Famicom Games you should try out
This is a revised version of an older list with descriptions and just being possibly better. Hope this gets you to try out some cool 8-bit titles regardless of the quality. There are some bad ones but everywhere can witness some kusoge every once in a while.
*Note I have not played every game on here so comment if mistakes were made.
*Note I have not played every game on here so comment if mistakes were made.
150 Games
A very ambitious Zelda like game that tries many ideas and sort of fails at it at times but it's hard to deny the admiration of it all. It's worth at least playing a bit to see what it's like but if it's not for you, stick with the fun Arcade sequel. This was also remade on PS1.
A prequel to Tower of Druaga that's now a puzzle platformer. Worth a look as the series is unfortunately underlooked here in the West.
A good improvement on the first game with better level design and the whole game is co-op.
Enix's first game and was a port of a computer game. A very simple game but a fun concept. It's only really hampered by it's very slow speed. Still worth a look at.
An odd release probably due to the success of the sequel. It's basically just the FDS version.
A game part of a very ambitious attempt of a series that ended up failing hard. It tries to do multiple gameplay styles. Whether or not you think it works well is up to you. It's a part of history that most seemed to be unaware of. Would recommend F_T_B's video on Youtube about the project.
A very cruel game by Sunsoft where you'll be playing over and over again to even stand a chance to see the end. You'll probably need a guide if you want to not go insane. Despite that, it's got a legacy and is still ported to this day.
The very first game in the Nintendo Wars series. It's worth playing if you wanna see how the franchise started.
A 2D action game by Konami with very creepy sprite designs and an interesting overworld. Mostly forgotten in the west due to only getting the more modern rougelike game on modern consoles. Worth a go.
A maze action game with many weapons to use. There's not much to say about it but it's fun :>
While it's been ported nowadays, this is still a neat block puzzle game to try if you like those on this console. you have to lift them and use them for going higher. It's pretty tricky and if you like it enough, it got remade on the PS1.
Another kusoge game filled with poor gameplay decisions based off a license and it's brutally hard. Even later Transformers media has referenced its infamy. Play it if you want a impossible feeling challenge.
A pretty impressive shmup by Konami. It reminds me of the Aleste series. It also has co-op.
A really fun text adventure with some funny artwork and dialogue. The game also has a lot of memorable music.
A port of the Arcade game and it's pretty good. Fans of Gradius and Salamander should play this if they haven't.
A brutally hard game similar to Castlevania. You will go crazy from the stuff this game throws at you. Be prepared to replay levels over and over until you're perfect at them.
An amazing action side scroller by Natsume. Good level design all around and is just really fun.
The 2nd game in the Goemon series. It has some tough secrets and the platforming over water can be frustrating but it was a nice start to a series that would only get better from here.
A very odd take on the Star Wars license. In some ways the game reminds me of Alex Kidd. The game is also pretty damn hard.
The final game for the console. The game goes for a more Metroid like take for the gameplay. It's a pretty fun game worth playing, it's also apparently Hudson Soft's worst selling game.
A fun platformer based off an anime.
If you liked the first one, you should enjoy this too.
Really cool gameplay and cutscenes. The detailed movement can be a detriment but the game is still pretty fun once you get good.
Another Soccer game by Kunio-kun
A text adventure with some of the most impressive visuals on the console. It sadly however almost killed HAL as a company due to poor sales.
A short and easy action game by Natsume. Think of it like a lighter version of Shatterhand.
A cartridge version of a disk system game. A fun platformer with some creative ideas.
A fun and easy platformer that is unfortunately fatphobic.
An interesting spinoff that feels more like a Rockman game.
A very fun platformer and you can even create your own character.
A cute little game where you control two penguins moving opposite directions as you try to lead them to the goal while avoiding stuff like spiders. Give it a go if you got 20 minutes to spare.
While this technically came out here in VS Arcade cabinets, the cartridge around never did. If you liked Goonies II, give this one a try as it's similar in many ways.
A port of a computer game that is one of the weaker versions but worth playing as it has content unique to this version.
A game centered around a guy who doesn't even like video games. The design of it is insane and unorthodox. It's very easy to lose too and will not play fair.
A port of one of the most innovative games for the time. It's a text adventure mystery and while there is much better out there nowadays, it's still worth playing as a history piece of the genre.
While not the only first 3rd party game for the system (often said in the US side of gaming discussion) this is still a fun little game especially for 1984. A bunch of levels and a nice simple premise.
One of the most impressive shmups you'll find on the console. Be warned though it's really damn hard.
A silly prequel of the first Splatterhouse with many funny parodies of horror movies for you to see. The gameplay is pretty fun too and even some secrets to find.
The best fighting game on the system with fun designs and simple gameplay that will keep you coming back.
More Megami Tensei, more hard gameplay and awesome designs. It also has a Super Famicom remake.
Notable for what would help Capcom one day make the Biohazard franchise. It's a scary RPG with many mechanics that feel right out of a horror game.
An arcade conversion by Konami and an early take on the fighting game genre. It might not click for some and they also cut about half the opponents but this one can be fun once you learn how to beat all five opponents. Nice one to pop in and play for about 20 minutes.
An RPG by Atlus known for the awesome designs and brutally hard difficulty. You'll need to prepare for your journey through this one. This was remade for the Super Famicom.
A port of a Namco Arcade game. It's simple tank combat while protecting the emblem at your base. There's powerups and it's very simple to pick up and play. There's even a neat (but limited) level editor.
One of Sunsoft's most highly praised games. It looks beautiful, sounds amazing and it's really challenging especially if you want the good ending. Don't miss out on it.
The blacksheep of the franchise but still a game worth checking out.
The first game in the Fire Emblem series. It's a very slow game but worth playing if you wanna see how the series started.
A well made RPG by Pax Softnica. A really neat setting with some nice humor and many memorable moments. It's not as bad as some make it out to be. Though you might wanna play the cancelled US version for some small improvements.
Notable for being the most popular of the three games with a cool class change mechanic. Be warned that the game can be pretty hard. It once again might be better to play the pixel remaster.
A game normally hated by fans. It does have fans and it would later birth the SaGa franchise. Though some might recommend you play a later rerelease if this is too outdated.
3 Comments
Awesome list!! Sorry to be super nitpicky but a Shogi game was actually the first famicom game to have a save function - super weird right? Here's a source which should be able to be able to be auto-translated into English: https://magmix.jp/post/69839 Here's the backloggd link! https://www.backloggd.com/games/morita-kazuo-no-shogi/
Love the list! i really wanna check out Yokai Club!
Love the list! i really wanna check out Yokai Club!
@Dalaamclouds
seems the source I used was wrong about the saving thing, sorry. It's been fixed now. Thank you for letting me know.
seems the source I used was wrong about the saving thing, sorry. It's been fixed now. Thank you for letting me know.
Angel_Arle
4 months ago