Virgin

February 1992

Action

1-2 Players (alt)

Don't let the McDonald's license scare you away... this is actually a pretty solid side-scrolling platformer in the tradition of Super Mario Bros. and its sequels.  The graphics are a bit plain in M.C. Kids, and you won't find many of the power-ups that made Super Mario Bros. 3 so much fun, but the levels are enormous and cleverly designed.

Mindscape/Ozark

September 1990

Strategy

1-4 Players

This resource management simulation, based on a popular computer game, is equally inspired and amusing.  As one of eight silly intergalactic races, you'll claim a plot of land, plant crops, and mine for ore with the aid of a mechanical pack animal.  When your turn is over, you'll buy and sell commodities, hoping to make wiser investments than your alien competitors.

Bandai

October 1986

Fighting

1-2 Players

This Bandai title, based on the tiny pink action figures from the 1980's, is as primitive as video game wrestling gets.  Your blocky hero has a small handful of moves, one of which can only be performed after picking up a glowing orb that floats into the ring from time to time.  Poor graphics and simplistic gameplay ensure that you won't be snapping into this one much.

FAST FACT:  The M.U.S.C.L.E. toy line was inspired by the Japanese comic book series Kinnikuman, created by the artist known only as YudeTamago (roughly translated as “Hard Boiled Egg”).  As you may have guessed from the wacky pseudonym, the Kinnikuman comics were even more outrageous than “real” professional wrestling, with characters based on ramen noodles and toilets!

Nintendo

October 1985

Driving

1 Player

Man's only hope against invading aliens is... nope, not a spaceship.  In Mach Rider, the only thing that stands between Earth and certain destruction is a motorcycle.  You'll race on twisting, turning tracks, blowing away ATVs and dodging nearly everything else.  This early NES release is a bit choppy and a bit more frustrating, but at least the gameplay is fast.

Mindscape

July 1990

Action

1 Player

Two styles of gameplay collide in this game based on the Mel Gibson film series.  You'll spend half your time driving down war-torn streets, tossing dynamite at bunkers and rival cars; and the other half searching through abandoned warehouses on foot, gunning down anyone who stands in your way.  Realistic sound effects are the highlight of this otherwise average title.

Vic Tokai

June 1990

Action

1 Player

This sequel to the risque action game Golgo 13: Top Secret Mission was not well received by fans of the original.  It's hard to imagine why, as the graphics in The Mafat Conspiracy are greatly improved over the first game, and the side-scrolling gunplay feels more solid.  The only downside to The Mafat Conspiracy is that it offers less variety than its predecessor.

Romstar

September 1991

Sports

1-4 Players (alt)

Nothing beats a real game of darts, but if you're looking for an electronic substitute, this is the best you'll find on the NES.  Magic Darts offers a variety of different play modes and unique characters, including a ninja (because who else knows how to throw pointy objects with deadly accuracy?).  Fun gameplay and clever animation make this game truly magical.

Tradewest/Melbourne

March 1990

Sports

1-2 Players

This two-on-two basketball title may have Magic Johnson's seal of approval, but it's doubtful that anyone else will give it their thumbs up.  However, they won't use any other fingers to express their opinion of the game, either.  Fast Break's baskets and fouls lack impact and the graphics are pretty primitive, but at least it's easy to play, with tight, intuitive control.