Top Fives

Since hearing that the Revolution will allow you to download all the older Nintendo titles (and possibly Sega ones as well!) I’ve been playing a few of them. Like others I’ve decided to list my Top 5 from Sega Genesis, NES, and SNES. Listing the top 10 is a little broad and frankly too easy, so I decided to narrow it to five. And without further ado…

Nintendo Entertainment System

5. Battletoads
This was an easy choice. It was the basic button masher with some near impossible levels. ‘Til this day I don’t think I’ve beaten it. Something about frogs that could mold themselves into anvils and enlarge their feet just appeals to me.

4. Paperboy

You know you loved this game. I’ve spent countless hours sending papers through windows, avoiding stray dogs and lawnmowers, and whipping around other countless obstacles.

3. Zelda
I know, the utter gall of me to put this at any other position than number 1! The reason for the slip is that damn music. Its simple little melody has burned its way into the recesses of my brain, and I’ll never be able to recover. Duh doo, didadoo. Da da - ARGH!!11

2. Mike Tyson’s Punchout

Aside from the near impossible Mike Tyson, this game has everything! Considerably decent graphics, stereo types (remember Piston Honda’s mutterings between rounds? “Sushi, kamikaze, fujiyama, nipponichi…” I’m not making that up…), awesome midi music, scene with the Statue of Liberty, and your trainer’s inspirational pep talks. Truly, a masterpiece of a game.

1. Super Mario 3
Was there any doubt after Zelda was only number 3? I mean, it had perfect graphics (comparable to many SNES games), memorable levels and enemies, and the Tanooki suit! The game really explains itself. If you haven’t played it, find a knife now and scratch the back of your throat with it.

Honorable Mention: Ninja Gaiden

It served as inspiration for the great XBox title of the same name. Only a simple scroller, I spent months on the tough levels and even tougher gameplay.

I urge you to list your top 5 in the comments. I’m always open to suggestions, even though I know I’m right. Or at least, more right than you. Sega and SNES will be coming in later posts.