My Top 10 Favorite NES Games

I did the SNES recently so I figured I might as well do the NES as well. I list my top 10 favorite games for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
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Opening 3D Logo By:
Jan Neves
KZbin Page - / jan3d
Episode Notes:
1. Zelda II was not a favorite of mine. I played quite a bit of it, but it just didn't have the appeal of the first.
2. I loved Mario 3, and while it added some great new stuff itself, I much preferred the gameplay of part 2.
3. Despite my fondness for Punch Out! here, I disliked the SNES Super Punch Out! quite a bit. The expanded gameplay was fine but the cast was terrible and I hated the music and art design.
4. Double Dragon II and Pro Wrestling just missed this list.
5. The Japanese Famicom versions of a few of these games have additions like cinemas and different music.
6. Tecmo, Capcom and Konami were my favorite developers on the NES.
7. Once the Genesis arrived, my NES went immediately on the backburner. I played very few games on it unless they were of extremely high quality.
8. While I like the Master System quite a bit, I prefer the NES library overall.
9. Tecmo Super Bowl is an awesome game as well. It gets updated with new rosters all the time.
10. Despite their incredible popularity, I never cared much for the NES Mega Man titles. I felt that series didn't truly get great for me until Mega Man X.

[@gilbertacosta7434]

Love how you describe the feeling of your parents buying a game for you since it was out of the ordinary. My father recently passed but I'll always love thinking about not only going to Blockbuster with him to rent games, but that awesome feeling when we'd both go to Toys'R'Us to actually purchase a game. You had to make that one count 😄 Gonna really miss him. R.I.P. Pop's 😇

[@vintagepennies6899]

Rest easy, pops.

[@hammiranda]

Farewell to the General 👮‍♂️

[@jaredwhite200]

Man I loved my NES as a kid. My favorite games were Super Mario bros 1,2 & 3, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man 2 & Castlevania

[@carllavery4442]

I must admit I've noticed when going back to NES games I always gravitate to Mario Bros 2 before the others. Nice surprise seeing Rygar at the top, such a brilliant game with plenty of variety and it used to creep me out with the Dr Jekyll music that came out of nowhere

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

Some of the best memories are playing NES with my big brother. Playing Contra together was something very special.

[@bransonbenson9520]

Guerrilla War for me and my bro lol

[@Nov-5062]

Glad I'm not the only one who enjoyed Super Mario Bros. 2 the most out of the trilogy as a kid.

[@matthewhall6288]

Such an underrated game. Who cares if it isn't the "real" SMB2?

[@neobogard]

@@matthewhall6288 I know right. And it was soo much better than the "real" super Mario Bros 2 Japan Got.

[@worsel555]

To be honest I didn't like it as a kid, it was just too far out there in terms of being a sequel and the same goes for Zelda II. Later on in life I started to like them more and appreciate what a crazy time they were made in as there was no mold so to speak on what any of the franchises would be like gameplay wise. Yes, I know SMB2 is a re-skinned Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic but Nintendo could have very well said "This is the direction all our future Mario games are going in!", and to anyone who yells "It's not a Mario game!" keep this in mind: a LOT of the enemies and characters in SMB2 have been in future Mario releases, it's a Mario game :)

[@MeanMrMustard1]

Same here. SMB 2 is my fav Mario on the NES.

[@Gatorade69]

I loved it but I also loved Super Mario Bros 3. However SMB2 was the only one both I and my mom were able to beat.

[@rahimtx]

I finally found someone that can appreciate the greatness of Rygar. I've found people in the past that have put it on their top100 or 50 lists, but never number 1. Rygar too is my favorite NES game. The music from Sagilia's cave is arguably my favorite game track of all time. Super Mario Bros 2 is also my favorite game out of the series. Most everybody else usually have Mario 3 on their top ten lists. Great list and video. 👍

[@aguilerajohn]

rahimtx are you me??

[@blackmanjrpg17]

Rygar is a classic....who wouldn't appreciate it?

[@darinherrick2503]

I'm just happy I finally know what that game is. I played it at age 7 and forgot the name. Been wondering ever since and for a few years thought it was Zelda II. Now I heard the music and realized what it was. I may have to get a real NES for this game at some point, though being able to resume my game does make emulation kind of appealing. I'd like to actually finish the game.

[@ravagingwolverine]

Cool. He talked about his experience with Rygar in another video as well, and probably more in depth as well. May be worth a look if you haven't seen it.

[@rahimtx]

@@blackmanjrpg17 I would have to say people that have played it most likely like the game, but probably don't hold in high regard as Sega and I do.

[@greatgoen2125]

Still have my NES and still play the games. My favorite system ever made.

[@DIVIDEDNATION]

It's the greatest console ever made in terms of impact and being ahead of it's competition. The PS2 normally gets that title but the Xbox was arguably the better console. The NES saved the industry

[@KISSFan1977]

My best friend had the NES growing up while I had the SMS we felt it was the best of both worlds! and it was due too my love of Zelda that I ended up getting Golvellius and man did I love it!

[@TheJadeFist]

Do you still have the master system?

[@airjordan4ever]

@@TheJadeFist I had Golvellius too. That was one of the best SMS games!

[@Ryan-dh7rr]

I was in Sega's camp when growing up but my cousins has a NES. Similar to my SMS library, they mainly had 2 player co-op titles so they could both play at the same time. My memories of NES were Dr Mario, Sidewinder, Double Dragon 2, TMNT The Arcade Game, and River City Ransom (called Street Gangs here in AU).

[@briansmith8361]

I once had Rygar on "long term loan" from a classmate of mine. This was in the early 90s, a few years after this game's heyday. I liked it, and eventually finished it. My only complaint was there were no saves and no passwords, meaning that this was a rather long game that had to be finished in one sitting. Still a great game, though.

[@jc.1191]

Sounds like another one that would be great with savestates.

[@mr_5lade]

The music on the moon level of Duck Tales 😍. Incredible times.

[@chrisgould101]

Dam wish I played this game I loved ducktales lol

[@jc.1191]

The moon level was awesome

[@jamesaitchison9478]

I played my NES well into the 90's and loved it.

[@773p]

Absolute classics the nostalgia is in full bloom today

[@hualni]

I'm on quarantine. So to pass the time, I am revisiting the Dragon Warrior/Quest series. I just beat Dragon Warrior 1 again this evening. Tomorrow, I'm starting Dragon Warrior II. When I finish that one, It's on to III. Then IV. I beat the series a long time ago. They tell a great story. If I'm still locked down after I finish IV, I'll start Final Fantasy again and beat I again.

[@shanekelley3064]

I still play my nes often. Hooked up to a crt tv.

[@worsel555]

*Salutes* Good job.

[@atranfanatic]

I have about 17 consoles including my NES hooked up to a 27" CRT TV. Game on man!

[@krisfrederick5001]

I played Mario 3 yesterday. I have my retron

[@SuperBoomshack]

Me too

[@megamob5834]

Shane Kelley same here. Still have my og nes from like 30 years ago. Been my best friend during this quarantine

[@miamimagicians]

All the Contras all the Zeldas all the Mario’s all the double dragons the ninja Gaidon’s. This is super Nintendo and Sega Genesis hold a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed the N64 in the PlayStation but it was kind of the end for me

[@brocksamson9737]

Gained yourself a new subscriber. Watching this brought back some good memories of the early nineties sitting in my living room on those late weekend nights playing NES. Good times my friend. Good times .

[@marlbear]

Thanks for keeping me entertained. Keep em coming 👍🏼

[@bobbydazzler329]

Some of my favorite games on the NES were underrated gems like Solar Jetman, Burai Fighter, Wizards and Warriors, Faxanadu and Gremlins 2

[@HeathenDance]

Love Faxanadu! Was so fucking happy when I finished it, my hands were trembling!

[@robertdanker6193]

OHHHHHH the sweet sounds of Batman NES!!!! Sooooo good!!👍👍👍

[@marcjones3789]

Loving the mass of videos!! Making this lockdown more bearable!

[@JohnDoe-wq5eu]

Back when Nintendo could do no wrong. (And of course I mean that figuratively not literally) The NES and SNES were truly incredible times.

[@mr_5lade]

John Doe right?

[@vincenthammons-kd9du]

nintendo 64 was also great after that it went down hill

[@txray3409]

@@vincenthammons-kd9du N64 was trash. What are you talking about hahah

[@juljuldur241]

How can you do such amount if vidéos? Juste watched your last one this morning and there is already another one? And always with this quality! Hats off to Sega Lord X!

[@juljuldur241]

Of videos of course!

[@JonathonTheAsshole]

A lot of us kind of have some spare time on our hands at the moment due to "world events".

[@arcticridge]

He's a lord for a reason!

[@Halbared]

arcticridge aye lad, he had a vassal do it.

[@johanoberg1157]

it's game footage over a voice recording, not very complex

[@aroundthefur1210]

I love hearing the intro yo your videos, it gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling I get right before I really enjoy something.

[@arkdov]

This is a great top ten list which includes Super Mario Bros 2 my favorite Mario game of all time.

[@eckomind]

Your videos are so invaluable during these crazy times we are living in. It's fun to reminisce of the good old days. Thank you very much!

[@johnbakasmoothhotchocolate]

I still play my NES even to today. I love my Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers, DuckTales, Mario Bros 2, the Mega Man titles, and I actually like Bayou Billy on there as well.

[@lcisneros7182]

Great job with this list. And your narrative is impressive. Makes me feel nostalgic of the wonderful times as full of happy memories! Timeless! Keep up the good work 👌👍🙏!!!

[@apocalypticminister1369]

You must have read my mind! I was thinking, "Hey, Sega Lord X needs to do a NES vid! These are my favorites and I had to have them all in my collection! Great job brother😎

[@razzledazzle4934]

Bro your videos are Awesome! Ive never seen one i didnt like. Your really good at this youtube thing

[@AlexElectric9001]

I am loving the daily vids Sega Lord. You are going to gain a lot of subscribers keep it up dude!

[@jessehilton1337]

Rygar. God bless you. Might have the best music of any NES game, and that is saying something. Incredible list by the way

[@jeffm5056]

The Rygar soundtrack is still one of my favorites.

[@CSGraves]

Hell yeah. I used to make up dumb lyrics while playing the game on the fly. :-p

[@midwestmonster9886]

The main theme from Rygar is lifted from Flash Gordon (1980). Queen did the soundtrack.

[@dragonator1012]

The cave,tower, and final temple are the best

[@CharlesHepburn2]

Had a similar experience with Rygar on NES. A somehow entrancing game that draws you in with its charm. Music sticks in my head from decades ago. Very under-rated.

[@jessez924]

this video is wholesome af my guy. i share almost the exact same top10 for this system. still have those games today! never heard of rygar though

[@GlassICE]

I was Skeptical of your channel at first but the more i've seen Wowww i love it my man

[@philwalkercounselling]

Great to hear this. I'll check out some of these. Particularly enjoyed hearing your thoughts about super Mario 2.

[@TheUballe]

Thanks for entertaining us during these depressing times, bud. Stay safe and healthy!

[@Halbared]

Revisiting this video. Such a lovely list.

[@edge6441]

Love your vids keep em coming!

[@buzzy-ears]

I loved Rygar and made it to the final boss without walkthroughs. The fight was so difficult, I just couldn't handle his undodgable attacks. I looked it up, and it turns out that due to memory limitations of the PAL system, you can't expand your max health enough to beat him, like in the NTSC version. Turning the NES off without beating that asshat was harder than the game itself.

[@colinbaldwin3278]

Great video, great list of games too man!!

[@thatwasprettyneat]

This was one of the best Top 10 NES videos I've seen.

[@GlassICE]

Sega Lord You are a Sorcerer my man Excellent videos you have

[@oleksiikoval3486]

Man, I've expected to see something like Mario Bros 3, Chip&Dale or something like these at the end. You have really surprised me! Thanx!

[@brentgranger7856]

A list of 10 great games, but my list cannot be missing "Mega Man 2."

[@Lifesizemortal]

It's the only MegaMan that isn't so frustrating that's its actually possible to beat

[@kevinrhea7332]

Try 3,, other best/easiest one , 4 and five when you’ve beaten 2 and three, mm1 is impossible for me , 6 is boring, who cares after x

[@shinjiblack9460]

ya beat me to it, I was wondering the whole time during this video "where is megaman gonna come in" and was honestly shocked when i didnt see it.

[@benvanasdale6273]

@@shinjiblack9460 SLX has said that MM isn't one of his favorite series, I think.

[@davidaitken8503]

Other awesome games from the same team that made Powerblade are S.C.A.T., Shadow of the Ninja, and probably my favorite NES game Shatterhand.

[@pda1799]

Hey, another great list, SLorX:) like!

[@whosaidthat84]

I love how every time you show a football game it's always the Cowboys and Niners 😂 feels like the 90s all over again.

[@MaidenHell1977]

kick ass list!! love it dude!

[@fishfire_2999]

That Mario video game sound will forever be in my head .

[@shaneoid361]

I'd love to go back in time and buy you a bunch of sealed NES games. Your personal stories in your videos are really touching. Thanks.

[@dangelini1137]

Great presentation as always.

[@azuza2525]

Great video man. I love that your favorite game on the NES isn't one of the normally heard ones.

[@dankusanovic]

Excellent list! Just missed metal gear and metroid. Nice editing, keep up the good work.

[@j-stilt9746]

What do you mean "missed" Metal Gear and Metroid? This is not your list...

[@felipegcs]

"Hi, I'm Nintendo Lord X"

[@acecarrera1]

You're on a roll, keep up the good work! Personally, there were 3 NES games that captured my imagination back in the day.They are Contra, Airwolf (Japanese version) and Rad Racer.

[@jacobwebb2623]

"DuckTales" is my all-time favorite! Great video!

[@araknair9605]

Great list, I was lucky enough enough to play most when I first started emulating which quickly turned into collecting.

[@LeStryfe]

There was no video game crash. It was an Atari crash, which was over 5 years old. Commodore, Apple, and arcades were doing well, and the Famicom came out in 83.

[@ynotspank1]

Great vid!

[@Coxtheman]

Class video my man! I’m going for a full Nes European collection! Rygar one of my favs from my childhood! 👍🏼

[@kryptonrider]

What a great video as always, & the ending of every videos of yours, LOVE IT! Batman for Genesis (Mega Drive in my case) was 1 of my best experiences with the system! I still remember I was like, “WOA BATMOBILE!” then “WOA BATWING!!!” 🤯 I used to maximize my batarang stock at Stage 3 Flugelheim Museum (at the 2nd pit area, quite a few - climb - & - drop - to make the game keep replenishing that item with Batman logo on it) whenever I played it so I’ll have more than enough stock of rockets for the Batmobile & the Batwing stages, hahaha! 🤣 I still remember my little brother who used to cheer while watching me playing games always said when I did this part, “Oh here we go again with the boring part.” Then he’ll just wandered off somewhere until I called him back, “I’m ready!” 😜

[@RolandoMarreroPR]

Surprised Pro Wrestling wasn’t on the list! Rygar was on my 2nd chance game list along with Bionic Commando. I was really surprised the 2nd time I played it and learned to grind it level up then explore. Found out how deep and varied this game was! I had a Master System but the great NES games couldn’t be ignored! I sold a few of my SMS games to get an used NES. Good times!

[@SegaLordX]

Pro Wrestling was close. A number 11 or 12 for sure.

[@larrythebatmanfan]

Good video sega lord x . Supriseing i got my nes when i was a kid . We had some friends that passed it onto me and my brother. But i was into gaming more than my brother was . Didnt have a huge library of games though . Only around 20 or so games for the nes !!!

[@Hyde209]

Great list man 😃 I agree on so many of your picks for this one. Calling myself a SEGA fan it feels a bit akward, but the NES is without a doubt my nr 2 favourite console of all time. So many great titles.

[@bhvideo8154]

Totally agree be with your choices or games here! I love all the Mario games, but Super Mario 2 has always been my favorite as it's so different and yet endlessly fun! I remember getting sealed NES games only on occasion as well and it was a rare joy back then that still makes me smile today when I play my NES. Getting Capcom's Legendary Wings for a birthday gift was really awesome. How I wish I would have kept all those beautiful boxes, manuals and handy dust sleeves for better storage. 🤦‍♂️

[@mymusic3354]

NES was my first console, this is a great list, all very good, my main jam is still my genesis but the NES. had several great games as well!

[@Daxsmoker]

Rygar was the first game I learned about grinding. I killed this one mob over and to max my dude out then beat the game I was like 8.

[@Joe-yq3dc]

Personally I sat there and killed those green flying dragon things in the forest for like 20 minutes so I could even stand a chance against the boss.

[@rahimtx]

It took me a while to realize grinding was apart of this game. I was stuck on the boss in the forest for a long time.

[@theunkemptvaper6866]

Great video brother

[@bdanka50]

Of course we could all say "no SMB3??"... But I'm happy to see the variety of your list. Well done.

[@j-stilt9746]

No, we can't say that because this is HIS list. A lot of people liked 2 best. I prefer 3, but it's not like it's unheard of.

[@adamphillip5305]

Great list, might be the first time ever i've not seen Mario 3 in a NES top 10 lol.

[@JanTheMangaMan]

Thats a pretty solid list. I was honestly so shocked ti see Rygar at the top. I remember giving it a go a couple times in my oast but never got too far. Maybe ill give it a proper chance soon to see what its all about. Great list. Konami really was at their peak during this era

[@nike80nl]

Many hours ive spent on this sweet entertainment system 👌. It's a big part of my childhood ❤️

[@plaidigloo]

Rygar is a lot of fun. Thanks for the video.

[@icefireicefire105]

SLX. Fantastic vid and Line up of games.

[@Riz2336]

You got a lot of classics on here, myself though I would pick Mario 3 over 2

[@ChrispyThings]

Subscribed solely based on your #1 pick. That would’ve been my choice too. I loved that game as a kid.

[@atranfanatic]

Dude we have the same favorite game for the NES, Rygar! I love that game and have beaten it multiple times. My record is just over 3 hours from start to finish. And of course had the most epic and killer soundtrack than any game. And Castlevania 3 is my favorite of that franchise on the NES as well. And Batman is killer, I just suck at it. Lol Cool video man!

[@Sinn0100]

Wow...now this is interesting. The Nes was truly a marvel of its time. Like you, I was/still am a Sega fan for life. I got my Nes the same Christmas that I got my Master System. Even though I loved my Master System far more you have to give credit where credit is due. Addendum- Ninja Gaiden is my all time favorite Nes game. I remember buying it with my own money a month before I got my Sega Genesis in '89. Even when I had my Genesis, I still played Ninja Gaiden quite regularly.

[@daryldarichuk2149]

Yooooo... I couldn't for the life of me remember the name for #1 (Rygar). Always had memories of it, but no clue where to find the name of the title. Thank you!!

[@aipaloovik]

Between two of the Castlevania III music, Clock Tower and Mad Forest are my ringtones.

[@stixx925]

my Faves in no particular order. Contra1 & 2, TMNT the arcade, Gunsmoke, Mario 2 and 3. TL of Zelda, MT punch-out, Battle toads, blastermaster, and metroid. and many of which I still have to this day.

[@thefifthdoctor6780]

Great list, I’m still using my nes via retrotink 2x pro which is great. Patiently waiting for the new mini nt v2.

[@CherrySquishee]

Ahhh memories... loved your choice of the top 10. Rygar for me was good, but not in my top 5. Ninja Gaiden, SMB 3, River City Ransom, Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles, and Contra were mine. Appreciate the content and stay sane!

[@MaccDaKnife]

I'm so happy right now. Thanks.

[@thavashgovender4345]

Holy crap....I remember playing Rygar only once as kid in the arcades (must have been around 89), and always remembered it , but sadly never got it on the NES. Now I’m gonna go play it on emu

[@TransKingFormers]

what crazy about nintendo back then and how much crazy popular it was during that era is that my mom and most moms thought every console was called nintendo example im playing sega genesis or playstation and to her they were called nintendo's too lol and im am a lil surprised you chose original tecmo bowl over tecmo super bowl anyways great video like always keep up the great work and keep these videos coming!

[@codybalthrop]

Great list! Rygar is criminally underrated!

[@thisisakodibox2635]

Rygar - I see you are man of culture. I played the hell out of it on an old apple II green monochrome monitor back in the day. Still loved every moment of it. I miss the 8 bit era. It was during the time were hardware was powerful but not quite if that makes sense. It forced the developers hands to create unique game mechanics instead of falling back on graphics

[@blackmanjrpg17]

Glad you put this list up....I've been going retro gaming for a few months now....right now playing Crystalis 🤘 EDIT: Just beat Ninja Gaiden 😂

[@estebancruz6194]

Nice. I've been trying to get pass level 6-2/6-3 of Ninja Gaiden for the last 3 days...

[@blackmanjrpg17]

@@estebancruz6194 It took me 3 days to get past 6-3....only because I raged quit on the first day😂

[@PlatinumWolvesArcade]

Because of that game, I sometimes see things fall and the death music goes through my head. That is how much I played it back then. I fear playing it again for that same reason. 🐺😂

[@megamob5834]

Black Man JRPG my copy of NG is on its way from eBay. Can’t wait to (hopefully) join you in that honor

[@rahimtx]

Crystalis is an excellent game. I beat it when I was younger.

[@IMDLEGEND]

I never had an NES as a kid. I was busy gaming on my Apple IIe until I got my Genesis in 1989. Now I have a hacked SNES classic that includes the NES classic games and many others. I also have a NES/SNES/Genesis clone, but have yet to actually purchase an NES game for it.

[@LuisSantos-xj3rg]

i love your videos , one of my favorite Nes games is Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu.

[@sndwav2049]

Yes! Rygar! Gun Smoke is still one of all-time favourites, as well.

[@fawkkyutuu8851]

Good list. Super Dodge Ball would've been on mine.

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

Mario 2 is my favourite of the trilogy as well. If Mario 3 was roughly the same length as opposed to being four hours long, that would have topped it for me.

[@petermacnab1871]

Nice list. I would need to have all of the SMB games in the top 3 .

[@Harkness78]

My top 10 in order: castlevania 3, Contra, Legend of Zelda, Super mario 3, mega man 3, Jackal, Ice Hockey, River City Ransom, DuckTales, Track and Field II

[@HeathenDance]

Top notch list. I only found out about Rygar in recent years, when someone realized that the title screen soundtrack of the infamous Doctor Jekyll and Myster Hyde is the same as the one displayed here, on this video. By the way, I also agree with you on this: Super Mario Bros. 2 over SMB 3, definitely, for all the reasons mentioned and some. I do think Super C is better than the original Contra, except for the soundtrack. But they are both great.

[@shiningwizard327]

Dude! Ever game you mentioned is a game that I have memories for when I was a kid! We have the exact same taste in NES games it seems lol

[@ChrisGorski]

Very cool to see NES content on your channel. Great list, too. It's a good mix of all-time classics and your #1 being a well regarded, but often forgotten game. What's your take on Mega Man? A video on the Wily Wars would be awesome

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

Mega Man NES games are great, with 4 being the peak.