Lists

11 games

The hardest NES games

The ones that taught a generation patience. Every one is fair once you know it. Getting to know it is the hard part.

  1. Ninja Gaiden

    1988 · NES · Famicom

    Birds that knock you into pits, and a final boss that sends you back three stages if you lose.

  2. Battletoads

    1991 · NES · Famicom

    The Turbo Tunnel. Two-player mode lets you hit each other, which doesn't help.

  3. Ghosts 'n Goblins

    1986 · NES · Famicom

    Two hits and you're in your underpants, three and you're dead. Then you do it all twice.

  4. Castlevania

    1986 · NES · Famicom · Famicom Disk System

    Knockback into pits, Medusa heads, and Death at the top of the clock tower.

  5. Contra

    1988 · NES · Famicom

    One hit and you're gone. That's why the code exists.

  6. Mega Man

    1987 · NES · Famicom

    The first one: no E-tanks, no passwords, and the Yellow Devil.

  7. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

    1989 · NES · Famicom

    Branching paths, four heroes, and the Japanese version is easier.

  8. Silver Surfer

    1990 · NES

    Die when you touch anything, including scenery. The music is incredible, which is a small comfort.

  9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    1989 · NES · Famicom

    The underwater dam level with the timer and the electric seaweed.

  10. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

    1987 · NES · Famicom Disk System

    The Great Palace, and a game over that sends you back to the start of the map.

  11. Bionic Commando

    1988 · NES · Famicom

    Without a jump, every gap needs a plan.