The Top 10 Most Underrated NES Games You Should Know
Beyond Mario and Zelda, the NES is home to a wide variety of equally impressive games.
In gaming history, the NES brought us some of the most popular and beloved titles, like The Legend of Zelda, Batman, and Mega Man, all of which made their debut on Nintendo’s iconic console. However, the system also has a rich collection of games that deserve way more recognition than they currently get. With a huge range of titles offering exceptional gameplay across different genres, the NES has plenty to offer beyond the usual hits.
While the NES library is incredibly diverse, it’s a shame that some standout games flew under the radar. Whether due to modest sales at launch or simply being overshadowed by bigger names, these games are absolutely worth your time if you’re looking for fun and unique NES experiences.
10 Rockin' Kats
Rockin’ Kats is a charming platformer with a cartoonish style that’ll win you over. Developed by Atlus and released in 1991, the game follows the story of a blue cat named Willy as he bravely fights to rescue his girlfriend, Jill, from the clutches of the ruthless gangster Mugsy.
What makes Rockin’ Kats unique is Willy’s extendable glove, which lets him attack enemies and swing around objects in each level. Despite its appeal, the game came out during a time flooded with mascot platformers, causing Willy’s heroic quest to save Jill to go unnoticed.
9 Vice: Project Doom
Vice: Project Doom is an exciting action game that blends side-scrolling, first-person shooting, and even some racing segments. Released in 1991 and developed by Aicom, this game was published by American Sammy. The story follows Detective Hart as he battles to stop a secret alien society from taking over the planet.
While it shares similarities with Ninja Gaiden, Vice is more than just a clone. Its side-scrolling sections are thrilling, and the driving and shooting stages add to the immersive experience. The game plays like a sci-fi anime on the NES, complete with cinematic cutscenes. Any action fan should give Vice a shot.
8 Totally Rad
Released in 1991, developed by Aicom, and published by Jaleco, Totally Rad is a surprisingly fun action-platformer with one of the most ridiculous scripts in gaming. Packed with over-the-top surfer slang and jokes, Totally Rad follows Jake, a young wizard-in-training who must rescue his girlfriend Allison from an evil army of monsters.
Following a Mega Man-like structure, Jake’s main weapon is a rechargeable magic attack. As he progresses, he learns new spells that grant him different attacks and even transformations. With its colorful graphics, varied music, and absurd dialogue, Totally Rad is a wild and entertaining experience that’s totally worth checking out, dude.
7 Shatterhand
Shatterhand, released in 1991 and developed by Natsume, is a tough side-scrolling action-platformer published by Jaleco. Players take control of Steve Hermann, a physically enhanced man fighting against the evil organization Metal Command.
Throughout each stage, Steve can unlock up to eight different satellite robots depending on the order of symbols he collects. These weapons, combined with Steve’s upgradable metal fists, make for deep and challenging gameplay. Interestingly, Shatterhand was originally released in Japan as Super Rescue Solbrain, based on a tokusatsu TV series.
6 Arkista's Ring
Released in 1990, Arkista’s Ring is an arcade-style isometric action-RPG developed by NMK and published by American Sammy. The story revolves around the Elven Kingdom, plunged into darkness after the evil Shogun steals the Arkista’s Ring. The only hope lies with Christine, armed only with her bow and arrows.
Players guide Christine through single-screen areas filled with wandering monsters. Defeating enemies lets her find magical items, equipment, and health upgrades. While Arkista’s Ring is a simple game, it offers a fun fantasy-action experience.
5 Willow
Willow is the home console adaptation of the 1988 movie of the same name, released in 1989 and developed by Capcom. As an isometric action-RPG, Willow follows the film’s plot, letting players control the young wizard Willow on his quest to defeat the evil witch Bavmorda.
The game features endless dungeons to explore, items and spells to collect, and plenty of RPG gameplay. The music stands out, blending neoclassical elements with traditional fantasy-game compositions. Willow isn’t just a great action-RPG—it’s also a shining example of how to do licensed games right.
4 Crystalis
Released in 1990 and developed by SNK, Crystalis is a Zelda-like isometric action-RPG. After waking up from stasis, a young wizard is called to save a post-apocalyptic world from evil forces.
Like Zelda, Crystalis offers sword combat, strange enemies to battle, and diverse locations to explore. The game spices things up with plenty of items, spells, and different elemental swords to collect. Vibrant graphics, an amazing soundtrack, and a unique story elevate Crystalis beyond being just another Zelda clone.
3 The Guardian Legend
In 1989, Compile released The Guardian Legend, a genre-blending game that mixes isometric action with top-down shoot-’em-up sections. You control the transforming robot Guardian as it navigates the alien-infested world of Naju to activate its self-destruct sequence.
The gameplay involves exploring Naju’s sectors, collecting powerful weapons, and then diving into intense shooter segments. The Guardian Legend excels in both styles, offering a deep and rewarding experience for those brave enough to take on Naju’s depths.
2 Kickle Cubicle
In Kickle Cubicle, the evil Wicked King has frozen the Fantasy Kingdom, and only our hero, Kickle, can stop him. This puzzle-action hybrid, developed by Irem and released in 1990, challenges you to collect every Dream Bag in each stage.
Kickle can freeze enemies and create ice pillars to solve puzzles and navigate levels. With its colorful and charming style, Kickle Cubicle is a great pick for newcomers, offering simple and fun gameplay (plus, it has one of the most fun names to say out loud).
1 The Magic of Scheherazade
Released in 1990 and developed by Culture Brain, The Magic of Scheherazade is a fascinating mix of isometric action and turn-based RPG battles. Playing as an amnesiac hero, you travel through time and space in ancient Arabia to rescue Princess Scheherazade from the evil sorcerer Sabaron.
This game has it all—different classes with unique weapons and magic, a wide variety of magical allies to recruit, time travel between past and future, a deep turn-based combat system, and a charming Arabian Nights-inspired setting. A true hidden gem, The Magic of Scheherazade is a must-play for any RPG fan looking for an unforgettable NES adventure.
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