Exploring the Best NES Games

Nostalgic Delights: NES Games, Sales Figures, Magazine Popularity, and the Joy of Multiplayer Gatherings”

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the gaming industry when it was released in the mid-1980s. With its robust library of games and iconic characters, the NES became a staple in households around the world. This article explores the best NES games, their sales figures, the popularity of magazines covering video games, and how kids would gather to play together.

Table of Contents

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) had a fantastic library of games, many of which have become classics. Here are some of the best NES games:

Super Mario Bros. 3: Considered one of the greatest platformers of all time, it introduced many iconic features and power-ups to the Mario series.
The Legend of Zelda: This action-adventure game set the foundation for the popular Legend of Zelda franchise, featuring exploration, puzzles, and epic battles.
Mega Man 2: A highly regarded action-platformer with tight controls, challenging gameplay, and an excellent soundtrack.
Super Mario Bros.: The game that started it all for Mario, it set the standard for side-scrolling platformers and remains an enjoyable classic.
Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse: This action-platformer expanded on the original Castlevania, introducing multiple playable characters and branching paths.
Metroid: A pioneering exploration-based platformer with a vast, interconnected world and a memorable protagonist, Samus Aran.
Contra: A popular run-and-gun shooter known for its intense action, cooperative gameplay, and iconic spread gun.
Punch-Out!!: A boxing game with memorable characters and challenging opponents, requiring strategy and precise timing to defeat.
Final Fantasy: The first entry in the long-running RPG series, it introduced players to a rich fantasy world and turn-based battles.
DuckTales: A platformer based on the popular animated series, featuring tight controls, vibrant graphics, and a catchy soundtrack.

Sales Figures and Popularity:

The NES achieved remarkable commercial success, selling over 61 million units worldwide during its lifespan. Its most popular game, Super Mario Bros., alone sold more than 40 million copies. The NES’s appeal extended beyond North America, finding a dedicated fan base in Europe and Japan as well. The system’s affordability, coupled with its groundbreaking gameplay experiences, contributed to its widespread popularity.

Popularity of Magazines for Video Games:

During the NES era, video game magazines played a vital role in shaping the gaming community. Publications like Nintendo Power, Electronic Gaming Monthly, and GamePro provided enthusiasts with news, reviews, and tips to enhance their gaming experiences. These magazines became essential resources for gamers, offering sneak peeks into upcoming releases, cheat codes, and strategies. The glossy pages of these magazines allowed readers to delve deeper into the world of gaming, fostering a sense of community and excitement among players.

Kids Played NES Together:

The NES was not just a solitary gaming experience; it also brought friends and family together. Kids would gather in living rooms, huddled around the TV, eagerly taking turns to play their favorite NES games. The multiplayer aspect of games like Super Mario Bros., Contra, and Double Dragon sparked friendly competitions and cooperative play. Whether it was passing the controller between friends or connecting additional controllers for multiplayer action, the NES fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement among young gamers.

Conclusion:

The NES and its library of games hold a special place in gaming history. From the sales figures that shattered records to the popularity of video game magazines, the NES captivated the imaginations of millions. It provided not only captivating gameplay experiences but also a platform for kids to come together, bond, and create lasting memories. As we look back on the NES era, we can appreciate its impact on the gaming industry and the joy it brought to countless players.

Author Profile

Dan Dunn

Executive Managing editor

Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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