Super Mario Bros. 3 1988
Why it still holds upIts level design holds up today because the power-ups change how each level can be crossed, and the difficulty rises gradually toward the eighth world.
NES platformers that still hold up
First released on the NES
Games
Super Mario Bros. 3 1988
Why it still holds upIts level design holds up today because the power-ups change how each level can be crossed, and the difficulty rises gradually toward the eighth world.
In a bundle
Mega Man 2 1988
Why it still holds upAn open stage order with weapon weaknesses lets you pick your own route, and the difficulty setting suits newcomers and veterans alike, which is why it is worth playing now.
Super Mario Bros. 1985
Why it still holds upLevel design, enemy placement and precise physics, with a difficulty that ramps steadily, are why it still plays well.
Kirby's Adventure 1993
Why it still holds upEvery enemy is still a possible tool, since swallowing one takes its power.
In a bundle
Disney's DuckTales 1989
Why it still holds upA cane that is both weapon and pogo stick still makes jumping the center of everything you do.
Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom 1991
Why it still holds upEvery level is still a vertical space to move through, with walls to climb and pipes to hang from.
In a bundle
Disney's DuckTales 2 1993
Why it still holds upYou can still plan your own route, tackling levels in any order and revisiting them with new gear.
Clash at Demonhead 1989
Why it still holds upThe map is still something to wander, with forty routes and powers you collect.
Treasure Island Dizzy 1988
Why it still holds upCollecting items and thinking about where to use them is the heart of it, and it is still a good puzzle to try.
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos 1990
Why it still holds upA wall to climb, clones to call and attacks to throw are still a few tools to work with in each stage.
Blaster Master 1988
Why it still holds upExploring in two perspectives keeps its variety up, as it still does for players who try it.
In a bundle
Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 1993
Why it still holds upTwo players who can throw each other and bosses with hazards of their own still make it a game to share.
In a bundle
Disney's Darkwing Duck 1992
Why it still holds upThe order of the first three stages and a gas gun with swappable gases still give each run decisions to make.
In a bundle
Mega Man 6 1993
Why it still holds upA charged shot and a free choice of stage order still make it worth returning to.
In a bundle
Disney's Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 1990
Why it still holds upA pair of chipmunks throwing crates is a game for two players that is still easy to share.
In a bundle
Mega Man 3 1990
Why it still holds upThe order of stages is yours to choose, which is still a reason to keep returning.
In a bundle
Castlevania 1986
Why it still holds upA whip with a short delay and a running clock make every stage a careful one, and that is still the case.
In a bundle
Mega Man 5 1992
Why it still holds upEight stages with tricks of their own, such as switching gravity or riding a vehicle, are still there to be picked in any order.
In a bundle
Mega Man 4 1991
Why it still holds upEight stages to choose from in any order, each with an obstacle of its own, still leave the route to you.
Batman: The Video Game 1989
Why it still holds upWall jumps and three weapons to choose from still make a stage worth planning today.
Battletoads 1991
Why it still holds upEach level brings new enemies, hazards and rules, and the game still avoids repeating itself.
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels 1986
Why it still holds upA harder run through eight worlds is still a challenge that draws players to it.
Kid Icarus 1986
Why it still holds upThe mix of side scrolling, vertical and dungeon levels still varies what each world asks of you.
Hudson's Adventure Island 1986
Why it still holds upRunning along a clock of draining health is still a lively way to play.
In a bundle
Mega Man 1987
Why it still holds upChoosing your own order of stages is an idea that is still a good one today.
Super Mario Bros. 2 1988
Why it still holds upChoosing a character with its own strengths gives each stage a second way to be played, even today.
Metroid 1986
Why it still holds upA world that opens up as abilities are earned still draws players in.