The NES revived gaming after the 1983 crash and laid Nintendo's foundations: Super Mario Bros., Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man. This Top 100 gathers the console's best 8-bit games, re-tested and re-ranked by RomWize. For each, its re-evaluated score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value — a prime hunting ground for collectors.
"Kunio-kun in chaotic and insane ice hockey. Constant brawls, exaggerated sports mechanics, total Nekketsu atmosphere. Hilarious in multiplayer. The series at the peak of its joyful absurdity."
"ICOM's graphic adventure on NES. Explore a haunted castle by making decisions. Dark and oppressive atmosphere, ingenious puzzles. Point-and-click that works remarkably well on NES."
"One of the rarest and most accomplished games on NES. Breathtaking visuals, varied mechanics, top-flight soundtrack. Released right at end of console life. A discreet and precious masterpiece."
"Kunio-kun in dodgeball on Famicom. Insane sport with brawls and superpowers. Explosive multiplayer, pervasive humor. The saga at its most exhilarating in sport."
"Konami's Salamander under its western title on NES. Brilliant co-op multidirectional shoot'em up. Organic levels and original mechanics. Among the best shooters on the console."
"R.C. Pro-Am sequel with enriched content and multiplayer mode for up to four players. More generous than the original, just as addictive. One of the best racing games on NES."
"The quintessential Konami crossover on Famicom. Goemon, Simon Belmont, Mikey from the Goonies, King Kong... Epic fan service in a colorful action-platformer. Japanese only but visually irresistible."
"The Japanese version of Mendel Palace. Flip tiles to trap enemies in this Hudson and Game Freak puzzle-action. Original and addictive concept. For genre fans."
"Kirby on Famicom, one of the console's most technically impressive games. Power copying is already there, colors explode, handling is perfect. An absolute pinnacle."
"The Japanese Famicom version of Life Force, slightly different from the NES release. Same shoot'em up co-op excellence. For fans and collectors wanting to compare the two editions."
"Mega Man 4 introduces the charge shot and Bright Man. Slightly less inspired than the first three but still solidly excellent. The series maintains its impressive quality level."
"One of the most technically impressive games on the entire NES. Gravity reversible at will, frantic action, stunning visuals. Little known outside Japan but absolutely remarkable. A hidden masterpiece."
"The direct sequel introducing dinosaurs as mounts. Improved mechanics, more colorful visuals. A solid step above the first entry, recommended to all 8-bit platformer fans."
"A Japanese action-platformer starring a tengu. Mechanics are solid and the Japanese folkloric atmosphere is well captured. Little known outside Japan but genuinely enjoyable."
"Capcom's vertical shooter ported to NES with care. The plane can barrel-roll to dodge, enemy formations are well designed. Not revolutionary but solid, snappy, and well paced for short sessions."
"A compilation of the first two Donkey Kong games on one cartridge. Practical and economical for discovering or rediscovering Mario's origins. Undeniable historical value, variable playability."
"Compile's puzzle game on Famicom. Assemble same-colored Puyo to eliminate them. Addictive and elegant concept that would become a major saga. Formidable versus mode. A puzzle classic."
"Namco's cult tank game. Simple, strategic and terribly addictive in two-player co-op. Thirty years on, it still draws you back with pleasure. An essential NES catalogue entry."
"A technical and varied karate NES action-platformer. Impressive kick arsenal, inventive bosses, satisfying progression. Overlooked but genuinely excellent. A hidden gem on the console."
"Tecmo's American football game on NES. NFL teams, real players, perfectly balanced arcade gameplay. Accessible and deep at the same time. An absolute classic of 8-bit console sport."
