The Top Gun of NES Games: My 8 Favourite Classics That Still Soar

 

The Nintendo Entertainment System was more than a console it was a gateway to adventure, a pixelated playground where every click of a cartridge ignited joy. As a lad, I’d lose myself in its worlds, the hum of the telly and the clack of the controller my soundtrack to countless afternoons. Sure, legends like The Legend of Zelda, Castlevania, and Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! deserve their praise, but my heart belongs to eight NES gems that defined my late childhood entry to the NES: Top Gun, Super Mario Bros. 3, Kirby’s Adventure, Contra, M.U.L.E., Mega Man 2, Rad Racer, and Batman: The Video Game. These are my Top Gun of NES games - titles that flew high then and still hold up today. Let’s take a nostalgic flight through why they’re so special, what critics thought at the time, and how they play now.

1. Top Gun (1987)

Top Gun was my Maverick moment. I’d squint at the screen, imagining myself as a hotshot pilot dodging missiles and nailing that carrier landing. The game’s flight sim vibe, with its dogfights and nerve-wracking refuelling sequences, captured the ’80s blockbuster energy perfectly. Every crash stung, but every victory felt like strutting across the tarmac.

Critics, like Computer and Video Games in ’87, loved its smooth controls and intense pace but warned about its brutal difficulty - those landings were no joke. Today, Top Gun still delivers. The mechanics are tight, the challenge is real, and the minimalist aesthetic screams retro cool. It’s not flashy, but it’s got that Top Gun swagger.

2. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)

If the NES had a king, it’s Super Mario Bros. 3. This game was a universe unto itself - eight sprawling worlds, wild power-ups like the Tanooki Suit, and secrets that had me and my family trading tips like spies. I can still hear the boop of stomping a Goomba and feel the thrill of finding a warp whistle. It was pure magic.

Nintendo Power dubbed it “Mario’s masterpiece,” and Electronic Gaming Monthly praised its endless variety. Critics weren’t exaggerating; it’s platforming perfection. Play it now, and the controls are crisp, the levels genius. It’s no surprise it’s still a speedrunner’s dream - this game is timeless.

3. Kirby’s Adventure (1993)

Kirby’s Adventure introduced me to Dream Land’s pink hero, and I was smitten. Swallowing enemies to steal powers was mind-blowing, and the bright, bouncy worlds felt like a warm hug. I’d hum the soundtrack while floating through levels, hunting secrets like a kid on a treasure hunt. It was the perfect mix of easy-going fun and surprising depth.

GamePro called it a “gorgeous latecomer” to the NES, lauding its visuals and innovative mechanics. Some critics found it too forgiving, but that’s what made it so welcoming. Today, it’s as charming as ever, tight controls, vivid sprites, and a cosy vibe that’s pure nostalgia fuel.

4. Contra (1988)

Contra was my couch co-op obsession. My cousin and I would blast through jungles and alien bases on the Amstrad CPC version aka Gryor in the UK, shouting as we unleashed the spread gun (cheers, Konami Code). The run-and-gun chaos was relentless, and every boss battle felt like a badge of honour. Losing our last life hurt, but the high of winning was unmatched. The NES version was easily the best of the home ports. 

Electronic Gaming Monthly hailed it as a “co-op classic,” though some reviewers groaned at its steep difficulty. Fire it up now, and it’s still a rush - fast, fluid, and unforgiving. The pixel art pops, the music pumps you up, and it’s still a test of reflexes and teamwork.

5. M.U.L.E. (1983, NES port 1990)

M.U.L.E. is the odd one out, a quirky economic sim about colonising a planet. I’d spend hours trading resources, outsmarting mates, and chuckling as our robotic mules shuffled across the screen. It was Settlers of Catan before board games took over my life, blending strategy and sabotage in a way that felt alive.

Critics were niche on this one - Nintendo Power praised its depth but noted its learning curve scared off casual players. Today, it’s a fascinating relic. The multiplayer still sparks friendly rivalries, and its retro charm is undeniable, even if it’s not as polished as modern strategy games.

6. Mega Man 2 (1989)

Mega Man 2 was my robot-blasting obsession. The Blue Bomber’s second outing had it all: cracking stages, memorable bosses like Metal Man, and a soundtrack that’s still stuck in my head. I’d replay levels just to perfect my run, feeling like a genius when I nailed the boss order. It was tough but fair, and oh-so-rewarding.

Critics adored it - Nintendo Power called it “a near-perfect sequel,” and GamePro raved about its tight controls. They weren’t kidding. Playing today, the platforming feels precise, and the music is iconic. It’s a masterclass in action-platformers that still holds up.

7. Rad Racer (1987)

Rad Racer was my speed demon fix and Outrun sticky plaster. Popping in that cartridge and slipping in and out of traffic made me feel like I was tearing down a coastal highway. The smooth controls and pulsing soundtrack had me hooked, even if I crashed into every other palm tree.

Computer and Video Games praised its arcade-style thrills and 3D effects, though some felt it leaned too heavily on OutRun’s shadow. Today, it’s still a blast - simple but addictive, with a retro vibe that screams ’80s cool. It’s not Mario Kart, but it’s a wild ride.

8. Batman: The Video Game (1989)

Batman: The Video Game made me feel like the Dark Knight. Tearing through Gotham’s gritty streets, wall-jumping past goons, and facing off against the Joker was pure comic-book bliss. The moody visuals and cracking soundtrack nailed the 1989 Tim Burton vibe, and I’d replay it just to feel like a superhero.

GamePro called it “a must-play for Batman fans,” and Nintendo Power loved its tight platforming. Some critics noted its difficulty spikes, but that only made victories sweeter. Today, it’s still a gem -responsive controls, atmospheric levels, and a gritty charm that holds strong.

Why They Still Soar

These games aren’t just relics; they’re proof the NES was built to last. Super Mario Bros. 3 and Mega Man 2 are platforming gold, their controls as sharp as ever. Contra and Batman deliver pulse-pounding action that rivals modern indies. Kirby’s Adventure and Top Gun offer accessible fun with surprising depth, while Rad Racer and M.U.L.E. bring niche thrills that still spark joy. Critics of the era saw their brilliance, and time hasn’t dimmed it.

Playing them now - whether on an old telly or a modern emulator takes me back to simpler days, when a good game and a bowl of cereal were all I needed. These eight are my Top Gun of NES games, soaring high above the rest. What are yours? Grab a controller, pop in a cartridge, and let’s relive the magic.

#retrogaming # nostalgia #1980s #videogames # nintendo #nintendones