PixlBit

Reading the comments on one of my previous blog posts regarding the hidden NES masterpiece Crystalis, I have been motivated to relate a few games from the Nintendo Entertainment System library that I feel don't get nearly the level of respect or appreciation that they deserve. 

Why six games? I could probably list 20, but reducing my list to a smaller number has forced me to really examine these games and why I love them, and pick only the best of the bunch. Without further ado, in no particular order;

Metal Storm

Metal Storm is undeniably a masterpiece, and I am absolutely baffled why this doesn't make EVERY top 20 NES list. It's that good. On the surface, Metal Storm may appear as a neat little mech action platformer with amazing graphics, and it would be just merely 'great' if it weren't for the gravity mechanic. This mechanic lets you reverse the gravity at any time, causing your mech and the enemies to stick to the ceiling. A few other games also use this same mechanic, but none more perfectly then in Metal Storm. The game designers use the gravity switch to create boss battles and level designs that require you to think outside the box and use the gravity reversal in some surprising and dynamic ways. This game is amazing.

Power Blade

Power Blade is a non-linear action platformer that takes the challenge of Contra, the spectacular level design of Castlevania III and the non-linear style of Mega Man and melds the gameplay of all three into one tight little package. If that comparison doesn't get your blood boiling, then you are reading the wrong article. Essentially a completely re-tooled and significantly improved version of a Famicom game called Power Blazer, Power Blade features huge challenging stages, upgradable weapons and killer boss fights. This game is the real deal. It has a vastly inferior (and ridiculously expensive) sequel, but don't be fooled; they definitely got it right the first time.

Crystalis

Crystalis is the definitive 8-bit action RPG, out-classing and out-preforming both the Nintendo Entertainment System's Zelda II and the MasterSystem's Ys: Vanished Omens. That may sound like a bold statement, but the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. A fantastic, well told story combined with the perfect blend of top-down action sequences and RPG elements make for a brilliant gaming experience. The GBC port suffers from inferior music and a poor localization, so if you want to get the full effect hunt down the NES original- you will not regret it.

Clash at Demonhead

This is a unique little gem. Clash at Demonhead is a non-linear side-scrolling action-platformer with a few RPG elements mixed in. The controls are kind of flighty, and the graphics are good, but nothing special- the real star of this game is the completely insane story. Built a around a pretty fantastic localization, Clash at Demonhead is one of the few NES games that has plot twists and genuinely gripping story progression. Add to that the unsual (for the time) anime character designs and it creates an experience that should not be missed.

Gun Nac

Gun Nac is a very, very Japanese video game, and unlike similarly-bonkers titles like Parodius Da, Gun Nac actually did see a Western release. A basic vertical shooter, Gun Nac spices things up by basically building its levels as if they were a Japanophile's acid-induced fever nightmares. Giant robot bunnies, chibi cats that fire missiles out of their mouths, cyborg bugs and murderous pieces of candy all mix with colorful varied stages to form a NES shmup like no other. I would put this down as the most surreal game on the NES. Unfortunately, the price for the one has skyrocketed in the last 10 months, going from a $30 price tag to well over $100 loose as of late.

Snake Rattle 'N Roll

Snake Rattle 'N Roll is an early Rare game, and one of their earliest successes. Rattle is a unique puzzler that, like Marble Madness, is played on an isometric playing field spread across multiple levels. You control a snake and it is your job to collect power-ups that increase your body's length. Once you have reached a preset length you can pass through the exit and on to the next stage. Standing in your way are a slew of enemies and environmental hazards that can damage you and undo your hard fought progress. The addition of a two player mode means you can infect a friend with this highly addictive and challenging gem.