While many classic video games from the 80s have been resurrected thanks to platforms like Steam and the virtual Nintendo Switch consoles, there are many great titles that have slipped through the cracks. Even in the age of digital platforms, some of the best games of all time cannot be played on modern equipment.
From typical movie links like Batman to classic Game Boy titles like Super Mario Land, the only way to play much older games is to dust off the old NES or Sega Master system. While a good number of games haven’t been ported to modern hardware, some of the best have had fans begging for their return.
Monster Party (1989)
While it was never the most popular game on the NES, Monster party was certainly one of the most unique titles ever. The game follows a young boy who is transported to a fantastic realm to help an alien fight against an onslaught of monsters ripped from pop culture.
Unlike most platform games of the era that were simple with their level design, Monster party requires a bit of exploration to reach the bosses. Equipped with a trusty baseball bat, the player navigates through a series of levels with absurd designs, and the boss fights are as silly as they are spooky. Unfortunately for Monster party fans, it probably isn’t high on Nintendo’s list of priorities when it comes to modern ports.
Castle Wolfenstein (1981)
Considering how far the Wolfenstein franchise over the years, it’s impossible to overstate the importance of its debut title, Wolfenstein Castle. In the popular Apple II game, during World War II, the player takes control of an Allied prisoner of war who must escape from a castle run by the Nazis.
Integrating stealth gameplay for the first time, Wolfenstein Castle had a significant influence on some of the best FPS games of the ensuing decades. The game is fully procedurally generated and no two playthroughs were the same. Unfortunately for many fans of the franchise, the premiere title has yet to make its way to the Steam platform.
Operation Wolf (1987)
Arcades still ruled the country in the 1980s, and some of the best classic arcade games have sadly never seen a proper gate. Operation Wolf was one of the original rail shooters and allowed the player to blast his way through enemy battalions while collecting important power-ups along the way.
The game was a huge success in the arcade and saw several lackluster console ports, including on the NES. For a game this influential, it was never ported to modern hardware, and the intended gameplay experience can only be lived on one of the original cabinets.
The Goonies II (1987)
Although a sequel to the classic movie The Goonies never materialized, NES players got their own original experience. The player takes control of Mikey as he once again tries to free his friends from the clutches of the dastardly Fratelli family.
Most of the game has a metroidvania platformer style, but occasionally the view switches to first person and allows the player to search for additional clues. While the game wasn’t the most popular upon release, it has gained a cult following who praised it for its cutting edge FP gameplay and challenge. Given its licensed nature, it’s unlikely to hit Nintendo Switch anytime soon.
The Adventures of Bayou Billy (1988)
Konami ruled the NES, but The Adventures of Bayou Billy is now most remembered as one of the hardest games on the NES console. The user takes control of the eponymous character as he travels through Louisiana to save his girlfriend from a crime boss.
The game featured beat-em-up levels and railshooter sections that used the light gun, and was a shockingly modern game for the 1980s. The game was punishingly difficult and featured an advanced practice mode that allowed gamers to hone their skills to better beat the game. Because it has a reputation as a difficult game, many modern players would jump at the chance to tame the beast.
Ring King (1987)
Knock out is usually the first title that comes to mind when you remember NES boxing games, but Ring King was not a featherweight. The player takes control of a low-level boxer who fights his way through a series of enemies to become world champion.
The game offered a profile view for the matches and featured crazy special attacks that made the game more exciting than a standard boxing simulator. The game’s two-player mode made it a perfect party game, and it would make a nice addition to the NES virtual console on the Nintendo Switch.
Ikari warriors (1986)
Running and shooting has never been more fun than in the smashing action hit Ikari Warriors. The classic arcade game was ported to the NES and cast the player as a mercenary who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to reach the village.
With bullets flying in all directions, the game is an over-the-top thrill ride that actually requires a fair amount of skill to master. Apart from standard run-and-gun, the player can also take control of tanks and helicopters to further increase the carnage. While the PC versions have seen modern ports, the NES classic most players know has yet to see the light of day on newer hardware.
Blades of Steel (1987)
Generally regarded as one of the best NES sports games, Steel blades focused on a more realistic hockey sim experience. The game of hockey comes to life in stunning 8-bit action that allows players to score goals, pass and even fight.
Avoid the arcade folly of games like Ice hockey, Steel blades used state-of-the-art sound technology to bring human voices to the NES. Although its predecessor, the aforementioned Ice hockeyis on the Nintendo Switch, Steel blades still waiting for his chance to get back on the ice and impress modern gamers.
Super Mario Land (1989)
Shocking, not every super mario game is available for modern gamers to enjoy, and Super Mario Land is one of Nintendo’s most glaring omissions. Leaving the Mushroom Kingdom behind, Mario travels to Sarasland to overcome his usual pitfalls to save Princess Daisy.
Although the game is in black and white, the brilliant use of line work keeps things visually interesting. In addition to the regular platforming action, there are several side-scrolling shooter levels that make the gameplay even more exciting. Although aspects of Super Mario Land integrated into the Mario mythos, the game has not yet been resurrected for modern consoles.
Batman (1989)
Movie tie-in games are usually doomed to fail, but the 1989 Batman NES game proved that wasn’t always the case. The player takes on the role of the caped crusader as he makes his way through different levels in search of the evil Joker.
Using similar controls to games like Ninja Gaiden, the platforming action made the user feel like they really were Batman. While there may have been extremely difficult sections, the game was never frustrating or unpleasant to play. While the movie is a beloved classic, the NES game has managed to surpass it in quality, and fans usually have it at the top of their Nintendo Switch wish list.
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