5 Best NES Games Of All Time, Ranked

After the video game crash of 1983, Nintendo led the charge in completely revitalizing the global industry. A major factor in the medium's resurgence was the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, a cartridge-based home console specializing in 8-bit games. Many of the industry's biggest franchises got their start on the NES, both from Nintendo and third-party developers. From side-scrolling platformers and puzzle games to beat'em-ups and strategy titles, virtually every genre was represented in the NES library.

Though there are countless fan-favorite titles on the console, including some hit '80s games that no one remembers today, a small handful of NES releases were a cut above the rest. These games stand as the epitome of the 8-bit era and many led to the creation of franchises that we still enjoy today. Even now, several decades after their initial launches on the NES, these games hold up incredibly well for modern players, defining the enduring legacy of the beloved '80s Nintendo console. These are the best NES games of all time, ranked.

There are a lot of "Mega Man" games, with the beloved Capcom franchise receiving six mainline titles on the NES alone. The highlight of these is 1988's "Mega Man 2," which pits the Blue Bomber against Dr. Wily and a new set of Robot Masters to overpower. As with the preceding game, defeating Robot Masters lets Mega Man inherit their unique abilities to help him in subsequent stages. This all culminates in a grand showdown at Dr. Wily's fortress, elevated by one of the best '80s video game soundtracks of all time.

With its engaging level design, memorably designed Robot Masters, and intense five-stage climax, "Mega Man 2" is one of the best side-scrolling platformers ever made. A significant improvement over the first game is the addition of a password system rather than forcing players to complete the game in a single sitting. Looking back, there is a balance in gameplay difficulty and creative spark to the series' sophomore entry that none of the other NES titles in the franchise ever quite surpassed. An instant classic and must-own for any NES library or fan of the genre, "Mega Man 2" is the series at its absolute best.

Konami also had a major presence on the NES, publishing a number of franchise titles on the console including 1987's "Contra." The side-scrolling shoot'em-up had players blasting through waves of enemies, occasionally switching to a third-person perspective for certain levels. Players can delve through the adventure solo or with a friend, upgrading their weapons as they take on extraterrestrial-backed armies in unrelenting, explosive action. For players feeling overwhelmed, the game features the classic Konami cheat code to help even the odds.

It really is a toss-up between including "Contra" or its 1988 sequel "Super Contra" (released as "Super C" in North America), but the enduring appeal of the original classic can't be denied. As soon as special forces soldiers Bill and Lance descend from a helicopter into a warzone, the game never lets you go. Though it is difficult, like many titles on the NES, the Konami Code does make the whole experience much more bearable. A game that perfectly captures the '80s NES aesthetic, right down to its fast pacing, digitized soundtrack, and 8-bit display, "Contra" is a run-and-gun masterpiece.

The NES saw plenty of puzzle games, like "Dr. Mario" and "Wario's Woods," but the one that clearly stands out as the genre's pinnacle on the console is "Tetris." Released in 1989, the game features differently shaped blocks steadily descending from the top of the screen at accelerating speed. Players need to complete full rows to clear them away and prevent themselves from being overwhelmed by the cascading puzzle pieces. It's simple but very addictive.

No matter what platform it's on, "Tetris" is an '80s game with endless replay value that hasn't lost a step over time. That appeal is certainly present in its NES version and there's just something special about playing the game on this console (there are cameos from the likes of Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, and Link from "The Legend of Zelda"). Offering strong replay-ability and a surprising amount of depth despite its simplicity, "Tetris" is arguably the greatest puzzle game of all time.

The "Super Mario" games helped popularize the NES worldwide, so it's only fitting that the series' time on the console ended with one its best games. 1988's "Super Mario Bros. 3" went back to a more classic gameplay style compared to the American version of "Super Mario Bros. 2" while upping the scope and presentation. Mario and Luigi once again set out to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser, this time battling Bowser's kids as they menace the Mushroom Kingdom with a fleet of flying ships. The titular brothers have a whole arsenal of power-ups at their disposal this time, including the fan-favorite Tanooki Suit, as they take the fight to Bowser's fiery domain.

Producer and co-director Shigeru Miyamoto was embarrassed by "Super Mario Bros. 3" for not living up to his own expectations, but we have to respectfully disagree with his assessment. The game takes everything that its immediate predecessors did and ramps them up to new heights while pushing the hardware limitations on the NES. This includes more varied level and enemy designs, including more secrets in many levels, and more power-ups and features for players to enjoy. "Super Mario Bros. 3" significantly expanded what the series could be and laid the path forward for the franchise as it was poised to transition to the Super Nintendo.

When it comes to true timeless masterpieces on the NES, there's just no topping 1986's "The Legend of Zelda." The game opens with the fantasy hero Link being given a sword and left to his own devices as he explores the medieval kingdom of Hyrule. Delving into dungeons scattered across the landscape, Link gathers pieces of the mythical Triforce before facing the monstrous Ganon to rescue Princess Zelda. Along the way, Link gains items and weapons that grant him further access to regions in Hyrule as he slays a variety of monsters guarding the Triforce shards.

Straying from the straightforward progression featured in many NES games, the sheer breadth and openness of "The Legend of Zelda" was incredible to behold at the time. Hyrule is a relatively open playground that rewards players for exploration, with plenty of secrets packed into its sprawling kingdom. Fans can get willingly lost in the experience while the isometric perspective offers a wider window on this fantasy realm. Kicking off one of Nintendo's most celebrated franchises in style, the original "The Legend of Zelda" is an engrossingly immersive game that stands as the best the NES had to offer.