The Nintendo Entertainment System, also known as NES, holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide. It has made a lasting impact on the gaming community, introducing unforgettable titles and experiences. While many iconic games have been revisited and revitalized over the years, there are hidden gems from the NES era that still remain largely unnoticed. These games showcased innovative gameplay mechanics and captivating narratives, deserving recognition in today's gaming landscape.
Not only do these titles evoke nostalgia, but they also have the power to captivate a new generation of gamers with their distinct and engaging stories.
10 Demon Sword (1990)
Demon Sword, developed by Taito, was an action platformer that took players on an exciting journey as a skilled ninja warrior. Armed with a dependable sword and various power-ups, players engaged in an intense battle against countless enemies. The game provided a satisfying combination of high-speed action, precise platforming, and challenging boss fights.
A remake of Demon Sword has the potential to maintain the core essence of the original gameplay while introducing visually enhanced graphics and polished controls. Envision a contemporary reinterpretation that flawlessly combines the fluid combat mechanics of Ninja Gaiden with the captivating and vivid art style reminiscent of Okami. This would create a captivating and immersive adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers.
9 Air Fortress (1989)
Air Fortress, an extraordinary creation by HAL Laboratory, flawlessly combined side-scrolling platforming and heart-racing space shooting. As players embarked on their mission, they faced treacherous levels, gathered power-ups, and unleashed breathtaking devastation. The game's allure resided in its demanding platforming sections and exhilarating shooter sequences.
A revamped version of Air Fortress would elevate its original concept by introducing dynamically crafted levels, enhanced graphics, and intense multiplayer battles. Envision a contemporary remake that merges the precise finesse of Celeste's platforming with the adrenaline-inducing chaos of Enter the Gungeon's bullet hell, delivering an electrifying experience for gamers seeking skill-based challenges and nonstop action.
8 Solstice (1990)
Solstice, created by Software Creations, was a captivating puzzle-platforming game that transported players to a vast isometric world. As the powerful wizard Shadax, players embarked on a perilous journey through intricate levels filled with traps and challenging puzzles, all in a courageous attempt to rescue Princess Eleanor. The game's atmospheric soundtrack and intricately crafted levels made a lasting impact on players.
To create a Solstice remake, it is essential to maintain the game's challenging puzzles, while also introducing enhanced visuals and new gameplay mechanics. This remake aims to seamlessly combine the mind-bending puzzles of The Witness with the breathtaking artistic style of Monument Valley, resulting in an immersive and unforgettable experience for both puzzle enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
7 Jackal (1988)
Jackal, an exhilarating creation by Konami, delivers an adrenaline-fueled cooperative shooting experience as players take command of heavily armed jeeps. Their objective? To liberate prisoners of war and annihilate enemy bases amidst the ravages of war. The game offers intense action, unforgettable encounters with bosses, and immensely satisfying cooperative gameplay.
A contemporary version of Jackal would likely introduce online multiplayer functionality, allowing players to join forces with friends or even strangers to wage war against formidable adversaries. It seamlessly merges the chaotic cooperative fun of games like Left 4 Dead and Back 4 Blood, with the vehicular mayhem reminiscent of Mad Max or Borderlands 3, resulting in an explosive and exhilarating gaming experience. This revamp appeals to both enthusiasts of teamwork and driving aficionados alike.
6 Crystalis (1990)
Crystalis, an extraordinary creation by SNK, transported players into a post-apocalyptic realm filled with action and adventure. Taking on the role of a courageous hero, players embarked on a mission to save humanity and uncover the mysteries of a forgotten era. The game's expansive world, engaging storyline, and thrilling combat mechanics left a lasting impact.
Imagine the potential of Crystalis on modern consoles, where it could enhance its narrative, expand the sprawling world for exploration, and introduce more intricate and strategic combat systems. This game would seamlessly blend the captivating storytelling and open world elements found in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, with the intense and challenging combat reminiscent of the Dark Souls series. The result would be an unforgettable gaming experience that captures the hearts of both immersive narrative enthusiasts and adrenaline-seeking battle enthusiasts.
5 Faxanadu (1989)
Faxanadu, created by Hudson Soft, innovatively merged platforming, action, and RPG components to form an unparalleled gaming adventure. Embarking on the journey as the unnamed protagonist, players were tasked with rescuing the World Tree from a crippling curse. The game bestowed a sprawling interconnected realm to uncover, testing battles to overcome, and an intricate advancement system.
Revamping Faxanadu has the potential to elevate its aesthetics, streamline the gameplay mechanics, and introduce a profoundly captivating world. Envision a contemporary remake that seamlessly combines the exploration found in Hollow Knight with the immersive and atmospheric world-building present in Ori and the Blind Forest.
4 Skate Or Die (1988)
Skate or Die, originally developed by Electronic Arts for the NES, was a skateboarding game that infused an exhilarating gameplay experience with offbeat humor. Gamers had the option to compete in various events, from downhill races to freestyle competitions, and even engage in a unique jousting-style battle on skateboards. The game boasted challenging yet rewarding controls, while its multiplayer mode added an extra layer of enjoyment.
If given a modern remake, Skate or Die could find inspiration from contemporary skateboarding titles like the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series or the Skate series. This could entail incorporating upgraded graphics, an expansive open world filled with excitement, and a primary focus on delivering an ultra-realistic physics engine. By accomplishing this, the game would truly immerse players in a manner that current skateboarding games may be lacking.
3 StarTropics (1990)
StarTropics, a Nintendo action-adventure masterpiece, followed the courageous journey of a young hero named Mike Jones. As players embarked on a captivating quest, they discovered enchanting islands, solved intricate puzzles, and engaged in real-time combat to save Mike's explorer uncle. The game's delightful story, unforgettable characters, and unique tropical setting captivated players from the very beginning.
A remastered edition of StarTropics should revive the game's vibrant world with mesmerizing updated graphics, enhance its immersive storyline, and introduce more dynamic combat mechanics. By bringing forth the adventurous spirit, captivating art style, and delightful charm of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, while also adding its own personal touch, this remake would surely please even the most seasoned Nintendo fan.
2 Life Force (1988)
Life Force, a timeless masterpiece created by Konami, transports players into the heart-pounding realm of classic shoot 'em up gameplay. With expert finesse, players navigate their spaceships through relentless waves of enemies, embarking on an exhilarating journey of high-octane action, epic boss encounters, and immensely satisfying power-ups.
A reimagined version of Life Force holds boundless potential to elevate the addictive gameplay that enthralled fans of the original. It promises to introduce cutting-edge visuals, intricately crafted levels, and thrilling online multiplayer modes. Picture a mesmerizing blend of bullet-hell chaos reminiscent of games like Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony, combined with the cooperative intensity found in titles like Cuphead. This extraordinary fusion guarantees an adrenaline-fueled experience that caters to both individual players and those hungry for cooperative challenges with their comrades.
1 Little Nemo: The Dream Master (1990)
Little Nemo: The Dream Master, developed by Capcom, was a platformer inspired by the animated film Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland. Players guided Nemo, a young boy, as he traversed his dreamworld, harnessing the abilities of diverse animal companions. The game displayed breathtaking graphics, inventive level design, and fostered a sense of youthful enchantment.
A reimagining of Little Nemo: The Dream Master has the potential to elevate its visuals, refine the controls, and introduce fresh dream realms for exploration. Envision a contemporary remake that captures the whimsical essence found in games like Super Mario Odyssey, combined with the artistic style reminiscent of Ori and the Will of the Wisps.