The Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, is a beloved console and has left an indelible mark on the gaming community. Although numerous iconic titles have been revisited and revitalized, there exist hidden gems from that era that remain largely overlooked. These NES games showcased innovative gameplay mechanics and captivating narratives, and it's high time they receive the recognition they deserve in today's gaming landscape.
These titles not only offer nostalgic appeal but also possess the potential to captivate a new generation of gamers with their unique experiences and engaging stories.
10 Demon Sword (1990)
Demon Sword, developed by Taito, was an action platformer that immersed players in the thrilling adventure of a skilled ninja warrior. Armed with a trusty sword and a range of power-ups, players embarked on a relentless battle against hordes of enemies. The game offered a satisfying blend of fast-paced action, precise platforming, and formidable boss encounters.
A remake of Demon Sword has the potential to preserve the essence of its original gameplay while introducing enhanced visuals and refined controls. Picture a modern reimagining that seamlessly merges the fluid combat mechanics of Ninja Gaiden with the mesmerizing and vibrant art style reminiscent of Okami, creating a captivating experience for players old and new.
9 Air Fortress (1989)
Air Fortress, an innovative creation by HAL Laboratory, seamlessly blended side-scrolling platforming with adrenaline-pumping space shooting. As players embarked on their mission, they confronted perilous levels, collected power-ups, and unleashed epic destruction. The game's allure lay in its challenging platforming sections and exhilarating shooter segments.
A remake of Air Fortress would build upon its original concept by introducing dynamically designed levels, enhanced graphics, and intense multiplayer battles. Envision a modern remake that amalgamates the precise platforming finesse of Celeste with the heart-pounding bullet-hell intensity of Enter the Gungeon, delivering an electrifying experience for gamers seeking both skill-based challenges and unbridled action.
8 Solstice (1990)
Solstice, a captivating creation by Software Creations, immersed players in a vast isometric world of puzzle-platforming brilliance. Assuming the role of the wizard Shadax, players embarked on a treacherous journey through intricate levels brimming with traps and mind-bending puzzles, all in a valiant effort to rescue Princess Eleanor. The game's atmospheric soundtrack and intricately designed levels left an indelible mark on players.
A Solstice remake needs to preserve the game's challenging puzzles while introducing enhanced visuals and new gameplay mechanics, seamlessly blending the mind-bending puzzles of The Witness with the breathtaking artistic style of Monument Valley, delivering an immersive and unforgettable experience for puzzle enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
7 Jackal (1988)
Jackal, a thrilling creation by Konami, offered players an adrenaline-fueled cooperative shooter experience as they commanded heavily armed jeeps. Their mission? To liberate prisoners of war and decimate enemy bases across war-torn landscapes. The game boasted intense action, unforgettable boss battles, and gratifying cooperative gameplay.
A modern Jackal would likely introduce online multiplayer functionality, enabling players to team up with friends or even strangers to wage war against formidable adversaries. Bringing the chaotic cooperative fun found in games like Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood, blending it seamlessly with the vehicular mayhem reminiscent of Mad Max or Borderlands 3, creating an explosive and exhilarating gaming experience for both teamwork enthusiasts and driving aficionados alike.
6 Crystalis (1990)
Crystalis, a masterful creation by SNK, transported players into a post-apocalyptic realm of action and adventure. Assuming the role of a valiant hero, players embarked on a quest to rescue humanity and unveil the enigmatic secrets of a bygone era. The game's open world, immersive storyline, and captivating combat mechanics left an incredible impression.
Crystalis on the power of modern consoles could elevate its narrative, expand the vast world to explore, and introduce more intricate and strategic combat systems. A game that merges the rich storytelling and open world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom with the intense and challenging combat mechanics reminiscent of the Dark Souls series, forging an unforgettable gaming experience that captivates both fans of immersive narratives and exhilarating battles.
5 Faxanadu (1989)
Faxanadu, developed by Hudson Soft, combined platforming, action, and RPG elements to create a unique gaming experience. Players took on the role of a nameless hero who must save the World Tree from a devastating curse. The game offered a vast interconnected world to explore, challenging combat encounters, and a deep progression system.
A remake of Faxanadu could elevate the game's visuals, refine the gameplay mechanics, and introduce a more immersive world. Picture a modern remake that blends the exploration of Hollow Knight with the atmospheric world-building of Ori and the Blind Forest.
4 Skate Or Die (1988)
Skate or Die, developed by Electronic Arts for the NES, was a skateboarding game that offered a mix of thrilling gameplay and quirky humor. Players could choose to compete in various events, such as downhill races, freestyle competitions, and even a jousting-style battle on skateboards. The game's controls were challenging yet satisfying, and its multiplayer mode added an extra layer of fun.
If remade, Skate or Die could draw inspiration from modern skateboarding games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series or the Skate series, offering enhanced graphics, a fun open world, and a focus on an ultra-realistic physics engine, to really nail down that immersion lacking in current skating games.
3 StarTropics (1990)
StarTropics, an action-adventure gem from Nintendo, chronicled the heroic exploits of a young protagonist named Mike Jones. As players embarked on an enthralling journey, they discovered captivating islands, unraveled intricate puzzles, and engaged in real-time combat to rescue Mike's archaeologist uncle. The game's charming narrative, unforgettable characters, and unique tropical backdrop hooked players from the start.
A remake of StarTropics should resurrect the game's vibrant world with modern graphics, expand upon its immersive storyline, and introduce more dynamic combat mechanics. Bringing the adventurous spirit, captivating art style, and whimsical allure of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and putting its own personal stamp on it would please even the most jaded Nintendo fan.
2 Life Force (1988)
Life Force, a timeless creation by Konami, immersed players in the heart-pounding world of classic shoot 'em up gameplay. As they skillfully piloted their spaceships through relentless waves of enemy forces, players experienced a thrill ride of fast-paced action, intense boss battles, and gratifying power-ups.
A remake of Life Force has the possibility to enhance the addictive gameplay that made the original so compelling while introducing updated visuals, intricately designed levels, and exciting online multiplayer modes. Envision a combination of the bullet-hell chaos reminiscent of games like Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony with the cooperative intensity found in games like Cuphead, delivering an adrenaline-fueled experience that caters to both solo players and those seeking cooperative challenges with friends.
1 Little Nemo: The Dream Master (1990)
Little Nemo: The Dream Master, developed by Capcom, was a platformer based on the animated film Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland. Players controlled a young boy named Nemo as he ventured through his dreamscape, utilizing the powers of various animal companions. The game offered stunning visuals, imaginative level design, and a sense of childlike wonder.
A remake of Little Nemo: The Dream Master could enhance the game's visuals, refine the controls, and introduce new dream worlds to explore. Imagine a modern remake that captures the whimsy of games like Super Mario Odyssey and the artistic style of Ori and the Will of the Wisps.