Microprose

December 1992

Flight Sim

1 Player

It's a fight just to stay interested in this lackluster flight simulator, based on the F-117A Blackbird that was the military's pride and joy in the late 1980's.  This technologically advanced jet was designed to keep a low profile in enemy territory... and with its primitive graphics and awkward control, this game will have no trouble flying under your radar as well.

Microprose

February 1992

Flight Sim

1 Player

F-15 Strike Eagle does an acceptable job of bringing the complex gameplay of a flight simulator to the NES.  However, it's more straightforward and combat-oriented than most games in the genre, requiring the player to bomb targets in heavily armed third world countries like Iraq and Libya.  The 3D graphics aren't exceptional, but the digitized sound really packs a punch.

Nexoft/GameArts

June 1991

Action/Adventure

1 Player

This action RPG has its heart in the right place, but at the same time, it's a little rough around the edges, with poorly defined sprites and a garish color palette.  Still, you have to admire the cartoony portraits that pop up when you talk to characters, along with a solid English translation and a fast-paced combat system that lets you battle monsters in real time.

FAST FACT:  The co-creators of Faria, Game Arts, went on to design some of the most impressive role-playing games ever made.  These masterpieces include Lunar for the Sega CD, Grandia for the Sony Playstation, and Grandia II for the Sega Dreamcast.

GameTek

May 1991

Game Show

1-2 Players

Now here's a perfectly dull video game adaptation of the spirited game show from the 70's and 80's.  The graphics border on horrible, with lifeless reddish browns thrown everywhere and a cast of characters that look like they belong on the left hand side of an evolutionary chart.  On top of that, the gameplay is so mercilessly slow that it's never much fun to play.

Nintendo/Hudson

August 1989

Action/Adventure

1 Player

It's a battle of the vertically challenged when the elfen kingdom sends its bravest hero to battle wicked dark dwarves.  Faxanadu is an overlooked but surprisingly enjoyable side-scrolling adventure game.  It's easy to play, yet offers plenty of satisfying challenge, and the artwork is very distinctive, with both charming townsfolk and hideous monsters.

Hudson

October 1992

Action

1 Player

This cartoony side-scrolling platformer captures the look of the classic Felix cartoons from the 1940's.  In addition to colorful graphics and solid control, it's got a unique power up system that differentiates it from similar games on the system.  Collecting hearts lets you pull all kinds of surprises from your magic bag, from hot air balloons to tiny tanks.

Acclaim/System 3

June 1992

Racing

1 Player

Formula racing speeds its way to the NES in this solid but unspectacular driving game by Acclaim.  Ferrari Grand Prix looks fantastic, with crisply drawn, smoothly animated race tracks, but the plain vanilla gameplay doesn't leave as strong an impression as the graphics.  Nevertheless, this is one of the better formula racing games on the system.

Sunsoft

September 1989

Action

1 Player

Forget the Addams Family license... if you're looking for a Blaster Master fix, this is your game.  Although it's not as good as its inspiration, you can definitely see the family resemblence.  You'll blast aliens from an overhead view with an upgradable gun and other helpful items, all while listening to heartpounding rock music as only Sunsoft can create.