Konami

June 1991

Light Gun

1 Player

When a fellow operative is kidnapped behind enemy lines, it's up to you, the ace helicopter pilot, to invade their territory and bring him back.  You'll fly in, launching missiles at the enemy's own choppers, then land and take out their best soldiers on foot.  It's a blend of two game styles with convincing 3D graphics, but often frustrating gameplay.

Sony Imagesoft

October 1993

Action

1 Player

This is the story of a kid who's so obsessed with movies that he's literally drawn into one.  Don't be fooled, though... this lackluster action game is most definitely NOT viewtiful.  You'll play as Arnold Swartznegger, running through stale scenery and punching dimwitted goons, hoping that your energy (and patience) holds out long enough to face the unimaginative bosses.

Jaleco/Beam

February 1991

Action/Adventure

1 Player

The Last Ninja adds a whole new dimension to the chopsocky of your typical ninja video game... namely, the third dimension.  You'll see the action from an isometric viewpoint that makes the graphics seem more realistic.  There's also a heavy emphasis on finding keys and other puzzle-solving items... perhaps a bit TOO much emphasis, as the game's fighting is rather dull.

Mindscape/Graftgold

June 1990

Shooter

1 Player

If you're expecting this to be anything like the incredibly awesome video game in the movie, you're going to be sorely disappointed when you pop this into your NES.  The Last Starfighter is a cheaply made side-scrolling shooter with the most generic graphics and boring levels you've ever seen.  You'll wish aliens from a distant galaxy would come to take IT away.

FAST FACT:  The Last Starfighter is adapted from a Graftgold computer game called Uridium.  Fans of the NES should be grateful that they didn't have to suffer through a sequel like European computer owners did.

SNK

September 1988

Sports

1-2 Players

Try your luck at either an American or Japanese course in this respectable golf game, endorsed by seasoned pro Lee Travino.  It takes time to get used to Fighting Golf's quirky interface, but once you've got it down you'll be ready to send the ball into orbit!  The game's best feature is that it draws the green quickly, so you're never left twiddling your thumbs.

Broderbund/Falcom

September 1988

Action/Adventure

1 Player

When trouble threatens a small mountain family, the parents, kids, and even the family pet enter a nearby cave to investigate.  They'll be searching this cave for a long, long time, for its maze-like tunnels are nearly endless, and loaded with monsters.  Legacy of the Wizard is a great action/adventure game for those willing to spend the many hours necessary to complete it.

Kemco

October 1992

Role-Playing

1 Player

Your parents travel to Africa to hunt the elusive white lion, terrorizer of villages (not to be confused with the white snake, creator of illegal fireworks displays).  When they don't come back, you resume the hunt with a magic spear, possessed by the spirit of a tribal warrior.  It's just your average RPG, with a wimpy title character and unspectacular visuals.

Taito

August 1987

Action

1-2 Players (alt)

There's plenty of high-flying martial arts antics in The Legend of Kage, a port of the obscure Taito arcade game.  As Kage, you'll fly through the air with the greatest of ease, cutting down dozens of ninjas and fire-breathing monks with your sword and shuriken.  It's original, but it's hard to get a handle on Kage's extremely high jumps, and the artwork is pretty plain.