The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the gaming world when it was released in 1985. With iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, the NES is often hailed as the foundation of modern gaming. However, not all NES games received the recognition they deserved. Many hidden gems were overlooked during their time, but now, decades later, they stand as some of the most exciting and unique experiences in gaming history. These underrated NES games still deserve our attention, and in this article, we’ll explore why.
What Makes an NES Game “Underrated”?
An underrated NES game is one that, despite its quality, did not receive widespread acclaim or attention upon release. These games often fly under the radar, overshadowed by bigger franchises or unnoticed by a large portion of the gaming community. But the fact that they didn’t gain the popularity they deserved doesn’t make them any less remarkable.
Criteria for Selecting Underrated NES Games
Several factors contribute to the underrated status of a game:
- Gameplay: Games with innovative mechanics or engaging gameplay that failed to catch on with the mainstream audience.
- Rarity: Titles that were hard to find or released in limited quantities.
- Story: NES games with captivating or unique narratives that deserve more recognition.
- Innovation: Games that pushed the boundaries of what the NES was capable of but didn’t get the credit they deserved.
- Cult Following: Some games that didn’t sell well upon release have garnered a loyal fanbase over time, preserving their legacy in the retro gaming community.
The Difference Between Popular Classics and Hidden Gems
Popular classics, like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda, were mainstream successes, widely beloved by the gaming community. On the other hand, hidden gems are the underappreciated titles that offer unique experiences but didn’t get the recognition they deserved, often becoming cult classics over time.
Top Underrated NES Games You Should Play
Let’s dive into the list of underrated NES games that deserve more love and attention. These titles are organized by genre to help you discover the perfect game for your gaming preferences.
🏆 A. Underrated NES Classics That Deserve More Love
- Crystalis
A standout action-RPG that combines fantastic storytelling with deep mechanics. Crystalis is often regarded as one of the best RPGs on the NES but remains underrated due to its release late in the NES’s lifecycle. The game features a gripping narrative and diverse combat mechanics, making it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts. - Little Samson
Known for its rare status, Little Samson is a visually impressive platformer with tight controls and varied gameplay. The game offers players the chance to control a group of characters, each with different abilities, as they navigate challenging levels. Its rarity and lack of widespread recognition make it a true hidden gem. - Journey to Silius
This action-packed shooter combines challenging gameplay with a memorable soundtrack. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Journey to Silius offers tight platforming and shooting mechanics, and its level design is top-notch. Despite these qualities, it never became a household name, making it one of the NES’s most underrated titles.
🚀 B. Hidden Gems Often Overlooked by Gamers
- S.C.A.T.
This run-and-gun action game features cooperative gameplay, where players can team up and take on enemies in a futuristic world. Despite its fun gameplay and solid design, S.C.A.T. never quite hit the mainstream radar. It’s a thrilling experience for fans of 2D shooters. - Shatterhand
A unique beat-’em-up game that blends robot combat with platforming. Shatterhand stands out for its creative gameplay mechanics and its strong design, but it never gained the popularity it deserved. The game’s combination of fighting and puzzle-solving makes it a must-play for beat-’em-up fans. - River City Ransom
An early open-world brawler that allows players to freely explore levels and gain new skills. River City Ransom features dynamic combat and a unique RPG-like leveling system, which was revolutionary at the time. Its blend of brawler action with RPG elements makes it a standout on the NES.
🎮 C. Obscure & Rare NES Titles Worth Discovering
- The Krion Conquest
A sci-fi action adventure that combines platforming with shooting mechanics, The Krion Conquest offers a solid experience that’s often overlooked. Its interesting story and gameplay make it a fun ride for fans of the genre. - Bucky O’Hare
Based on the popular animated series, Bucky O’Hare is a fast-paced side-scrolling platformer with colorful graphics and memorable gameplay. The game features unique characters and engaging combat, but its limited release has kept it from becoming a classic. - Darkwing Duck
This underrated Disney title combines action and platforming elements, offering an enjoyable experience for fans of the cartoon. Despite its quality, Darkwing Duck never received the same level of recognition as other Disney games of the era.
Why NES Underrated Games Still Matter
Although these games were initially overlooked, they are more than just relics of gaming history. The innovation in gameplay, storytelling, and design still holds up today, and many of these titles influenced the development of future genres. They represent a time when developers pushed the limits of what the NES could do, offering experiences that were ahead of their time.
Innovation Despite Hardware Limits
The NES had limited graphical and processing power, but many developers used creative techniques to deliver memorable experiences. From detailed character sprites to innovative gameplay mechanics, these underrated titles proved that great games could be made even with technological constraints.
Influence on Future Genres and Developers
Many of these hidden gems laid the groundwork for future game genres. For example, River City Ransom introduced RPG elements to the brawler genre, while Crystalis inspired future action-RPGs. The influence of these titles can still be seen in modern games today.
Cult Followings and Collector Interest
Despite their lack of commercial success, many of these games have found devoted fanbases over the years. The rarity of certain titles has also made them valuable collector’s items. For retro gaming enthusiasts, these underrated NES games represent an important part of gaming history that deserves to be remembered.
NES Hidden Gems by Genre
A helpful way to explore these underrated NES games is by genre. Here’s a breakdown of recommended underrated NES games by genre:
| Genre | Recommended Underrated NES Games |
|---|---|
| Action / Platformer | Little Samson, Bucky O’Hare |
| RPG / Adventure | Crystalis, Faxanadu |
| Shooter | Star Soldier |
| Beat ’em Up | Shatterhand, S.C.A.T. |
This table provides a clear overview of which games to try based on your favorite genres.
NES Underrated Games on Nintendo Switch Online
For gamers looking to explore these underrated NES games today, many are available on Nintendo Switch Online. The service provides affordable access to a variety of NES titles, including some of the gems mentioned above.
Notable underrated NES games available on Switch Online include:
- Star Soldier
- Mighty Bombjack
- Blaster Master
Switch Online makes it easier than ever to enjoy these hidden gems on a modern platform.
How to Find and Play These Underrated Titles Today
If you’re looking to play these underrated NES games, you have several options:
- Retro cartridge collecting: Check online marketplaces like eBay or visit local retro gaming stores to find physical copies of these games.
- Emulation: Use emulators to play NES games on your PC or mobile device.
- Nintendo Switch Online: Many of these underrated titles are available through the Nintendo Switch Online service, offering easy access at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The most underrated NES games are a treasure trove of unique gameplay, compelling stories, and timeless mechanics. These titles deserve a second look, whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of NES classics. By revisiting these overlooked gems, we can celebrate the true diversity of the NES library and keep these incredible games alive for future generations of gamers.
Which underrated NES game is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!