(SQAUK) — The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) story began in the 1980s when the video game industry was on the verge of collapse. Before becoming the beloved home console, Nintendo was a Japanese playing card company founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi. For decades, the company focused on producing traditional Hanafuda playing cards and later expanded into various business ventures, including toys and even a taxi service. However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, Nintendo had turned its attention to the burgeoning video game market, influenced by the success of arcade hits like Space Invaders.
In 1983, Nintendo released the Family Computer or Famicom in Japan, a home video game console that could bring the arcade experience into living rooms. Despite a rocky start due to technical issues, the Famicom quickly became a massive hit. With its success in Japan, Nintendo set its sights on the North American market, reeling from the infamous 1983 video game crash. The crash, caused by the oversaturation of poor-quality games, had nearly destroyed the industry, and retailers were wary of carrying any new gaming consoles.
Nintendo took a bold gamble and rebranded the Famicom for the U.S. market, introducing it as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. The NES was designed as a game console and an “entertainment system” to avoid negative association with failing video games. Featuring a robust marketing campaign, a well-designed gamepad, and a bundled copy of Super Mario Bros., the NES found immediate success. By 1990, it had sold millions of units, revitalizing the video game industry and solidifying Nintendo’s dominance for years.
The NES was more than just a gaming console; it was a cultural phenomenon that saved the video game industry and brought iconic franchises to life. The system’s innovative design, vast library, and timeless games have left an indelible mark on gaming history. From Super Mario Bros. to Ninja Gaiden, the NES’s top titles continue to inspire gamers and developers alike, proving that its legacy is as strong today as it was in the 1980s.
Top 10 best NES games
The NES was home to countless beloved games that shaped the childhoods of millions. Here are the top 10 NES games that stand out for their innovation, popularity, and lasting impact on gaming culture.
- The Legend of Zelda (1986): The Legend of Zelda was a groundbreaking game. It introduced players to an open-world adventure filled with dungeons, puzzles, and treasures. Its use of exploration and non-linear gameplay set a new standard for adventure games.
- Mega Man 2 (1988): The Mega Man series gained widespread popularity with its second installment, known for its tight controls, challenging levels, and innovative boss fights. Mega Man 2 is still regarded as one of the greatest action-platformers ever.
- Metroid (1986): Metroid blended exploration, platforming, and shooting mechanics in a sci-fi setting. The game’s eerie atmosphere and non-linear map laid the foundation for the “Metroidvania” genre, combining platforming with role-playing elements.
- Castlevania (1986): This gothic adventure game saw players battling through Dracula’s castle in a mix of horror and action. Its atmospheric level design and tough-as-nails gameplay earned it a place as a cult classic in the NES library.
- Contra (1987): Contra became famous for its fast-paced, side-scrolling shooting action and cooperative multiplayer mode. The “Konami Code” (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A) became a legendary cheat that offered players extra lives, forever cementing the game’s place in pop culture.
- Final Fantasy (1987): The original Final Fantasy introduced RPG mechanics to the NES and set the stage for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. Its story-driven gameplay, character classes, and strategic turn-based combat made it a standout in the console’s library.
- Punch-Out!! (1987): A boxing game unlike any other, Punch-Out!! Featured a colorful cast of characters with unique fighting styles and patterns. Players guided Little Mac on his journey to become the world champion, facing off against the formidable Mike Tyson in the game’s original release.
- Duck Hunt (1984): Bundled with the NES in many early packages, Duck Hunt became a system staple thanks to its use of the NES Zapper light gun. Shooting ducks on-screen felt revolutionary, making it a memorable part of the NES experience.
- Ninja Gaiden (1988): Known for its cinematic cutscenes and intense difficulty, Ninja Gaiden combined fast-paced platforming with a gripping narrative. The game’s smooth controls and tight-level design made it a standout action title for the NES.
