NES Games Suggestions & Emulator/ROM Questions

[Quazimoto]

Howdy All,

So...  I've been concentrating on getting my Sega Genesis collection finished off and pretty much have now (Only Sparkster left on my wish list, but I can't afford that right now - lol).

I want to get started on a NES collection next, but am not too familiar with NES as I only briefly had one back in the day.

I'm hoping the fine folks at this forum can help me compile a wish list of games I could keep an eye out for in my various adventures here and there.  I don't really have a lot of money to spend on them just yet, but I do bump into really good deals on older games every now and again, so I figure it's a good idea to get me a wish list created ASAP.

Obviously, the Mario games are a must, but other than that, I'm kinda lost for now.  I don't care for first person shooters or RPGs too much, but really, really good/fun ones could be a possibility.  And I defintely put fun factor far above technical quality (in other words, I'm all for technically flawed games if they're fun).  So, if anyone has any suggestions, I'm happy to hear them (bonus points to anyone who can also add in how (generally speaking - no need for specifics) rare or common and cheap or expensive their suggested games titles are).

[WolfAlmighty]

The most expensive game I would recommend for the price would be Gun-Nac.  It's pricey but goddamn it's fun.  Assuming you're into shmups, that is.  And if you ARE into shmups, you should also look into Gradius, Life Force, and 1943.  For platformers, get the Castlevania games, the Megaman games, the Ninja Gaiden games, Shatterhand, Power Blade, Shadow of the Ninja, and the first TMNT game.  If you're into racing, well, pick a different console. :p  RC Pro-Am and its sequel are good, though.  The NES has no FPS to speak of but there are some first-person shooting elements to Golgo 13 and the Mafat Conspiracy (neither game would I recommend though).  If you're into puzzle games, there's always Tetris and Hatris, both of which are a ton of fun.  Wario's Woods is pretty good, too.  The Lolo series as well as the MacVenture titles are worth picking up if you're into puzzle/adventure-types (as is Nightshade).  The Disney games by Capcom can also be fun, but not terribly challenging.  Duck Tales and Rescue Rangers are meant for easier audiences (the sequels are as well, but are quite pricey), while Tale Spin is a bit more challenging (and a shmup).

The more expensive titles like Panic Restaurant and Little Samson are fun, but unless you're going into collector mode aren't worth the price of the carts, so just emulate those.

And then of course there's the original Legend of Zelda.   And get Jackal, too, just because it's awesome.  And then Contra and Super C.  And the Goonies II.  And Double Dragon 2 (it's the best of the 3 IMO).  And Blaster Master, Batman, and Journey to Silius.  And Fester's Quest.

Y'know what...just get all of them.  There is far more good than crap on the system, so pick up anything that isn't nailed down. :p

[jprogram]

Just say no to action 52 :p

[larryinc64]

You cant go wrong with Donkey Kong. Also Super Mario Bros 1, 2 & 3. I suggest avoiding Mario Bros arcade, the NES ver has odd jumping. Others include Blaster Master, 3-D Worldrunner, Duck Hunt, Double Dragon 1+2, Metroid, Kid Icarus, Battletoads, Zelda 1+2. River City Ransom, Kirby's Adventure, Ghosts and Goblins.

Just some games I like of the top of my head.

[jprogram]

Here are some of my suggestions, talking by my favorites...

Platformers/Arcade...
Bubble Bobble - port of the arcade. Different, but still plays well.
Rainbow Islands - another port, but a lot more different than the original. Actually it's kind of nice, but sort of difficult.
Castlequest - it's a puzzle and platformer mix. You collect keys to open doors. Not easy as it sounds since the game is big to explore!

Puzzles...
Tetris 2 - nice puzzle game, nothing relating to "tetris"
Dr.Mario - classic Nintendo's puzzle game.
Kickle Cubicle - very fun puzzle game involving creating new pathways.
Solomon's Key - While it could also be a platformer, it's really a nice to try.

Odds and Ends that are worth trying.
Clu Clu Land - Gets repetitive, but two players is a nice touch.
Rollerball - If you play two players, it'll be frantic.
Metal Storm - Short, but very fun platformer.
Milon's Secret Castle - Sort of challenging (unless you find the way to continue) platformer, but you need to get instructions to start you off.
Mighty Bomb Jack - unless you are aware of the arcade version, it's not bad. Personally, I enjoy it.
M.C. Kids - if you look pass the obvious endorsement, it's a nice platformer. Does actually get a bit challenging as you progress.

I can actually go on. I love my NES. 

[larryinc64]

A tip with Castlequest, because its fairly easy to trap yourself.

Secret Menu

There’s a secret menu that can be accessed in the game if you have a second controller hooked up to your NES. To access it with the second controller, just press the A or B button. There are three options on this menu that can otherwise never be accessed. BACK allows you to head back to the previous room in the game. GAME allows you to return to the game without making any changes. RESET allows you to reestablish the room as you found it.

[irvgotti452]

Not a bad list to reference...http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/top-100-nesfamicom-games-list-a-visual-recap/

[madrocsz]

Blaster master for sure, will only run you a few bucks

Otherwise, any of the nintendo franchises, contra, mega man etc

[satoshi_matrix]

If you're looking to build an NES library, check out my top 100 NES/Famicom games list. Unlike the dozens (hundreds?) of top # NES guides on the net, I tried to make mine informative, insightful, free of truly terrible games, and worth following.

irvgotti452 was kind enough to post my tl;dr list  but if you have some time to read, please do check out my full list. I spent several months writing, gathering info and pictures for it so if you're looking to build a quality based NES library, I think my list will be right up your alley, especially since I provide rough price estimates for all games.

http://satoshimatrix.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/top-100-nesfamicom-games-list-all-in-one/


We all know of games like Mario and Zelda, but here's a few worthwhile NES games I recommend that I don't think many people have heard of or know much about. cntl + F to see what I have to say.

Xexyz
The Guardian Legend
Mendel Palace
Mechanized Attack
Air Fortress
The Clash at Demonhead
Magical Doropie
Kabuki Quantum Fighter
Shadow of the Ninja
Konami Wai Wai World 2
Crystalis
Vice Project Doom
Lei Dian Huang Bi Ka Qiu Chuan Shuo
Shatterhand
Gun-Nac
MicroMachines
Rod Land
Super Spy Hunter
Legacy of the Wizard
Famicom Wars
Crisis Force
Power Blade (this game is outstanding)
Little Samson
Tengen's Tetris

some of those gems are dirt cheap, while others....not so much.

[Arseen]

Duck Tales
Duck tales 2
Chip'n Dale
Lolo
Lolo 2
Lolo 3
Shadowgate
Nintendo World Cup
Metroid
Punch Out
Puzznic

Ufouria (this game is rare but good)

[Quazimoto]

Thank You for the awesome suggestions everyone. 

Gonna be gathering them all together and researching over the next couple months.  And I will definately pour over satoshi_matrix's top 100 list again.  I was following along while it was being posted (fantastic job, BTW), but should have a new perspective on things this time around.

Need to get me a system too.  I can't really afford to buy anything right now unless I happen upon something cheap at a garage sale or flea market, but having a wish list and good idea what the titles go for online will help tremendously once I do hop into buying.

[larryinc64]

You can always get a cheep Famiclone for 20$. Something like the Retron 1, or something by Retro Bit. There are some that play SNES or Genesis games like the Retron 3, that play all 3, or the Retro Duo that pays SNES and NES. They will not play every game and are nor perfect, but look up some reviews and see what to get.


http://stoneagegamer.com/retron1_nes.aspx
Stone Age Gamer has them cheep, 15$ ant they are on sale today for the 4th of July. for 12.75$ All games are 15% off too.

[scarmullet]

You can always get a cheep Famiclone for 20$. Something like the Retron 1, or something by Retro Bit. There are some that play SNES or Genesis games like the Retron 3, that play all 3, or the Retro Duo that pays SNES and NES. They will not play every game and are nor perfect, but look up some reviews and see what to get.


http://stoneagegamer.com/retron1_nes.aspx
Stone Age Gamer has them cheep, 15$ ant they are on sale today for the 4th of July. for 12.75$ All games are 15% off too.

I disagree. Clone systems are made cheap to be sold cheap, so they can not stand up to abuse for very long. I would sugest getting an NES toploader (seek out one with AV...they do exist). It costs a bit more, but its well worth the investment.

[larryinc64]

SAG got Adventures of Lolo, Shadowgate, Dragon Warrior, Super Mario Bros / Duck Hunt, for under 5$ each.

[larryinc64]

I disagree. Clone systems are made cheap to be sold cheap, so they can not stand up to abuse for very long. I would sugest getting an NES toploader (seek out one with AV...they do exist). It costs a bit more, but its well worth the investment.

He said he can not afford a system right now, so might as well now spend 15$ on a cheep thing that gets the job done so he can start building up a collection, and later spend 100$ on a top loader when he has the money.