Tecmo

November 1992

Sports

1-2 Players

It's got the NBA license, but does the basketball title have game?  Not really.  Although Tecmo NBA Basketball looks even better and certainly more authentic than Tecmo's previous sports games, the crowd of players on the court makes it very difficult to see where you're going, and what you're doing.  The densely packed teams also result in a lot of frustrating fouls.

Tecmo

December 1991

Sports

1-2 Players

Tecmo pumps up the volume with Tecmo Super Bowl, the supercharged sequel to the immensely popular football game with twice the available plays... and oh yeah, the coveted NFL license.  This time, you'll be tearing up the field with your favorite pro football stars... and watching great cut scenes when you score touchdowns and attempt field goals.

Tecmo

September 1992

Sports/RPG

1 Player

Believe it or not, Tecmo World Cup Soccer is as much a role-playing game as it is a soccer simulation.  You're the son of a soccer champion, groomed to be the sport's next big hero.  You'll lead your team to victory by making smart decisions on the field.  Every pass, kick, and tackle is illustrated with dynamic cut scenes that bring the game to life.

Tecmo

April 1990

Sports

1-2 Players

It's not just one of the best wrestling games on the NES... it's the ONLY one with running commentary!  As you perform throws and holds, an announcer offers his thoughts on the match.  His clever commentary adds a welcome touch of humor to the game, which looks great and controls well, but suffers from a grappling system that relies too heavily on frantic button mashing.

Ultra

June 1989

Action/Adventure

1 Player

This may have been the last straw for NES fans who kept getting generic action/adventure games instead of the arcade translations they really wanted.  Nevertheless, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a solid side-scroller with challenging levels, a driving soundtrack, and a team play mechanic that encourages players to use all four of the heroes in a half-shell.

Ultra

December 1990

Action

1-2 Players

Oh yeah, now that's the stuff!  TMNT II gives players the comical characters and mindless action they'd wanted at home since the first time they dropped a quarter into the first Turtles arcade game.  This is an excellent conversion of the coin-op, and even throws in two new rounds to make up for its slightly less detailed graphics and lack of four player gameplay.

Konami

February 1992

Action

1-2 Players

The turtles are back for another round of buttkicking in this NES-exclusive sequel to the popular arcade game.  Konami has added some much-needed variety to the linear gameplay... our heroes have a wider selection of attacks (including their own signature finishing moves) and the Foot Soldiers have more tricks up their sleeves.  As always, the audiovisuals are top-notch.

Konami

February 1994

Fighting

1-2 Players

Tournament Fighters tries to bring the beautiful artwork and complex gameplay of the smash hit Street Fighter II to an 8-bit system.  The graphics are indeed quite impressive, but the gameplay is severely limited.  Although the control is responsive, the fighters are given a small selection of attacks, and are even forced to share the same fireball!