I have been reflecting lately what are my personal favorite NES game as of late due to not being a particularly deep thinker.
Here is my list. I'm not saying they are empirical the best NES titles; rather, these are the titles that have meant the most to me:
1.) Super Mario Bros 3
-When it comes right down to it, I would nominate that as the best game of all time. It forever shaped the Mario franchise as well as all platformers in general moving forward. It was an amazing Christmas present.
2.) Dragon Warrior IV
-It was the game that truly got me into JRPGs. It felt massive when playing it for the first time, & the amount of story, the unique storytelling, as well the challenge still holds up.
3.) Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
-Multiple paths. Multiple endings. The ability to transfer into different characters with their own unique powers. For me, this is STILL my favorite Castlevania game.
4.) The Legend of Zelda
-A game that needs to be on everyone's list, I'd wager. The game represents my unadulterated sense of wonder, exploration, and puzzling solving.
5.) Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos
-The fifth spot is when an all time NES list for me can start being swapped out depending on my mood. TODAY, I remember renting this game over and over again to take on the challenge and pure fun of being a ninja. The cut scenes. The gameplay. Highly addictive.