shows that magic more than Ducktales. A platformer that sees you take control of Scrooge McDuck, you start the game by being allowed to pick your first destination, much like the Mega Man series. Once picked, you’ll find yourself facing both stage obstacles and enemies. Fortunately, Scrooge’s cane acts as a pogo-stick, allowing you to bounce on enemies heads and clear said obstacles, all the while finding as much treasure as possible in route to the level boss. Huey, Dewey, & Louie show up as do Webby, Launchpad, and Gizmoduck. Truly a joy to play, Ducktales would get a sequel as well as a remake in 2013.

3. The Guardian Legend (NES)

I’ve already written about this game extensively, but it’s such a great game, that it deserves additional recognition. Guardian Legend is a game that combines two genres, and pulls both off beautifully. For part of the game, you play from an overhead perspective, exploring rooms screen by screen, much like Zelda. The other portion of the game sees you transform into a spaceship and you enter a corridor that is a vertical shooter. Making this game was a risk given that it crosses genres, yet the finished package remains a great play, and makes it one of the best games on the NES.

2. Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap (Master System)

Taking place immediately after Monster Land, and sees Wonder Boy being cursed and becoming a lizard man at the end of the first level (a simplified version of Monster Land’s final level). Once this happens, the game world is opened up and you are free to explore as much as you are able, much like Metroid. Eventually, you will reverse the curse and gain other forms you can transform into, allowing you to access previously inaccessible areas. The game was critically acclaimed and saw release on multiple systems. A remake was released in 2017 and sequels followed in 1994 and 2018.

1. Mega Man 2

At this point, I’m not sure what else can be said about Mega Man 2. Considered by many to be the best in the series, Mega Man 2 took everything done correctly in Mega Man, and made it exponentially better. Featuring excellent level design, excellent enemy design, a high level of difficulty, and a killer soundtrack, Mega Man 2 quickly became a must play title for the NES, and elevated the Mega Man franchise to that of a Castlevania, Metroid, or Mario. Mega Man 2 remains popular today, and has been so revered that when Capcom decided to make a Mega Man 9, it was made to be as much like Mega Man 2 as possible, even removing long-time staples such as the slide and the Mega-Buster. It’s because of both the initial success and legacy of this game that it’s the best game of 1989.

My Top 8 Games of 1990

Note: This is the toughest list I’ve done yet. 1990 was an extraordinarily great year in gaming so I am straight-up cheating and having a few “ties” on this list. There are just too many good games.

Honorable Mention:
– NES: 8 Eyes, Adventures of Lolo 2, Batman, Chip’n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Gremlins 2, Little Nemo: The Dream Master, Rygar
– TurboGrafx-16: Bonk’s Adventure, Splatterhouse, Super Star Soldier
– Sega Genesis: Ghostbusters, Thunder Force III
– Gameboy: Gargoyle’s Quest, Final Fantasy Legend
– Misc: SimEarth (PC), Aliens (Arcade)

8. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (NES)(Tie)
Ninja Gaiden II had a tough act to follow given the success and popularity of Ninja Gaiden, and it definitely delivered. Bringing back the same stellar level design and gameplay with new power-ups and a couple of quality of life improvements (wall climbing), Ninja Gaiden II cemented the series as a must own for the NES. Ninja Gaiden II is the perfect example of a game that is tough as nails, but never feels very unfair. You always feel like you just need to learn the game a little better to succeed. I’ve personally never bested this game, yet I still love it and still come back to it in the hopes of one day finally conquering it.

8. Startropics (NES)(Tie)
Startropics is very much a Zelda-esque game, though I don’t think it can called a clone. Your viewpoint is top down and in the caverns your character (Mike) moves through rooms that are square or rectangle. You have to push buttons to solve puzzles and battle bosses with a variety of weapons. Yet, as much as it’s similar to Zelda, it has a charm and identity that is entirely its own. The story is very interesting, even including a note with the game that must be dipped in water to obtain a message that allows you to advance in game. The graphics are crisp. And the level design and gameplay is extremely sharp. I can’t say enough positive about Startropics and, if you haven’t yet, you owe it to yourself to give this game a play.

8. Final Fantasy (NES)(Tie)
The game that launched a franchise that is still considered elite today (I’ve yet to encounter anyone that hasn’t enjoyed Final Fantasy XVI). The very first Final Fantasy seems very basic now, but, along with Dragon Warrior and Phantasy Star, paved the way for RPG’s on home consoles. Final Fantasy allowed you to pick your party, meaning each play through could be a unique experience, and could be made more difficult or easier based on your decisions. The world is massive with a variety of enemies and bosses to battle. The story, while basic, is good enough. Further entries in the series would tighten up the gameplay, but there’s no denying how important and well-made the original Final Fantasy was.

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES)(Tie)
The original TMNT game on the NES is fine, but it was TMNT II that really made you feel as if you were playing the cartoon series that so many of us loved in our childhood (and possibly adulthood). The characters were all there, both the heroes and enemies, the levels were varied, and the sprites, as noted above, were as close as to the cartoon as you could get on the NES. Most importantly though, the gameplay was stellar. Fighting through waves of footclan soldiers, rock soldiers, and mousers, among others, stayed exciting. And as exciting as the game was alone, it was even more so with a friend or sibling. I can’t imagine the number of times my brother and I played through TMNT II, but however many times it was, it never got old, and still hasn’t gotten old.

7. Neutopia (TurboGrafx-16)(Tie)
I’ve written about Neutopia before, but in summary, it’s a Zelda clone, and quite possibly the most similar Zelda clone that was developed, but it was a great Zelda clone. You play as the hero, Jazeta, and explore the gameworld, looking for caves, items, and the entries to the crypts, in which lurk bosses guarding medallions you must collect to rescue the princess. No, this game is not original, but that doesn’t stop it from being a blast to play. The world is very well designed, with differing regions you must explore. There are tons of secrets to locate, and multiple weapons to complement your always handy sword. I noted this in my previous post on Neutopia, but this is another somewhat obscure game that is now available digitally (via PSN) and is a game I would recommend to anyone.

6. Crystalis (NES)
Changing things up a bit, we come to a title with a top down viewpoint and sees you exploring a world in an effort to stop a powerful evil. Okay, so I clearly have a type of video game I prefer. Still, Crystalis is an absolute gem of a game. You as the hero, awake with no memory and are tasked with stopping the villain, Draygon, from entering a Tower that would allow him to rule the world. Crystalis takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. The story of the game is easy to bypass, but if you explore just a bit, you’ll find the narrative to be quite deep. Combat consists of using one of four elemental swords alongside items and magic and is implemented very well. Crystalis still holds up today, and is fortunately available via teh SNK collection or on Nintendo Switch Online.

5. Ducktales (NES)
Capcom and Disney had an incredible relationship in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, and no game (IMO) topped Ducktales for the NES. Ducktales put you in control of Scrooge McDuck on a quest to gather treasures from five areas of the world, including the moon, with a little help from the other characters in the show. Much like Mega Man, Ducktales also allowed you to play the stages in any order you wished. Once in the stages, there are multiple paths to explore and multiple hazards designed to stop you in your tracks. Fortunately, Scrooge’s cane doubles as a pogo stick with which you can dispatch enemies and hop over hazards with relative ease…sometimes. With stellar gameplay and design, Ducktales was renowned then and remains so today, seeing both a re-release alongside other Disney games from that era and a full remake.

4. Ys I & II (TurboGrafx-16)
As an unabashed Ys fan, you had to know this title would show up on my list. Ys I & II is a very unique title in that it does not include an attack button. Instead, to attack, you run directly into enemies, though you must do it off center or from the side or behind. Mess this up a bit, and you’ll find your life decreasing far more quickly than your foes. While this may sound awkward to some people, once you give yourself time to adjust to it, you’ll find that it flows extremely well and eventually just becomes second nature. Ys I & II also included FMV on the TG-16, a beautiful game world, well designed sprites, a very deep story littered with lore, and a stellar soundtrack. While Adol Christin has come a long way since this outing, seeing a new entry arriving this year (Ys X: Nordics), this first outing shaped the entire franchise and you can still see it’s DNA even in the most recent Ys entries.

3. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse (NES)
Castlevania III is not only an excellent entry for the franchise on the NES, it is my personal favorite Castlevania title. Castlevania III returned the game to it’s level based roots after the more open-world Castlevania II (also a stellar game), but introduced branching paths allowing you to choose your next destination. Castlevania III also introduced helper characters. These characters, when found, will offer to accompany you, though you can only have one with you at a time. By pushing select, you will transform into Grant Danasty (pirate), Sypha Belnades (sorceress), or Alucard (Dracula’s son, making his first appearance in the franchise). Each has special skills that can make traversing the game a bit easier, or a bit harder depending upon the path you choose. While the original title is rightfully acclaimed, Castlevania III tightens all of the screws of the original, giving us what, in my opinion, is my perfect Castlevania game.

2. Mega Man 3 (NES)
Just like Castlevania III, Mega Man 3 is my personal favorite game in the franchise. Mega Man 3 follows up the extraordinary Mega Man 2 by somehow being just a little bit better. The level and enemy design is fantastic, as expected, but Capcom added a slide move, which adds an entirely new element to the game, while also introducing Mega Man’s long-time companion, Rush. Mega Man 3 was also the first to pull the “it’s not Dr. Wily this time, oh wait, it totally is Dr. Wily this time” twist. This is a short blurb simply because the best I can do is say that this is an amazing game that, if you’ve somehow missed, you owe it to yourself to play.

1. Super Mario Brothers 3 (NES)
While Mario and Mario 2 are good games, it is Mario 3 that gave us the Mario we still know and love today. An immense NES game, Super Mario Brothers 3 is eight worlds of pure joy. Expanding upon Mario’s power-up inventory, Mario 3 introduced the Frog Suit, the Hammer Brothers Suit, and the Tanooki Suit & Leaf, both of which gave Mario the power of flight for the first time. There’s simply no way to convey the pure excitement of taking Mario to the sky for the first time. It was a sense of freedom that was practically unparalleled. Mario 3 also includes quite possibly the tightest level design on the NES. No small feat given the NES library. Mario 3 was such an impactful title that the film The Wizard (I’ll defend this movie to the end) was practically a commercial for the game. A very good commercial. It’s worth noting as well that Mario 3 has aged extremely well and still shows up on top games lists, despite being over thirty years old. For all these reasons and others too numerous to mention, Super Mario Brothers 3 is my top game of 1990.

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My Top 8 Games of 1991

Note: 1991 saw the introduction of the Super NES in North America, so you can’t be angry with me if this list seems a little Super NES heavy. Also, I’m cheating again with a few ties. You’ll have to forgive me.

Honorable Mention:
– NES: Adventures of Lolo 3, Battletoads, Bomberman 2, Ninja Gaiden III
– Super NES: Darius Twin, Gradius III, Pilotwings, Super Ghouls’n Ghosts
– Sega Genesis: Alien Storm, Quackshot, Romance of the Three Kingdoms II
– TurboGrafx-16: Bonk’s Revenge
– Gameboy: Kid Icarus
– Game Gear: Crystal Warriors
– Arcade: Earth Defense Force, Knights of the Round

8. F-Zero (Super NES)(Tie)
One of (if not the) earliest racing games on the Super NES, F-Zero offered futuristic racing and the simulation of 3-D graphics with the use of Mode 7. Both fun and challenging, F-Zero managed to stay relevant on the console in spite of being released very early in the Super NES’ lifespan. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the absolutely amazing soundtrack which is easily one of the best two or three out of the entire Super NES library.

8. Metroid II: Return of Samus (Gameboy)(Tie)
The follow-up to the NES classic, Metroid II saw bounty hunter Samus Aran take the fight directly to the Metroid home world, SR388. While limited in scope due to being released on the Gameboy, Metroid II introduced new power-ups, some of which still show up in the series, as well as the idea of different variations of the titular Metroid. A remake on the 3DS saw a fuller realization of Metroid II, but for the time and console it was developed for, Metroid II was a very impressive feat.

7. Adventure Island II (NES)(Tie)
I’ve already opined on Adventure Island II recently, but am always happy to talk it up. While keeping the platforming gameplay of the original, Adventure Island II made improvements in almost every facet of the series. The level design was tighter, as were the controls. The levels featured a higher level of variety in terms of theme. New items and weapons were introduced, most notably, four dinosaur companions that Master Higgins could ride, granting him more maneuverability and/or attacks. My personal favorite of the Adventure Island titles, Adventure Island II is definitely one of the gems of the NES library.

7. Golden Axe II (Sega Genesis)(Tie)
I’m pretty terrible at beat-em-ups, so a title in that genre has to be great to pull me in. Enter Golden Axe II. One of the most renowned titles and series on the Genesis, Golden Axe II continued the excellent gameplay of Golden Axe. Ridable creatures are included as is the ability to pick your character. Golden Axe II is not an easy game (at least, for me), but even when I would die, I would still want to start over, which I believe speaks very highly of the title.

7. Tiny Toon Adventures (NES)(Tie)
There was a time when games based on cartoons or movies were generally quite good. A bad game was essentially the exception. Included in the majority is the platformer Tiny Toon Adventures. Tiny Toon Adventures sees you play as Buster Bunny attempting to rescue Babs from the villainous Montana Max. Along the way, you can choose to be accompanied in each world by Dizzy, Furrball, and Plucky, whom you can change into upon finding a certain item. Each character brings an ability that changes up the gameplay. Tiny Toon Adventures is an excellent platformer that is still held up today as one of the best games on the NES.

6. Final Fantasy Adventure (Gameboy)(Tie)
The first entry in the Seiken Densetsu series, Final Fantasy Adventure is an action RPG that plays much more like a Legend of Zelda title with RPG elements than it does a traditional Final Fantasy title. Your character, the “hero,” can use magic in addition to physical attacks. While a fantastic game in its own right, Final Fantasy Adventure may be best known as the forerunner to Secret of Mana. If you’re a fan of the latter and have never played Final Fantasy Adventure, I would highly suggest doing so as it is easily one of the best titles on Nintendo’s handheld.

6. Neutopia II (TurboGrafx-16)(Tie)
Neutopia II didn’t change very much from the original, but in my opinion, it didn’t really need to. Neutopia II, like its predecessor, plays very, very much like Legend of Zelda (which was the point), but while it is a Zelda clone, it is a phenomenal clone, and that’s all I ask in a title that is imitating another title. I don’t have much to add to this. Neutopia was a great game, and Neutopia II is a great game. Both are available on PSN and if you’re looking to scratch that retro Zelda itch, you can’t do much better than Neutopia.

6. Super R-Type (Super NES)(Tie)
R-Type was a well known and very popular horizontal shooter series before Super R-Type launched, yet Irem managed to outdo themselves even with the previous entries being highly regarded. Super R-Type is tough as nails and yet tons of fun at the same time. Irem truly nailed the delicate balance of difficulty and enjoyment. I’ll admit to never being able to beat this game, but the pure joy of playing it brought me back time and time again.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis)
I have to make a confession here. I am not a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog. I was a Nintendo kid so I simply never had the chance to play the most well-known entries. Still that said, now that I have been able to play them, I am certain that a younger me with more time would have been obsessed with Sonic. It’s also impossible to overstate the effect Sonic the Hedgehog had on the gaming market in 1991. While I find the Mario titles to be the better designed games, Sonic brought a pace and speed to platforming that I’m not sure any other title had previously touched.

4. Actraiser (Super NES)
Actraiser is such a unique title that I’m not sure any other game exists that can be adequately compared to it (save for it’s own remake released a couple of years ago). Actraiser is one part platformer, one part city building. In the platforming levels, you are tasked with clearing an area of monsters, culminating in a boss fight, while the city building sections see you control a cherub/angle that allows you to direct your citizens in growing their town. You are also able to use miracles to clear the land and help your people, who respond by locating power-ups that will be offered to you. While the platforming levels never changed (for obvious reasons), the city building allowed the game to have a level of variety that straight platformers couldn’t match.

3. Final Fantasy II (Super NES)
It kills me not to write Final Fantasy IV, but here we are. The second Final Fantasy to make it to America’s shores, Final Fantasy II is just a tremendous RPG, and truly set the standard for any RPG that would follow it on the Super NES. Aside from the standard RPG elements that we’re all familiar with at this point, Final Fantasy II introduced the active time battle system, which meant inputting action commands to your characters in real time as opposed to the true turn-based battles which had previously ben utilized. As with most Final Fantasy entries, the story is very prominent and deep. Your primary protagonist is Cecil, a warrior stripped of his status after questioning the king. You’ll gather a number of characters, each with their own motives and story, to accompany you on your quest. Final Fantasy II is so well made that it is still playable today, over thirty years after its initial release, and is a must for Final Fantasy and RPG fans.

2. Super Castlevania IV (Super NES)
I adore the Castlevania series, and Super Castlevania IV is a large part of why. A re-telling of the original Castlevania, Castlevania IV is, essentially, a 16-bit version of the NES Castlevania titles, which were just fantastic. There are some quality of life improvements, such as the ability to control your jump and whip in multiple directions, but Konami didn’t make drastic changes to the series for the first Super NES entry, and they didn’t need to. All Super Castlevania IV had to do was continue the excellence of the series, and it did so in spades.

1. Super Mario World (Super NES)
It’s difficult to state how revolutionary Super Mario World felt when it debuted with the Super NES. Mario’s world was a massive, interconnected land teeming with secrets, branching levels, hidden worlds, and paths. Riding on Yoshi and learning his abilities added another layer to how you could play the game. And seeing Mario and friends (and enemies) in 16-bit was simply amazing. All these years later, and I’m not sure that Nintendo has yet put out a Mario title that tops the complete excellence of Super Mario World, and that is why it’s my #1 game of 1991.

My Top 8 Games of 1992

Note: In 1992, the console war between the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis was heating up, though the original NES still saw some true classics released. As far as this ranking goes, I’d be amazed if most anyone reading it didn’t take issue with some of my choices, and that’s fine, but this is a subjective list. My opinions are the best I can do on these. At least there aren’t any ties in this one, so it truly is a Top 8.

Honorable Mention:
– NES: Dragon Quest III & IV, Little Samson, Mega Man 4, TMNT III: The Manhattan Project, Yoshi
– Super NES: Contra III: The Alien Wars, Street Fighter II
– Sega Genesis: Cadash
– GameBoy: Kirby’s Dream Land
– Game Gear: Crystal Warriors
– Arcade: Mortal Kombat

8. Thunder Force III (Sega Genesis) / Thunder Spirits (Super NES)
When I first played this as Thunder Spirits, I had no idea that it was a port of Genesis series. All I knew is that I loved the fast paced action, various weapons, and beautiful visuals. For me, R-Type will always be the space shooter standard, and Thunder Force / Thunder Spirits comes the closest to that experience of any space shooter I’ve ever played. While there are some minor differences in the two versions, they are close enough that I’m fine placing them together here. I’m also reminded that I really, really need to play the other Thunder Force titles.

7. Ecco the Dolphin (Sega Genesis)
Full disclosure, I’ve never been able to finish this game. It’s tough as nails, which is surprising given the style of the game would make a person think it’s aimed at younger children. This is not the case. As Ecco, you will explore the vastness of the oceans trying to determine what has become of your pod, all of whom were captured within a storm/water spout. Ecco has a surprisingly deep story involving aliens and time travel. Ecco’s controls and visuals were unlike most anything else on the market at the time of release, and both have held up quite well. Given the popularity of this character and game series, it’s a bit surprising that Sega has not revisited the series. It feels like the time is right for Ecco to make his return.

6. Adventure Island 3 (NES)
The first of two controversial placements. I’m a sucker for the Adventure Island series, and Adventure Island 3 is the peak of the games. Featuring the same tight platforming of Adventure Island 2 while expanding upon the weapons and dinosaurs you can use, Adventure Island 3 perfectly scratches the itch that this series creates. Sadly, the direct sequel would never see an American release and the Super NES entries either abandoned the advancements of Adventure Island 2 & 3 (Super Adventure Island) or turned the series into an Action RPG (Super Adventure Island 2). While I quite like Super Adventure Island 2, it’s a shame that there’s never been a title building upon 3 in the way 3 built upon 2.

5. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Sega Genesis)
As I’ve noted previously, I’m not a big Sonic fan, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has always struck me as being just a bit different than the other entries. While the speed is definitely there, I’ve always felt I had more control in Sonic 2 than in the other entries I’ve played. It helps that Sonic 2 has a stellar soundtrack and one of the best levels of any game I’ve played in Casino Nights. I wish I liked this franchise more than I do, but I can at least praise Sonic 2.

4. Super Mario Kart (Super NES)
Coming after the fantastic F-Zero, Super Mario Kart used the same Mode 7 graphical set-up as F-Zero, but was otherwise a far different, though not inferior, experience. Taking control of a Mario related character of your choice, you use racing prowess as well as various power-ups to overtake the other characters on tracts themed on levels from the Mario franchise. While I don’t know how well Super Mario Kart has aged, it can’t be overstated how big this game was when it launched, how fantastic it looked at the time, and how massive the Mario Kart franchise would ultimately become. And while it probably hasn’t aged as well as some other 16-bit titles, it is still a ton of fun to sit down and play even today.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (Super NES)
A port of the arcade title of the (somewhat) same name, TMNT IV on the Super NES truly captures the fun of the Turtles cartoon that many of us watched growing up. I feel that the port actually exceeds the arcade original by adding in more TMNT characters as bosses and enemies and sharpening up the graphics a bit (my own opinion on this one). Also, while it’s just an additional play mechanic, TMNT IV allowed you to throw enemies towards the screen, which was never not a joy to do. The game then featured a boss that required you to do this to win. The Super NES port of TMNT IV became quite hard to find, so I’m forever grateful to Konami for releasing the Cowabunga Collection and allowing an entirely new generation of gamers to experience this gem.

2. Mega Man 5 (NES)
My second controversial placement. I’ve written about Mega Man 5 before, so I’m not sure what else to say about it. It’s the second Mega Man title I owned behind Mega Man 3, which is my favorite of the Mega Man titles. I’ve played through it dozens of times, including again earlier this year. There’s just something about the game that is so nostalgic for me, but even beyond that, I do believe it’s a well designed game that carries on the high expectations of the Mega Man franchise. While you may disagree with a ranking this high, if you’ve never played this Mega Man entry, I would highly recommend you do so. You will not be disappointed.

1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super NES)
When I do these lists, I sometimes have an internal debate in regards to my number one. This was not the case for this list. A Link to the Past is not only the best game of 1992, it is one of the best games ever made. It is a story of an adventure over two large world maps, both teeming with secrets and friends and foes. It is a stellar game that plays just as well today as when it launched over thirty years ago. Not all games, even those I love, stand the test of time, but A Link to the Past has certainly done just that. You can feel pieces of this game in practically every Zelda game that has come since, not to mention many other titles otherwise unrelated to A Link to the Past. For these reasons, and many more I haven’t gotten to, this game is my number one game of 1992.

My Top 8 Games of 1993

Note: 1993 saw the Super NES continue to receive support from both Nintendo and third parties. That said, the NES was still not quite finished, receiving even more games, including one that would become a classic. Meanwhile, 1993 was an oddly quiet year for Sega when it came to blockbuster titles. The titles that did come to the Genesis were generally high quality entries, they just were not in the same category as some of the titles the Super NES got in 1993. Also, I’m bringing back a few ties for this list. I just can’t help myself.

Honorable Mentions:
– NES: Ducktales 2, Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny
– Super NES: Actraiser 2, Goof Troop, Pocky & Rocky, Star Fox, The 7th Saga, Lufia & the Fortress of Doom
– Sega Genesis (CD): Ecco the Dolphin, Gunstar Heroes, Jurassic Park, Shining Force, Splatterhouse 3, Streets of Rage 2, Thunder Force IV
– Super NES / Sega Genesis: Alien 3, Aladdin, Zombies Ate My Neighbors
– TurboGrafx-16: Bomberman 93, Bonk 3
– GameBoy: Adventure Island 3, Final Fantasy Legend III
– Arcade: Mortal Kombat II
– PC: Myst

8. Battle Cars (Super NES)(Tie)
I’m going to say something that is counter-intuitive given that this game is on this list: this is not a great game. I’m 100% aware of this. It has flaws, it’s unfair in many instances, and it doesn’t have much variety. All of that said, this game still holds a special place in my heart and I cannot leave it off this list. In Battle Cars, you pick one of a few cars and race on a track in what appears to be a post-apocalyptic world. You can either play solo and race against a boss car or in two player mode. Oh, and I’m using “track” loosely here because I don’t think there is a track, just a road. You have a few weapons that you can switch between to destroy other cars and slow the boss car down. As mentioned above, this game is tough. Later boss cars seem almost unbeatable (and, as a matter of fact, I’ve never beaten this game). So, the reason I still love this game is it’s one my brother and I use to rent and play all the time. I still have a ton of nostalgia for this title, and so it simply has to be here.

8. Super Godzilla (Super NES)(Tie)
Not to create a questionable theme here, but this is another game that I understand isn’t great, but is a game that I think is very interesting to play. Taking its cues from Godzilla 2: War of the Monsters on the NES, Super Godzilla is a strategy game that has you control the titular monster through various scenarios in what is essentially a strategy game. However, from time to time, you will encounter enemies (UFO’s or other monsters from Godzilla’s canon) that switch you to a battle scene. In this scene, you need to raise Godzilla’s fighting spirit by attacking the opposing monster, then backing up to open attack windows. Once you have an attack, you trigger it, and a cut scene will play showing the attack take place. It’s not a title that’s easy to learn, but if you give it some time, I think it’s a game that will entertain you with its intriguing choices in regards to gameplay.

7. Bubble Bobble 2 (NES)(Tie)
The sequel to Bubble Bobble (obviously), Bubble Bobble 2 is essentially more of the same with just a few tweaks. Boss fights are introduced, as are a few new bubble types. Most noticeably though, is the ability to float upward by inflating Bub/Bob. This replaces the bubble hopping mechanic from the original. Also changed is the ability to play two-player simultaneously. In Bubble Bobble 2, you alternate levels, which is a bit disappointing. At the end of the day though, Bubble Bobble is a fantastic game, so getting more of a fantastic game is never a bad thing. Unfortunately, getting this game is nearly impossible as it is ridiculously rare.

7. Clayfighter (Super NES)(Tie)
Just in case I haven’t mentioned it before, I’m terrible at fighting games. Something about them simply does not click in my head. I lost the tutorial fight on Injustice guys. I’m bad. Clayfighter, though, is a fighter I could get behind. A completely silly take on the fighting genre, Clayfighter sees you fighting as one of a handful of clay figures (Bad Mr. Froster, Ickybod Clay, etc…) complete with special moves and what would be brutal attacks if these weren’t clay figures. The game is completely ridiculous, but that was kind of the point, and it works beautifully. If you’ve never given this title a chance, I strongly recommend it. It has to be played to be fully appreciated.

6. Sonic CD (Sega Genesis / CD)(Tie)
Initially a port of the original Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic CD became its own title and does the series great justice. Featuring classic Sonic gameplay and level design, Sonic CD also includes a time travel future that sees Sonic travel between the future and the past in an effort to get the “happy” version of the third level in each zone. This requires you to travel to the past in the first two levels of a zone and destroy a robot transporter. I don’t have much more to say about Sonic CD, but that’s only because Sonic is quite straight forward. And that’s not a bad thing.

6. SimCity 2000 (PC)(Tie)
For my money, this is the definitive entry in the SimCity franchise. The gameplay is right there in the title. You take a plot of land and build a city. It’s sort of insane that this game can be simultaneously intensely deep and detailed, but very user friendly. I don’t know how it works, but it just does. I spent many, many hours with this game and learned, conclusively, that I should never run a city. Even when you’re failing as mayor though, this game is just a ton of fun to play.

5. Claymates (Super NES)
I consider this game to be a sibling to Clayfighters. They were developed at the same time and share an art style (I intend to cover this in a future Retrospection post). But while Clayfighters was a fighting game, Claymates is a platformer, and a brilliant platformer at that. Claymates sees you take control of Clayton, the young son of a scientist. Turned into a ball of clay by a witch doctor, Clayton must traverse the world to rescue his father and turn himself back into a human. The key to this game is that Clayton can change into one of five different animals by touching colored balls of clay in level. Each animal has distinct abilities that allow you to tackle each level in the way that best suits you (and what animal transformations are available in each level). The levels are generally quite large and allow for plenty of exploration. The only downside to this title is the lack of a password or save feature, but there are warps in each world that let you jump forwards quickly. Often overlooked, this game is hidden gem in the Super NES library.

4. Kirby’s Adventure (NES)
Growing up, I didn’t realize that this was the first title that gave Kirby is copy ability. Having missed out on Kirby’s Dream Land, I had always assumed that Kirby could always copy enemy abilities. Anyway, Kirby’s Adventure on the NES took Kirby from fun little platformer to Nintendo stalwart. The level design is simply stellar, the length of the game is perfect, and the copy ability was a complete gamechanger for the fledgling franchise. More recent entries may be prettier, but this game, released very late in the NES’s life, still holds up today as one of Kirby’s best entries.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GameBoy)
Link’s first handheld adventure was a perfect translation of the series from home console to handheld. Link’s Awakening sees Link washed up on the beach of Koholint Island, which is apparently only in existence as part of the Windfish’s dream, the Windfish being a creature that sits atop a mountain on Koholint. For Link to return to Hyrule, he must wake the Windfish, but doing so could cause Koholint to disappear. The surprisingly deep story is accompanied with same stellar gameplay that graced previous entries in the Zelda franchise along with some new items for Link to use on his adventure. While this was remade for the Switch, the original is still a fantastic title that plays just as well today as it did when it launched.

2. Secret of Mana (Super NES)
The sequel to the Final Fantasy Adventure on GameBoy, Secret of Mana is considered by many to be one of, if not the, best games on the Super NES. An Action RPG, Mana sees you accidentally bring about the return of monsters by pulling the Mana Sword from its resting place. Exiled from your village, you must travel the world and befriend a couple of companions to determine your fate and, ultimately, battle against both the Empire and the Mana Beast. Secret of Mana is a sprawling game that features hours of gameplay and dozens of locales to visit and revisit. The game includes real time weapon attacks along with magical attacks that are gained as you explore the world and restore the Mana Seeds. While I’m not as fond of Secret of Mana as many people (hence it being at #2 on this list), it is still a masterpiece of the game and deserves the accolades it still receives.

1. E.V.O.: Search for Eden (Super NES)
A game published by Enix that far too few people are aware of, EVO is a game about evolution and time. EVO tasks you with guiding a creature through various ages, defeating other creatures for evolution points that can be used to strengthen your creature in a variety of ways. You do this first in the sea, then on land, and then (possibly) in the air. The joy of EVO is that you can play the game a dozen times and have a dozen differing experiences. The possibilities of what you can create feel nearly limitless. Hidden among the evolutions are quasi-secret evolutions, such as a bird, a mermaid, and a human. To this day, I’ve never played another game like EVO: Search for Eden, and I still enjoy it just as much now as I did the first time I tried it. For those reasons, EVO: Search for Eden is my #1 game of 1993. (Retrospection: E.V.O.: Search for Eden)

My Top 8 Games of 1994

Note: For my money, 1994 was the year that truly saw the Super Nintendo come into its own. While Nintendo split their attention between the Super NES and NES to some extent in 1993, 1994 saw the last licensed game released for the NES (Wario’s Woods) as Nintendo focused solely on their 16-bit machine. That said, Sega was not exactly sitting quietly on the sidelines, releasing a phenomenal RPG title as well as a title that included technology not seen before.

Honorable Mentions:
– Arcade: Killer Instinct, Primal Rage
– Atari Jaguar: Alien Versus Predator
– PC: Doom II – Hell on Earth
– Sega Genesis: Shining Force II, Streets of Rage 3, Maximum Carnage, Mortal Kombat II
– Gameboy: Bonk’s Revenge, Donkey Kong
– NES: Chip ‘n Dale – Rescue Rangers 2, Zoda’s Revenge – Startropics II
– Super NES: Breath of Fire, Illusion of Gaia, Knights of the Round, R-Type III – The Third Lightning, Maximum Carnage

8. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (Gameboy)(Tie)
After the release of Super Mario Land 2 on the Gameboy, it was only a question of when, not if, a sequel would be coming. What practically no one expected was for the sequel to star Wario, introduced as Mario’s nemesis in Super Mario Land 2, as the protagonist. Not a surprise? The quality of the game. Wario Land is an excellent platformer that combines the level design of past Mario titles with an array of new power-ups for Wario (in the form of caps). Playing upon Wario’s greed, the goal of the game is to gather as many coins and treasures as possible in order for Wario to build his ultimate castle. The aforementioned treasures are well hidden, though, as are numerous secret levels (similar to Super Mario World). This game may now be thirty years old, but it is so well designed that revisiting it today is just as much fun as playing it upon release.

8. Mega Man 6 (NES)(Tie)
I’m a sucker for the Mega Man series, so there is a bias here. Still, I think it’s worth noting that this game, released extremely late in the life of the NES (it came out after Mega Man X for the Super NES), does not simply rest on the popularity of the franchise. While the gameplay is largely unchanged from the previous entries, Capcom did add in some new ideas. Most notably are the Rush adapters. Gone are the Rush Coil, Rush Jet, and Rush Marine, in their place, Mega Man can acquire a Rush Power Adapter which gives him a strong, short range charged shot, as well as a Rush Jet Adapter which equips Mega Man with a jet pack. Again, it would have been easy for Capcom to phone this title in, but instead they delivered a game that is classic Mega Man, but also incorporates enough new ideas to feel unique within the series.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 / Sonic & Knuckles (Sega Genesis)(Tie)
I’m listing these titles together because they feel like two parts of one game (they were being developed as one title, but were ultimately split due to time constraints and expenses). The gameplay and design of these two titles are classic Sonic the Hedgehog, but what makes both so special is the lock-on technology Sega used with the Sonic & Knuckles cartridge. Placing Sonic 3 (or Sonic 2) into the Sonic & Knuckles cart would make Knuckles the playable character of the game. Given Knuckles unique abilities (flying and climbing), playing as him in either title changed the feel of the game drastically. I can still remember when this launched and how groundbreaking it seemed. I’m a bit confused that no other games ever attempted this, but we’ll always have Sonic & Knuckles.

7. Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium (Sega Genesis)(Tie)
There are many Sega titles that you can look at as an answer to a Nintendo game, but thinking of Phantasy Star only as an answer to Final Fantasy would be doing Phantasy Star a grave injustice. While I’ve never completed Phantasy Star IV, I have completed about 50-60% of it, and it easily stands alongside titles such as Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy VI, and Chrono Trigger as a stellar 16-bit RPG title. Phantasy Star IV combines a deep story with RPG staples such as magic attacks (techniques) and a large map to explore. While my previous save file is now gone (RIP my Xbox 360), this is a game I have every intention of picking up again. It is a true gem.

6. Demon’s Crest (Super NES)
Of all the side characters to get their own game, the Red Demon from Ghosts ‘N Goblins was probably low on most people’s list, but after successful games on the Gameboy (Gargoyle’s Quest) and NES (Gargoyle’s Quest 2), Capcom decided to give Firebrand (the Red Demon) an entry on the Super NES as well. While the previous two entries played like action RPG’s with a world map and side-scrolling sections, Demon’s Crest features levels that you can visit in any order, and then revisit as you upgrade Firebrand’s abilities which allows you to access new areas and obtain new powers. Demon’s Crest also features multiple endings, one of which can be achieved without ever seeing the latter few levels of the game (I know this because it took me a couple of playthroughs to find this out). My brother and I picked this game up on clearance for $20.00 at Wal-Mart, and it’s still a title I go back to every now and again.

5. Castlevania: Bloodlines (Sega Genesis)
I feel that Castlevania: Bloodlines is often overshadowed by Super Castlevania IV, which is a shame. While Super Castlevania IV edges Bloodlines out by a hair (in my opinion, of course), Bloodlines is still a phenomenal Castlevania title (I have it at #3 on my personal ranking of the console Castlevania titles). While the gameplay is similar to IV and the NES titles, Bloodlines allows you to pick one of two characters to play through the game as, with each having a distinctive playstyle. John Morris, who uses a whip, and Eric Lecarde, who uses a spear. In some levels, the characters will take different paths as Eric can perform a high jump while John can swing across gaps using his whip. This variety, combined with stellar level design, makes this a must play game.

4. Donkey Kong Country (Super NES)
Resurrecting a decade old character as the centerpiece of a new game was an…interesting decision, but what Rare did with Donkey Kong Country was nothing short of amazing. First of all, the game had groundbreaking visuals for the era (and is still striking today). Rare utilized prerendered 3-D graphics for the title which was unlike nearly any other console game at the time. Secondly, the soundtrack was and is fantastic. David Wise was hired to score the game and played the levels to get an idea for the score. Aquatic Ambience never fails to impress me. Finally, the meat of the game, the gameplay and design, are also top-notch. The levels are challenging but never feel unfair. All these years later, and DKC still feels fresh whenever I play it.

3. Mega Man X / Mega Man X2 (Super NES)
As an avid Mega Man fan, when I learned of the existence of Mega Man X, I knew I had to have it (I didn’t have a Super NES right away, so it was out for some time before I had the ability to play it). When I finally did so, I was not disappointed. Mega Man X & X2 take the standard Mega Man formula, and essentially speed it up. Mega Man X is given a dash as well as a wall-jump. Both allow you to speed through levels, especially as you get used to the excellent level design. I did not realize that Mega Man X2 came out only about ten months after Mega Man X. It’s rather amazing that X2 is practically as great as X given the quick turnaround time. Having both of these games come out in the same year for the Super NES is basically an embarrassment of riches.

2. Final Fantasy III (Super NES)
This was the first Final Fantasy I ever played, and remains my favorite still today. Truly, I can find no negatives in this game. The story is in-depth and a bit of a rollercoaster, with at least a couple of surprising twists as you navigate the game. Final Fantasy III features around 16 playable characters, each with a unique backstory and engaging character arcs (for the most part). As an aside, my personal favorite is probably Gau, who learns enemies’ moves by visiting a section of the world called the Veldt. Finally, no mention of this game is complete without acknowledging that Kefka is one of the most devious and malevolent video game villains ever created, and (spoiler alert here) he actually succeeds in his plans.

1. Super Metroid (Super NES)
I know, big surprise here. I love this game. I’ve written about it a few times now. I’m not sure what else I can say at this point. I love the design of the game, the music, the atmosphere, the fact that it tells a story with minimal to no dialogue. The world is so well constructed that I’m still finding new ways to traverse it. It encourages outside the box thinking, but never demands it, meaning you can play it completely straight or approach it in a way that bucks the intended progression. Super Metroid is not only my favorite game from 1994, but my favorite game ever made. Thirty years old, and this game still gives me chills every single time I play it. Truly a masterpiece.

Other Yearly Top 8 Posts:

Biden Is Handing a Taxpayer-Funded Military Installation to the Russians

Lawmakers are ringing the alarm on another Biden foreign policy crisis unfolding in Africa that again has the president in a retreat. 

The current administration’s foreign policy has been a mess from the start. Crises from Biden’s deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan, executive actions to open the U.S.-Mexico border to illegal aliens from all corners of the globe, and weakness in the face of an increasingly concerning unholy alliance made up of Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea have left the U.S. looking weak and off its game on the world stage. 

Another less noticed, but still alarming, situation continues to devolve in the West African nation of Niger, where Biden is — despite his tough talk about Putin when discussing Ukraine — staging a U.S. retreat as Russian forces and other American adversaries take control. According to an announcement last month, the Department of Defense will withdraw American forces from Niger by September 15.

The latest developments from this “deteriorating situation” drew the attention of House lawmakers who warn that what’s happening in Niger “is impacting thousands of American citizens, servicemembers, and diplomats” whose wellbeing is being jeopardized by the Biden administration’s decision to retreat — a move that will create a “void that will be filled by our adversaries and violent extremist organizations.”

Expressed in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, these justified concerns were raised by House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) who are joined by Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ben Cline (R-VA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Dan Meuser (R-PA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), and Austin Scott (R-GA).

CHM @RepMcCaul, Chief Deputy Whip @GReschenthaler, and eight of their House Republican colleagues sent a letter to @SecBlinken and @SecDef on the deteriorating situation in Niger, as the military junta there becomes increasingly friendly with the Putin regime.— House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) May 31, 2024

Specifically, because “the junta in Niger has restricted U.S. presence in the country,” there is a “lack of safety for Americans, troop resupplies, and diplomatic overflights,” lawmakers wrote. What’s more, the letter reminds Secretary Austin that he recently confirmed “the Russian military has gained access to Airbase 101 in Niger, where American forces are currently stationed.”

Citing other reports, lawmakers say “Russian forces and their paramilitary partners, equipment, and air defense systems have been installed near U.S. forces” after the U.S. invested millions of dollars in training for Niger’s military and invested $100 million to construct a military installation at Airbase 201 in 2023. “Undoubtedly, Russian forces and their paramilitary group will occupy this taxpayer-funded base once we fully withdraw from the country,” the letter grimly concludes. 

“In Niger, President Biden’s weakness has resulted in another chaotic withdrawal to the benefit of Russia, China, and violent extremists aligned with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State,” the lawmakers emphasize. “This will certainly be yet another failed chapter of the president’s leadership.”

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Biden’s decision to withdraw from Niger is hardly the first time the president’s weakness in the face of the unholy alliance’s challenge to American power. As the lawmakers note, there have been 11 embassies and consulates evacuated by the Biden administration since the president’s disastrous and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan.