Let's Look at Every 5-Star NES Game

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NES is my favorite system of all time. There are several games that deserve a 5-star rating and in the Ultimate Nintendo book, they have their own list so here's a brief look at every game they gave a 5-Star rating.
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Use code JOHNRIGGS50 to get 50% OFF your first Factor box at bit.ly/3l76LDD and while you're enjoying your Factor meals, check out the 1-star NES games kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHucZWCqf9aUisk

[@dwaynemenzies8824]

That's tough. However, RC ProAm, Street Fighter 2010, River City Ransom, Super Mario Bros 3, and yes, you already know I'll put Astyanax on my list.

[@joeydemitro8976]

I LOVE PAC MAN AND MISS PAC MAN AND PACMANIA TOO AND RAD RACER ONE AND TWO AND THE ADVENTURE OF BAYOU BILLY AND HOGAN ALLEY AND DUCK HUNT AND MARIO BROTHERS TOO MY FRIEND

[@lldjslim]

You forget, double dragon 2, ninja gaiden, castlevania, castlevania iii, tetris, metroid, blaster master, super c, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - the arcade game, batman, bionic commando, battletoads, chip n Dale - rescue rangers, and life force

[@joeydemitro8976]

@@lldjslim YOU ARE RIGHT TOO MY FRIEND AND I AM SORRY ABOUT THAT TOO AND I WILL TRY NOT TO FORGET NEXT TIME TOO MY FRIEND

[@Waterd103]

Kunio-kun no nekketsu soccer league is a 6 star game.

[@benceszarvas5464]

The Sunsoft Batman game is the meaning of a 5 star game. And Battle City and Bomberman for me at least. Its very fun when you play with someone.

[@testudohorsfieldii7052]

Agree 100% about Batman, such an underrated game and with a perfect difficulty setting

[@lukeliederbach7623]

Pretty much anything sunsoft or Capcom on the nes is 5 star my guy. They were the gold standard

[@HighFalutinTootin]

I like it its a great game i give it 4 stars because Batman just punches if he had some kicks in his combo attacks or a jump kick it would be 5 stars...lol he did have gadgets though so 4.5 stars

[@tendosingh5682]

Sunsoft Batman was so awesome.

[@trevorbarnhill3399]

Batman and Blaster Master, both Sunsoft treasures, should have made the list for five star games.

[@rambo_ando]

Can't believe Double Dragon II didn't make the list. Probably my favourite NES game of all time. So much fun to play and tough to beat.

[@harrimanpd]

Double Dragon 2 is top 10 on the system. In contention for greatest beat ‘em up of all time

[@rambo_ando]

@@harrimanpd agreed! It was a hidden gem when I tried it but turns out every other kid knew it'd be a classic too lol. Also great that it was exclusive to the NES and not an average arcade port like Double Dragon. Soundtrack is killer too!

[@ericmcgovern1764]

I came here for this comment

[@opaljk4835]

None of them really cut it for me. The music is killer, but the game play is tough to get used to. I always lose all my lives with the platforming sections. They are really difficult for the silliest reason

[@rambo_ando]

@@opaljk4835rewind feature on NSO!

[@fusoyaff2]

Castlevania 3 is missing. That game pushed the NES hardware to the limit. Fun game, (Grant is so much fun to mess around with) lots of replay value, looks beautiful and has an amazing soundtrack (the Japanese version is even better!)

[@AndDeathForAll82]

Agreed. Amazing game, and I don’t Castlevania IV came close to topping it.

[@thommccarthy1139]

Yes indeed. Best Castlevania followed by Rondo and Bloodlines.

[@charleybarley7148]

Aside from the "Metroidvania" titles, Castlevania 3 is my favorite in the franchise (I like it even more than the 16-bit games).

[@treerich1858]

I would much rather play the JP version. The US version has way too many changes that add artificial difficulty.

[@cable-fix-trash586]

Not sure it was 5 stars though

[@popculturehero]

Bionic Commando. Platforming without a jump button. Few greater thrills on nes than swinging from a cliff on this game and perfectly landing the hook. Its quite an adventure, with abundant continues in the commando inspired bonus stages. Its also remained fairly affordable for new collectors.

[@jst25]

I agree with Bionic Commando. I'd also throw Super DodgeBall into the S tier.

[@andypancini2130]

Yeah dodge ball is still really fun i was always a huge fan of maniac mansion even paper boy if you're playing with friends is great

[@TheLastLineLive]

Bionic Commando definitely. That game aged very well. I was impressed with the Rearmed Remake in that despite the stuff they changed and added to it, the DNA of that game was like 95% the OG NES game. It’s crazy to think but it’s almost like the original game never got its proper due until the remake was released.

[@trevorbarnhill3399]

I love Bionic Commando. In fact, that was one of the NES games I owned as a kid. I played it many times and beaten it several times.

[@y.bowcat7782]

i got an NES from one of my dad's bandmates when he was cleaning out his attic before he moved out of state. it came with a giant stack of carts. Bionic Commando, Ninja Gaiden and Super Mario Bros 3 are the titles that made me fall in love with video games.

[@wjr4700]

Hands dow its Crystalis for me. It had everything I wanted from a game. Amaizing music, great sprites and a compelling story for a kid (and NES). So much fun to play with responsive controles. Had it come out just a couple of years earlier it would be remembered better.

[@shadowvash07]

Arguably better than LoZ. Yeah, I said it.

[@kintozero3169]

I have a friend who really loves Zelda II. I keep telling him to play Crystalis & Battle of Olympus, which are 2 more great 2D action RPGs for the NES

[@tonyp9313]

My friend uploaded that on his channel Gameplay Unknown.

[@TheRyantologist]

Ugh. I gotta edit my list again lol. This game is legitimately amazing

[@dbzfanatic278]

Been playing since 1990. One of the best rpgs ever made on any system.

[@Nepiki]

The Guardian Legend is definitely a 5-star for me, combining the top-down Zelda-like Adventure with the awesomeness that is Compile's shoot-em-up gameplay makes it an absolutely unforgettable game for me

[@chriskoschik391]

One of the best

[@greybush6939]

You should check out Zanac, if you don't already know about it. I don't know what the connection is, but it is basically just the fighter pilot part of Guardian Legend... only much harder!

[@Megasan3]

My favorite video game of all time! I agree with you 100%

[@TheRyantologist]

Definitely an honorable mention. I did really like this game.

[@gokuchamoy]

Based. Amazing soundtrack too.

[@Jardras]

Chip n' Dale (which I played a lot with my brother) and Panic Restaurant are my 5 star picks since they were the games I played in my childhood.

[@MaxOakland]

Those are both legitimately good games

[@selfan2005]

Too bad that Panic Restaurant is so f****in expensive. It cost $899 at my local retro video game store! Same thing on Ebay! How am I going to experience such a unique and creative game?

[@blastedmcgraw152]

Castlevania. A timeless action platformer, and the first home console game I’d ever played that really created such a strong sense of place abs mood with its art direction and music.

[@miamylin]

The guardian legend, Little Samson and Star tropics all spring to mind as 5star games.

[@harrimanpd]

Star Tropics is top ten on the system

[@MaxOakland]

The invisible enemies kinda ruin startropics for me

[@TomAznable]

I'd nominate Metal Storm, Gargoyle's Quest II, Shatterhand, and Castlevania III.

[@quanquin3822]

Blaster Master is 5 star, easily. I'm surprised it's not on this list.

[@awesomemccoolname7111]

True, but so few people know about it.

[@XTRABIG]

criminal that it isn't

[@crazylegs1823]

Final fantasy took up a lot of my time as a kid. I would try out different group combinations. Get the rat tail and upgrade their look, so much fun.

[@PinochleSundae]

Same story here. One of my absolute all time favorites since the year it launched. I guess if I had to be objective, a big criticism is that half the spells are broken. Also much of the game is plagiarized (IMO) from TSR's AD&D, although that doesn't make it any less fun.

[@mcwoods85]

I’ll jump on the sunsoft train Batman and Blaster Master absolutely deserve to be 5 star games!

[@MaxOakland]

Batman for sure. To me blaster master is too awkward but still high quality

[@TheRyantologist]

I gave blaster master 4 stars for one reason. Amazing game but no saves or continues. It can take hours to get through.

[@XTRABIG]

blaster Master ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@louyork8379]

Ducktales and Base Wars were both so much fun for me at like 10 years old. 5 stars for this ole boy

[@eyeofthestorm7830]

Street Fighter 2010 for me. I remember buying it at a Toys R Us back in the day because the box cover art was cool. Such an unexpected surprise. It's Capcom of course. They rocked it back in the day, and still do.

[@marmadon6341]

Bionic commando, zelda 2, batman, castlevania,... Too many great games!

[@marklrc]

Bionic Commando is fantastic.

[@robertanderson2898]

Those should have all made the list over Guerilla War, Pirates, Maniac Mansion Ms. Pac-Man, imo.

[@BlackMoore82]

Bucky O'Hare one of if not the best action platformer on the console. Sure it's pretty difficult but fun all the same and being able to play as Dead-Eye Duck, Jenny, Blinky, and Willy DuWitt made it that much more enjoyable.

[@joepennachio1727]

I talked to Pat himself about this one - TETRIS! He said there’s no two player so it just misses five stars but I don’t think that’s enough to not give this five stars. A masterpiece to this day.

[@theartofpiano6405]

The Tengen version had both competitive and cooperative multiplayer. The co-op is absolutely awesome and hilarious to play, especially when drunk. Five stars for sure!

[@supersmashup]

@@theartofpiano6405 The Nintendo/BPS version is the go-to for competitive play

[@nomhiret.4077]

I think there are several games missing in this list. I should add these: - Battletoads - The Lone Ranger - Castlevania III - Shatterhand - Batman: Return of the Joker - Vice Project Doom - Ninja Gaiden II - Tiny Toons - Adventure Island II - Tetris - TMNT III: The Manhattan Project I'll be waiting your next video. Greetings from Mexico, John Riggs. :)

[@alexstockwell4349]

Life Force. Maybe not the greatest shmup ever, but up there. Also, Double Dragon II.

[@vincentlee8787]

Life Force needs more love!

[@MyRetroLife]

So many classics listed here... the NES will always hold my heart!

[@arudegesture]

My top 5 has to be (and purely out of nostalgia) 1. Gun.Smoke 2. Chip&Dale: Rescue Rangers 3. Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles 4. Track and Field 2 5. Nintendo World Cup and a 6th one because my girlfriend insists on adding it 6. Ice Climber

[@fozz1982]

Gunsmoke . Thank you . I thought I was the only one

[@arudegesture]

@@fozz1982 Yeah, it might not be a fantastic game, but it sure is an iconic one! I don't think I've met anyone (at least here in Sweden) that had a NES back in the day and who hadn't played it.

[@TheIowaGamer90]

I'd say Rygar is a 5-star game if you play it with save states. The only thing holding it back from being 5-star is that you can't save on original hardware. It felt like a true grand adventure in 8-bit form and only the Legend of Zelda felt the same way for me on the NES.

[@jasonking3182]

Playing it on the Switch online for the first time and it definitely a five star game. I couldn’t imagine playing it without the ability to save though.

[@kintozero3169]

I loved Rygar for the NES, for me it is up there with Metroid & Castlevania 2 as not just a great game, but an early example of a metroidvania. The lack of saves is an issue, but its not the end of the world since you can beat the game in about 5 hours. The main negative point against the game for me was, you could softlock yourself if you entered a boss room underpowered. When you die & continue, you respawn in the boss room, and you could wind up in a situation where you are too weak to beat the boss but locked in the room. This happened to me several times with area 2's spider boss. The strategy is, early on, to head to the sky area with the robots & grind them over & over until it only takes like 1-2 shots to kill them. Then you'll be strong enough to complete areas 2 & 3 before heading back to 4 with the grapple hook.

[@jareddavidmanifold313]

Rygar for nes was pretty epic. Did u know that the 2005 rygar reboot was a HUGE inspiration for sonys God of War series

[@theironfox2756]

GG

[@priorwitness]

Great game. That was definitely one of those games where you had to leave the damn Nintendo on overnight and hope it was still on the next day to keep playing.

[@aldoushuxleysghost]

Metroid, Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden and Gradius all deserve to be up there

[@XTRABIG]

blaster Master

[@buttkick22]

A game that not only does not get enough love but is also a 5 star game in my opinion is Whomp Em.

[@chblancoj]

Absolutamente

[@NexusNine]

Crystalis. Without a doubt, Crystalis is a 5 star Action RPG that influenced later Action RPGs in a very significant way. If you love the Mana games, Crystalis did it first. Please make sure this game makes into your next video. Mega Man 3 is easily a 5 star game. I've always considered it better than Mega Man 2. The play mechanics were vastly improved, and there's the addition of Rush.

[@danbauer3669]

I'm a Mega Man 4 guy myself.

[@andrewalexander4331]

Always nice to see Pirates given the credit it deserves. My favourite NES game when I was a kid, I couldn't stop playing.

[@armygrunt13]

I love that it was open-ended and gave you a plethora of possible endings, depending on how successful you are. I know later releases go more into the storyline of trying to save and avenge your family, but I kind of prefer this version that doesn't feel at all linear.

[@andrewalexander4331]

@@armygrunt13 As a stupid kid, my crew would always mutiny at some point. I'm pretty sure now it's because I didn't understand that splitting the plunder between them made them happy! So I never saw endings! :D I still couldn't stop playing, though! :D

[@scootermcg9910]

I never played it.. ontil now!

[@bobbybobbatunday9959]

Another great title by the developer was silent service. Similar experience but on a wwii submarine.. its best to start out 2 player then go single so you can learn the ship before juggling controllers

[@invest42morrow]

Dragon warrior is special to me in that it's the first video game RPG I had ever seen. Being played by my mom's 40-year old friend no less. Which instantly made him the coolest adult I had ever seen. To this day I wish I had his contact information to reach out to him

[@priest-maholmes2839]

Have you checked out U Can Beat Video Games yet if not you definitely should

[@invest42morrow]

@@priest-maholmes2839 nope but I will

[@priest-maholmes2839]

@@invest42morrow you will definitely thank me later its like Saturday morning cartoons for 40 yr olds

[@jswets5007]

I don't think too many people would agree with me, however I consider *Pinball Quest* a 5 star game. The story aspect makes it a truly unique pleasure for that small demographic that was looking for a game to combine an rpg and a pinball game.

[@AngryCalvin]

It's a fantastic game. Pinball RPG? Nothing else like it. One of the most original NES titles. It's actually gotten a bit of criticism. I can't understand why. It's a really fun game with creative design and gameplay.

[@jswets5007]

@@AngryCalvin If I still had an NES and the cartridge I would wear the cartridge out. I would love to see a modern VR version.

[@samwiseterminator]

Crystalis, Destiny of an Emperor, Final Fantasy, Kirby's Adventure, Turtles 3: Manhattan Project, Castlevania 3, Mega Man 3, Super Mario trilogy, Klax. Are some of my all-time favorites.

[@FinalFantaSteve]

Any of the Technos games have gladly occupied countless hours of my childhood. Super Spike V'Ball, Super Dodgeball, World Cup Soccer... generally dislike sports games, but LOVE these ones! 5 stars in my book!

[@ridesq]

Super Dodge Ball was amazing. So much fun to destroy the enemies with power shots.

[@AngryCalvin]

And I'm still enjoying the Kunio/Double Dragon games to this day. I loved them with Technos and Arc System Works has done a really good job with modern versions.

[@ShooterMcGavin870]

Legacy of the Wizard is one of my favorites but no one ever talks about it.

[@coorhagon7236]

I love Legacy of the Wizard. Probably 4 stars though.

[@popeye5274]

I have that game. Never could finish it. Surprised someone mentioned it!

[@Renderuntocaesar]

Kickle Cubicle is a 5 to me. Didn’t own it back in the day, but was my favorite rental on the NES. Great memories!

[@derekarnold9]

Bucky O Hare is a game that doesn’t get talked about enough. Amazing game and absolutely a 5 star hidden gem.

[@brianparker5323]

Off the top of my head, we’re missing Castlevania 3, Bionic Commando, Double Dragon II, Final Fantasy, Super Dodge ball, the Guardian Legend, Ninja Gaiden, Metroid and Faxanadu. And while they may not be five star all around, some games are five star in my heart and nostalgia: Castlevania 2, the TMNT games, double dragon 1 and 3, bad dudes, crystalis, tecmo world wrestling. And there’s so many other greats. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@Queesh2]

I absolutely loved Shatterhand. Great mechanic where the player collects different rune blocks to get different robot allies. It had some of the best music in my opinion.

[@gargenfluckgosphenspiels4849]

You forgot to mention what makes baseball stars so good- The ability to create your own league and teams.

[@8bpianoplayer]

Baseball Stars was a personal favorite for me as well, since I didn't like video game baseball... UNTIL Baseball Stars.

[@espenskinstad6722]

I played and beat Megaman 1-6 for the first time last year. Those being my only Megaman games so far I felt that 2, 3 and 5 were the most fun for me. 2 & 3 were on par with each other in my book. Hope to play more Megaman soon.

[@WizardoftheGhost]

It's so crazy it's been over 20 years since I've played River City Ransom but when ur guy enters a shop and sits to eat I can hear the music PERFECTLY in my head. I literally thought the music was actually playing for a sec. Wow

[@danbauer3669]

That's just NES music for you. My nephew has played Duck Hunt exactly once but he remembers all the jingles!

[@BlakeBickerstaff]

The NES games i played the most: -RBI Baseball -Tecmo Bowl -TMNT 2 -DuckTales -Super Mario 3 -North vs. South -Blaster Master -Tetris -Maniac Mansion -Punch-Out!! -Double Dribble -Excitebike

[@Kevinsyel]

He did it again. 8 month old smiled the month you started talking! you got a new fan!

[@KJM1984]

Whomp 'Em is a 5 ⭐ game, for sure.

[@blaketindle4703]

The Guardian Legend should be a 5 star NES game. It’s great and definitely underrated.

[@schweatty]

What sets Baseball Stars apart from all other NES baseball games is that you can hire/fire players, play full seasons, and use money won from games to improve the stats of your players. Very deep experience for an NES title.

[@dwightdixon8508]

Your vids are so happy and upbeat. I even enjoy the FACTOR meals portion. Great list of 5 star games too!

[@robosburn5621]

Your Factor plug was so well done and creative I wasn't tempted to skip ahead. Seriously well done John!

[@CompleteInBox]

Felix the Cat is absolutely a 5-star game - especially if Duck Tales is. It's easy to pick up, great controls, catchy music, and most importantly, it's an NES game you actually beat!

[@MaxOakland]

It’s a great one

[@jakeallenesq]

Batman feels like it should be 5 star.

[@crimsondragon20]

Sky Shark would be a definite 5 star for me. It's a SHMUP with amazing control and music!

[@DukeLeto10191]

I love love love that both Pirates and Maniac Mansion made their lists. Highly underrated, and as a kid, they were engrossing like few other NES games were. I can think of several that weren't here, but the stand-out omissions in my mind: Castlevania III, Battletoads, Metal Storm, Blaster Master, Crystalis, and Mega Man III (IMO the best Blue Bomber). And while one could argue that the format of games like Pirates or Maniac is a bit archaic, all of these (even Crystalis) have a modern feel and hold up gameplay-wise.

[@isd8894]

I am continually amazed by how many people love DuckTales. I had the game as a kid (still have it, in fact), and absolutely loved it, but literally no one else I knew at the time had it, or particularly liked it when they played mine. Definitely a five star game IMHO.

[@wargameboy72]

There's a lot of 5-Star games left out of that list, like.... Kick Master, Isolated Warrior, TMNT 3, RECCA, Gradius 2, GunNec, Crisis Force, Super Spy Hunter, Metal Storm, Super Dodge Ball, Castlevania 3, Bucky O'Hare, Blaster Master, Blades of steel, Pro Wrestling. And that's just off the top of my head. I'm sure there's more.. Anyway, I really enjoy these videos. Thanks for taking the time to make them.🤩👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@cameronrichter3449]

Magic of Scheherazade, Dragon Warrior III, and Ultima: Quest of the Avatar for sure belong on the list!

[@blaketindle4703]

I haven’t played many NES games but out of the dozen or so I have played, my three favorite games by far are Castlevania, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Batman! Tiny Toon Adventures is really good too. I like it ALMOST as much as those three.

[@JosiahIsWrite]

Master Blaster! It's also my favorite book based on an NES game from the Worlds of Power series.

[@streetmagik3105]

I'd add Sunsoft Batman, Super Dodgeball, and Castlevania 3. Maybe Shatterhand?

[@Roshenbo]

Out of the entire NES library, Maniac Mansion is the game I have the most nostalgia for. (And Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link) I can remember calling EVERY local game store in our phone book, trying to hunt down a copy of Maniac Mansion. Sadly, no one had it. It wasn't until I randomly called a Pawn shop, when I found it. Then I had to convince my mom to drive me 2 hours away to get it. That was the BEST DAY EVER!!!

[@eoghanmcloughlin2265]

JohnRiggs is the absolute GOAT!!! I've watched every single one of your videos and this one is the best yet! Let's Look at Every 5-Star NES Game was mind-blowing. You truly have an eye for detail and an amazing ability to breakdown the best titles from the 8-bit era. I've been toying with the idea of putting together a KZbin channel and this video made me realize that I need to take the plunge. Thanks for the inspiration, John!

[@coorhagon7236]

Dr. Mario, Double Dragon 2, Megaman 3, Zelda 2, Super C, Tetris, Jackal, Lifeforce, Super Dodge Ball, Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat, Blades of Steel, Bubble Bobble, Batman, Gun.Smoke, Bionic Commando, Castlevania, Castlevania 3, Blaster Master, Ninja Gaiden, Smash TV. All 5 star games that weren't mentioned.

[@Pixelmusement]

Dragon Warrior IV is the best of the four NES DW/DQ games because it was truly epic in scope for the time, where a total of FIVE storylines all come together on the same world with all kinds of extra mechanics and details thrown in, not to mention the DQ monster designs are some of the best out there. As for other NES games I would consider 5-star: Bubble Bobble (arcade is better but NES is not brutally hard), The Guardian Legend, Mega Man III (best MM music alongside MM2 plus introduction of Protoman), and Super C.

[@RossTaylor510]

My 5 star game is bionic commando. I wish it was a tiny bit more difficult but it's fine I'll play it again and again. It's unique, engaging, and the music is great too.

[@dman7895]

love the list and review videos, nice trips down memory lane and i always learn something

[@EriChanTheRetroGamerNerd]

My pick for obscure 5-star game: Magic of Scherazade. It's the only game I know of from any generation where you can take out loans to take night classes, bribe the professor to pass you, have a loan shark come kill you for not paying off your loan, continue, and pay off your loan by going into the past, planting a money tree, and returning to the present. Also, the plot twist at the very end is my favorite plot twist of any 8-bit game ever, and the only puzzle I can think of in a JRPG that makes you pay attention to the story. :)

[@hellboundTX333]

For me Castlevania 3, Goonies 2, and Shadowgate are definitely 5 stars.

[@Joe-dy1qv]

Love these kind of videos Mr Riggs keep ‘em rolling

[@Joe-dy1qv]

And I get I like from the master? Life is good 😎

[@shorterrecording]

I have 20 rated 5 stars as well. They are: 1. Contra 2. Mega Man 2 3. The Legend of Zelda 4. Maniac Mansion 5. Jackal 6. Ninja Gaiden 7. Super Mario 2 8. DuckTales 9. Tecmo Super Bowl 10. Little Samson 11. Super Mario Bros. 12. RBI Baseball 13. Castlevania 14. Tetris 15. 1943: The Battle of Midway 16. Bionic Commando 17. Gun.Smoke 18. Shatterhand 19. Gun Nac 20. Little Nemo: The Dream Master

[@GAMECLOSET]

I’m sitting here editing my next video, watching this video. John, there’s several games here that I remember playing at my friends’ houses back in the day. Most still hold up today. Good stuff.

[@shadowvash07]

Batman for the NES is absolutely a 5 star game, and a surprise that it wasn't on this list.

[@andreupelachs115]

Guardian Legend, Tecmo Cup Soccer Game, Ninja Gaiden/Shadow Warrior, Mega Man 3, Solar Jetman, Solstice or Double Dragon 2 are some of the games who I'm missing in that list.

[@HiNRGboy]

cool another Solstice fan!! It's one of my favorites!

[@patrickhein6986]

TMNT II - The Arcade Game, Mega Man 3 and Chip`n`Dale are 3 more Games that I also would personally put on a 5 Star List.

[@zrayburton]

All great games!

[@blademaster7879]

Bucky O Hare is definitely a 5 star game. It's probably overlooked because it's a late gen title and very expensive. Thankfully, I bought it for 5 bucks in the 90s and hung on to it.

[@businesscat380]

Seems an oddly short list...there's no: - Adventures of Lolo - Batman - Blaster master - Bionic commando - Castlevania 1 or 3 - Crystalis - Guardian Legend - Gun-Nac - Jackal - Lifeforce - Little Nemo - Little Samson - Metroid - Ninja gaiden 1,2 or 3 - R.C. Pro Am - Shatterhand - StarTropics - Tetris ...all those are worthy of consideration

[@MaxOakland]

Yes to Kirby, Contra, SMB, SMB3, Zelda, Mega Man II (has the best music), River City, Gimmick!, But where’s Wario’s Woods, Batman?

[@erikrosenquist9839]

Timeless classics, John.

[@harrimanpd]

I’ve legitimately played Blades of Steel throughout every phase of my life. That is absolutely a five star game. Beyond iconic, and to this day will elicit rivalries between friends that are hard to surpass in any competitive medium.

[@danbauer3669]

I always preferred Ice Hockey but Blades of Steel is excellent!

[@jst25]

The problem is that NHL94 was so good that everyone forget everything before it.

[@TheLadsBandLive]

Blades of Steel deserves more love.

[@bilbobagginz2794]

Great topic idea John!! I am still in love with all these great NES games! Gi Joe is probably my favorite out of any of these and I am glad it got some attention cuz I feel it’s under appreciated a bit. Have a great day !

[@BobMcdynamite]

Dusty Diamond's All-Star Softball is still my favorite arcade sports game of all time. The ridiculous characters, their superpowers, and the quirky rules from the different fields are perfect.

[@ridesq]

Gotta have Diablo on every team.

[@tripleog4620]

5 star game 10 stars if it had a season mode I hope somebody hacks it

[@CardboardBots]

No Tetris? No Dr. Mario? Double Dragon II? Final Fantasy?

[@djeclipse1977]

I rented Baseball Stars so many times. Besides great baseball gameplay (for it’s time) the unique teams kept me coming back. Ghastly Monster team FTW

[@toddbegin5217]

Come on John, Kirby’s adventure was the second game!! Let’s get that retro knowledge going lol

[@RyuDaBurninator]

The Guardian Legend would be on my list!

[@mvgsports]

Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat...it's like Super Off Road with real tracks and pit stops...awesome stuff and I only discovered it in 2016.

[@coorhagon7236]

Also, it's the best 4 player game on the nes

[@michaelaker1621]

Castlevania III, Double Dragon II, Metal Gear, Rockin Cats, Super Dodge Ball, Ninja Gaiden II, Mega Man III, Batman, Ice Hockey, Chip And Dale Rescue Rangers...out of all of these Rockin Cats is like a forgotten classic because it came out so late in the NES's run.

[@randomhero4198]

Smooth advertising transition 👍

[@danbauer3669]

Maniac Mansion is so good! I think it's funny that you must use Dave, but Bernard is optional and yet he is the only character to return for the sequel, the great and excellent Day of the Tentacle!

[@djbloodshot]

Blaster master Jackal Zelda 1 and 2 Double dragon 2 Batman Battletoads Metroid How these aren't on the list is perplexing to say the least

[@danbauer3669]

Yeah, Double Dragon II

[@bradsweeney8695]

Bionic Commando is my pic for the most fun game on the NES. Its 5 star gameplay makes it the Factor Box of NES games.

[@brunch1572]

Games I would add to the list: Batman, Bucky O' Hare, Chip 'n Dale, Dragon Quest 3, Final Fantasy, Guardian Legend, Little Nemo, Little Samson, Metroid, Shatterhand, Super C, Tetris. I love the Castlevanias and the Ninja Gaidens but I think their difficulty keeps them from being 5 star for all but the most hardcore/masochistic players.

[@Wyrdwad]

Crystalis 100% deserves to be on this list. I'd say maybe Faxanadu as well, though that's a bit iffier -- Crystalis is absolutely 5-star-worthy, while Faxanadu is a bit more up in the air. Still, I think it's worth a mention. Also, despite the difficulty... Battletoads. Battletoads is a 5-star game, through and through. It's a game most of us have never beaten, but I really think everybody loved TRYING to beat it back in the day. I know I sure did! And it was crazy fun to play 2-player. And of course, WAY more Sunsoft games deserve to be on this list. Everybody and their mother is going to suggest Batman, so allow me to suggest Gremlins 2: The New Batch instead. There's absolutely nothing about that game that ISN'T 5-star-worthy -- it's an unsung Sunsoft title, but a deserving choice for any list of top-shelf NES games nonetheless.

[@georged7627]

Cobra triangle, Total recall, kabuki Quantum Fighter, Snake rattle and roll and Soltice NES 🙏🏽

[@OG-SherlockHolmes]

Tetris, Battletoads, the Ultra version of TMNT, Snake rattle n roll, Rainbow islands,Metroid, and Doctor Mario would be on my list.

[@PurpleSanz]

It makes me so happy to see Guerrilla War on this list. Besides being so much fun, its OST is AMAZING!!!!!!

[@basedcatholic4479]

Baseball Stars is ABSOLUTELY a 5 Star game. The key thing you missed is the RPG aspect of it, where you play league games and buy and sell players. That game is a legend.

[@dragongamer2670]

For me "Snake Rattle N Roll" was a 5 Star game easily. Another "Robo Warrior" awesome bomber man type of game - "Guerilla War" was one of my favorite NES games (Def 5 Stars), "Master Blaster" easily 5 Star game and also "Star Tropics" you get a letter you have to dip in water to progress (Need more unique games like this). "kickle cubicle" another cool action puzzle game. "Super Mario Brothers 2" Loved the Dream concept and always wanted to see more of these enemy's used in a later Mario brother game. Come on aren't we all tired of fighting Bowser? Might be cool to see Bowser actually be playable and helping the Mario Team and working together against a new bad guy.

[@cozmicmojo2181]

GIJoe 2 The Atlantis factor was a 5 star game easily. The production is phenomenal. The music, the effects, the artwork, the variable path to the end of the game, the revised map system from Bionic Commando.. It was fantastic. Such a great game. That boss music haunts my dreams.

[@koffieleut]

Hey John, maybe they meant the Tengen Ms. Pac-Man because it contains a 2 player co-op and the mazes are different than the official version. Oh and my 5 star games for the NES are: Chip and Dale rescue rangers Blaster Master Adventures of Lolo (series') Darkwing Duck Fire and Ice Galaga Gradius Kickle Cubicle New Ghostbusters 2 Ninja Garden 3 Turtles 3

[@dreamlandnightmare]

Super Mario Brothers 3 and Mega Man 2 are probably my only 5-star games for the NES. Several 4.5s, but the aforementioned 2 are my only 5s.

[@richardgolob4738]

I go through all the NES Dragon Warriors (I - IV) every few years or so. Out of all the games in the series IV is almost certainly my fave.

[@michaelstewart593]

Back to the Future should have been a 5-Star in Pat’s book. The only reason it wasn’t was because no one can break my World Record High Score. Haters gonna hate. Can’t wait to see the review in the Part 2 vid!