The 1980s were the golden age of the arcade and the birth of the home console: the pixel takes shape, genres are invented, legends begin. This Top 50 gathers the 8-bit and arcade games that laid the medium's foundations. RomWize re-tests and ranks them by its re-evaluated scores, each with its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"The sequel improves everything: controls, levels, variety. One of the best beat'em ups on NES. The attack direction system is far more intuitive. Essential for genre fans."
"Slightly different version of Galaga on NES. Content essentially identical to the standard edition. For regional variant collectors wanting to complete their Galaga collection."
"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."
"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."
"The title that saved Square and changed J-RPG history. Four warriors of light, an epic quest, Uematsu's music already transcendent. Rudimentary but foundational. Absolutely essential."
"River City Ransom: the beat'em up RPG blending brawling, shopping and stats. Revolutionary in concept, still perfectly playable. Simply one of the best games on NES."
"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."
"Kunio-kun in dodgeball on Famicom. Insane sport with brawls and superpowers. Explosive multiplayer, pervasive humor. The saga at its most exhilarating in sport."
