Score / Name
53 CABAL (Rare, 1988)
SIR! YES SIR! Cabal is an 3D third person shooter where you control a lone soldier in a enclosed warzone with limited cover and lots of enemies. You don't see a 3D game like this too often on the NES but there is a good reason why. In the game you get attacked by enemy foot soldiers, tanks, and even helicopters but your worse enemy here is the awkward controls since you have to move your character and aiming cursor at the same time. In the end Cabal is just another average shooter for the NES.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Cabal on eBay here!

71 CAESAR'S PALACE (Virgin, 1992)
If you wanna gamble but you don't want to go to waste away your daughter's college fund at the local Casino again then check out Caesar's Palace on your NES. In the game you get a thousand bucks to spend at the slot machines, cards, roulette, and many more so there is a nice variety here. Caesar's Palace has solid graphics, the music is repetitive but decent, and you even get different endings depending how much money you win.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Caesar's Palace on eBay here!

55 CALIFORNIA GAMES (Milton Bailey/Epyx/Rare, 1988)
The unique but fairly common button masher comes to the old NES too. In California Games you get compete in several events like BMX racing, flying disks, roller staking, surfing, half pipe skateboarding, and even hackie sack here. All the games come with a stiff learning curve so don't expect to pick up and play this off the bat but there are practice modes here at least. The graphics are not the best either but there are some funny moments here like a shark going after you in surfing or being able to hit the seagull with your hackie. Although there is some annoying controls here, all the different events here help increase the replay value.
For 1 to 8 players
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find California Games on eBay here!

41 CALTRON 6 in 1 (Caltron, 1992)
Now this sounds a cool idea. Here is a collection of 6 games in one set and these ain't old releases either since all the titles are originals... well, kinda. While these names bunched in here this old cart are exclusives, all the games here are ripoffs of other ones like Adam & Eve is a poor man's Balloon Fight for example. Other ones play like Space Harrier, Crush Roller, Buster Bros., Boxy Boy and Cloud Master but they are not nearly as fun or well polished as the titles they are trying to emulate. It may be tough to find but I think it's going to collect a lot of dust on your shelf from a lack of playtime.
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Caltron 6 in 1 on eBay here!

58 CAPCOM'S Gold Metal Challenge 92 (Capcom, 1992)
To leach off the popularity of the 1992 Summer Olympic games and other titles like Konami's Track & Field Capcom made this title. Now the game shows a lot of promise thanks to the huge amount of events and there is even a Save option so the cart will record your best times but tons of these games require some insane button mashing and proper command placement to do well. It's not too different from some of the event in NES Track & Field but here it's much worse because there are more running events here and my fingers started to really get sore in the main Tournament mode. I thought the game would be more forgiving since it uses super deformed characters instead of realistic ones but be prepared to do a lot of practicing before you compete in the real stuff. It can still be fun but maybe they should have called this Bronze Metal Challenge instead?
*Uncommon NES game
*Battery back up game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Capcom's Gold Metal Challenge on eBay here!

68 CAPTAIN AMERICA and the Avengers (Data East, December 1991)
The famous comic book patriot comes to the gaming scene here and it's a pretty decent action game. In the game you get to play as the shield throwing American hero and his bow and arrow expert friend Hawkeye on a mission to find the kidnapped Avengers. Although it plays nothing like the arcade fighting game and the action is a bit on the side side too, this platformer still has great controls and solid visuals. Captain America is nothing ground breaking but it's plays good and throwing crap at bad guys is always fun.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Captain America on eBay here!

38 CAPTAIN COMIC (Color Dreams, 1990)
The first ever Color Dreams game for the NES is this rather average and repetitive Metroid type game here filled all the fun sucked out of it. Where Captain Comic really fails here is in stage design because the levels seem to go on forever and the action itself was nothing new to begin with. The game does pick up once you find the right power ups it's not enough. Just like the name itself this game is quite dull and very uneventful.
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Captain Comic on eBay here!

25 CAPTAIN PLANET and the Planeteers (Mindscape, 1991)
Remember that cartoon where a bunch of teenagers and a super hero try to save the earth from pollution? Well, there is a NES game too and it's absolutely appalling. First off the game is insanely difficult even on the first level here. Unless you study the game carefully after repeated deaths you won't make it very far. You can only take one hit in the forced scrolling vehicle stages and enemies are everywhere and the tight corridors kill you instantly if you touch them. You can also play the blue dork Captain Planet himself and it is just as bad. Captain Planet should kill the makers of this game since it's technically garbage.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Captain Planet on eBay here!

63 CAPTAIN SKYHAWK (Milton Bailey/Rare, June 1990)
This overhead shooting game really surprised me with it's very impressive 3D-like graphics and realistic sound effects but sadly it was all downhill from there on because of the huge size of your F-16 fighter jet makes for a easy target for your many enemies and these annoying loose controls don't help too much either. A shame really because this had the makings to be a really great title instead just a good one.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Captain Skyhawk on eBay here!

59 CASINO KID (Sofel, October 1989)
Casino Kid may appear to be a strange casino RPG but it can be a lot of fun when you get a story while you gamble your life away. If you can get past some sloppy, tiny graphics, bad music, unless dialogue, crappy story, and slow game play here then be sure to check out Casino Kid especially if you love the whole gambling life style.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find Casino Kid on eBay here!

61 CASINO KID II (Sofel, 1993)
In this hard to find sequel to the luck luster original you still play as the same gambling kid in the white tux but now you are being challenged from competitors from around the world. Not only is the story different but the game play ditches the tedious wandering around and constant talking so you go right to the action now which is a nice improvement. You have 10 different opponents altogether and you must defeat the first nine contenders to challenge the mysterious kingpin of the tournament. Each player has their own catch phases and they will challenge you in either Poker, Roulette, and Blackjack so there is some variety. The game plays fine but once you beat everyone here there is no reason to come back so that kills the replay value. If you like to test your betting skills on virtual loot then Casino Kid II is fun while it lasts.
*Rare NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 4
Find Casino Kid 2 on eBay here!

23 CASTELIAN (Triffix, December 11, 1992)
Now if I just seen demos of this game in action my jaw would drop to the floor and I would have brought a copy on the spot. The reason this game looks incredible because when the little piggy creature walks around the tower, you actually see the entire tower rotate in a very cool 3D effect. Sadly once you play it, the more you hate it. The problem is this pig thing is pretty damn weak and hard to control so the game is insanely difficult to play. The game can be kind of forgiving when you can survive a hit but you have drop a few floor(s) and that means you have to tediously go over the same scenes again plus all the while the time is ticking away in a insanely fast matter. Castelian is all cool visuals, and crappy game play.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 4
Find Castelian on eBay here!

18 CASTLE of DECEIT (Bunch Games/Color Dreams, 1992)
This is another in the long line of 'castle' NES games, but is this one any good? No way! It's bad enough that you control a dorky looking wizard but it's even worse when you have to even move him around because of the very floaty jumping physics. The boss fights are little more intense since the action speeds up but overall Castle of Deceit is a below average platformer that's just a pain in the neck to play.
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Castle of Deceit on eBay here!

41 CASTLE of DRAGON (Seta, March, 1990)
I didn't misspell that name there, the game is actually called 'Castle of Dragon'. Not only is this game poorly named but it's also one of the most generic medieval action video games I played in awhile and your knight is pretty much forced to take a lot of cheap hit throughout this linear and boring adventure here. Although the large graphics are not too bad, you're missing nothing if you choose to pass this one by.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Castle of Dragon on eBay here!

19 CASTLEQUEST (Nexoft, September 1989)
"Talk about false advertising in gaming!" The artwork looks great on the cart because it features a brave swordsman fighting off hordes of monsters while protecting a beautiful Princess helplessly chained to a post, all the while there is a huge red dragon/demon in the background who looks very menacing............. sounds cool doesn't it? The game itself is rather poorly made with ugly little characters and choppy animation that had no business being released in the Fall of 1989 (remember the 16-bit era started then). Some of the puzzles were mildly fun but if you're still playing after five minutes than I beg you to get a life!
For 1 player only
graphics: 1
sound: 1
gameplay: 3
Find Castlequest on eBay here!


The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
84 CASTLEVANIA (Konami, March 1987)
'Just like ta arcade!' With all the evil slaying action and 6 challenging levels included, Castlevania on NES is arcade perfect. If you like old horror movies you'll love the theme of this game. Simon Belmont uses his father's legendary whip to rid the world of the evil Count Dracula and his army of monsters. The later levels are especially difficult since it only takes four hits to kill you off but it's not too impossible and the controls are simple enough for anybody to learn easily. Castlevania may seem basic now but the game play is timeless.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
Find Castlevania on eBay here!


68 CASTLEVANIA II: Simon's Quest (Konami, November 1988)
Castlevania II is definitely the black sheep of the Castlevania NES trilogy but it is still a pretty addictive mission for Dracula's 5 missing body parts in hopes of putting an end Simon Belmont's deadly curse once and for all. The game is very non linear in design this time now so you have the decision of going to different towns or dungeons whenever you want plus it also has three different endings too so the replay value is there too. Unfortunately, Castlevania II can also be very confusing to play especially since the in-game dialogue was very poorly translated. If you decide to play this game it is highly recommend you get some kind of strategy guide because the game is loaded with strange secrets and hidden areas that aren't explained very well. The game also has this annoying feature where the game flip flops from day to night all the time and it doesn't really add anything to the title. Castlevania II is still a good action/adventure title but I can still see why the third game plays more like the first one.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find Castlevania II on eBay here!


97 CASTLEVANIA III: Dracula's Curse (Konami, 1990)
Part III of this popular action series plays a lot like the original Castlevania instead of the previous Simon's Quest, but the big difference now is it features 4 different playable characters now. You play the role of Trevor Belmont; the only person with enough magical power to kill the new terror that rains over a once peaceful land of Transylvania, but what price is he willing to pay to free all of Europe from Dracula's hold? As much as I like the game, the graphics were sure out dated. There were a large amount of flickers and the sometimes boring dark looks just didn't impress me especially compared to their 16-bit counter parts. Castlevania III is still a great 3 meg game with a lot of choices in the game play department.
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 9
Find Castlevania III on eBay here!

46 CAVEMAN GAMES (Data East, 1989)
Now here's a game that looks like a lot of fun, at first anyway. In this comical prehistoric olympic style game there are 6 crazy events ranging from out running sabretooth tigers, pole vaulting over a giant T-rex, to even the 'Mate Toss' where you have to throw your wife the furthest to win. Although that last event won't win any points with your girlfriend or mistress, the game's wacky sense of humour helps to hide that fact that the button mashing game play isn't too from several other olympic style video games already out there. Caveman Games can be fun for a bit but the novelty wears off quick.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Caveman Games on eBay here!

53 CHAMPIONSHIP BOWLING (Romstar, 1991)
If you want to play some Bowling on the NES this is pretty much your only option and that's too bad. The game keeps it simple with being able to move your bowler left and right plus there two meters: one for aiming and one power which is cool for parties because the bowling here is easy to learn. Now that is great and the game gives you different characters and ball sizes too but there are still some big problems holding the game back. No matter who I picked in the game I had a real hard time getting strikes while spares are usually no problem. The graphics are also very boring with slate colours and hardly any detail but as bad as they are, nothing compares to super corny single soundtrack that constantly tries to destroy your eardrums. No, you can't shut it off either in the options. Championship Bowling could have been something special instead of being just 'special'.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 4
sound: 1
gameplay: 3
Find Championship Bowling on eBay here!

72 CHAMPIONSHIP POOL (Mindscape, 1992)
Pool and video games usually don't mix well (just look at Break Time) but this one here isn't too bad. Championship Pool not only gives plenty of options for different games like 8 or 9 Ball but the game also has this cool preview shot so you can see what angle the ball will hopefully go in. The game is still far from perfect thanks to the lackluster visuals, cheap A.I., and terrible music (which can thankfully be turned off) but this is still one of the better Pool games for the NES.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 6
Find Championship Pool on eBay here!

01 CHEETAHMAN 2 (Active Entertainment, 1992)
This game is infamous for being complete and utter crappy and for good reason. First off the game is a sequel to one of loser titles on Action 52 (yuck) and in it three mutant cheetah karate dudes are trying to stop some evil scientist or whatever: who really cares! Anyway in this insanely sloppy action platformer you must constantly go the right while avoiding enemies n' such. The graphics suck, you'll die for the stupidest reasons, the two playable character can't even duck, and the best part of all the game glitches out at level 4 so it's impossible to see the rest of the game; not that you'll even want to. This unfinished game wasn't technically released and the cartridges were just sold to collectors when Active Entertainment went under so don't expect a masterpiece.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Extremely Rare NES game!!
For 1 player only
graphics: 1
sound: 6
gameplay: 1
Find Cheetahman 2 on eBay here!

50 CHESSMASTER (Hot B, January 1990)
Unlike Data East's Battle Chess, Chessmaster is a no frills video chess game on the NES with no amazing graphics or stunning background music to entertain you. You can edit the designs of the pieces, redo certain moves, and change the main board so there is some meat on these bones but action fans should definitely stay far away and go for something like The Guardian Legend. It's chess take it or leave it?
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 2
sound: 2
gameplay: 4
Find Chessmaster on eBay here!

30 CHILLER (Exidy, 1991)
This has to be one of the most nasty NES games out there without question. In this Light Gun game you have the option to shoot down anything on screen and that includes any body part of the chained up humans in the later levels. Yeah, it's pretty sick! Now before you freaks go out and hunt down this game for its graphic content you should first know that the game just isn't very fun to play. Chiller has poor hit detection since it can be hard to tell if you even shoot anything and it doesn't get any better with the controller either since the on screen cursor is so slow. The game also comes with low quality visuals and the music and sound effects are almost nonexistence so I doubt anyone would be scared or shocked by this title even though I'm sure that was the programmers real reason for creating the game in the first place. Chiller not only has shocking material but it has shockingly bad game play to go along with it.
*For Mature players only
*Light Gun compatible
*Uncommon NES game
*Unlicensed NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 1
gameplay: 3
Find Chiller on eBay here!

32 Chris Everet & Ivan Lendi's TOP PLAYERS TENNIS (Asmik, 1990)
Now here's a game that I thought had everything going for it. It supported four players at once, it has real Tennis celebrities in it, and there are a sh*&load of cool role playing elements here so it had to be good, right? Heh heh, no such luck. First the game is insanely unforgiven because hitting the ball will cause it to go all over the place and that means it will either hit the net or just go out of bounds. It's pretty damn annoying. I don't know if the game gets better once you build your stats with the no name loser kids but even the controls suck for the two celebrity characters too. This game flops it's way to a 32 out of a hundred.
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find on Top Players Tennis eBay here!

19 CHUBBY CHERUB (Bandai, 1986)
Yeah, this one is going to suck but it's not hard to see why. In this incredibility stupid game you play a fat little naked angel that likes to fly around and eat food. If that sounds bad the local dogs and other animals don't like what you're doing and want you dead. OK, there is nothing else like it on the system but with it's basic graphics, annoying music, and slow game play this is one of the few titles where I'm cheering on the bad guys.
*Available only in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 2
sound: 1
gameplay: 2
Find Chubby Cherub on eBay here!

35 CIRCUS CAPER (Toho, 1991)
Oh great, it's some stupid game about the circus. It failed for Aero the Acrobat and it fails here too because I don't anyone who admits to actually owning this wussy title. In Circus Caper you play as a dorky young boy trying to rescue his sister from some evil magician and the entire crew is after you as well. The game is your typical platformer and the basic, low quality art style looks like it may be gears towards the kiddies but don't be fooled: this is one hard game thanks to the short range of your punch and kicks. The sluggish controls are no help either and the enemies continue to respawn after being killed. There is a good selection of weapons but the story and game play is so cheesy that you'll regret every minute. Circus Crapper would have been a more fitting name.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
Find Circus Caper on eBay here!

52 CITY CONNECTION (Jaleco, May, 1988)
This is definitely a weird one here. In City Connection you drive around a mini red coupe and it is your mission to paint the ground below you completely white to finish off the stage. Believe it or not it gets even weirder because if your car hits one of the cops you then explodes into a bunch of hearts and if you hit one of the stupid cats on the road it slowly sends them flying in the air (surprisingly it's not that funny) but it's you that's loses a life. WTF? My guess was this odd game is more geared towards younger kids but then I saw our heroic main character smoking a cigarette and running away from the cops here. Anyway, the game maybe strange but it can be fun to play just to see how many different countries you can see here. If you don't mind some choppy graphics, slow jumping physics, and general crazy crap then you just may find it fun for a bit. There is nothing else like it and that has to count for something, eh?
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find City Connection on eBay here!

59 CLASH at DEMONHEAD (Vic Tokai, December 1989)
Play it, I dare ya! Clash at Demonhead is a strange anime type action game with lots of levels, tons of monsters, who could forget the very choppy graphics and overly goofy music which will turn a lot of people away? Clash at Demonhead isn't the best NES game to look at but the wacky unlinear game play here can still be kind of fun.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find Clash at Demonhead on eBay here!


45 CLASSIC CONCENTRATION (Gametek/Softie Inc., 1990)
Yeah, I remember this TV show when I was a kid. In it contestants would try to solve a picture hidden under 25 panels. They would slowly try removing the panels by guessing and matching the prizes together and then try to answer what the puzzle is before your opponent. I think it could be a good video game but Gametek screwed it up here. First off you better be quick on solving the puzzle or the computer will totally cheat and answer it with half the board still up. Secondly, the graphics and sounds are as boring as hell. The game constantly breaks up the action with slow animations for one of eight lame poser contestants after they win a prize plus that low budget music will also get on your nerves. Where is all the glamour? Don't hot girls shamelessly model next to the prizes anymore? CC can be a fun guessing game but the novelty gets real old.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 5
Find Classic Concentration eBay here!

22 CLIFFHANGER (Sony Imagesoft, 1993)
Cool, I remember this ice climbing movie starring that Rocky guy. This would make a great game, no? Oh, no way this is horrible! In this 2D action platformer you get to beat up thugs in dangerous icy mountains but that's very hard to do when the controls are so bad. For example: you have to time your jumps and running speed just right or you won't make very far. Of course there has to be a few hard spots in the game since it's so short. Expert players should be able to finish the whole thing the same day they bought it and there is no replay value once that's done. There is a good mix of weapons here but the graphics and sounds reek. Cliffhanger deserves to be hanged alright.
*Rare NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 1
gameplay: 4
Find Cliffhanger on eBay here!

16 CLU CLU LAND (Nintendo, October 1985)
Clu Clu Land is a very hard to control overhead action title starring overly cute characters trying to create patterns from hidden coins. The controls for the game play are so awkward however, that it makes the title very tedious to play (Go left! Go left!) and ultimately the game is forgettable. This is also hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the Game Cube if you can't find a old NES but who cares!
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 4
Find Clu Clu Land on eBay here!

54 COBRA COMMAND (Data East, December 1988)
Cobra Command on the NES plays like a Choplifter type of game and not some FMV cartoon game found on the Sega CD. Anyway, this game is not a good choice for arcade fans because this mission focuses a lot on rescuing prisoners of war and precise flying rather than shooting everything that moves. Because of this Cobra Command only has limited appeal.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
Find Cobra Command on eBay here!

62 COBRA TRIANGLE (Nintendo/Rare, June 1989)
Imagine RC Pro Am in the water then you get this strange Cobra Triangle game here. In this action game you race your high powered speed boat with mounted guns over very dangerous waters on a mission to save missing pilots. There are missions that range from everything to survival races to putting out land mines to even fighting giant bosses like sea serpents and sharks. I would give this praise for some unique game play from level to level but in the end this is a strictly average collection of mini games here maybe too frustrating for average players.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Cobra Triangle on eBay here!

63 Code Name VIPER (Capcom, March 1990)
Shinobi? It's plays a lot like Sega's Shinobi or Namco' Rolling Thunder but now this takes place in the vicious jungles instead. In the game you control a soldier named Viper and in this action title you have shoot and jump your way behind enemy lines. The action may be nothing new but it is very quick and easy to play at least.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Code Name Viper on eBay here!


Total Recall Dud of the Month!
00 COLOR A DINOSAUR (Virgin, July 1993)
You got to be $%&*ing kidding me! I know I don't like using swear words in my reviews but if there is one game that deserves to be spit on it is this disturbing dud here. Color A Dinosaur here actually isn't a game at all but a very VERY limited photoshop title where you get to colour in 16 cartoon dinosaurs. Not only is this a dumb idea for a video game but you only get a hand full of dull colours available and you are also forced to cycle through the parts of the dinosaur instead of free control of the game's pencil so even the controls stink. Can you draw your own dinosaurs? No! Can you add shading and lighting effects? No! Can you stop playing this any time you want? Thank God yes! Yup, if this sounds exciting to you then be my guess but don't say I didn't warn ya. Color a Dinosaur must be somebody's idea of a really bad joke.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 0
sound: 0
gameplay: 0
Find Color A Dinosaur on eBay here!

64 COMMANDO (Capcom, November 1986)
Commando is a simple war overhead shooter from the arcades that was one of Capcom's first NES titles. It's basically just you against an army of soldiers while you search for hostages and secret areas to survive but you do get a machine gun with a few grenades for added protection. The game would have been rated higher if the graphics weren't so choppy (the game constantly looks like its going to crash), you didn't have to take turns in the two player game, and if there were more weapons available too. The action is still fairly intense so if you liked the original arcade game you like this one too.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Commando on eBay here!

06 CONAN: Mysteries of Time (Mindscape, February 1991)
Damn it! How many of these unplayable piles of human waste are there for the NES here? Chalk up another one because this sucks worst then a virgin with no experience! This crappy platformer game here is actually the stupid Commodore 64 game Myth with the popular Conan license attached to it. If you don't know what Conan is all about he is a former slave that was trained in several deadly arts to become the ultimate barbarian warrior. Now that he is free Conan's on a mission to viciously hunt down the ones who killed his parents when he was young. That story is cool and my brother Jeremy is a huge fan of this series but even he doesn't like this game here. The problem is the game is a nightmare to control because to jump you have to press down on the cross pad and it also has terrible hit detection so be ready to hit a lot of air here. Conan is loaded with weak graphics, and limited sounds as well so this game will bore anyone instantly.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 1
Find Conan on eBay here!

60 CONFLICT (Vic Tokai, 1990)
Whoa, this looks like Military Madness for the NES! The game has 16 different missions as you try to suppress enemy armies in turn based combat. There are plenty of infanty, tanks, and air units to command and build so that's cool. Now before you start out you better practice first because there are plenty of rules and conditions to master if you want to be successful here. The game is insanely difficult since the computer always seems to have more money and better units so good luck. Although I love strategy games and there's a lot depth here, Conflict here is slow and way too hard for it's own good.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Conflict on eBay here!


93 CONTRA (Konami, February 1988)
If you never heard of this game before then, man are you missing out! Although the game isn't very realistic since you have unlimited ammo and your two heroes never seem to get tired, the original Contra is still a good and challenging fast paced shoot em up with 8 action packed levels of loaded with crazy robots, snipers, and even aliens to kill. Contra is definitely one of the legends of the NES era and this game is even better then all of the Playstation and PS2 Contras.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 7
Find Contra on eBay here!

62 CONTRA FORCE (Konami, 1993)
It took me a while but I finally got my greedy little hands on this uncommon/rare edition of the Contra series here. "Contra Force is mine!" So is the game the best of the three NES games or is there a reason why this was a limited release? Like the previous NES Contra's this is side scrolling 2D shoot em up but now you get to pick one of four soldiers each with own set of weapons you can access by collecting power ups (like in Gradius or Life Force). The new features are great but the game feels way too slow since the game is loaded with tons of on screen junk and the levels are overly long especially compared to the last two titles. Still the game is very challenging yet fun to play and the added characters and weapons give this aging franchise some much needed depth. Contra Force may not be perfect but it is still worth looking out for.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
Find Contra Force on eBay here!

82 Conquest Of The CRYSTAL PALACE (Asmik/Quest, December 1990)
I bet most of you never heard of this one before, eh? That's too bad because this game here is actually pretty fun to play. In this action/adventure you control the lone survivors (a 15 year old teenage and a talking dog) of an ancient kingdom that is now ruled by the evil Zaras empire. It's now time to take your revenge but that's easier said then done since you have to fight everything from the undead to monstrous large bosses. Fortunately not everyone's trying to kill you two because a cute shopkeeper named Kim will sell you useful items like herbs, magic spells, and even 1ups. Kim even offers some diagrams to explain certain weapons and she'll even give you the latest news so she can give you a update on the game's story (she even changes outfits). Don't see that everyday, uh? If all that wasn't enough the graphics and sounds are definitely better than most NES games here. The jumping controls here can be annoying since your hero a bit on the slow side but overall this is still an awesome game.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find Crystal Palace on eBay here!

23 COOL WORLD (Ocean, June 1993)
I actually remember this old movie. It was kind of a more adult version of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and it starred big names like Kim Basinger and Brad Pitt. Sure, the movie sucked hard with one asinine plot but if there was one decent thing about it is seeing a nearly naked hot chick dance like a total slut. Well, since the movie did poorly I guess the video game had to better, eh? Believe it or not the game is actually worse because all we get here is a rather uninspired platformer. In the game you play as the human Detective Harris in a lame white suit and you have to stop a sexy cartoon named Holli Would from trying to create a portal to the cartoon world and human world. It's pretty stupid and I haven't even got to the game yet. In it you must collect four pieces of a map to track her down but I doubt anyone would want to play this after the annoying first level. The controls are so bad you may have to press the B button twice to use one of your three attacks (pen, eraser, and bomb) and if you do it right it's not even be worth it because a lot of enemies are either indestructible or they just continue to respawn anyway. There is also a lot of puzzles here to solve and may seem alright but the game can get very vague on what you're suppose to do next so good luck. If all that wasn't bad enough you need a certain amount of items to defeat a boss. The game is short with only 5 levels and all you get is a crappy ending. Cool World my a$$!
*Rare NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 2
Find Cool World on eBay here!

86 COWBOY KID (Romstar, January 1992)
What the hell! I'm just as shocked as you are because this is another one of those super rare NES games out there and that usually means it didn't sell well since it sucks just like Cheetahman II or Cool World, eh? Man, I was so wrong! In this action game you play as a cowboy that instantly becomes sheriff and attacks outlaws with a knife instead of a gun. There are also Indians here trying to kill you too but good thing for you the second player can a native dude that's on your side and yes you can both play at the same time. If I could compare the game play to any game out there I would have to say it is a lot like the awesome Legend of the Mystical Ninja. The game controls great, the cartoon-like graphics have a lot of character, you can collect tons of power ups in the stores, and the game is challenging too without being too unfair. I know most gamers have never heard of this game before but Cowboy Kid definitely deserves to be remembered.
*Rare NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
Find Cowboy Kid on eBay here!

39 CRASH 'N The BOYS: Street Challenge (American Technos, 1993)
Although this game looks a lot like the cult favourite River City Ransom, you'll be very disappointed with the stupid mini button mashing events that you have compete in here. In the game you get to control a team of students from four different schools and battle it out in events like hurls, golf, fighting, and other hard to control events. If that wasn't bad enough there is some rather boring music and bad super deformed graphics here as well. The game does score extra points for being able to buy power ups in shops and the game does let you practice if you want but it isn't enough. Crash 'N The Boys may be a rarer NES game then most but that's because no one wanted to buy it.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 4
Find Crash N' The Boys Street Challenge on eBay here!

84 CRYSTALIS (SNK, June 1990)
Crystalis is a fast and fairly difficult Action/RPG with some really nice graphics and music. You better get this game either complete with box and instructions or with a strategy guide because this is one of those games that doesn't always have a clear objective on what to do next. Crystalis is still a lot of fun especially if you like games like The Legend of Zelda.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find Crystalis on eBay here!

24 CYBERBALL (Jaleco/Atari Games, 1992)
This game here is basically football with robots instead of real players. Now it sounds cool at first then you actually start playing this mess and then you realize why you aren't playing some type of sequel like NFL Super Cyberball 04 on the Nintendo 64 (don't worry it doesn't exist). First thing you'll notice is the graphics are absolutely dreadful with tons of flickers, bland characters, and flat colours on this massive canvas of suck. The controls are also a pain to use with multiple commands issued to passes, runs, tackles, and more so the game can get very confusing. Hopefully you got the manual with this game even though they are sure hard to find now, eh? There is a nice bit of depth here like different difficulties and you can even spend money to fix damaged players so it isn't all super bad but it's still pretty close.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 1
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find Cyberball on eBay here!

21 CYBERNOID: The Fighting Machine (Acclaim, 1989)
I think this could have been a fun game if I could actually play it. The problem with this free roaming shoot em up here is that's it was too hard (even on the easy setting) because your so called Fighting Machine can only take one hit and to make matters worse some of your enemies continue to respawn and pop up at somewhere important like the exit. It's not like this game looks that good either. The black void backgrounds here are more boring then watching grass grow and the repetitive music is just as bad. Cybernoid has some different weapons and other power ups to help you out but ultimately you're wasting your time here because moving from room to room with no bosses is very boring.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
Find Cybernoid on eBay here!

77 Danny Sullivan's INDY HEAT (Tradewest, 1992)
Cool, it's like Super Sprint and Super Off Road had a child and the kid wasn't some dumb jerk. In this overhead racing game you always have a full view of the entire course and all five challengers. One thing that really stands out here is the graphics maybe tiny but are very detailed with great use of shadows and little things like spectators in the stands. The drive in circles game play is nothing new but the game is challenging enough where you have to use turbos and pits effectively plus it even supports 4 players at once. Sadly, this is another one of those late releases that can be tough to find but it's well worth putting off that surgery for another month just to play this game.
*Rare NES game
For 1 to 4 players
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat on eBay here!

59 DARKMAN (Ocean, 1992)
How here is a game has both a lot of good points and a lot of negative points too. First the good: the game actually gives you the story about how a man was trying to discover a miracle cure for burn victims but some companies weren't too happy with his research and tried to kill him. Now that he got severely burned you are forced to use this experimental formula on yourself and now you now become the deformed but super strong Darkman. The graphics may look a bit cartoon-like but they still look rather incredible with large sprites and colourful backdrops. I also like the ability to tap the buttons to stay on a narrow beam and it's cool how Darkman can grab walls. The bad parts about this game is the controls are very slippery and you have really time your jump and hope it works. The game also has a terrible fighting system thanks to the bad hit detection and short range of attacks. The additional gun scenes also stink with tons of enemies and you have to take pictures sometimes too. Darkman is decent once you get the controls down but it could have been a lot better too.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Darkman on eBay here!

78 DARKWING DUCK (Capcom, 1991)
For the record, I always hated the cartoon this game was based on and I didn't like the TurboGrafx-16 edition at all so I wasn't really looking forward to this. To my surprise Darkwing Duck for the NES is a very good Mega Man clone with tight controls and great platforming action. Your duck hero may look goofy in his purple cape but he can guard from attacks, grab onto ledges, and wield different guns as well. Yeah, the game isn't the most original but it still plays pretty fine so don't let the jerk next to you grab it before you do.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Darkwing Duck on eBay here!

26 DASH GALAXY in the Alien Asylum (Data East, 1989)
Oh boy, do a have a winner for you this time. In this game you play the role of this really generic guy poorly named Dash Galaxy so that should be reason enough to stay away from this. Unfortunately, this awful game actually exists as a NES game so I have to review it; god help me. You are sent into space to investigate the alien asylum but you get trapped in a twisted maze filled with boxes and annoying rooms so to survive you have to guide poor old Dash through some of the boring stages imaginable. To open new areas of some particular levels you have explore many of the game's platforming stages and this doesn't seem too bad until you try to control this moron. If you want to any type of distance jump you need tons of room to build up a good run first which doesn't seem too unusual but the game doesn't give you a lot space to move to begin with. You will end up missing that important jump to either the unresponsive controls or the the annoying enemies you can't kill will just block your path. The only way to waste the enemies is to bomb them but it kills you too so you can only use it while invincible but you have collect tons of stars first..... you know what; it's all stupid. The game is slow, unoriginal, hard to control, lacks story, way too hard, and just horrible in every single way.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 2
gameplay: 4
Find Dash Galaxy on eBay here!

41 DAY DREAMIN' DAVEY (Hal America/Sculptured Software, 1990)
Here's a game that should shut up the kids for a bit but be warned it's still pretty bad. In it you play as a dorky young kid that often falls asleep and is transported to different eras like Roman, Western, and Medieval to progress the lame story. The game play isn't much better because you just go around talking to losers and wracking stuff. Even the jumping is bad since you have to press two buttons at the same time. Day Dreamin' Davey needs to be put to sleep alright.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Day Dreamin' Davey on eBay here!

32 DAYS of THUNDER (Mindscape/Beam Software, October 1990)
This has nothing to do with Hudson's Gates or Lords of Thunder series but rather that goofy driving movie several years ago. Sure the Tom Cruise movie sucked big time but it was still better than this overly repetitive racer here with a very tedious and hard to control pit system. The only saving grace here was the game's killer 3D graphics which pushed a few limits for the NES but that's about it.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 7
sound: 3
gameplay: 3
Find Days of Thunder on eBay here!

15 DEATH BOTS (American Video, 1991)
If you want Gauntlet with the all the fun sucked out of it then try this on for size. Why is this so bad? Your weapons can run out of ammo for one thing leaving you defenseless during a lot of the game and the graphics and music are quite dull for a game of the future. Death Bots is nothing but garbage in a black cart.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Rare NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 1
gameplay: 3
Find Deathbots on eBay here!

57 DEADLY TOWERS (Brounderbund/Compile, September 1987)
Love it or hate it, this action/RPG will really challenge you here. In the game you play as the goofy looking but brave Prince Meyer and you have to conquer 7 towers and slay King Rubas before his kingdom is lost in the shadows. The reason why a lot gamers hate this game is because death sure comes easy in this game thanks to all the tough enemies (you're even fighting weird stuff like balls, acid, and flying dust) and there are even these invincible portals that may lead to some annoying random generated dungeons. With enough time and the right power ups you may be able to survive this challenging adventure so Deadly Towers isn't all that bad.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Deadly Towers on eBay here!

52 DEFENDER II (Hal/Williams, December 1988)
This once popular 1982 coin-op is very close to the old arcade shooter and it was great back in the day but it feels out of place now especially on the NES here. In the game it's your mission to protect innocent humans from a large group of invading aliens. Although it only takes one hit to destroy your ship, you not only have high powered lasers to kill these invaders but you can also use screen clearing bombs and portal star gates to find them. The graphics are really basic and they are not even arcade perfect since the parallex scrolling is gone and the explosions just look so lame. The music sounds like it's from Punch Out or something and maybe Nintendo should sue them? Defender II is good for older arcade fans but nobody else will like it.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find Defender II on eBay here!

24 DEFENDERS of Dynatron City (Lucas Arts, 1992)
Now here is a game that sounds great... on paper. In the game you get to play as a bunch of wacky super heroes like a radioactive dog, some chick with a saw for legs, a dude with a actual hammer head, and other nut jobs that are trying to protect Dynatron City. Now the characters are no name losers but they are creative at least and that's not my main problem with the game here. Not only are the graphics terrible at best but it comes with some very sloppy hit detection and some very repetitive stages. Defenders of Dynatron City is pure crap.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 1
gameplay: 5
Find Defenders of Dynatron City on eBay here!

29 DEFENDERS of the CROWN (Ultra, 1989)
The old PC game comes to the NES with awful results. In the game the king as died and you trying to earn enough power to predigest to succeed the throne for yourself but there are many other standing in your way. The problem is Defenders of the Crown has weak music when its there and stupid button mashing medieval events like joust and sloppy one on one fighting. It's funny how you get in trouble for hitting the horse but even that wears thin. PC owners of this game must be laughing their heads off if they ever saw this weak translation here although the original game wasn't must better.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 3
Find Defenders of the Crown on eBay here!

28 DEMON SWORD (Taito, 1989)
This game should have been sued for false advertising! The game's cover shows a generic white Conan the Barbarian muscle head warrior with a cool looking multiple bladed sword here but the actual game itself takes place in feudal Japan and you control a young ninja with the lamest short sword I ever seen instead. Thanks a lot Taito! This game is the sequel to the Legend of Kage (who in the world wanted a sequel to that game!?) and like that 2D side scrolling action game your hero can throw ninja stars and use a sword plus he can jump extremely high as well. It sounds cool but the problem is enemies seem to come out of no where and jumping around is very hard to do since its hard to tell where you are going to land. You can upgrade your hero with a multiple spells and sword parts but basically you will still die a lot here and then quickly stop playing. Demon Sword the name sounds too good to suck this bad!
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 2
gameplay: 3
Find Demon Sword on eBay here!

70 DEJA VU (Kemco, February 1991)
Ready for a good murder mystery? In this text based game you are a man in an empty bathroom who can't remember a thing, you can't even remember your own name. Believe it or not it gets worse as you find a dead body upstairs and you are the prime suspect! You must do whatever it takes to survive in your weaken state so you can clear your name. This is your standard point and click game here but be aware some of your decisions can lead to your quick death so this is no easy title. The game isn't much to look at and the sounds are not too good either but this is still a fun adventure that's pretty gritty for a NES cart.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find Deja Vu on eBay here!

69 DESERT COMMANDER (Kemco, 1990)
Although there are tons of turned based war simulations over in Japan for the Famicom, there are not too many here in North America. Desert Commander is one of few that made the jump and if you played games like Military Madness and Advance Wars you should know the deal. In the game you get to boss around several different units that range from armoured cars to powerful aircrafts and your goal is to destroy the invading enemy army. I will admit the game can be fairly fun once you learn the pros and cons of the different vehicles here but it sucks how the units all look like a bunch of flat cards and the game play is very slow as well thanks to the slow interface (why can't I pass through my own units) and choppy screen scrolling. Prehaps the worse thing about Desert Commander here is that there are only 5 levels so it leaves you wanting more.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find Desert Commander on eBay here!

06 DESTINATION EARTHSTAR (Acclaim/Imagineering Inc., 1993)
Oh great, it's another one of these lame first person space shooters just like that weak Star Voyager game (also from the unemployed losers at Acclaim). Unlike SV though which had some intense battles here and there (although they are usually too intense) DE only has these lame, slow, and choppy fights here that will help put anyone to sleep. The side scrolling are a nice break from the boring first person fights but they are hardly exciting either. DE has only one background track and it isn't too bad at first but it gets annoying in a hurry just like the rest of the game. The only destination left now for this dull space fighter here is the garbage.
For 1 player only
graphics: 1
sound: 2
gameplay: 2
Find Destination Earthstar on eBay here!

80 DESTINY of an EMPEROR (Capcom, 1990)
Here's one of the few Capcom NES games that's actually a RPG (in fact it maybe the only one) so lets check it out. First off the game may take place in ancient China during the Han Dynasty, but it still looks a helluva a lot like Dragon Warrior here. Even the graphics have those annoying blocky characters that constantly move. Fortunately, the game not only comes loaded with a good story as you lead a group of soldiers on a mission to unite China but the battle scenes are pretty cool too because you can fight in strategic slow matter or you choose to go 'All Out' where everyone fights at once. OK, the visuals are nothing special and some fights can take awhile but if you love role playing games and you think the Romance of the Three Kingdoms titles are too slow then try this one instead.
*Battery back up game
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 6
gameplay: 9
Find Destiny of an Emperor on eBay here!

22 DICK TRACY (Bandai, September 1990)
If you are looking for an easy to get into action game you sure came to the wrong place. Dick Tracy the video game lets you play as the famous detective with a bright yellow trench coat on a risky mission to stop the mob in his town. Unfortunately, that's going to be very hard to do when you're not even aloud to shoot at unarmed men here even if they are trying to kill you here! There are scenes were you get to drive around in a car to get to the next trouble spot but you can't shoot in multiple directions unless you move the car around as well. This could have really been a fun game but I hate all these stupid rules.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Dick Tracy on eBay here!

48 DIE HARD (Activision, 1991)
I think they should have called this game Die Easy instead. Yeah, this game is based on that famous action flick starring Bruce Willis and if you don't know what's going on terrorist have seized control of a huge office building and your wife is one of the hostages. You have to rescue her and kill all the terrorists that get in the way. Cool story, eh? The game itself blows though and here's why. First off a lot of the game is covered up in darkness until you reach that area. It's really annoying and enemies can easily sneak up on you. Secondly you only have one life in the game and you can lose strength in your legs too to make this difficult game even harder. OK, the game isn't impossible but to get the semi-good ending here you have to complete every side mission and then defeat the end boss. There are some cool digital stills of the actors in the cinematics and the music is nice and eerie but overall the whole presentation is nothing special. It was close but Die Hard for the Nintendo just managed to be below average.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Die Hard on eBay here!

50 DIG DUG (Namco, Not released)
*Japanese game
If you're confused why Dig Dug is here yet you can seem to buy it anywhere in your local pawn its because we never got a North American version Dig Dug on NES. The Japanese did though. It's pretty much arcade perfect (it better be on NES) where your hero Dug tries to survive in the underground dirt by popping your Balloon and Dragon enemies with a air pump. Sadly, you'll find other versions that actually save your high scores so this isn't a must have.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Dig Dug on eBay here!

41 DIG DUG 2 (Bandai/Namco, December 1989)
The sequel to the popular Dig Dug game now takes on remote islands that you can break apart in order to sink your enemies in the sea. The concept is different but it isn't as fun as the original digging game and there are still only two enemies in the entire game (that balloon thing and the dragon) making it feel cheaper then your neighborhood crack whore. Dig Dug II definitely wasn't the big sequel I was hoping for.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Dig Dug II on eBay here!

63 DIGGER T. ROCK (Milton Bradley/Rare, 1991)
God damn that is one stupid name! Well anyway Digger T. Rock is a strange but unique action platformer where you control this little dufus that can easily move around in the dirt with his shovel. Think of Dig Dug meets Wizard and Warriors I guess. Now the game starts out OK because the animation is good and the game play is pretty quick so it gets right to the action and that's always a good sign. Sadly the game gets repetitive when you're looking at the same boring dark caves all the time and I hated switching weapons like using your dynamite is highly annoying when the enemies are constantly respawning and yes the blast itself can kill you too. Although the game is fairly decent and not super painful like a (insert Ljn title here), still I can also see why Milton Bradley didn't hype this one like crazy.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Digger T. Rock on eBay here!

50 DINOWARZ (Bandai, March 1990)
This action platform game plays like a weaker version of Sunsoft's Blaster Master. This is your basic 'if you see something shoot or punch it' game but the big problem is your main hero is so tiny and hard to see him during his scenes and the giant dinosaur mechs are super slow here. This game is also way too easy and overall it failed to make any impact but at least you should be able to find it cheap.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 4
Find Dinowarz on eBay here!

26 DIRTY HARRY (Mindscape, December 1990)
This movie based game has some good action here and there and the idea of a Dirty Harry game sounds like a really good one since gritty games like Max Payne and Grand Theft Auto were making some big money later on. Sadly although the graphics are decent, I really hate these confusing controls while shooting and all the spotty hit detection also ruin things here as well. The game requires tons of precise jumping too and one wrong move can spell instant death. The programmers even included this creul trap room where there is no escape and your forced to turn the power off. The idea may be good but Dirty Harry just isn't a very fun game.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Dirty Harry on eBay here!


55 DONKEY KONG (Nintendo, June 1986)
Here is Nintendo's famous Donkey Kong made for their very own new age Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1986, but sadly, even though it was made by the masters themselves it's hardly arcade perfect. Where's the conveyer belt level for one? If you want to play a arcade perfect addition of this legendary action title than play Donkey Kong 64 plus unlock the original Donkey Kong and then play that instead because that's as close as you may after get now of days. Donkey Kong for the NES may be good to have around the house for sentimental value and for game collectors too but I can't see anybody playing this on a regular basis thanks to simple gameplay and Nintendo's lackluster effort with their own game. This is also hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the Game Cube if you can't find a old NES.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 3
Find Donkey Kong on eBay here!


71 DONKEY KONG JR. (Nintendo, June 1986)
In this big sequel you play as Donkey Kong's son on a rescue mission to save your father from the evil Mario? Mario is the bad guy in this game believe it or not. Talk about a very cool idea for the sequel! Like Donkey Kong this is 2D action platformer where you jump around to get where you're going but Jr. can also climb loose vines to reach higher areas and reach bonus fruits for points. This game even comes with all 4 arcade stages so it's already a better translation then the last game. Unfortunately, the game is still based on a 1982 game so the action isn't as complex as most NES titles out there even it's still pretty fun to play. This is also hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the Game Cube if you can't find a old NES.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Donkey Kong Junior on eBay here!


The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
70 DONKEY KONG JR. MATH (Nintendo, June 1986)
Now here's a rare game! Nintendo attempts to go educational and here we have a interesting little math game where characters of the early Donkey Kong games are solving various brain teasers. One of the better educational video games I ever played because you are under the clock, it can be played with a friend and it's also a great feeling when you have a cart that gives you something back. This is the only console version of Donkey Kong JR Math out there but you can find this rare title hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the Game Cube.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find Donkey Kong JR. Math on eBay here!


61 DONKEY KONG 3 (Nintendo, June 1986)
"You're shooting bugs here?! That's right, the usual main characters from past game Mario and Donkey Kong Jr. have been replace by our all new hero: Stanley the Bugman and it's you job to get rid of menacing Donkey Kong before the giant ape invades your green house (honestly, I'm not making this up). Donkey Kong even has a swarm of insect friends to help him get in but you can fight back against all these enemies with your trusty bug stray. Not a big hit for Nintendo because it's only fun for about 5 minutes and there are only 3 different stages but you should at least give it a chance because there is some nice fast action here much like Galaga. This is the only console version of Donkey Kong 3 out there but you can find this rare game hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the Game Cube if you can't find a old NES. The game is good for a few laughs and a few plays plus shooting things up Donkey Kong's butt is pretty fun.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 4
Find Donkey Kong 3 on eBay here!

63 DONKEY KONG CLASSICS (Nintendo, September 1988)
The NES versions of Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. are included on this one cartridge here but there is no Donkey Kong 3 or Donkey Kong Math so it doesn't feel quite so complete does it? This is a good set of old favourites but if you already played these two games to death already then there is no need to play this combo pack because the problems in the originals are still here as well.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find Donkey Kong Classics on eBay here!

65 DOUBLE DARE (Gametek, March 1990)
This TV show turned video game not only features a lot of unique mini games like banana toss and pie catching but you also have to answer trivia questions as well. If you don't know the show you control a team of two characters and you must face off against another team to see who can win the most cash. If you don't know the answer to a question you can pass on it and 'Dare' your opponent to answer and if the both of you can't get it then the Physical Challenge appears instead. Like Jeopardy you can compete in a second round where the points are doubled. The game even comes with some fun platform levels for good measure although they can be very difficult to control at first. This game show format only has limited appeal of course but it's one of the better Gametek games I played out there.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Double Dare on eBay here!


56 DOUBLE DRAGON (Tradewest/Technos, May 1988)
Double Dragon was such a gritty fighting game in the arcades where street thugs kidnap your girl and you have to fight waves of gang members to get her back. The story is mostly the same here but on the NES however, this game tries some new experience building options. The problem is you have to unlock moves before you can use them so normally that cool elbow strike you could do in the arcade isn't available at the beginning. That isn't even the worst part here. The action is for 1 player only in the main game and I just could not get pass that over site there especially since this is no easy adventure here. There is a new versus mode here now but it's just not the same as the exciting co-op game found in the arcades. The game also has some ugly new super deformed graphics and lame new levels that just drag on the game. The arcade title was way better than this weird and cartoon RPG-like fighter anyway.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find Double Dragon on eBay here!


86 DOUBLE DRAGON 2: The Revenge (Acclaim/Technos, January 1990)
The sequel to the popular original looks great and its even two players in the main game as well (unlike some other games) but it's only problem now is that it's kind of hard now, especially in the later levels. Now Billy and Jimmy Lee must get revenge for the gunned down Maria and defeat the Shadowboss in order to revive their lost love. Double Dragon II is a fine sequel but it still doesn't play much like the arcade counterpart of the same name and some players may be turned off by the game's high difficulty as well. Still a great co-op game with excellent controls.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find Double Dragon II on eBay here!


27 DOUBLE DRAGON 3: The Sacred Stones (Acclaim/Technos, January 1991)
The popular fighting series really takes a turn for the worst in this game. Although the game started out great with your generic buddy getting killed by a bunch of bad guys and you gotta beat them up, it quickly goes downhill in a hurry. You get new martial arts moves and weapons here which is great, but you only get one life in the entire game and it's not even that great of a game to begin with thanks to its bland and flat level design. Double Dragon III is virtually unplayable!
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 4
gameplay: 1
Find Double Dragon III on eBay here!

69 DOUBLE DRIBBLE (Konami, 1988)
Here is the first ever Basketball game on the NES and it does a lot of things right. You have good selection of fake American teams and three difficulties plus the controls are tight so the game is easy to pick up and play. It was also one of the first games where I heard voice in a game like when the title says: "BOUBLE DWINDLE!" Yeah, it sucks now but it was cool back then. Unfortunately, the graphics may look great when you hit a big dunk but the basic court itself and bland players are so boring plus there is no background music either. The game is still fun though it you love arcade style action and it's still one of the best basketball games on the system.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find Double Dribble on eBay here!

53 DOUBLE STRIKE (American Video/Sachen, 1991)
I love the fact this is a shooter similar to a Gradius or a Earth Defense Force and not some weak first person like F15 City War. It's still not as good as some of the shooters from other companies like Toaplan thanks to the overly long stages and lack of detail but it's still not a bad buy for shooter freaks either.
*Unlicensed NES game
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find Double Strike on eBay here!

40 DR. CHAOS (FCI, November 1988)
This is suppose to be a horror game which is quite rare on the NES but the only real horror in this stupid cartridge is the sloppy platforming and boring game play here. Dr. Chaos starts out as your typical low budget platform game but if you want to get anywhere in the game you must go through several rooms and that's when the game switches over to the very annoying point and click perspective where everything slows right down. The game is difficult to play, the background music just keeps on looping and looping, plus it certainly isn't much to look at either. Dr. Chaos could have been good if it wasn't so annoying.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 6
Find Dr. Chaos on eBay here!


04 DR. JEKYLL and MR. HYDE (Bandai, 1989)
I never played this game has a kid and guess what: I definitely wasn't missing much because this is one of the worst pieces of crap you'll ever find on the NES! If you don't know the old tale you are an mild mannered doctor here that one day drank a potion that can suddenly turn you into an insane alter ego. Kind of like a old fashion version of the Incredible Hulk, eh? The concept seems cool for a game and the graphics actually don't look too bad at first (although they are very choppy) but man, they sure screwed this one up. The first thing you will notice about the game is that your hero here is about as slow as a 80 year old grandma. As Dr. Jekyll you have to walk through the entire game and this is not good when you got an entire town of locals trying to kill you on sight here. Another crappy thing about the game is you can transform into Mr. Hyde if take too many hits but if you get struck by something powerful like a bomb for example it doesn't do any good and the game abruptly ends anyway. Oh well, at least the horrible pain of playing this is all over.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 2
gameplay: 0
Find Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on eBay here!

63 DR. MARIO (Nintendo, October 1990)
It's one darn fun game even though it's fairly simple even for a puzzle title with a no thrills approach in design. There is no real story here, you just guide falling multi-coloured drugs to kill all the three different cute looking viruses on the screen. Although I'm disappointed that their isn't much here for presentation and getting rid of four colours in a row can be annoying, Dr. Mario can still be very addictive if you give it a chance.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find Dr. Mario on eBay here!

35 DRAGON POWER (Bandai, March 1988)
This title is actually the altered Japanese Dragon Ball Z video game released here in North American as Dragon Power for what ever lame reason. This action/adventure game plays OK since your hero Goku can get upgraded weapons but it all just looks and sounds terrible here plus the game is way too difficult for casual players. I didn't know this was a Dragon Ball Z game when I played it at first but after looking at all the changes made here that shouldn't surprise anyone.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 4
Find Dragon Power on eBay here!

65 DRAGON FIGHTER (Sofel, 1990)
What sounds like another Dragon Warrior clone here, Dragon Fighter is actually just your typical action platformer where you kill stuff and jump over pits and all that. The game also gives you the ability to change into a dragon here and the strange thing about that the screen automaticly scrolls forward which is pretty weird. There is nothing that really stands out about the game but Dragon Fighter is still not too bad.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find Dragon Fighter on eBay here!

71 DRAGON SPIRIT: The New Legend (Bandai/Namco, June 1990)
Before you dive right in this is a arcade overhead shooter where you are an fire breathing dragon, it's not what you think it is (i.e. a role playing game). In this top down shooter you can blast stuff in both the air and the ground plus you dragon can get multiple heads for increased fire power. What makes the NES game so different then the others is that this has more of a story line to it. Dragon Spirit has only average looks and sounds and the game play is very routine but it does play well. This game is also on the TurboGrafx-16 system plus it is also part of the Namco Museum Vol. 5 collection too.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Dragon Spirit on eBay here!

73 DRAGON WARRIOR (Nintendo/Enix, July 1989)
This is a first generation RPG that took Japan by storm...... but not the US. Nintendo actually was giving away copies of Dragon Warrior in a Nintendo Power promotion plus Sega's RPG Phantasy Star for the rival Master System looked way better than this game when it was released earlier in 1988. Still fun if you can get a hang of on the unique character development but I think Nintendo waited too long to bring it to the US personally. The graphics stink, the sounds are awful, it has a awkward interface but if you give it a chance you just may like it.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 3
gameplay: 7
Find Dragon Warrior on eBay here!

70 DRAGON WARRIOR II (Enix, 1990)
The super mega hit sequel in Japan barely makes any impact over here sadly. You can still buy it now though. The game is nearly three times larger then the first now and there are three adventurers this time around too so there is more game here then before even if it doesn't do any major improvements.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find Dragon Warrior II on eBay here!

81 DRAGON WARRIOR III (Enix, March 1992)
This game here is a prequel to the original Dragon Warriors here. This story is about the legendary Erdrick (the famous hero mentioned a lot in the first Dragon Warrior) and the three warriors of his choosing. Although it hardly stands out in terms of graphics and sounds (yeah, it looks just like the previous ones) but it's still a cool very game because of all the different classes of characters available. This game has also been restored on the Gameboy Color.
*Battery back up game
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 8
Find Dragon Warrior III on eBay here!

The StarSoldier Game of the Month!
87 DRAGON WARRIOR IV (Enix, October 1992)
Although the Dragon Warrior (or Dragon Quest) series is one of the most popular set of video games in Japan, very few gamers actually got the chance to play these great Role Playing Games over here and that's too bad. It certainly doesn't make much cents since Dragon Warrior IV is easily one of the best RPG's on the mega popular NES. Some hard-core RPG fans may prefer the class system found in Final Fantasy or Dragon Warrior III where players can select their perfect team from the start but you have to admire this game's originality and massive story. You can play as a shop keeper here for example. There is little replay value after the game is completed like in most games of this type but still Dragon Warrior IV is yet fine example of Enix's grand RPG expertise. If you do manage to track down this rare game, Dragon Warrior IV will prove to be a pleasant surprise for Role Playing fans.
*Rare NES game
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 4
gameplay: 9
Find Dragon Warrior IV on eBay here!


05 DRAGON'S LAIR (Sony Imagesoft, 1991)
I really wanted to like this game you know. Like the arcade game you control the knight Dirk the Daring on a mission to slay an evil dragon and to save the insanely beautiful (and rather half naked) Princess Daphne. Unlike the great looking but hard to play arcade cartoon game though, this is 2D side scroller now. So this means that this game is now fun and easy to control now, right? Nope, it's horrible. For those brave enough to play this action game you'll be greeted with stunning graphics with large characters and good animation for the NES but it all goes downhill from there. The game's biggest issue is this Dirk guy is a total moron because he is so slow to react to any of my commands here. What's the point of playing a game you can't even control? The answer is you don't play it at all.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 8
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find Dragon's Lair on eBay here!


50 DUCK HUNT (Nintendo, October 1985)
*Light Gun required
Although this game is one-half of the most common video game cartridge in existence, it's still was fairly ground breaking back in its day. In Duck Hunt there isn't really a lot of hunting here because the ducks just pop up every few seconds on a single screen and the game only ends if you miss too much of them. The game has nice digital voices and of course good ol' fashion duck killing is cool but sadly, Duck Hunt is very repetitive since there are only three events here (shooting the same ducks or clay discs over and over can get very boring) but it is still a guilty pressure and a very violent gun game by Nintendo.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 4
Find Duck Hunt on eBay here!

83 DUCK TALES (Capcom, November 1989)
In this fun action game you get to explore 5 different levels for 5 different rare treasures in a Disney game that looks a lot like Mega Man. If you don't know the cartoon you play a old duck that loves money like crazy and he uses a cane for both a weapon and a tool to help him reach higher areas. Duck Tales is a very fun cartoon game that lacks replay value because of its overall short length and easy difficulty. Thankfully the game has a lot of cool secrets though and it's great for the kids.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 8
Find Duck Tales on eBay here!

74 DUCK TALES 2 (Capcom, 1993)
The rare and more harder sequel (the game also comes with multiple difficulties) to the popular Disney game features the returning Scrooge Mc Duck family and their hunt for big treasure. In the game you get to travel the world to locations like Egypt and Easter Island in search of these rare treasures but of course these dangerous areas are filled with monsters. Thankfully you still have your trusty staff to help knock over items and hop over spikes. Although the game isn't a huge leap over the previous edition Duck Tales 2 is a good investment for any true NES fan if you can find a copy?
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 7
Find Duck Tales 2 on eBay here!

14 DUNGEON MAGIC (Taito, 1991)
Now here's a game I thought I would really like. If you didn't know (and you probably didn't because this game wasn't too well known) Dungeon Magic is a fully 3D role playing game from the gaming experts over at Taito. How could you go wrong there? Well, for starters the game looks like complete sh*&! No matter where you go in this adventure everything has this really bad jerky motion to it and a lot of the time you'll see scenery and walls just magically pop up right in front of you. It's so easy to get lost in here so you better have a pen and paper ready if you want to it far here because the compass and maps the actually game gives do di#$ all. Oh, another big problem is where is all the music? Most of the time you'll just be hearing foot steps in the games and it's really not helping me like this crapfest anymore. I commend Taito for trying to make the game look different compared to other popular RPG's like Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy but they really should have waited to make this on superior hardware instead because this borderlines on torture.
*Battery back up game
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 2
sound: 1
gameplay: 4
Find Dungeon Magic on eBay here!

72 DUSTY DIAMONDS Softball All-Stars (Broderbond, 1990)
Dusty Diamonds may seem like your typical NES baseball game (and believe me there are a lot of them) but this title here takes a lot of risks and adds a bunch cool things we haven't seen in all previous games like this. The biggest difference is you can play across several cool fields like cliffs, schoolyards and other strange locations which makes the game much more interactive then the flat green fields fans are use to when watching baseball on TV. Another thing unique about the game is all the wacky bunch of different characters you can play which is a nice change of pace from all those steroid loving players also on TV (can you tell I hate Major League Baseball). The graphics and sounds are not the best but Dusty Diamonds is still one of those NES games that gives us something different.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 9
Find Dusty Diamonds on eBay here!

45 ELEVATOR ACTION (Taito, August 1987)
In this arcade translation here you're a spy entering the top of a high-rise building and it's your mission to escape to the basement without being killed by your enemies. Sadly, that's pretty much the whole whole game right there and it just doesn't feel as quick as the arcade title either which to be perfectly honest wasn't too great to begin with.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 4
sound: 2
gameplay: 4
Find Elevator Action on eBay here!

69 ELIMINATOR BOAT DUEL (Electro Brain, November 1991)
This is a great looking boat racing game with plenty races to master and it even has plenty of babes to look at too. Eliminator Boat Duel lets you collect power ups and learn the tracks to win over several other goofy looking racers. Boat racing isn't very exciting in general in my opinion but this one still surprised me.
*uncommon NES game
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 8
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find Eliminator Boat Duel on eBay here!

54 The EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (JVC/Beam Software, 1993)
After the original Star Wars failed to impress on the NES here is the sequel to hopefully do a better job now. In this 2D action game you still play as Luke Skywalker but now you are personally being hunted down by the evil Sith Lord known as Darth Vader. If Luke wants to ever beat the powerful Vader he will have to learn a special mental art know simply as the Force. OK, the game is slightly improved with cleaner graphics and tighter game play in both the platforming and flying stages. Sadly, the audio still sounds horrible with good digital voices but they cause terrible in-game glitches so there is annoying buzzing effect and the controls can be a pain in the neck especially while jumping too. The game can be good for Star Wars freaks but just go for the superior SNES games instead.
*Uncommon NES game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 3
gameplay: 6
Find The Empire Strikes Back on eBay here!

71 EXCITEBIKE (Nintendo, October 1985)
Excitebike is a cute but still very impressive motocross racing game. It not only has very cool track design but the game also comes with editable stages yet these slow loading programmable ultimately just feel like a big waste of time. The game's graphics are fairly simple like most first generation NES titles but the different scrolling background are amazing and the various engine and crowds noises were too bad but don't expect to be blown away either. I just wish the game wasn't over so quick since there are only 5 tracks to play on and those edited tracks don't count but Excitebike is still a awesome stunt game. The original Excitebike is even included free on the N64 Excitebike game plus this is also hidden away in Nintendo's Animal Crossing for the GameCube if you can't find a old NES.
*Available in the 5 screw cart
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find Excitebike on eBay here!


NES reviews F - H > >

Main

Reviews

Studs

Duds

Art

Info

Store