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.
"Mega Man 5 with its eight varied Robot Masters and polished soundtrack. The series shows some signs of fatigue but remains high-quality. An excellent platformer despite the familiar formula."
"Probotector II, the European version of Super C. Same robotized excellence for this Contra 2. Intense action, varied levels, just as essential for run'n'gun fans."
"A kabuki warrior in digital cyberspace: visually unique concept. Snappy action-platformer, varied bosses. Overlooked but very well executed. Fully worth discovering."
"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."
"The European version of Ninja Gaiden II. Same trilogy peak as the original: even more dramatic cutscenes, refined mechanics. Essential in any version."
"Slightly different version of Galaga on NES. Content essentially identical to the standard edition. For regional variant collectors wanting to complete their Galaga collection."
"Sunsoft's absolute masterpiece on NES. Mr. Gimmick throws stars with staggeringly precise physics. Incredible visuals and music. One of the greatest 8-bit games ever created."
"The start of a timeless saga. Plant bombs, trap enemies, collect power-ups. In multiplayer it's pure social magic. One of the most elegant concepts in gaming."
"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."
"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."
"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 Japanese action-platformer starring a tengu. Mechanics are solid and the Japanese folkloric atmosphere is well captured. Little known outside Japan but genuinely enjoyable."
"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."
"The Famicom version of Rod Land under its Japanese title. Same charming magic rod concept for climbing and stunning enemies. Original Japanese version of this colorful platformer."
"G.I. Joe NES sequel with five playable characters and enriched mechanics. More generous than the first in content and variety. One of the best licensed games on the console."
"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."
