Nintendo has evolved significantly in recent years, delivering visually stunning games that can be quite heavy on the wallet. However, their classic titles remain timeless treasures, accessible for gamers on any budget.
In many discussions, these classic games are viewed as art pieces—historical artifacts celebrated for their impact rather than just being seen as enjoyable entertainment. This perspective is worthy of consideration, as the charm and nostalgia they bring continue to resonate with players.
Today, I want to highlight eight of the most remarkable platformers released by Nintendo in the 1980s and 1990s. Each of these games has the potential to grace modern indie game platforms and achieve success, which speaks volumes about their enduring appeal.
Having enjoyed these games for over three decades, I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet fully explored them to take the time to appreciate their uniqueness and fun. You may discover a gem that brings back joyful memories or creates new ones.
10 Super Mario Bros.2 (US)
Life Could Be A Dream
Super Mario Bros.2 is often overshadowed by its origins as a reskin of Doki Doki Panic, yet it remains a monumental title in Mario’s lineage and offers a truly entertaining experience. This game introduced iconic characters like Shy Guys and showcased the distinctive abilities of Luigi, Peach, and Toad, providing a whimsical journey through its vibrant world.
My preferred choice is Luigi, as his ability to glide past obstacles creates a delightful speedrun feel. While I find the crouching and grabbing mechanic somewhat disruptive, overall, it’s a wonderfully eccentric platformer that deserves recognition.
9 Super Mario Bros.3
Nearly Modern
Super Mario Bros.3 defies its age by feeling remarkably modern, even to players who may be unfamiliar with the franchise. The game artfully utilizes all eight worlds, presenting unique environments that resonate well even today. Its flexible world map allows players to approach levels in their preferred sequence, adding a layer of customization to the experience.
The introduction of the Super Leaf enhances gameplay by granting the ability to fly over obstacles, revealing hidden secrets for skilled players. The level design cleverly encourages experimentation and exploration, making each playthrough feel fresh.
8 Kirby’s Adventure
Puffed Up
As the second entry in the franchise, Kirby’s Adventure defined the essence of Kirby, pushing the NES to its limits while remaining a charming and uncompromised experience. The variety of copy abilities adds depth to the gameplay, and the boss battles provide the right amount of challenge to keep players engaged.
Despite some minor performance hiccups, they do not detract from the overall enjoyment. For Kirby enthusiasts who may have skipped this title or opted for the remake, I highly recommend giving it a try for a truly innovative gaming experience.
7 Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Mixing Things Up
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards attempted a bold concept that has yet to be replicated in the series, allowing players to combine any two copy abilities for unique interactions. While some of the 35 abilities may not shine, the thrill of experimenting with combinations is undeniably engaging.
The game features signature Kirby elements: delightful characters, exceptional level design, and catchy music. Boss encounters, especially with Miracle Matter, add a special touch to the experience.
6 Yoshi’s Story
A Closed Book
Yoshi’s Story stands out as a rare two-dimensional game for the N64, impressively using CG models that maintain a visually striking appeal even today. The gameplay remains true to its predecessor while refining audio elements with a whimsical soundtrack that evolves throughout the game.
Though it might carry some typical N64 quirks, the artistic charm and attention to visual detail make Yoshi’s Story a delightful experience, particularly as players navigate colorful environments.
5 Kirby Super Star
Everything All At Once
In a display of creative prowess, the developers of Kirby Super Star packed multiple high-quality experiences into a single game. Players can enjoy a remake of Kirby’s Dream Land, a traditionally structured game, a captivating racing mode filled with great music, and an open-ended exploration experience.
The introduction of partners who assist during the journey adds another layer of enjoyment, making co-op play a memorable aspect of this brilliant compilation. The varied gameplay styles and engaging mechanics make it an unforgettable title.
4 Super Metroid
Genre-Defining
Super Metroid is often hailed as the gold standard for Metroidvania games, showcasing remarkable ambition and design that continues to resonate with players today. The game’s atmospheric world provides an open yet subtly guided exploration experience that keeps players engaged without holding their hand.
While the controls may feel slightly janky by modern standards, they cleverly maximize the capabilities of the controller. Learning to execute advanced techniques, such as wall jumping and bomb jumping, adds an extra layer of satisfaction to gameplay.
3 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
Drawn To Life
Utilizing the SuperFX chip, Yoshi’s Island delivers an exceptional visual and gameplay experience that surpasses expectations for its time. The hand-drawn art style, combined with imaginative effects, enhances its distinct aesthetic that continues to charm players today.
The game challenges players with precise projectile mechanics and engaging level design, creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with creativity. Several unique gameplay elements have set a benchmark for future Yoshi titles, making it a standout in both the Mario franchise and platforming genre.
2 Kirby’s Dream Land 3
Coloring In
Kirby’s Dream Land 3 features an enchanting art style that rivals any 16-bit game available, boasting a charming, hand-drawn aesthetic that captivates the eye. The gameplay remains satisfying as players are encouraged to explore levels and complete secondary objectives, adding layers of depth to the platforming experience.
Each ability is enhanced by various animal companions, fostering a dynamic gameplay environment where every choice can lead to different outcomes. It’s an underrated gem within the Kirby series that skillfully combines delightful visuals with engaging and exploratory gameplay.
1 Super Mario World
Jump Up, Don’t Be Scared
Super Mario World is often regarded as one of the most polished and consistent platformers ever created, released just after the iconic Super Mario Bros.3. The game excels in maintaining momentum, with its well-designed levels that encourage swift gameplay complemented by power-ups like capes and spin jumps.
The incredible level design emphasizes flow, rarely interrupting the player’s experience and fostering an addictive pursuit of perfection. It’s no surprise that a significant ROM hacking community thrives around this classic, as its blend of exploration and fast-paced platforming continues to impress new generations of gamers.
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