Down and Dirty Reviews: NES -- R - T

Sorry if it takes a while to load but there are over 50 games reviewed here. I still own around 700+ games for this old system and I'm still collecting em to this day. Remember that most Ljn games suck so don't spend too much on their titles while most Konami and Capcom titles are a safe bet but beware; there is a exception to every rule. I can only hope my reviews can help you pick out the right games if you are a collector too? Overall ratings on this page: 146 = R: 36, S: 66, T: 45

The overall scores are out of 100.

The graphics, sounds, and game play are out of 10.

SCORE / NAME
65 R.B.I. BASEBALL (Tengen, 1988)

This game here is actually the first video game to use real Major League Baseball players (from the 1980's of course) so there is some cool history behind it. Does it stand the test of time in game play though? This game keeps it real simple with basic super deformed characters with no detail plus you only get one main soundtrack in the game itself that's alright at first but gets annoying in a hurry. Fortunately, the controls are really simple too so any player either beginner or pro can easily jump into this game. The game isn't the fastest baseball title around but if you want something that plays great without all the flash then I say pick it up. The old carts usually go for under a buck anyway.
*Two versions available one licensed by Nintendo, the other one is unlicensed
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
Find RBI on eBay here!

52 RACKET ATTACK (Jaleco, 1988)

Yay, Tennis. Honestly, who buys these games? Anyways, here's a review I guess. Just like other Jaleco sports titles the game has a good list of options for a old NES like 16 different characters, 3 court types, and more so there is a surprising amount of depth here. Even the visuals are pretty good with large sprites and decent detail too so it is definitely the best looking Tennis game for the machine. It isn't all good because the slow controls are not too user friendly so get ready for a learning curve here. In the end Racket Attack is pretty average.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find Racket Attack on eBay here!


57 RAD RACER (Nintendo/Square, October 1987)
In this Out Run wanna be here, you must race across 8 levels of grueling tracks with a couple of editable soundtracks and some lousy 3D effects. This game also came with those annoying paper 3D glasses that really don't improve the look all too much so I guess that's why you don't see too many of these games anymore, eh? Another problem with the game is that I have to always hold Up on the crosspad just to use the turbo here and it just feels unnecessary. Rad Racer may have been cool or 'rad' back then but this difficult racing game just doesn't really stand out anymore so the game just ends up being barely passable.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

Find Rad Racer on eBay here!


52 RAD RACER II (Square, June 1990)
Before you get too excited there is hardly anything new in this sequel here and this series is pretty much dead now because of this lack of innovation. Rad Racer II still controls well but the graphics look the same, there are only two background music tracks instead of three, and overall it even feels slower then before. This is one of the few games Square actually released by themselves for the NES before they almost when out of business (gee, I wonder why).
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 4

Find Rad Racer II on eBay here!


09 RAID on BUNGELING BAY (Borderbund/Hudson Soft, September 1987)
In this awful game you get to control a hard to move Helicopter as you bomb various cities. The repetitive music and the constant flickering graphics place this near the bottom of the heap of NES games. Although this game was designed by Will Wright who would create the mega successful Sim City, this Raid game is still very Bad and I mean BAD.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 1
sound: 0
gameplay: 1

Find Raid on Bungeling Bay on eBay here!


54 RAINBOW ISLANDS (Taito, July 1991)
Remember the NES game Bubble Bobble where two little dinosaurs go through tons of levels? Now are heroes from that game are now human again and Bob and Bub use special rainbow making powers to viciously kill cute characters in cold blood. The game is simple enough to play as you climb and then destroy everything in site to get to the top of the level. This Bubble Bobble spin off is kind of fun and there are still tons of power ups and bonuses to earn but the game play is very repetitive and may be too cute for anybody over 4 years old as well.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 7
Find Rainbow Islands on eBay here!

60 RALLY BIKE (Romstar, 1991)
Here's a unique 2D overhead racer where you have to out run and survive against 50 other motorbike racers across several greuling tracks. When I said greuling I wasn't kidding because if you mess up during a stage you go WAY back to the beginning. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if your bike wasn't so fragile but you can only take one hit and that's it. You have to worry about the courses filled trees, small trails, running out of gas, and of course the other bikers that seem to purposely get in your way. Rally Bike is tough but the challenge also keeps me playing.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

Find Rally Bike on eBay here!

59 RAMBO (Acclaim, May 1987)
This movie based action game plays like a weaker version of Zelda II but even that isn't all that bad since that game had it's moments. Rambo can be a fun platforming game with a good range of weapons if you don't mind some goofy looking scenery, confusing maps, and cartoon-like characters. Rambo himself has a really stupid smile on his face all the time here. Wasn't Rambo First Blood II the movie a serious action flick about a soldier's redemption?
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7

Find Rambo on eBay here!


46 RAMPAGE (Data East/Bally Midway, December 1988)
In this arcade classic (well, some people liked it anyway) you get to control a giant monster that travels around the world to destroy everything in sight like buildings, vehicles, and even humans. Sure it sounds fun breaking and killing stuff but the action really gets monotonous after only a few levels and the other countries here really don't differ much from one another either. Also where's the Wolf character now? Rampage is a game concept and I heard MMA fighter Quinton Jackson got his nickname from this game but chances are you won't be coming back to play it too often.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 4
Find Rampage on eBay here!

70 RAMPART (Jaleco/Atari, January 1992)

Here's one of the weirdest arcade games I ever seen and it also came to the NES too. Although the medieval style cover looks like your getting yet another Role Playing Game, this game actually mixes both a little action and puzzle creation in one title. In Rampart you have to make walls around your castles to protect them from a onslaught of enemy ships. Weird but true. You can also fire back at your opponents and do repairs on the next level if you survive of course. Sadly that's all you do in the game so it can get very repetitive but the challenge is still there and the two player versus mode is pretty fun too.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find Rampart on eBay here!


66 RC PRO AM (Nintendo/Rare, February 1988)
The whole Remote Control video game craze started right here with this cool NES classic. These controls may take some getting use to but once you figured them out the game becomes a breeze to play. Although playing remote control vehicles sound kind of dumb for a video game RC Pro AM is a very fast paced overhead racer that's even better for two player battles.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
Find RC Pro Am on eBay here!

70 RC PRO AM 2 (Tradewest/Rare, December 1992)
This sequel is a even better multi-player game now thanks to the new four player support and the game even has more crazy hazards to avoid this time. The second RC Pro AM sure took awhile to come out but it was definitely worth the wait. Sadly because it was released late in the NES's life span RC Pro AM II isn't exactly a easy find now.
*Rare NES game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 8
Find Pro Am 2 on eBay here!

42 REN & STIMPY Buckaroos (Thq, 1992)

Now here's a game I bet a lot of you didn't know existed, eh? Here's a Ren and Stimpy game for the original NES. There's probably a good reason for that because it's a licensed game from those hacks over at Thq (makers of duds like Where's Waldo and Wayne's World). The game looks promising enough since it has scenes from the early episodes like Space Madness and other ones all here and you can play as Ren or Stimpy in certain stages. Even the graphics and sounds are not too bad so Thq got a few things right. Too bad the slippery controls and frustrating platforming just ruin it.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 4

Find Ren & Stimpy on eBay here!



58 RENEGADE (Taito, January 1988)
Before Double Dragon hit the scene there was this old school beat'em up here. The game is simple enough. You help your tough street fighter survive the subways, waterfronts, and more dangerous areas filled with the brutal local gangs and even ladies with purses. Renegade doesn't look or sound too great and a real two player option would have been nice but at least there are tons of people to fight here and you can't go wrong with that.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Renegade on eBay here!

72 RESCUE: The Embassy Mission (Kemco-Seika, January 1990)

Holy crap! This Rescue The Embassy Mission game really reminds me of a serious anti-terrorist stealth game just like a Splinter Cell which is pretty damn cool since this game was done way back in the ancient 1990's. In the game an unknown group of masked men have kidnapped three members of the embassy and you must successfully sent in a swat team to rescue them. The first thing you have to do is to move your snipers to the right location by making sure you don't get spotted by the search lights. The cool thing about this mode is the background music changes when you hide in the background. Once the snipers are in place the other team must enter the embassy itself and here is where the action really starts. The controls are really simple but the game still takes some practice especially when you have to break through a window and lower the rope correctly. One screw up here could mean instant death but it helps the game feel realistic. Once you do figure it out you may be disappointed learn how short the actually game is but at least there are multiple difficulties, great graphics, and original some ideas here at least.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 8

Find Rescue on eBay here!



86 RESCUE RANGERS (Capcom, 1990)

This game is based on one of the lamest cartoon shows of all time! Honestly, two annoying chip mucks try and solve crimes with their friends; it's so god damn stupid even for a kid's show. At least the game itself is pretty good though. In this NES favourite those two Disney chipmunks Chip and Dale (not the male strippers) must save their friend Gadget by hurling apples and boxes at robotic dogs and other weird enemies in this fun little platform game. Although the game is on the short and easy side, the fast action is definitely there.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 4
gameplay: 6

Find Rescue Rangers on eBay here!


81 RESCUE RANGERS 2 (Capcom, 1993)
Here is the rare Chip and Dale NES sequel that very few people actually know about. In the game the tiny crime fighting duo and their friends are trying to stop their old rival Fat Cat that just escaped from prison. It's more of the same grab and throw platforming action plus the story is fairly predictable junk as well but if you loved the first one then feel free to dive right in here as well because this is more of the same.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Rescue Rangers 2 on eBay here!

60 RING KING (Data East/Namco, September 1987)
This weird cartoonish boxing game comes home on the NES after making a appearance in the arcades. The game has some balance issues because some enemies could either seem too easy or way too difficulty but at least the game play is rather deep thanks to a good range of punches and the graphics are not too bad either. I have one question though, why are the boxers getting a blow job at the intermission scenes?
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7

Find Ring King on eBay here!


84 RIVER CITY RANSOM (American Technos Inc., December 1989)
The cult and very underrated Final Fight/Double Dragon-like game comes with the option to beat up street thugs and to buy items, books, and food in shops to build your character stats as well. In the game you help teenagers Alex and Ryan save their girlfriend from a tough rival school gang. I would have rated this even higher if I didn't finish it so quickly and if the graphics didn't suck but still this game is loaded with features.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 6
gameplay: 9

Find River City Ransom on eBay here!


71 ROAD BLASTERS (Mindscape/Atari, January 1990)
In this Atari classic you drive a car loaded with mounted heavy machine guns but very limited fuel so you are constantly on the clock here. Some may not like the game's hard arcade-like difficulty but this NES translation is very true to the original and it even has those taunting 50 levels. "Rad Racer, eat your heart out!" Road Blasters is difficult and all the constant shooting and driving gets on the nerves but it still works especially if you like action games.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Road Blasters on eBay here!

51 ROAD RUNNER (Tengen, 1990)
They will turn anything into a game, eh? In this odd title here you play the role of the famous Warner Brothers Road Runner and you are trying to out run that always cunning Wild E. Coyote. There is nothing really wrong with the game here. You collect stuff, avoid Wild E. and score points. Yeah, its certainly not a very deep title since you're just running around and dodging obstacles so Road Runner is better suited to younger kids.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Road Runner on eBay here!


32 ROBIN HOOD: Prince of Thieves (Virgin/Sculptured Software, November 1991)
"Help, ye Robin Hood has stolen my hard earned money only to give thy this crappy overhead adventure game!" This Robin Hood adventure is based on the cool yet still cheesy American movie from 1991 but there are no actor likenesses in the game for some reason. Either way this slow action/role playing game is still slow and horrible and it doesn't even have a save or password feature so I hope you have a few hours free if you are foolish enough to try and beat this flaming bag of dogcrap.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 4
Find Robin Hood on eBay here!


53 ROBOCOP (Data East, December 1989)

What the heck! Just like the hit movie you play as a cop that was once left to die after a bust goes wrong but now he's an advance super cop with steel armour and cybernetic implants. As Robocop you are the last hope for a city at the mercy of street thugs and corrupted officials. Sadly, you can't jump in this action game for some reason and the happy go lucky looping music feels very out of place here while you are punching and blasting away at ruthless criminals here that want this cop dead. Robocop is definitely playable but it is hardly a classic.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Robocop on eBay here!

42 ROBOCOP 2 (Ocean, April 1991)
This action game has may have some better graphics then the original but it isn't all good. You still play as a robotic cop here but there are some serious control issues for one so the game fails to be as good as the first and maybe you noticed that the first Robo Cop wasn't all that great either. At least you can jump but now your cyber cop dude can die easily from falling into pits thanks to the very slippery controls. Your drug dealer killer Robocop also looks very cartoonish and the music stinks as well. It was a nice try but the game is just freaking annoying.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 3
gameplay: 4

Find Robocop 2 on eBay here!


57 ROBOCOP 3 (Ocean, August 1992)
The Robo Cop is now forced to be on the other side of the law so he can protect innocence families before they don't lose their homes. Much like the last two Robo Cop games there is absolutely nothing special here in this action title. You see bad guy, you kill them, you complete the level. Most players will be bored with the standard shooting and jumping but you do have to be careful you don't take too much damage or you may lose a few abilities. This is still a solid game with some decent graphics here and there plus it is the best of the three Robocop games but that isn't saying much.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Robocop 3 on eBay here!

30 ROBO WARRIOR (Jaleco/Hudson Soft, December 1988)

This game really looked like fun when I was a kid. Robo Warrior is basically a more complex version of Bomberman since you now have a life bar, an item select screen, and even a gun! The game has a great concept but then you play it and then the suffering starts. Although the game gives you a lot of power ups at the beginning, you're going to need them because you lose life over time so you can't goof around here. That isn't even the worse part because the exit to each level is hidden! These are no small stages either and you'll be forced to bomb everything in sight but even that's annoying because these bombs explode in just 2 seconds and if you don't get away in time you're screwed of half your life. Oh, and did I mention you have limited bombs too so you have to conserve them or you'll have to slowly wait for enemies to drop power ups. It's so God damn tedious! The graphics are alright but you are pretty much doing the same thing level to level and repetitive music blows too. I guess this is what getting raped by a 400 pound prison dude feels like.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

Find Robocop Warrior on eBay here!


75 ROCK 'N BALL (NTVIC/Namco, 1990)

Now I know I complained a lot like a complete wuss how Pinball video games like Rollerball and Pinbot were lacking variety but to truly understand why I said that you have to play a awesome and underrated game like Rock 'N Ball game here. In this title you have the option to pick from wide range of different tables. Some tables play like traditional boards with hard to reach bonuses and stuff like that while others let you play against a friend on the same board in a cool versus mode. The graphics and sounds are simple and won't blow you away but there is a good mix of different themes and characters here plus the Vegas girls are wearing those totally sexes scantily clad outfits from the 1980's. Rock 'N Ball is suck a stupid name for a game this good.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 8

Find Rock N' Ball on eBay here!


43 ROCKETEER (Bandai, January 1991)
"Wow! It's Rocket Ranger 2!" This Rocketeer tells the story of a man with the ability to fly thanks to a special back pack. What a dumb idea for a video game and it's a even dumber idea for a movie! That's Disney movie making for ya. Sure, maybe flying around in a jet pack seem interesting at first fun but the title has poor looks, forgettable sounds, and average platforming action that would make you wish you were watching the movie instead and that's punishment enough!
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

Find Rocketeer on eBay here!


15
ROCKET RANGER (Kemco, January 1990)
Although this game had potential to be a good old school adventure it ended up being pretty boring instead. In the game you control a man with a rocket jet back on a dangerous secret mission. The missions range from lame one on one fists to blasting away at amazons on a alien planet. If the poor, unresponsive controls don't scare you away in Rocket Ranger then the plain graphics and annoying sounds will.
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 2
gameplay: 3
Find Rocket Ranger on eBay here!

61 ROCKIN' KATS (Atlus, September 1991)
Rockin' Kats is a really cute game starring a hip cat with a handy reaching glove. This game reminds me a lot of the action game Capcom's Bionic Commando but thanks to the choppy visuals and weak music it's not nearly as good though. I still like the gangster feel here so Rockin' Kats is worth a look at least.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find Rockin Kats on eBay here!

41 Roger Clemens' MVP Baseball (Ljn/Sculptured Software, 1991)
Before he was famous for steroids, Roger Clemens was also a baseball player so lets see who's making the game here ............ oh crap. Now here's a baseball game that starts out well thanks to some good controls and some realistic visulas for the NES but in the end it all just fall apart. Unlike Ljn's first shot at America's favourite pass time (Major League Baseball) there are no real teams or player (sans Roger Clemens of course) here and that's OK, just as long as the game is fun to play. The problems begin when trying to hit the game's insane fast balls at bat because you barely have any time to react plus things don't get much better in the field with the very awkward 3D prespective as well so good luck catching anything here. Although the graphics are decent, there are far better NES baseball games out there.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 4
Find Roger Clemens' MVP Baseball on eBay here!

55 ROLLER BALL (Hal, February 1990)
Here is another fairly average pinball game for the NES. The Pinball table here is still fun to play with a lot of targets and chances for bonuses for a few minutes. You can even unlock a few secrets too to get some bigger points as well but sadly you can only play on one New York style table here which unfortunately it gets old fast. Roller Ball is a good title for fans of this stuff but it certainly won't wow anybody else.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Rollerball on eBay here!

31 ROLLERGAMES (Ultra, 1990)

Now here's a game you would think it could be pretty good since it's made from the dudes at Ultra Games (a.k.a. Konami) but nope, it blows! Although this is based on that crappy TV sports show from the late 1980's where different teams on roller skates compete in races, the game itself is a strange combination of difficult action platforming slash weak Double Dragon-like fighting. Why, I don't know? Anyway the problems for Rollergames begin when you try to control one of these three losers on roller stakes here because they have trouble standing still. This is a huge problem when your trying to land several difficult jumps here and believe me they are all over the place. The graphics and sounds are great but they feel like they were lifted from other, better games. From the poorly translated Japanese to English text to the insane difficulty here, Rollergames is just an unfair mess.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 5
Find Rollergames on eBay here!

63 ROLLING THUNDER (Tengen/Namco, 1989)
In this action game you must rescue your fellow agent (the game even has some kinky bondage cinemas here) from evil green skin terrorists in this fast paced action game with lots of guns and lots of danger. Rolling Thunder is a solid spy game but be prepared for a high difficulty and some very limited ammo here as well.
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6

Find Rolling Thunder on eBay here!


62 RUSH N' ATTACK (Konami, April 1987)
Sure, the name sounds kind of cool but overall there isn't much to this old action platformer featuring a soldier behind enemy line. Just run to point A to point B while taking out any enemy that gets in the way. This game is pure old school arcade action with a lot of same bad guys reappearing and not everyone will go for that but at least the challenge is there.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Rush N Attack on eBay here!

78 RYGAR (Tecmo, July 1987)
Looking for a great action RPG with good graphics and a challenging quest? In Rygar you help a brave warrior with powerful spiked shield defeat a mysterious shadow enemy and his army of monsters. Rygar is a underrated game overall and I'm glad to see it reborn again on a system like the PS2 in grand fashion, just don't forget about this fun NES edition either, eh?
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7

Find Rygar on eBay here!


86
S.C.A.T. (Natsume, 1991)
S.C.A.T., eh? Really Natsume, that's the best name you could come up with? How are you suppose to sell an action packed shooter with that kind of name. Was the name Shoo already taken? The name stands for Special Cybernetic Attack Team but it should really stand for Shi^&y Candy A$$ Title (no disrespect to Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson)! You wanna know the worse part all this is: the game itself is excellent. In this cool forced scrolling shoot em up you play as one or two well trained soldiers named Arnold or Sigourney (sound familiar?) and you have to hunt down a madman trying to destroy the earth. This is no easy game but at least you have plenty of power ups to help you out. The game lets you fire in multiple directions with either your free roaming satellites that can be locked into one position or you can simply fire backwards like in Capcom's Side Arms. There isn't too much new you haven't seen before in other shooters but S.C.A.T. just delivers in every category here. Graphics: awesome, music: fantastic, game play: very deep. If you love these arcade style shooters don't let this one slip away.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8

Find SCAT on eBay here!


61 SECTION Z (Capcom, July 1987)
In this cool unlinear shooter you help some star warrior dude shoot his (or her I don't know) way through over 50 deadly corridors in this very hard game. Section Z lets you shoot both left and right and there are the power ups here and there. Although it was cool that your hero can take multiple hits from bullets, why does only one hit kill you when they ram into ya? I thought that was a little cheap. I wish this was a bigger hit for Capcom because the concept was fantastic at least.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

Find Section Z on eBay here!


47 SEICROSS (FCI/Pony Canyon, September 1988)
Seicross looks decent at first but after awhile it is just a very routine hover bike racer in a very chaotic world. One thing that hurts the game is it's filled with some terrible visuals and weak background music and it doesn't change much the further you get into the game. This game would have been a great and fast paced two player shooter if it wasn't quite so repetitive in design.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find Seicross on eBay here!

13 SESAME STREET 1 2 3 (Hi Tech Expressions/Rare, 1990)
Although I like the idea of a game that teaches young kids how to use numbers and recognize shapes, there is no time limits or scoring system so after your kids mastered the programs then there is no reason to play the game again. Sesame Street 123 doesn't even classify as a game really but if you got really young children between the ages 3 to 6 then maybe this might be a safe buy, just don't expect anything too enduring to keep their interest in the long haul. If you want a good educational game then go with Donkey Kong Jr. Math instead.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 0
Find Sesame Street 123 on eBay here!

13 SESAME STREET A B C (Hi Tech Expressions/Rare, 1990)
Rareware is famous for making some of the best selling and most acclaimed video games in existence like Donkey Kong Country but then again they are also responsible for this education pile of crap. Just like Sesame Street 123 this cart has a two different games each with own collection of 3 to 6 simple games that vary in difficulty. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if you are trying to form words from a wheel or helping a rubber ducky get to a guy in a tub in a poor man's Pipe Dreams because all these games have no challenge at all. You also gotta love that cheap non-moving character art that needlessly bounces up and down after you complete your words. C' mon Rare, that looks like $%^&! Bottom line is playing the games here are absolutely pointless and I doubt kids will learn anything from them.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 0
Find Sesame Street ABC on eBay here!

15 SESAME STREET ABC/123 (Hi Tech/Rare, 1990)
Hey kids: can you spell crap?! It's C ... R ... A ... P and it is also the definition of this Sesame Street game right here. Yeah, this title is nothing more then a collection of the two boring as hell SS games but now they are in one set. Sure the game is a better value but everything is exactly the same too so it's nothing new and nothing good either.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 1
gameplay: 0
Find Sesame Street ABC/123 on eBay here!

44 SHINOBI (Tengen/Sega, 1989)
This is a weak, slow, and way too basic action title that's way too lame to even compare to the awesome arcade game of the same name. In the game you play as a ninja trying to stop the crime organization called Zeed in five different levels. One huge thing wrong with the game play here is that your Shinobi can only throw one ninja star at a time instead of the usual four making the game far less intense. The new life bar is cool but bottomline, Shinobi on the NES is not a good translation of the impressive Sega action game at all.
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Shinobi on eBay here!

70 SHADOWGATE (Kemco, December 1989)
If you are tired of turn based Role Playing Games like Final Fantasy then maybe you may want to try this non-action adventure here. I didn't like all the instant deaths in this puzzler/RPG and some rooms can be fairly difficult to solve since the game gives you little to go on but if you love trial and error games like Deja Vu than you may feel differently. Shadowgate also has some ugly graphics which are poor even by NES standards but the game can still be addictive.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 6
Find Shadowgate on eBay here!

75 SHADOW of the NINJA (Natsume, January 1991)
In this action game you must fight your way through 5 dangerous levels whether you are alone or with a friend. In Shadow of the Ninja you control either the standard blue ninja or the half naked female ninja in red and use your many ninja skills to survive against thugs, wild animals, and even renegade robots found here. Shadow of the Ninja has nothing I haven't already seen in other NES action games like Batman or Ninja Gaiden but if you like games like those ones then this will be sure to please too.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

Find Shadow of the Ninja on eBay here!


70 SHATTER HAND (Jaleco, December 1991)
In Shatterhand here your special power is the ability punch your enemies with your advanced metal arms or you can let your robotic side kick do some of the work as well. This is a decent 2D action game with detailed graphics and loud sound effects but overall the hit and run game play is nothing too original unfortunately.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6

Find Shatterhand on eBay here!


52 SHOOTING RANGE (Bandai, 1990)

*Light gun required
This rare gun game here doesn't take itself too seriously with a bunch of fun areas like the wild west and deep space to score some points but you still have to be careful what you target because you get into trouble for not hitting the desired pinwheels and correct power ups. The game can be kind of fun at parties since you can play with four friends (alternating of course) but there are only a few stages here so the whole thing gets kind of dull. Unless you are desparate for another average Light Gun game I say pass on this one.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 4
Find Shooting Range on eBay here!

58 SIDE POCKET (Data East, November 1987)
It's a NES Pool game! You don't see these on the Nintendo everyday, eh? Side Pocket plays fine with a easy to use interface plus it looks fairly realistic thanks to the good animation as well but a basic Pool video game without a lot of options can only go for far before it gets boring here. If you like Pool get it but all others should skip it.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Side Pocket on eBay here!

18 SILENT ASSAULT (Color Dreams)
What if Contra really sucked! It would either look like Contra Legacy of War or this game right here. In Silent Assault you try to control a marine in a strange war zone filled with other mindless soldiers and goofy aliens. Sure that sounds a lot like Contra but the game is filled with lame weapons, boring scenery, and unresponsive controls. I know that I'm suppose to say something clever to end this review but Silent Assault just stinks! Don't buy it.
*Uncommon NES game
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

Find Silent Assault on eBay here!


09 SILENT SERVICE (Ultra Games, March 1990)
This so called game is a super boring sub simulation with terrible graphics, mute sounds, awful sound effects, and very slow game play. It's cool that you have a game played under certain conditions so the enemy is harder or easier to kill but in the end it's just not my type of game and it was a horrible idea for a NES title since you only have a few buttons to work with on the standard controller. "Who really wants to play a sub sim anyway I wonder?"
For 1 player only
graphics: 1
sound: 1
gameplay: 2

Find Silent Service on eBay here!


60 SILKWORM (American Sammy, June 1990)

Here's a cool shooter you don't see around too often. In it you either play as a lame jeep on the ground or the much cooler helicopter in the air. The jeep isn't completely useless because it can fire in multiple directions but overall the copter is much easier to control. The best thing about the game is that it's a two player game too. Sadly, the game also doesn't change too much from stage to stage and the music started out good but it doesn't change so it's easy to get sick of it in a few minutes. The action is always since there are a lot of cool enemies and big bosses in the game. Silkworm is a solid shoot em up that really gets tough in a hurry.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Silkworm on eBay here!

41 SILVER SURFER (Arcadia/Software Creations, 1990)

Encase you didn't know the Silver Surfer is a goofy comic book hero that is all silver and rides around in the air on a surfboard. In this 2D shooter you fly through several difficult stages to fight one of his rivals while shooting down anything that moves. I never saw the comics but the guy is a real wuss since only one hit can kill him and a lot of the backgrounds can waste him too so that mean this is one hard game. The graphics and sounds are pretty decent but unless you study this game like crazy you won't make it very far. If you have the patience and you like hard shooters then give this a shot.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 5

Find Silver Surfer on eBay here!


62 SKATE or DIE (Ultra/Electronic Arts, December 1988)
Skate or Die the name sounds stupid but the game here let's you compete in many skating events like half pipe, road adventure, or one on one jousting contests in either single or tournaments competitions. Definitely one of the better skateboarding games with some solid graphics and sounds on the NES but the controls take a lot of practice to master.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Skate or Die on eBay here!

38 SKATE or DIE 2 (Electronic Arts, October 1990)
hmmm..... I rather die then skate here. This Skate Or Die game is now more action and story oriented than the first one but it's way too demanding on the controller to be play effectively. Skate or Die 2 had some good ideas but the game ended up being less polished then the last one.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 6
gameplay: 3

Find Skate or Die 2 on eBay here!

66 SKI or DIE (Ultra/Electronic Arts, February 1991)

If you played the original Skate or Die (and not the crappy sequel) before then you know the deal here because this game here same the graphical and sound style, just in the snow though. Ski or Die is a collection of five different mini games that range from snow boarding down a half pipe to even snowballs fights here. The controls definitely take some getting use to and the whole game isn't very big either but these are minor problems to a solid multi-player title.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

Find Ski or Die on eBay here!

32 SKULL & CROSSBONES (Tengen, 1991)

Usually Tengen games are above average (like After Burner, Tetris, and Klax) but a few bad ones slip through (like Shinobi, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) as well. Chalk up another one in the bad column because Skull & Crossbones here is pretty lame. In the game you help a one eyed pirate on a mission to save a semi-beautiful women from a evil wizard. The story isn't super bad I guess, it's a shame the game is filled with cheap respawning enemies and insanely hard bosses. It doesn't get any better for the presentation because the digital voices get very annoying and the art here looks like it was done by a 6th grader. Skull & Crossbones does have some fast action here and there but it isn't enough and you cash is better spend elsewhere.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Skull & Crossbones on eBay here!

60 SKY KID (Sunsoft/Namco, 1987)

This old kind of classic arcade game also comes to the NES so let's play it and see if it blows or not? In Sky Kid you guide a little biplane (or planes) through tons of enemies and rival planes on your mission to kill stuff. The game is basic and looked like crap to be honest but the action is there and you can do a cool loop to loop and you can even recover after being shoot down if your good enough. Sky Kid is simple, challenging enough to test you without breaking your balls.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

Find Sky Kid on eBay here!


63 SKY SHARK (Taito, September 1989)
If you love arcade games like Twin Cobra or 1943 then you may like this vertical shooter as well, even if it isn't as good. Yup, this is yet another one of those unoriginal shooting games where you control a lone plane that must blast away at the typical stuff like tanks, jets, and battleships. Be ready for a challenge because Sky Shark barely lets up with enemies all over the place, there is no two player mode, and there are few power ups here too. The game doesn't look or sound half bad at least but overall Sky Shark doesn't do enough to stand out from the pack.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 4

Find Sky Shark on eBay here!

50 SLALOM (Nintendo/Rare, March 1987)
Skiing: An ancient form of snow travel on a downwards slope before the much cooler Snow Boarding. The game is fun enough as there is a good scent of speed here and a lot of obstacles too but I hated looking at that guy's butt all the time. Slalom has a lot of courses but the stages don't look different from another so the game can get dull in a hurry.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 4

Find Slalom on eBay here!


58 SMASH TV (Acclaim/Williams/Beam Software, September 1991)

Imagine a TV show where you kill anything that moves to win cash and prizes; you what you get in Smash TV here. The old 2 button NES controller can not handle this type of 8 way shooting game like the Super Nintendo controller can plus the graphics and music also take a seriously hit too but the constant enemies and high difficulty is still here. If you are looking for a decent action Smash TV doesn't totally suck I guess.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find Smash TV on eBay here!

47 SNAKE RATTLE & ROLL (Nintendo/Rare, July 1990)
Snake Rattle & Roll is a very confusing isometric overhead adventure game about a pair of snakes that lose parts of their body if they take damage. I can see why people would think this is a fun game because the graphics and sounds are fairly impressive and who doesn't like some platforming action around with snakes, eh? What kills the game for me though is the awkward jumping and loose control system since the game is done in 3D here and you can forget about seeing an ending as well. This is a original, if dumb idea for a NES cart.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Snake Rattle & Roll on eBay here!

65 SNAKE'S REVENGE (Ultra Games, March 1990)

This is Metal Gear II and this adventure game is now filled with both overhead and new platform levels so there are a lot of chances to the original. Now the game is missing some of the more cerebral item hunting and stealth techniques the original was famous for but at least the graphics and music are a lot better in my opinion. Although this is labeled Metal Gear II the real sequel was released on the import only MSX computer instead so die hard fans don't like this edition too much. For me the game was still very playable and I like the focus on the action this time (there are even 2D modes in here) but the story is not too interesting and I hate the constant item switching as well.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

Find Snake's Revenge on eBay here!

30 SNOOPY Silly Sports Spectacular (Kemco, 1987)
You know that stupid dancing dog from those Peanuts cartoons? Well, he got his own game and it's a collection of 6 olympic style events like in other NES titles such as Caveman Games. Snoopy does change things up a bit like instead of the Hammer Throw you are tossing a boot and the Pole Vault is now something called the River Jump plus there are other wacky events like Sack Races and Pie Walking. The graphics here are colourful and fairly detailed as well but this game is very hard to control for first timers and there are 6 events here so it all gets old quick.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 3

Find Snoopy on eBay here!


77 SNOW BROTHERS (Capcom/Toaplan, November 1991)

Snow Brothers actually lets you play as one or two snow men on a mission to return back to their original human form. It not only rips off the story line but it even plays kind a like Bubble Bobble type of game with a lot of fast action and tons of levels but now you're fighting with snow balls instead of bubbles of course. This is a fun non violent video game with great two player action but it's definitely not the most original so I had to knock off a few points there.
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find Snow Brothers on eBay here!

21 SOCCER (Nintendo, March 1987)
Whoa! Now we're talking boring here. Nintendo's first ever Soccer game is about as bland as it gets thanks to some average looks and slow controls. Just try passing the ball to another player here for example. If the tiny players and dull play field don't make you stop playing then the annoying looping soundtrack definitely will. I know this is their first try at the sport but don't bother protecting your privates for this Soccer. This is also hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the Gamecube if you can't find a old NES if you want to torture anyone.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 2

Find Soccer on eBay here!


50 SOLAR JET MAN (Nintendo/Rare, October 1990)
It's a Asteroids type of game here where you control a space craft that can rotate 360 degrees but with some mission based objectives as well. This game had some decent concepts and all but the overall game is not very exciting as gathering fuel and lack of a real story make this a fairly dull space adventure.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

Find Solar Jetman on eBay here!


61 SOLOMON'S KEY (Tecmo, July 1987)

This is perhaps the first puzzle game for the NES that will make you want to pull your hair out. In this adventure you play as a young wizard with the ability to create blocks in order to bypass enemies, get the key, and find the exit. The graphics suck, the music is annoying, but still the game is very challenging and addictive too. Solomon's Key is definitely a good find in a sea of RBI Baseball's and Duck Hunt's.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Solomon's Key on eBay here!

49 SOLSTICE (CSG Imagesoft, 1990)

Here's a game I wanted to really like. In this adventure/puzzle game you play as a wizard on a mission to save a princess from a evil sorcerer but the problem is you have to play through several dungeons in a very annoying top down isometric view. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad if the characters here had some shadows on the floors so it would be easier to judge something important like jumps. The worse part is your hero only take one hit to die so be prepared for one hard game here. The graphics are very colourful and the music fits the game perfectly as well so it isn't all bad. Sadly, the constant menu switching and awkward controls just ruined the experience for me.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
Find Solstice on eBay here!

60 SPELUNKER (Irem, 1987)
Now here's a strange little game that you're either going to like or just hate. In it you play as a explorer looking for lost treasure but the problem is the mines are filled monsters, traps, and even ghosts ready to stop your quest. This platformer is pretty intriguing because there are plenty of puzzles and items to go get further down in the game and the difficulty is pretty high so if you love a challenge you'll be happy. It's not all good though because your miner here is pretty weak. For example: you can't fall too far or you're dead and sometimes it's just a few inches as well. In other words you better get the jumping just right or else. The tiny graphics and basic music here are also very repetitive but overall Spelunker is still fun if you don't mind these problems.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 5

Find Spelunker on eBay here!



40 SPIDERMAN Return of the Sinister Six (Ljn, 1990)

Spiderman is definitely one of the most popular Marvel characters ever created and that means the web swinging hero in red and blue tights gets his own NES video game. Unfortunately, Marvel whored out old Spidey to the no talent hacks over at Ljn and unless you played their other gaming titles before you know this game is going to blows chucks. In this 2D platform game you get to hunt down six comical nut cases to save New York City but that's very hard to do with the game's bad controls here that have multiple commands assigned to one button. It shouldn't be that hard to play a game with Spiderman in it; why can this play more like the awesome Bionic Commando for example. If that wasn't enough the dull dark graphics are about as boring as the game play and that's pretty bad. Once you mastered the confusing webbing techniques and the delays in the movements the game can be somewhat played for a bit but overall to ready of one of the most disappointing Spiderman titles around.
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 3
gameplay: 3
Find Spiderman on eBay here!

51 SPOT The Video Game (Virgin, 1992)

I should warn you ahead of time that the NES version of Spot is nothing like the fun action platform games for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo but a Othello style game where you move round tiles across a board and you try to have more pieces then the other player when it's all said and done. Now compared to Acclaim's Othello the graphics are much better with good animations from those 7up Sellout characters when a player makes a move and there is even a four player mode here too which is OK I guess. The game is still pretty boring though and unless you like Othello I say pass.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 3

Find Spot on eBay here!


43 SPY HUNTER (Sunsoft/Midway, September 1987)

Although this game maybe popular, I never liked this overhead driving game about a spy in a juiced up sports car too much because of the overly high speed of the action here. The NES version is especially hard to control so be ready to die a lot here. The Peter Gunn music was cool at least but I'm really reaching here.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
Find Spy Hunter on eBay here!

57 SPY VS. SPY (Kemco, October 1988)
Remember those Black and White spy guys from Mad magazine that are always trying to kill one another? Even these guys got a video game here in this simple but high pressure action game where you have to find various collectibles before the other does. If your friend or computer decides to get in the way you can just beat them up or use one of your traps instead. Although it sucks since you can always see what the other player is always going, Spy Vs. Spy still makes for a funny and competitive two player game.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find Spy vs. Spy on eBay here!


59 SQOON (Irem, September 1987)

Hmmm, I sure play a lot of video games, uh? Nobody remembers this cute under water shooter and the weirdest thing about Sqoon is that the game isn't all that bad. The graphics are not special but that are bright and the characters are easy to make out on screen and the action is insanely quick and intense. Sqoon is worth a try if you can find a copy and you mind some annoying music as well?
*Available in the 5 screw cart
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
Find Sqoon on eBay here!

27 STACK UP (Nintendo, October 1985)

*R.O.B. required
Yup, this is the other infamous R.O.B. compatible video game that Nintendo doesn't like to talk about too much. If finding the game wasn't hard enough here in Stack Up you also need to have all the esscesially parts that differ from all the junk that came with Gyromite. OK, first off you need 5 angled stands that look like candle holders, two new hand claws, and finally 5 multi-colours chips just to play this game. Anyway after you waste a good chuck of your life setting all this up you can now play a few rather uninspired mini games. The goal in each game is to help the robot move the different chips to the right position in the top right of the screen and you do this by moving around some old professors through a bunch of blocks that command ROB is some way. Although the Memory and Bingo games had there moments they also get very repetitive in a hurry and the games can take almost forever since the robot moves at a sail's pace. Stack Up is a cool collector's item but that's about it.
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 4
Find Stack Up on eBay here!


60 STADIUM EVENTS (Bandai, 1987)
*Power pad or Family Fitness Pad Required
Yup, this game is more infamous for being one of the rarest video games created EVER! We are talking an old video game worth thousands believe it or not? Anyway the game is the original World Class Track Meet (a 5 dollar at best) where you get to goof off on a custom floor mat to compete in several events like the 100 meter dash, triple jumps, and other junk like that. The game also includes a decent one player mode where you battle it out with 6 cpu opponents but all the so called action wears thin after a few plays. Great for a workout and a collector piece but not much else.
*HOLY GRAIL game
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 to 6 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7


25 STAR FORCE (Tecmo, November 1987)

It's ironic this is called Star Force because you'll have to force me to play this one again! This old fashion shooting game has no real game play here. I played this game for a good hour and I couldn't find a single power up and all the stages just look the same. You can upgrade your ship with a more powerful twin shot but it really doesn't look too different then your standard twin shot here. Talk about a dull experience. Best to avoid this no thrills mess, even if you're a shooting fan!
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 3
gameplay: 1

Find Star Force on eBay here!


44 STARSHIP HECTOR (Hudson Soft, June 1990)
If you are looking a good game for your NES then just keep on looking. The game's special is you can survive multiple bullet attacks thanks to a life bar but if one enemy even touches you you die instantly so what's the point? That's no fun and it reminds me of the flawed Section Z also for the NES. Sadly Starship Hector is way too difficult and ugly looking to be even taken seriously. Even Star Soldier is better than this title and that was released well before this game was. If more stuff was added to the game play of this standard shooter like weapon upgrades or something like that than it would have scored it much higher here.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 3

Find Starship Hector on eBay here!


StarSoldier's Game of the Month!
55 STAR SOLDIER (Taxan/Hudson Soft, January 1989)
This classic shooting game sure has a cool name, eh? Is it any good you say? Unfortunately, this blaster has its share of problems with it's stupid map overlay system and its rather high difficulty but Star Soldier is still a challenging adventure across 16 levels. Can you fly through dangerous stages in order to destroy the evil Star Brains and save the galaxy? OK, this game may have some big control issues but I love the power up system plus the fast and crazy shooting action as well.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Star Soldier on eBay here!

63 STAR TROPICS (Nintendo, 1991)
Here is Nintendo's dumb looking RPG/adventure game that just didn't catch on and with good reason. The game features the generic hero Mike Jones and his quest on a remote island to fight off invading aliens. Seriously, that's the plot! The biggest problem with the game is that it has a major identity crisis; it begins as a basic role playing game where you talk to villagers and learn the boring story, then the game shifts to a overhead action game where your main weapon is a lame Yo-yo (they obliviously stole that one from the Goonies II). Star Tropics is definitely not a classic but it's still kind of a fun adventure once you get pass the odd plot and ugly visuals.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 7

Find Star Tropics on eBay here!

70 STAR TREK 25th Anniversary (Ultra Games/Interplay, February 1992)
The classic Star Trek series from the 1960's is revisited in this challenging but short lived video game here. Star Trek is perfect for people who like a thinking person's game with a lot of story but the graphics did look fairly dated as well so it isn't all good. Unfortunately, the game only has a few missions but because there are a lot of puzzles don't expect to finish this one right away. Star Trek is an excellent title for all you Trekkies out there.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

Find Star Trek 25th on eBay here!


10
STAR VOYAGER (Acclaim, 1987)
I guess I have to wake myself up because it's review time but the reason I was so sleepy in the first place was because of this piece of crap here. In this super boring space simulation you have to hunt down an aggressive alien race that wants to destroy earth's colonies. This sounds cool but getting to the different sections on the map is annoying because you have charge your engines just right or there is a chance you could die if you don't do it correctly. That was pretty bad but in the actual game your enemies are insanely tough because they attack in large groups and the slow controls are no help either. You can gain power ups on the different planets in the area but a lot of them have nothing so be prepared to waste a lot of time just landing and leaving. If you love flying around and blasting away at aliens then try Star Fox, Star Voyager here is just a uneven mess.
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 2
gameplay: 3
Find Star Voyager on eBay here!

46 STAR WARS: Episode IV A New Hope (JVC/Beam Software, November 1991)
This game is based on that mega popular 70's space flick and it tries to be something special. It failed but they tried. In this adventure you play as the blaster wielding teenager Luke Skywalker on a mission to get revenge on the evil galactic empire but if you are a fan of video games and this web site here you probably already knew that, eh? The game has some small (why does Luke look like some little kid?) but good looking graphics but the background music is really annoying here so have that volume control ready. If that wasn't bad enough the platformer action is rather average as well with a lot of boring stuff like avoiding spikes and overly tough monsters. Although this is a OK action game for run and gun game play, there is still nothing here that's too impressive either and the overall game just feels rushed.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 6

Find Star Wars on eBay here!


32 STEALTH ATF (Activision, 1989)

The Stealth Bomber is definitely one of coolest fighter jets ever created but the game based on it is just a bomb period. The 3D action is insanely quick but that's also part of the problem here because it's too easy to fly right by enemy aircrafts and I'm forced to always flip over the Stealth itself just to track them down. The graphics and background music start out good with detailed ships and I actually didn't mind the music either but it all feels the same after a while. I should also warn you that landing in the game is very touchy and it can be easy to lose a life if you don't know the secret code. If you hated Top Gun you ain't seen nothing yet.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find Stealth ATF on eBay here!

67 STINGER (Konami, September 1987)
This is a rare Twin Bee-type of shooting game that actually came to Canada and America here. This crazy shooter plays like a cuter version of Gradius but the power up system consist of multi-coloured bells and more colourful environments. Needless to say that the series is more popular in Japan because we never saw a Stinger 2, uh? That's a shame because although the game is weird, it was still fun to play especially for 2 players.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Stinger on eBay here!


42 STREET FIGHTER 2010: The Final Fight (Capcom, October 1990)

Don't be fooled! It's not Street Fighter, it's not Final Fight, it's just a really bad action game with poor controls, bad music, and a very silly story. Street Fighter 2010 stars Ken Masters from Street Fighter fame and in the near future he drops the cool looking red ki in flavor a goofy cyber suit. The game is hard to control and overly difficult as well. Just avoid this gaming mess!
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6

Find Street Fighter on eBay here!



51 STRIDER (Capcom, July 1989)
In this action game here you control a secret agent named Strider Hiryu that's good with a sword and has ninja-like abilities. The Strider character maybe cool but his game kinda sucks. This game is nothing like the super slick arcade game of the same name and now the stages are scaled down and more generic so don't expect too much from this here. For example; the graphics are ugly, the sound is generic, and the game play can lead to cheap hits at times yet the game is too short and too easy. Only the game's end boss is really difficult here. This NES game doesn't age very well either so just go for the far better Sega Genesis version instead.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3 ............ very choppy graphics with a lot of programming errors.
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Strider on eBay here!


82
SUPER C (Konami, March 1990)
This game here is actually the long awaited Contra sequel but in a dumb move by Konami they completely renamed it for whatever reason. What kind of name is Super C? Anyway this game features all new levels and new weapons as well but ultimately the game remains the same run and gun adventure we all know and love but now the graphics and sounds are improved. The old favourites like the Spread weapon and the Laser guns even make their return and there is a new Fire weapon to replace that awkward circle shot as well. Contra is always a excellent two player game and this here is no different.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 6
Find Super C on eBay here!

64 SUPER DODGE BALL (CSG Imagesoft, June 1989)
This game here is the only known Dodge ball title for the NES and that has to count for something? The only thing holding this fun and unique wracking game is back the constant flickering all of the the characters do on screen at once thanks to the limited 8-bit hardware here. Still the game is worth tracking down just so you can hit your friends with balls!
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

Find Super Dodgeball on eBay here!

22 SUPER GLOVE BALL (Mattel, 1990)

Remember that weird Power Glove thing that you put on your arm and you would wave it around to interact with your games? Well, to help sell the gimzo Mattel released a special game that would be fully compatible with it. The game was Super Glove Ball and in it you are a flying robotic hand that must break tiles with a bouncing ball. Kind of like a 3D Arkanoid or Breakout. In the game you have to clear away all the tiles to advance to the next round and that's definitely easier said then done and here's where it all falls apart. Since the whole thing is in 3D it can be very hard to control where the ball is going to actually land so good luck hitting anything with any precision. Because of this Super Glove Ball quickly becomes tedious and boring plus the lack of story don't help either. You can play this with the regular controller too if you like but it still doesn't take away any of the suck!
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

Find Super Glove Ball on eBay here!


19 SUPERMAN (Kemco, December 1988)
Superman video games are notorious for being horrible and even the NES version here sucks. At least the horrible N64 version didn't make the famous man of steel look like some stupid little super deformed kid like they did here. NES Superman may have a OK story line where you play has both Clark Kent and his super alter ego here but the whole cartoon-like presentation leaves a lot to be desired. C,mon, is there any good Superman games out there?
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2 ........... a great looking intro can't save us from the ugly super deformed look.
sound: 1 ........... very annoying music
gameplay: 5
Find Superman on eBay here!

StarSoldier's Game of the Month!
81 SUPER MARIO BROS. (Nintendo, October 1985)
We've all played this awesome platform game to death back in the 80's haven't we? There is still a reason why so many love this ground breaking action title and many liked how it that changed how we play video games today. The story is simple: help skilled plumbers Mario or Luigi rescue the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom from the evil King of the Koopas: Bowser. This excellent game is also part of the Super Mario All Stars Collection and is also very well hidden in Animal Crossing if you can't find a old NES.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 8
Find Super Mario Bros. on eBay here!


83 SUPER MARIO BROS. 2 Mario Madness (Nintendo, September, 1988)
Super Mario Brothers 2 is actually the Japanese game Doki Doki Panic but now the game has Mario sprites instead of the Arabian characters now. The game is a impressive looking and sounding sequel with 4 different characters to choose from including the now playable Toad and Princess Peach. Another new feature to the game is the ability to grab vegetables from the ground and use them on your enemies that range from weird little dudes with masks to giant snakes. The game is a little on the short side with only 7 worlds and limited secrets but it's still a lot of fun and has a fairly cool looking ending too. This fun game is also part of the Super Mario All Stars Collection on the SNES.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 8

Find Super Mario 2 on eBay here!



StarSoldier's Game of the Month!
99 SUPER MARIO BROS. 3 (Nintendo, February 1990)
Everything humanly possible is improved in this third installment of this mega popular Super Mario series. You get new all weapons and techniques like the Raccoon Tail (which can make you fly), new worlds that are filled with secrets, and there are even some new enemies to worry about as well. In Mario 3 it's your job to rescue all the 7 kingdoms from a powerful spell caused by the 7 rotten Koppa kids and after you're done all that it's then time to go after Bowser himself. It's even a great two player game with a original Mario Bros.-like Battle game included so you could steal your friends cards. The only thing missing in SMB3 is a save option like the Super Nintendo version has in the All Stars Collection. Its still easily one of the top games of 1990 so if you own a NES you have to own the easy to get into and very challenging Super Mario Bros. 3!
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 9
sound: 9
gameplay: 10

Find Super Mario Bros. 3 on eBay here!


68 Ivan Stewart's SUPER OFF ROAD (Tradewest/Rare, July 1990)
Here is an interesting rally game that's viewed from a overhead perspective for a unique arcade style. Super Off Road not only has solid graphics and sounds but it is also a good four player multi-player game as well and you don't see too many of those around the NES here, eh? Super Off Road doesn't change too much level to level but it still plays pretty well.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

Find Super Off Road on eBay here!

15 SUPER PITFALL (Activision/Pony Canyon, November 1987)
Maybe even the ancient Atari 2600 version is better than this piece of garbage here. What am I talking about, of course it is! Super Pitfall is a awful clone because Pitfall Harry now looks and acts just like Mario from Super Mario Brothers. Normally that wouldn't be so horrible if the game was any good but it's too bad that Super Pitfall is so hard to figure out (a lot of crap you need is invisible) and choppy that it hurts the eyes to even play.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 1 ............ poor programming plain and simple.
sound: 1
gameplay: 1

Find Super Pitfall on eBay here!

60 SUPER SPIKE V'Ball (Nintendo/Technos, 1989)

To hype Nintendo's then new 4 player adapter they released this fun but very standard volleyball game here. The game lets you pick different teams and you get to compete to become the best out there and all that crap. It's lame that you can only play as a bunch of guys instead of hot girls but the graphics are passable thanks to the large characters and good amount of detail. The controls are simple enough to learn too but don't feel as responsive as the other NES volleyball game King of the Beach and the music is nothing special. Super Spike does it's job so if you are looking for a solid up to 4 player volleyball but that's it.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

Find Super Spkie on eBay here!

51 SUPER SPRINT (Tengen, 1988)
Super Sprint is a simple overhead racer originally from the arcades and now it comes to the NES minus the life size steering wheel of course. Does anybody remember games like Indy 500 for the Atari 2600? If they do then they should recognize the game play in this NES game here because you circle a race track a few times and hopefully you come in first place. Super Sprint is good for two players but that's about it.
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 4

Find Super Sprint on eBay here!


77 SUPER SPY HUNTER (Sunsoft/Midway, February 1992)

If you're a fan of the original spy thriller then you may want to look into this rare action packed sequel too. Super Spy Hunter gives the player more weapons, much improved graphics (did the entire screen just turn with me there!), and more visually stunning locations then the last game. Although the game can be difficult since your vehicle has to stay in the middle of the screen while you're at full speed and it may be a tough find as well, it's well worth the effort if you can track down a copy of this fine action/driving game.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
Find Super Spy Hunter on eBay here!

18 SWAMP THING (Thq, 1993)

You can tell they didn't even try with this one here. If you don't know the history behind this strange character the Swamp Thing it is this cool but ugly, deformed humanoid creature that was once a normal scientist. Although your a freak now, you can still try and save the world from another evil doctor and his army of mutants if you like (fat chance). So what is Swamp Thing's amazing mutant power here? He can throw a lame short range punch and that's pretty much it. This guy can't even duck here. This game is just your standard boring platformer and why did LJN change their name to THQ?
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 3
Find Swamp Thing on eBay here!

59 SWORD MASTER (Activision, 1991)

I don't believe it but there is a sequel to that crappy Castle of Dragon game and here it is. In Sword Master here you play as a knight trying to rescue a kidnapped princess (geez, real original) in this standard action platformer. Thankfully there are a lot of improvements over the last game like much better visuals for example. Not only do the characters have much smoother animation but some of the stages even feature multi-layered background scrolling which is something you don't see in too many NES titles. Sadly the game play itself is nothing special as you go from point A to B and fight a few bosses along the way. You can use some magic spells but most of the time you'll just hacking away at enemies while you move to the right and it gets old. Sword Master won't be winning any awards but it doesn't blow either so if you can find it cheap I say why not.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

Find Sword Master on eBay here!


46 SWORDS & SERPENTS (Acclaim, September 1990)
Here is another awful looking Role Playing game done in an boring and confusing first person dungeon. The frame-rate is weak, the visuals are repetitious, and music really gets on my nerves. That chick in the front of the giant snake on the cover art did look pretty cool though but that's just another example of the artwork being better then the actual game.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find Swords & Serpents on eBay here!

60 T&C SURF DESIGNS (Ljn, 1988)

Ljn is famous for getting some of the biggest licenses in NES history (and turning them into pure gaming crap) but I never heard of this weird Town & Country license before. Who would buy a game called T&C Surf Designs? I guess Ljn couldn't afford to get all the movie name out there especially with their bad (but deserved) rap but for all the smack I talk about their games this one actually doesn't completely suck. In the game you have the option of either playing a insanely difficult surfing game or you can forget that mess and go for the much better stake boarding stages. Both games have the same background music but it isn't too bad and the graphics are well defined and colourful too. Both games can get very repetitious but if you are looking for a fun and easy to get into stake boarding title then this one may surprise you here.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find T&C Surf Designs on eBay here!

66 T&C Surf Designs II: Thrilla's Safari (Ljn, 1991)

I guess the first game was popular enough to get a sequel so lets see if Ljn F'd this one up or not? In this title you play as a gorilla named Thrilla that likes extreme sports for some reason. Thrilla goes to on a dangerous mission to Africa after his girlfriend get kidnapped by a strange man with a giant mask. In a wise move this game ditches the lame hard to control surfing mode of the last game and now the game is just a action side scroller. Although the game is fun, it is also insanely hard and one wrong step can be instant death here. Thrilla's Safari can be frustrating but it's still very playable and the graphics are pretty good too.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6

Find T&C Thrilla's Safari on eBay here!


01
TABOO The Sixth Sense (Tradewest/Rare, 1988)

I know there are some weird games out there but who is the world would buy a game where you just ask questions all the time? Honestly, this Taboo game isn't really a game at all because you are just 'playing' (I'm using that term loosely) this game to get your fortune told. Remember this is the NES after all and you can't type or talk into the game so you are left using the standard controller to slow punch in your information. Once you're all done inputting all your questions all you get is dumb messages with a bunch of hopefully lucky numbers. Yup, that's pretty much it. You don't need to see into the future to know that Taboo is a piece of crap.
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 2
gameplay: 0
Find Taboo on eBay here!

33 TAG TEAM WRESTLING (Data East/Namco, October 1986)
Talk about your outdated wrestling game here! Tag Team Wrestling comes with some very sad graphics and sounds even by NES standards. The game's one player only mode only has one different Tag Team to fight against (the horribly named Strong Bads) in the whole game and the two player doesn't have very much variety either. The two player mode is a bit better but overall thanks but no thanks.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 2
sound: 4
gameplay: 2

Find Tag Team Wrestling on eBay here!

37 TALESPIN (Capcom, 1992)

Alright, it's another popular Disney cartoon made from the pros over at Capcom (look at Duck Tales for example) so it has to be good, eh? In this game you play as Baloo the bear on the job to deliver cargo but there are a bunch of sky pirates in your way so it won't be easy. It sounds like a fun shoot em up and the graphics and music remand faithful to the show but it's too bad the game plays like absolutely crap. The biggest problem with Talespin is it starts out insanely hard because you can shoot one shot at a time and the slow controls don't help either. Definitely not a good game for the kids. You can get upgrades later in the game to help you fire off more bullets but then the game becomes too easy and you finish it in no time and never play it again.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 4
Find Talespin on eBay here!

24 TARGET RENEGADE (Taito, March 1990)
I think Taito really sold out here because their Renegade hero now looks just like Jimmy Lee from Double Dragon. If only this game was that good. Target Renegade is your typical beat up the gang members game that suffers from poor hit detection, unbalanced game play (the game has tons of easy opponents and then you have to fight a nearly impossible boss), no two player option, and lame character designs. Maybe you should target this game with your own personal weapon and its bodily fluids?
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

Find Target Renegade on eBay here!

60 TECMO BASEBALL (Tecmo, 1988)

Geez, do these guys really have to shamelessly put their company's name on the most of their games here? Anyway this baseball title has some fairly impressive graphics and digital audio and a cool behind the pitcher perspective just like in Bases Loaded. There are a few funny looking moments here like the players big feet and when you get a home run the dude has his arms flapping up and down like a school girl but overall the visuals are pretty good. Tecmo Baseball isn't perfect since the game doesn't feel as fast Bad News Baseball but it does play well.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
Find Tecmo Baseball on eBay here!

70 TECMO BOWL (Tecmo, February 1989)
If you're a football fan than Tecmo Bowl is an excellent choice if you also have a NES. Although the graphics are little crude thanks to all the on screen flickers, they are still fairly detailed and the game is good for both pro or casual football fans thanks to some easy to learn controls and tough challenge. Look for two versions of this game out there. One has the LA Rams Eric Dickerson as a playable character while the other copy doesn't. Both versions are pretty good though.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
Find Tecmo Bowl on eBay here!

53 TECMO NBA BASKETBALL (Tecmo, 1991)

Out of all the classic Tecmo sports for the NES their basketball is definitely my least favourite. Now the game gets off to a good thanks to all the different modes, good presentation, and real NBA roster including big names like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird here. Sadly during the game itself the rather large players for a 8-bit basketball here take their toll and it creates some nasty flickers and slow game play. Compounding this problem is some damn annoying up beat background music so overall it's hard to recommend getting this one.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 3
gameplay: 7
Find Tecmo NBA Basketball on eBay here!

70 TECMO SOCCER CUP GAME (Tecmo, 1992)

Now if you are expecting this Soccer to play like Tecmo Bowl with a soccer ball then be ready for a shock because this game here is a strange but innovative sports/role playing hybrid. In it you guide a up and coming soccer team and during the game itself you watch a few cut scenes then when you encounter members of the other team you must decide your next move in text based menus. That's pretty weird, eh? Tecmo Soccer Cup Game is different but still fine like cherry wine and well worth hunting down.
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Tecmo Soccer Cup on eBay here!

78
TECMO SUPER BOWL (Tecmo, 1991)
This sequel to the original Tecmo Bowl still has some of the annoying flicker problems that plagued the first title but now this great football not only has the same easy to play arcade-like control but the game even comes with the NFL license and battery back up support for the improved Season mode. With its detailed graphics, cute cheerleaders, and impressive play list Tecmo Super Bowl is the ultimate NES football game.
*Battery back up game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 8
Find Tecmo Super Bowl on eBay here!

75 TECMO WORLD WRESTLING (Tecmo, 1991)

Damn it Tecmo, to you really have to pasture your name all over your games like this?! Anyway to be fair this is a pretty good wrestling game with some sharp visuals and the option to pick from 10 generic but unique fighters and each has their own special moves. The controls are easy to learn, the training modes can build your strenght over time, and there is even an announcer here doing play by play (in text of course). The game can be tough but the action is always there and it may be the best wrestling title for the NES.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

Find Tecmo World Wrestling on eBay here!



61 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (Ultra, September 1989)

This super challenging platform adventure features the once popular ninja turtles going after the evil Shedder and his minions. Can you turn your Master from a rat back into a human again? You can if you manage to finish this tough 2D action game here but that's easier said then done. The original Turtles game has choppy graphics and often cheap game play but action fans may still like it.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on eBay here!

77 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II: The Arcade game (Ultra, January 1991)
This title is based on the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game except there are two new levels and the graphics and sounds had to be seriously downgraded for the NES. In the game you pick from one of four mutant men/turtles with old artist names on several different missions which battle a endless amount of Foot Soldiers and other weirdoes. If you love fighters like Double Dragon and Final Fight then you may like this one but why not just play those games instead? Still TMNT II is a lot better then the last one.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
Find TMNT 2 on eBay here!

79 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III: The Manhattan Project (Konami, February 1992)
The original Turtles game is a lot like the last beat em up because you can be one of four ninja turtles fighting a nearly endless amount of foot soldier ninjas. The big difference now is the special moves take life away from your turtle so you have to think twice about using it but at least the controls and graphics are much better. This is a good old fashion beat em up game but the Turtles IV title on the Super Nintendo was just still way better then this.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 7
gameplay: 6

Find TMNT 3 on eBay here!

72 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TOURNAMENT FIGHTERS (Konami, March 1994)
Although there was talk a version of Street Fighter II would arrive on the NES here, it never happened so there are not too many options to play a one on one fighting game on this machine. Since Karate Champ sucks I should really recommend this obscure brawler instead. Konami ditches the whole platforming thing and now the turtles have entered a fighting tournament to take on their old rival Shedder. There are 7 playable nut jobs here altogether and that may sound like a lot especially for a NES fighting game but remember four of them are the turtles themselves. The weird thing about this game is the turtles actually don't carry their weapons to the battles here so they don't really feel too unique and even their character profiles all look the same. The story is short, and the action can get repetitive but the graphics are decent and the controls are good too so Tournament Fighters kicks some a$$.
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

Find TMNT Tournament Fighters on eBay here!


44 TENNIS (Nintendo, October 1985)

Since Nintendo was introducing their NES console in 1985 they wanted to make a wide range of games for the machine and unfortunately this includes the crappy version of Tennis. Yup, it's just named Tennis too: not something cool like Racket Wars 86 or Hard Green Ball Breakers no, just lame old Tennis. To my surprise the game doesn't look too bad here. The court has this cool pseudo 3D look to it with the top player a bit further in the distance then the one on the bottom. The controls are fine but the action is definitely on the slow side though and there is no background music either so it's hard to get too excited here. The computer does put up a good fight in the higher difficulties but that's pretty it for the single player in terms of game play. OK, now it's time to invite a friend over and kick some a$$. Oh crap, we can only play together on the same team. Tennis can be fun for a few minutes at least, I guess.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 2
gameplay: 1

Find Tennis on eBay here!

31 TERMINATOR (Mindscape, 1992)

Now would you think a game about deadly 6 foot cyborgs trying to wipe out mankind wouldn't look this goofy? In this game you control a man from a ruined future (it's the year 2030 or something like that) and he has to stop the Terminator robots in both his era and the 1980's. It sounds like a cool concept but fighting the same old dumb killer machines from room to room gets very boring and the only challenge comes when you going for jumps because the touchy controls here are crappy at best. Also the game has no continues or password feature so good luck making it through this mess. Terminator is just another platform game that doesn't stand out from the crowd.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 5

Find Terminator on eBay here!

64 TERMINATOR 2: Judgment Day (Ljn, February 1992)
It finally happened! A Ljn game I actually like. This tough action game follows the hit movie very closely so that means you get both platform and driving levels here. If you don't know this crazy Sci-Fi story yet you play as a older model Terminator cyborg from the future that is now reprogrammed and send to the past to protect the young John Connor from a deadly and upgraded Terminator called the T-1000. If you fail young Connor will not be able to lead resistance against the killer robots in the future and all that junk. Terminator 2 does have some have overly difficult levels and the game isn't too long either but the graphics and sounds are above average plus the game controls well too. This one may surprise you.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7

Find Terminator on eBay here!

StarSoldier's Game of the Month!
81 TETRIS (TENGEN/Mirror Soft, 1988)

Here is the super rare Tengen Tetris game with better graphics, music, and game play than the Tetris game below. If you are new to this classic game the objective is simple: you move falling pieces to make horizontal lines for points. This game was even designed by the famed Ed Logg, creator of the mega popular Asteroids, San Francisco Rush, and Centipede. Tetris may have basic graphics and game play but the game is highly addictive and it has great music. Read the true story about this great but illegal game here.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 9......... excellent Russian music.
gameplay: 8
Find Tetris on eBay here!

Total Recall Dud of the Month
62 TETRIS (NINTENDO, September 1989)

"Yup, this one!" Although this sold well into the millions, many gamers were disappointed in the one player only gameplay, boring graphics, and the lousy music. Tetris by Nintendo is still fun for the puzzle fans here since it still controls well though but it was apparent that this game was rushed to market after Nintendo won its lawsuit against Atari.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find Tetris on eBay here!

50 TETRIS 2 (Nintendo, October 1993)
The big sequel to Tetris plays a lot more like Nintendo's Dr. Mario, eh? Instead of getting rid of lines you are trying to get rid of three different colours now. There are plenty of modes to try out so it hard to bored with Dr. Mario 2.......... Oops! I mean Tetris 2! "WHY THE HELL DOESN'T THIS PLAY THIS PLAY LIKE TETRIS?"
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 7

Find Tetris 2 on eBay here!

74 The THREE STOOGES (Activision/Cinemaware/Beam Software, September 1989)
In this unusual game you play several mini games in hopes of winning big money to help the original Three Stooges (Larry, Curly, and Moe) save an orphanage from a evil bank owner. The game may be short lived because there are only a few events here like pie throwing contests, quizzes, chase scenes, and more but don't expect to save the orphanage on your first try here though since it only takes a few bad turns to end the game. The Three Stooges may look silly but it's still fun to play.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 6

Find The Three Stooges on eBay here!

11
THUNDER BLASTER MAN (Sachen, 1994)

One of the most successful third party franchises on the NES was definitely Capcom's intense Mega Man action series. Since Sachen likes to copy popular franchises and make their own games here is their Mega Man clone and man is it bad! Thunder Blaster Man biggest problem is that it is way too hard to control your generic boomerang throwing hero and enemies respawn too easily making it impossible for casual gamers. The game actually has some fairly clean graphics but it is ruined by horrible background music, tons of slowdown, a lame story, and too much flickers. This flop is for seriously collectors only and that's it.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Rare NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 2
gameplay: 1

Find Thunder Blast Man on eBay here!

43 THUNDERCADE (American Sammy, August 1989)
This is sure one ugly looking shooting game here but I guess I have to review it anyway. This job isn't all fun and games, eh? In this title you ride deadly motorcycles that are packed with weapons so you can get to stop the nuclear terrorists here. Really, they couldn't give me better then a bike? Sadly the extremely choppy graphics and annoying music here place this NES game into the 'Nobody cares about this game' pile.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Thundercade on eBay here!

72 THUNDER & LIGHTNING (Romstar, 1991)

Yup, this is Arkanoid clone here which was Breakout clone I guess so who really cares, eh? Anyway in this game you play as a little Chinese dude holding a bar to sent a ball back and forth to destroy multi-coloured bricks to rack up points and find power ups. There isn't anything too innovative here but I like how you can make your character run if you like and the game supports two players at once which can be pretty fun if the other player doesn't suck. Thunder & Lightning unoriginal but still serviceable.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find Thunder & Lightning on eBay here!


62 TIGER HELI (Acclaim/Taito, October 1987)
This prequel to Toaplan's legendary
Twin Cobra suffers from bland graphics and limited power ups but it was still a solid stepping stone for better shooters ahead. In the game you pilot a attack helicopter over deadly landscapes filled with tanks, battleships, and even planes to save the world. The game is tough at first but with the right power ups Tiger Heli can be pretty fun and it is endless so don't bother trying to finish it either.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 6

Find Tiger Heli on eBay here!

54 TIME LORD (Milton Bailey, October 1990)
Time Lord is another really slow action game about time traveling with very forgettable... well.. everything! The game has scenes where your hero is transported to areas like medieval landscapes to futurist fortresses but it hard to get excited by the game's boring graphics, typical sounds, and slow overall action that places games like Time Lord in the average column.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 3
Find Time Lord on eBay here!

83 TINY TOON ADVENTURES (Konami, 1991)
Good, Konami made this one instead of Kecmo and Ljn so this might be actually playable. Sure enough it is pretty good because in this action game you play as the blue Buster Bunny on a mission to save his girlfriend Babs from his arch rival Montana Max. Buster isn't alone though because Plucky, Dizzy, and Furball are also playable and each has their own special abilities. The game may be a tough one for the kids since the heroes can only take one hit without power ups but it can't be blame on the great controls. The game even has excellent presentation with all the characters looking just like the ones from the show and it also has that famous theme music here too. So why do the Bugs Bunny games suck worse then this?
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
Find Tiny Toons Adventures on eBay here!

61 TINY TOONS ADVENTURES 2 Trouble in Wackyland (Konami, 1992)

The first Tiny Toons game on the NES was awesome so lets see how good the sequel is here. In this action game the Tiny Toons get invited to a new theme park but something fishy is going on here because the place is filled annoying enemies and traps. The main goal here is to earn enough tickets to enter the castle and find out who's messing with ya. Some of the cool new editions here is you can select your stage and each character has their own way of doing things like Plucky uses bumper cars while Babs travels down her level in a mini roller coaster. It all sounds like fun but some of these levels are way too unforgiving and you have to do a ton of memorization and precise timing if you hope to survive in some the platform stages. The game still had its moments but the original one was just more fun to play.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 6
Find Tiny Toons 2 on eBay here!

37 To The EARTH (Nintendo, 1990)

*Light gun required
There weren't too many Nintendo games that actually supported the Zapper gun and I think Nintendo just decided to do make a quick buck and fill that void with To The Earth here. In the story to have to make it back to earth after getting some life saving material but some even aliens are trying to shoot ya down. To The Earth may sound like your typical Light gun game and it is but hot damn is it ever hard. These aliens attack in large groups and they insanely fast too so good F'N luck. This is a rather basic rail style shooter as well so you have just the basic one player mode and that's it. With it's lack of content and hard game play To The Earth goes To The Garbage.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 3

Find To The Earth on eBay here!


71 TOKI (Taito, December 1991)

In this odd action game here you're an ape with the power to shoot strong bursts of spit so you can kill your enemies. My spit can't even knock over a can! In Toki it's your mission to save your captured girlfriend from the man who transformed you to a age to begin with and it won't be easy. The game is your typical shoot and jump action game here. The controls work well, and there is a good range of power ups like helmets and flame attacks to use plus the whole ape theme here is different too so I will give points for that. Unfortunately the grainy graphics and repetitive jungle music are pretty annoying so the game is far from being perfect. This is based on the popular arcade game of the same name so if you liked it there you'll like this one too.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find Toki on eBay here!

56 TOM & JERRY (Hot B, December 1991)
This game here lets you play as Jerry the mouse and it's your mission to rescue your nephew from the rotten Tom the cat. Tom and Jerry is a solid action game with a fair bit of challenge plus the game also sports some decent graphics too thanks to the colourful stages and large characters. Sadly, the music does loop too often and kids may think this game is too hard as well. The game is nothing too extreme movies with more gunfire then talking or hot lesbians making out but the game is still passable at least.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

Find Tom and Jerry on eBay here!

42 TOP GUN (Konami, November 1987)
This is perhaps the first ever 3D flight sim on the NES and this Top Gun game even has the theme music from the hit Tom Cruise movie on the title screen which was pretty damn impressive in the late 80's. The game itself is still a fairly boring shooter now of days because these basic 3D effects and annoying landing scenes just don't cut it anymore.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 7
gameplay: 4

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51 TOP GUN 2: The Second Mission (Konami, December 1989)
"Not again!" Oh well, at least there is a new split screen two player game and the terrain has been touched up a bit so the game looks a bit better (but not by much). This series and it's 3D graphics still don't hold very well and to make matters worse the game is hard as hell so casual gamers need not apply. If you liked the first one maybe the second one will interest you but do you honestly know anyone that loved the original Top Gun?
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 5

Find Top Gun 2 on eBay here!

70 TOTALLY RAD (Jaleco, March 1991)
In this oddly named game you have to rescue your girlfriend from evil clowns in this impressive action game. Although Totally Rad here looks a little goofy and the music is rather annoying as well, the game packs a lot of action and the graphics are very good for a NES game too. Totally Rad maybe one of the dumbest video game names in history but at least the game is pretty good.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 4
gameplay: 7

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The Total Recall Dud of the Month!
08 TOTAL RECALL (Acclaim/Interplay, September 1990)

Dear God no! This super annoying action game is based on the hit Movie of the same name and before you get too excited because you may have liked the film you should just try and play it. The main problem with Total Recall here is that it feels like you're going nowhere fast all the time, just like in E. T. for the Atari 2600. The game even tries to rip off some material from the lead character's other movies like Terminator (he even says: "I'll be back!"), which just adds to the very poor look of the game. This game is legendary for being one of the worse games ever made and after playing I can really see why! Pick it up for a good laugh but only if it's really, REALLY cheap.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 1
gameplay: 2
Find Total Recall on eBay here!

The Total Recall Dud of the Month!

31 TOXIC CRUSADERS (Bandai,Troma, 1991)
Toxic Crusaders follows the basics when a big company tries to create a licensed video game. Turn the game into a Final Fight clone and then add your respective licensed characters to complete the product and then Wham! Instant video game! The potential was definitely there to create a winner with it's so-so graphics and interesting characters but it's too bad the game play is so redundant (you'll being fighting the same two enemies over and over again) and so cheap that makes it no almost fun to play at all. Toxic Crusaders is a mess of a game in more ways then one.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 5

Find Toxic Crusaders on eBay here!


74 TRACK & FIELD (Konami, 1987)

Are your fingers in good shape? You're going to need them here because in Track and Field there are plenty of events like the 100 meter race and hurls here that require you mash away at the buttons like crazy just to run. Unless you have a rapid fire controller the game demands a lot from you and it doesn't look too hot either with the cartoonish characters but it's fun for two player bouts since many of the stages support two people at once.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6

Find Track & Field on eBay here!

72 TRACK & FIELD II (Konami, 1989)
This is about as close to the Olympics as I'm ever going to get but I like this game anyway. In this sequel to the original crazy button masher (unless you cheat with a turbo controller of course) still has all the running, jumping and shooting events the first one was famous for but now there are several new events like Tae Kwon Do, Canoeing, High dive, Swimming, Parallel Bars, and many more. This is great but you better get the manual with the game (good luck on finding a complete NES game, eh?) because some events like the Hammer Throw can be tough to figure out on your own. Fortunately, T&F2 comes with an useful training mode so you can try out a single event before moving up to the harder Championship game. The graphics and sounds are also much more realistic then the first game thanks to the larger characters and crisper digital voices but unlike the last one there are actually less 2 player versus events so it isn't all good. Still this is easily one of the better Olympic style games on the NES.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 7

Find Track & Field 2 on eBay here!

40 TREASURE MASTER (American Software, 1991)
Here's a game I thought would be really good. The graphics are really colourful and the animation isn't too bad either but then you try to play this and then the pain starts. In the adventure you control this nutty kid in a baseball cap who walks like a complete moron. To discover new areas you need to use bombs to blow up walls and collect items to use them in certain places. The thing here is I don't know where to go half the time so there is a lot of trial and error game play as well. I guess they made this game so hard since it was part of a contest back in the 1990's but it sure didn't make it fun to play.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find RBI on eBay here!

77 TROG (Acclaim/Midway, 1991)

This one took me by surprise! In this clever Pac Man clone you or a friend play as dinosaurs and have to clear the screen of eggs and then find the exit for points. The problem is there are these weird one eyed cavemen called Trogs that are looking to eat you and the game actually shows these guys eating up the dinos here too so the animation is pretty good. I'm surprised Nintendo left that in to be honest. You are not totally defenseless either because the dinos can throw a short range punch or grab a pineapple and eat the cavemen themselves. Although the game is simple enough, it's still pretty hard because the cavemen get faster and more aggressive level to level. You'll see them do crazy stuff like throwing wheels and even jump in the air plus you only get a few continues as well. Trog does get repetitive but the cool cartoonish looks and great arcade action make this a lot better then some of the other junk out there.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Trog on eBay here!

58 TROJAN (Capcom, February 1987)

This is a pretty good game considering it's named after a condom. What makes this 2D action game so interesting is that your shield is just as important as your sword here so this isn't just another hack and slash title here. Not one of the better looking games on the system thanks to its choppy animation and bland colours but it still has a lot of depth and action.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

Find Trojan on eBay here!

StarSoldier's Game of the Month!
74 TWIN COBRA (American Sammy/Toaplan, January 1990)

This legendary arcade shoot em up also made an appearance on the NES and it isn't too bad at all considering this is on the limited 8-bit Nintendo here. This is one tough vertical shooter where you control a helicopter that must go through 15 long and grueling levels filled with tanks, battleships, tough bosses and even rival helicopters all trying to kill you. It sounds hard and it is but fortunately, there are tons of different power ups you can collect and if the action gets too heavy you can use one of your limited amount of bombs to help clear the screen. If you are looking for a intense shoot em up with a lot of furious action then get Twin Cobra.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7

Find Twin Cobra on eBay here!

51 TWIN EAGLE (Romstar/Seta, September 1989)
This game is a vertical arcade like shoot em up much like a
Twin Cobra above but this game has weaker weapons and far less action. Twin Eagle also has some of the lamest bosses I ever seen in a game if you can even call fighting the old enemies with increased speed as bosses? Twin Eagle is passable but just barely.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 3

Find Twin Eagle on eBay here!


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