Yoshi
Headmaster of Console Warrior Jugendstrafanstalt
Previous results:
Games of Generation 4
Games of Generation 5
Games of Generation 6
1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
2. The Legend of Zelda (NES)
3. Out Run (Arcade, Master System)
4. Mega Man 2 (NES)
5. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)
6. Dragon Quest IV (NES)
7. Super Mario Bros. (NES)
8. Punch Out!! (NES)
9. Phantasy Star (Master System)
10. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (NES)
Games of Generation 4
Games of Generation 5
Games of Generation 6
1. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
What a phenomenal game. Nintendo took the tight control and mechanics of the already ground-breaking first title and married it with a much richer world. (...)
I always thought SMB 3 was on a level of its own as far as gen 3 games are concerned. (...) It wasn't just ahead of its time, it's downright timeless and one of the few games from the era that I can still go back to without any sort of hang-ups and have a blast every time.
One of the the greatest 2D platform game ever made. Simply a classic.
2. The Legend of Zelda (NES)
(...) The sense of freedom combined with snappy combat was a revolution to me coming off of Amstrad games, where adventure games typically were 2D or Isometric with little room to manouver. While LTTP and LA have long since replaced it in my affections, it's still my favourite 8-bit game.
(...)This was the game that made me a lifelong player, and started my desire to be a game designer. (...) It still holds up today, and I try to play it once a year. (...) From the opening music to the iconic music of the overworld, this game is a true gem and a masterpiece.
3. Out Run (Arcade, Master System)
A generation defining classic for driving games. From it's memorable cabinet design to it's music, sound, graphics, and the feel of the digital open road laid out before you in a branching path, it's hard to believe a strict time limit and skill-focused gameplay could be so relaxing in the hustle and bustle of the arcade.
No arcade was complete without Outrun, it was the driving game of the age.
4. Mega Man 2 (NES)
I'm honestly not a huge fan of games before gen 4, generally speaking, but there is one game that punches so far above it's weight and it's this one. The music is out of this world good and the platforming is ultra tight. With challenge just at the right level, this is one of my top platformers of all time. Incredible achievement for the time.
5. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)
The perfect marriage of plattformer, action, adventure and rpg. This game had a sense of scale like no other at the time, it had deep combat-mechanics, interesting exploring, spell, towns and awesome bosses. Oh, and the reputation it has as too hard it bullshit. This game is balanced perfectly.
6. Dragon Quest IV (NES)
One of the finest games in the storied DQ franchise. The chapter system was so revolutionary back in the day, especially playing as Taloon (Torneko) and having to run your own store. (...) The monster designs, scope of the game, storytelling, were all mindblowing.(...)
7. Super Mario Bros. (NES)
It changed the whole industry and became a standard in game design, even decades later. Hard to not put it at the top.
8. Punch Out!! (NES)
Masterful action-puzzle game that hones the concept of video game combat down into its purest, sharpest essence. Iconic character designs and simple but challenging gameplay.
9. Phantasy Star (Master System)
Master System's magnum opus, a landmark for JRPGs and a better game than both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
10. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (NES)
I still have nightmares about stage 9-3 (aka the one with the dope "riddle" theme music), a gauntlet that makes the original CV axeman and medusa head corridor seem small time. (...) Multiple gimmicked characters, alternative routes, soul crushing challenge and really pushing forward the blend of strategically fixed platforming and enemy whipping.