FCI/Pony Canyon

November 1991

RPG

1 Player

This first-person RPG, created by Interplay and competantly ported to the NES by FCI, was unique in that it introduced the humble bard as a character class.  Instead of merely singing about his comrades' exploits, the bard took a more active role, using his musical talents to pacify monsters while his fellow party members hacked them to bits.

FAST FACT:  The Bard's Tale was later revived on modern day game systems as a scorching parody of the tired gameplay and story elements found in far too many role-playing games.  The hero, portrayed by Cary Elwes of The Princess Bride, spends as much time gulping down large quantities of ale and complaining about his adventures as he does rescuing kidnapped maidens and slaying monsters.

Nintendo

August 1990

Light Gun

1 Player

Nothing to do with that Zapper?  Well, you might want to give this game a shot.  Barker Bill's Trick Shooting takes the gameplay of Duck Hunt and brings it under the big top, replacing the ducks with balloons, the clay targets with dinner plates, and the dog with... er, the dog is still here, unfortunately.  Luckily, the fun of picking off unpredictable targets is, too.

Ultra

June 1991

Sports

1-2 Players

There's nothing like a good old fashioned game of baseball... and this is nothing like one!  Base Wars by Ultra brings America's favorite pastime into the future, replacing the human players with heavily armored robots.  These robots look incredible, but aside from the fantastic visuals and the occasional frantic brawl, the game's not much different from other baseball titles on the NES.

Nintendo

October 1985

Sports

1-2 Players

For years, Nintendo's primitive baseball simulation was the only game in town.  Thank goodness companies like SNK, Jaleco, and Culture Brain ended that monopoly with their own, far superior baseball titles!  After they were released, it was very hard indeed to go back to Nintendo's Baseball, with its woefully simplistic gameplay and brutally slow fielding.

Culture Brain

March 1990

Sports

1-2 Players

With so many baseball simulations on the NES, why would you select this one over all the others?  Well, for starters, you've got a selection of power-ups which add variety, and loads of fun, to the gameplay.  Also, it's more merciful than most other NES baseball games... you actually have a shot at scoring against the computer opponent!

SNK

July 1989

Sports

1-2 Players

There's no doubt about it... you just can't find a better baseball game on the NES.  Baseball Stars brought important innovations to the wide world of video game sports, like the ability to create and customize your own team.  It's also a whole lot of fun to play thanks to realistic characters and sharp fielding control, which ensures you never miss an easy pop fly.

Romstar/SNK

July 1992

Sports

1-2 Players

The return of Baseball Stars brings with it... well, not much, really.  There's a lot more music in this sequel, along with great cut scenes when you hire and fire players.  Unfortunately, you lose some of the customization options that made the first game stand out.  Despite that, the gameplay is as good as it always was, with exceptional player control.

Jaleco

July 1988

Sports

1-2 Players

Bases Loaded takes a more realistic approach to America's pastime than other baseball simulations on the NES.  Instead of squishy little runts, you get large, fully articulated players who throw the ball and swing the bat with admirable realism.  Unfortunately, slow fielding control makes the gameplay less exciting than the excellent visuals.