GAMING PROJECT 2026 EDITION (24/10/2026)

GAMING PROJECT 2026 EDITION
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This project will encompass both modern(ish) and retro games.

CURRENT PROJECTS: Nintendo Power cover games - 6th gen era (GC, GBA, DS)

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CURRENTLY PLAYING:
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Super Mario Sunshine // ** RECOMMENDED **
A fantastic 3D platformer featuring a fat plumber using a water-powered jetpack to help fat blobs.
2002 | GC
TRIVIA: was developed in 18 months, even shorter than Super Mario 64’s 21 months.
NOTE: is in Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Super Mario Galaxy is the next mainline Mario game.

Spyro: Season of Ice
A pretty good isometric action platformer.
2001 | GBA
TRIVIA: the first Spyro game not by Insomniac Games. The Japanese version fixes lots of issues.
NOTE: is the sequel to Spyro: Year of the Dragon. Spyro 2: Season of Flame is the sequel.

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The Outer Worlds
Sci-fi FPS that play likes Fallout meets Borderlands.
2019 | PC
TRIVIA: it's a corporate satire, poking fun at Microsoft acquiring Obsidian the previous year.
NOTE: can be found on all modern platforms. The Outer Worlds 2 is the sequel.

Orcs Must Die! 3
Brain-dead tower defence game where you must stop the orcs.
2024 | PC
TRIVIA: this game was first launched as an exclusive for the Stadia... pfffft
NOTE: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is the current latest game in the series.

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PLAYED:
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Gottlieb Pinball Classics
A decent gathering of pinball tables but the floaty physics annoys me.
2004 | PSP
TRIVIA: the PSP release comes with three extra tables, one of which, Goin' Nuts, never released.
NOTE: just use cheat codes to get free play on the tables.

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection
Another collection of pinball tables, still with annoying floaty physics.
2008 | PSP
TRIVIA: a few tables here are quite historic, like Space Shuttle which saved Williams pinball.
NOTE: I think this game sucks compared to the Gottlieb Pinball Classics.

STONKS-9800: Stock Market Simulator
Manage a portfolio of investments and your personal health.
2023 | PC
TRIVIA: as the name suggests, it has that PC-98 style that I personally really like.
NOTE: I personally found it to be boring bleugh. Great aesthetic but snooze-fest gameplay.

Ms. Pac-Man: Maze Madness // ** RECOMMENDED **
An interesting take on the Pac-Man formula. It's quite good.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: this is one of the last games where Mrs. Pac-Man is the main playable protagonist.
NOTE: playing the DC version next, and then the GBA versions.

Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rond
This is Rondo of Blood on the PC Engine Super CD-ROM, so it's enhanced by superior presentation.
1993 | PECD
TRIVIA: the first level is actually the starting village in Castlevania II: Simon's Quest.
NOTE: this is probably my fave version of the game. Those cutscene are gorgeous.

Track & Field
A collection of button-mashing minigames destined to ruin your thumbs.
1987 | NES
TRIVIA: this game is a mash-up of two existing Famicom games, Hyper Olympic and Hyper Sports.
NOTE: it's actually playable if you use a turbo button.

Track & Field II
More mindless minigames, usually involving button mashing and anger. Great graphics.
1989 | NES
TRIVIA: this is based on the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
NOTE: there are more releases I should check out, like International Track & Field.

Pinball Dreams
A port of an old pinball game from the Amiga.
2009 | PSN
TRIVIA: this was DICE's first game; before Battlefield they made this.
NOTE: the nudge function hardly works, even though I keep forgetting to use it

Super Robot Pinball
A cute pinball version of Super Robot Wars.
2001 | 	GBC
TRIVIA: it plays like Pokémon Pinball because they were both made by the same devs.
NOTE: there is an English translation patch.

Ms. Pac-Man: Maze Madness
The best version of this game due to better framerate, quick load times, and superior graphics.
2000 | DC
TRIVIA: Ms. Pac-Man was a spokesperson for National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations.

The Little Mermaid II: Pinball Frenzy
A pretty good pinball game based on a crappy movie. Go figure.
2000 | GBC
TRIVIA: the game supports both rumble features and the Game Boy Printer.

Balatro // ** RECOMMENDED **
An interesting roguelike where you make poker hands and get dem points.
2024 | PC
TRIVIA: this game was made by one guy over a two year period.
NOTE: I only played this when listening to podcasts (I can multitask somewhat).

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the finest games ever made. Everything holds up other than the draw distance.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the Eastern releases of the game has unlockable members of the K-Pop girl group Fin.K.L
NOTE: I might play the N64 and DC versions too, one day, eventually, maybe.

Microsoft Pinball Arcade
A portable collection of Gottlieb tables. I really hate these tables.
2001 | GBC
TRIVIA: this is a port of the PC version and a few tables were excluded.
NOTE: one of the worst pinball games I've ever played. I doubt the PC original is much better.

Ms. Pac-Man Maze Madness
A port of the game to the GBA. Works well enough.
2004 | GBA
TRIVIA: hidden in the game code are rants from the developers.
NOTE: they took out the arcade port of the game which is a shame but understandable.

Kyuutenkai
A cutesy anime style pinball game. It's alright.
1995 | SAT
TRIVIA: this game has RPG elements with levelling up and classes affecting the ball physics.
NOTE: the load times of this game are very long.

Jaki Crush
The third game in the Crush Pinball series. It's probably my fave in the series.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: this is an SNES exclusive, unlike the previous games with her PC Engine exclusive.
NOTE: I love the music in this game, it's the highlight for me.

Namco Museum Vol. 1
Has Pac-Man, Galaga, Pole Position, Rally-X, New Rally-X, Bosconian, and Toy Pop.
1995 | PS1
TRIVIA: it really is like a 3D museum you can explore in first-person.
NOTE: these loading times are way too long for games this simple.

Batman: Return of the Joker
A sidescroller that is more Contra shooting than Ninja Gaiden platforming.
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: the great graphics were accomplished with a custom chip that allowed for more graphics data.
NOTE: I like the music but the gameplay is bleh.

Wipeout
Pretty fun sci-fi racing game but the floaty physics will have you bouncing off the walls.
1995 | PS1
TRIVIA: there are references to Lemmings in the game, like textures and sound effects.
NOTE: I still listen to this soundtrack. Love that techno stuff.

Pizza Tower
A zany mix of Wario Land platforming with 90s cartoon art style.
2023 | PC
TRIVIA: the references to Mario aren't just in the graphics; the music samples sound effects.
NOTE: as much as I dig the aesthetics I'd say this game is more fun to watch than to play.

Wipeout 2097 // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the better racing games of its time. The soundtrack is S-tier.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: Red Bull has product placement everywhere, from billboard textures to a ship skin.
NOTE: I only really played this when I got a few minutes and could sneak in a cheeky race.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue
A decent sidescroller but being a metroidvania it is way too easy to get lost.
1993 | GB
TRIVIA: the box art uses the Mirage comics art style but the game is based on the 80s cartoon.
NOTE: best part of this game is the music.

Pinball Jam
Two tables, decent music, but the framerate and physics makes it unplayable.
1992 | LYNX
TRIVIA: if you flip the Lynx sideways the game switches to verticle mode, making it easier.
NOTE: this is really is a pain to play. Avoid it, even if you really love Elvira.

Wipeout 64
An interesting remix of Wipeout 2097 with new modes and super weapons.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: to save on cartridge space there is new music in MIDI form.
NOTE: due to Challenge Mode being harder than in Wipeout 2097 I didn't get far.

Tetris (NES)
Puzzler in which you arrange tetrominos to form horizontal lines. It's Tetris.
1989 | NES
TRIVIA: this version lacks a 2-player option, unlike the unlicensed Tengen release.
NOTE: will play the unlicensed Tengen version next.

Tetris (Tengen)
An unlicensed version of Tetris that some argue is superior due to multiplayer modes.
1989 | NES
TRIVIA: this unlicensed version lead to a lawsuit in which Tengen lost and had to recall.
NOTE: I like the music more than the licensed version but the graphics are bleh.

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back // ** RECOMMENDED **
A great platformer that improves upon the original game in pretty much every way.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: this game inherits much from the first game, like enemy AI and how assets are loaded.
NOTE: I don't have the reflexes or patience I used to. Beating the game any% was fine by me.

Tetris 2
More Tetris but this time you have to align colours together like Dr. Mario. It sucks.
1993 | NES
TRIVIA: this was one of the last major games released on the NES.
NOTE: Magical Tetris Challenge plays similarly. I might give that a go someday.

R-Type Delta
It's R-Type but with nice graphics that get all 3D at times. Good music.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the Delta part means four playable ships: three at the beginning, and an unlockable fourth.
NOTE: R-Type Delta: HD Boosted was released in 2025. Get it if you want trophies/achievements.

Sonic Spinball (SMS)
A port of the Game Gear version. It's craptacular.
1993 | SMS
TRIVIA: one of the last games for the system.
NOTE: nope, still hasn't convinced me that SMS games are worth playing.

Mr. Driller
Arcade action game in which you drill downward, collect oxygen, and avoid getting squashed.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: this game was originally Dig Dug 3, and you play as the grandson of that game's protagonist.
NOTE: The sound is way too loud. The sequel, Mr. Driller 2, is on the Game Boy Advance.

Hall of Torment
A brain-dead mix of Vampire Survivors meets Diablo. It's alright.
2024 | PC
TRIVIA: the graphics were made the same way the graphics in Diablo and Fallout were made.
NOTE: I only play this when listening to podcasts. I got burnt out so I'm taking a break.

WipEout 3: Special Edition // ** RECOMMENDED **
The definitive version of WipEout 3, with new tracks, modes, and bug fixes.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: comes with 10 bonus tracks: 3 from WipEout, 5 from WipEout 2097, and 2 from Japanese version.
NOTE: my fave Wipeout game. I last played this in 2024 but quit because I lost my save file.

DuckTales
A great platformer game with top-tier music.
1989 | NES
TRIVIA: it plays like a Megaman game because much of the same dev team worked on both.
NOTE: DuckTales: Remastered is different enough to warrant a look at.

Megaman 2
One of the best in the series, it improves upon the original in a big way: the password system.
1988 | NES
TRIVIA: this game was made the devs in their spare time while working on other projects.
NOTE: there are other ports to look at, or maybe not.

Devil's Crush
A spooky pinball game with great music.
1990 | PCE
TRIVIA: all the religious icons in the Japanese version were edited for the North American release.
NOTE: I've already played the Mega Drive port (Devil Crash MD) and I see that version as inferior.

WipEout Pure
A good racing game and a return to form. It's a bit jank though.
2005 | PSP
TRIVIA: one of the first handheld games with DLC; different regions got different DLC.
NOTE: I already played WipEout HD, which has parts of this game and WipEout Pulse.

Alien Crush
A pretty decent spooky pinball game.
1988 | PCE
TRIVIA: the game ends at 1,000,000,000 points, which takes like 40 hours.
NOTE: probably my fave pinball game, mainly because the table isn't out to sink your ball constantly.

Pokémon Pinball Mini
An interesting little pinball game with unique mechanics, worth a go.
2001 | MINI
TRIVIA: a mini version of this game is playable in the game Pokémon Channel.
NOTE: the Pokémon mini has such awful sound, I recommend playing this muted.

Fairy Pinball: Yousei Tachi no Pinball
An unlicensed pinball game featuring lewd lovely ladies.
1987 | FDS
TRIVIA: this game has lots of stolen code, from the sound driver to the physics engine.
NOTE: I'm not good enough at pinball games to see the girl lose her clothing. Sad!

Spyro: Year of the Dragon // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the finest experiences on the PS1. Platforming heaven, with multiple playable characters.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: this game has notorious anti-piracy protection that took two months to break.
NOTE: I should also play Spyro 3.5: Return to the Forgotten Realms, a fan-made rom hack.

Batman Returns
A terrible slow cumbersome platformer with decent music (for the console).
1992 | MD
TRIVIA: Batman kills enemies in this game, betraying his 'no-kill' policy.
NOTE: the SNES version is very different.

Super Sushi Pinball
A cancelled localized version of a pinball game that's all about sushi.
1989 | NES
TRIVIA: was going to be published by Sony a few years before they dabbled with making their own games.
NOTE: you can tell this is a prototype as it still has graphics of vehicles from the original game.

Tekken Tag Tournament // ** RECOMMENDED **
A pretty good fighting game, proving Tekken can do 2v2 well enough.
2000 | PS2
TRIVIA: the Arcade version uses the Tekken 3 engine, but the PS2 version is all-new.
NOTE: I dropped this last year when I quit gaming for a bit but I'm back (for a bit).
TO DO: maybe complete Arcade mode with all the characters.

Wario Land II // ** RECOMMENDED **
Play as greedy bastard Wario and get all your gold back. A great little gem.
1998 | GB
TRIVIA: this is one of the first games to have an invincible protagonist that can't die or Game Over.
NOTE: there are two versions, the Game Boy and the Game Boy Color. Both play identical.

Crash Team Racing // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the best kart racing games of all time.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: this was an original game before Sony granted the rights to use the Crash Bandicoot IP.
NOTE: I'm fine with getting all Gold relics like I did with the remake.

Metroid Prime Pinball
A retelling of the first Metroid Prime but in pinball form. It's good with great music.
2005 | DS
TRIVIA: this is the first DS game to support the DS Rumble Pak.
NOTE: in true fashion I play the spinoff before the main game. I will play Metroid Prime one day.

Mr. Driller
A port of the PS1 game to Game Boy Color. It's fun and pretty ambitious.
2000 | GBC
TRIVIA: the graphics get a palette swap if you play the game on a GBA.
NOTE: there is also a Wonderswan version to play next.

Bucky O'Hare
An impressive sidescroller that's Mega Man meets TMNT. It's gorgeous but tough.
1992 | NES
TRIVIA: if the game detects a pirated copy it reduces you to one hit point.
NOTE: there's an arcade version that's totally different and might be worth a look.

Mr. Driller
A port of the PS1 game to Wonderswan Color. A shame it's only in Japanese.
2001 | WSC
TRIVIA: this game does not use the WonderSwan's verticle screen display mode.
NOTE: I think there are translation patches but I can only find one that does the main menu.

Excitebike
Primitive yet enjoyable racing game. It's more deep than you expect.
1984 | NES
TRIVIA: this is one of the first console games to have a level editor.
NOTE: Excitebike 64 is the sequel and might be worth a look.

Croc: Legend of the Gobbos
Pretty fun but clunky 3D platformer, with bad tank controls and an unhelpful camera.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: was pitched as a Yoshi game, was rejected, but it influenced Super Mario 64.
NOTE: the remaster has better controls and a shiny look.

Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers
A decent platformer, one of the best co-op games of the system.
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: the game was produced by some of the Megaman devs and it shows.
NOTE: there's a sequel for NES to look at.

Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the finest platformers of its day, hell one of the finest of all time.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: three new game engines were made all for the jetski, plane, and motorbike levels.
NOTE: I still own a physical copy of this game that I purchased for $10 back in like 2004.
DONE: 105% - all gems, all colored gems, all relics at least gold

Kid Icarus
A sidescroller that is quite frustrating, especially those Eggplant Wizard bastards.
1986 | NES
TRIVIA: the same devs worked on Metroid so there are similarities.
NOTE: there's a sequel on Game Boy, and 3DS sequel that plays like Star Fox.

Mr. Driller 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
It's Mr. Driller on a portable system. Pretty good arcade fun.
2001 | GBA
TRIVIA: was a launch title for the GBA in Japan but didn't get localized until four years later.
NOTE: tfw the German girl doesn't speak with a German accent. This needs a remake/remaster.

Mega Man
A classic sidescroller that is tough as hell with good music.
1987 | NES
TRIVIA: the infamous box art was drawn by a manager, not an artist, in just six hours.
NOTE: Wily Wars and Mega Man: Powered Up are remakes.

Double Dragon
Classic sidescroller brawler with great music.
1988 | NES
TRIVIA: this is a sort of sequel to the Renegade arcade game.
NOTE: there is a Game Boy port, and a sequel on NES with co-op.

Double Dragon
An impressive port with great music on Game Boy, except rather jank. Screw Abobo.
1990 | GB
TRIVIA: the levels are redesigned to be more platforming and that's the jank part.
NOTE: Double Dragon Advance is a remake.

Ridge Racer
Classic arcade racer game, ported to the PS1 pretty well. Great music.
1994 | PS1
TRIVIA: not just a launch title, it has the very first PS1 Product Number.
NOTE: I should also play Ridge Racer Revolution, which is basically a port of the sequel.

Ninja Gaiden Shadow
A halfway decent sidescroller that uses a grapple hook rather than wall climbing. Good music.
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: in development this was Shadow of the Ninja but later on rebranded as a Ninja Gaiden game.

Double Dragon Advance
Double Dragon with more levels, more moves, and more content overall.
2003 | GBA
TRIVIA: this game remixes moves and enemies from both NES and SNES games.
NOTE: more enemies on screen means more miserable, it's a meh game.

Mr. Driller: Drill till you Drop
It's Mr. Driller on the DS. Both screens are combined so it takes time getting used to.
2010 | DSi
TRIVIA: this is basically Mr. Driller Drill Spirits but with the multiplayer removed.
NOTE: the German girl still doesn't speak with a German accent.

Pong: The Next Level
It's Pong with powerups. I really am not good at this.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the original Pong game is an unlockable game.

River City Ransom
A pretty good combination of beat-em-up with RPG elements.
1989 | NES
TRIVIA: this is a part of the Kunio-kun franchise.
NOTE: there's a PC Engine version and River City Ransom EX remake on GBA.

Uno
It's Uno for the DSi. It's got stupid rules like not being able to play multiple cards at once.
2009 | DSi
TRIVIA: you can use the built-in microphone to shout "Uno!".
NOTE: there is a PSP version.

River City Ransom EX
A remake of the NES original, but with many quality of life features (like saving the game).
2004 | GBA
TRIVIA: the bosses Randy and Andy are references to Billy and Jimmy from Double Dragon.
NOTE: since everything costs more, the game is much more tedious to play.

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec // ** RECOMMENDED **
A great racing game that is a short and repetitive due to its lack of content.
2001 | PS2
TRIVIA: this game is light on content because it was originally a tech demo port of GT2.
NOTE: I last played this in 2025 but I'm back to finish off more events as I watch videos.

Redout
A sci-fi racing game a la Wipeout that uses dual stick controls.
2016 | PC
TRIVIA: many of the ships are named after Russian storms.
NOTE: there's a sequel which I may have.

Tomba! // ** RECOMMENDED **
A charming hilarious sidescroller, an underrated gem.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: this is one of the rarest and expensive PS1 games: CiB is $100+
NOTE: there is a 2024 remaster that may be worth checking out.

Mega Man III
Tough sidescroller, this one introduces the ground slide.
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: the devs feel this game was rushed and didn't like it much.
NOTE: Mega Man: The Wily Wars has a 16-bit remake of this game.

Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
A boxing game that is more puzzle game than a fighting game.
1987 | NES
TRIVIA: every fight has a secret technique or tell that makes it easier to win.
NOTE: there's a sequel on SNES.

Duck Hunt
Point and click the ducks to take them down. I loathe that laughing dog.
1984 | NES
TRIVIA: this game is based on toys Nintendo made in the 1970s.
NOTE: you can play this on the Virtual Console with the Wii remotes for that old school feel.

Megabonk
A 3D Vampire Survivors-style game that is meh and has lots of unfunny memes and internet humour.
2025 | PC
TRIVIA: the release was pushed back two weeks to avoid launching alongside Hollow Knight: Silksong.
NOTE: making the game be both skill-based and luck-based made it crap.

Super C
The sequel to Contra. It's super hard and super frustrates me.
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: the 'Contra' part in the name was dropped due to the Iran-Contra affair.
NOTE: Operation C is the Game Boy port and Contra III: The Alien Wars is the sequel.

Ridge Racer Bonus Turbo Mode Disc
A remaster of the original game, now running at 60fps. Also has some other Namco demos.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: has a new unlockable: the White Angel car from Ridge Racer Revolution.
NOTE: was included as a bonus disc with Ridge Racer Type 4 (which I will play eventually).

Cool Borders
A cool and tubular downhill snowboarding game. Very awkward controls for tricks.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: there's an unlockable snowman character.
NOTE: there are sequels including Cool Borders 3, my fave in the series.

Startropics
A very American Legend of Zelda clone. It's too slow and awkward to be much fun.
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: despite being developed by Nintendo R&D3 it was never released in Japan.
NOTE: Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II is the sequel.

Dr. Mario
Columns clone featuring Mario tossing capsules at viruses. Good music.
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: game was produced by Metroid's creator, and music done by the person who did Metroid's music.
NOTE: Tetris & Dr. Mario on SNES is a remake, and Dr. Mario 64 is a remake of sorts.

Flipnic: Ultimate Pinball
A trippy confusing pinball game. These tables have dumb mechanics like countdowns until death.
2004 | PS2
TRIVIA: the size of the game is small at only 1.3GB and the save files are only 30KB.
NOTE: I hated this game, it's one of the worst pinball games I've ever played (music was alright).

Prey
A spooky FPS where anything can be a shadow monster Mimic in disguise.
2017 | PC
TRIVIA: the soundtrack was composed by Mick Gordon, who also did Doom 2016 the year before.
NOTE: gonna be honest I've never liked horror games, and this is no decent but no exception.

Maniac Mansion
Classic point and click that somehow works on the NES (in a clunky way).
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: not only can you microwave a hamster, the game's sequel suggests it is canon.
NOTE: I've played the remaster. Thimbleweed Park is like a love-letter to these style of games.

Sega Rally Championship Plus
A re-release of an arcade classic dirt rally racing game. Very slippery physics.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: this was the first game to have licensed WRC cars, like the Toyota Celica GT-Four.
NOTE: there is a Dreamcast port, and Sega Rally 2 is on Dreamcast.

Metal Storm
An impressive sidescroller with a gravity switch mechanic.
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: the game was made in Japan but release in America first, although missing cutscenes.
NOTE: no sequels or ports, but VVVVVV has a similar gravity switch mechanic.

Point Blank
Point-and-click shooter arcade classic. This game is more fun when you use/emulator the GunCon.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: has lots of references to other Namco games.
NOTE: there are sequels, Point Blank 2 being my favourite, but I might play the DS one next.

Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge
A remix of the first two Mega Man games. I dislike the splippery physics.
1991 | GB
TRIVIA: This is the first Mega Man game not by Capcom but by Minakuchi Engineering.
NOTE: the sequels are more Game Boy games that remixes elements of other Mega Man games.

Power Blade
A decent sidescroller based on 80s action films.
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: the original Japanese version has chibi graphics and is much harder.
NOTE: there is a sequel, Power Blade 2.

Vice: Project Doom
An underrated game that is part Ninja Gaiden, part Spy Hunter, and part Bayou Billy.
1991 | PS1
TRIVIA: the Western localization is censored, with references to violence and drugs heavily edited.
NOTE: has some of the best graphics for an NES game.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
A mish-mash of various gameplay types, none of which are particularly good.
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: was an original Robin Hood game but was forcibly tied into the Kevin Costndr film.
NOTE: there is a Game Boy port if you're brave enough.

Dr. Mario Express
A bite-sized version of the NES original. It's columns with capsules and that fake doctor Mario.
2008 | DSi
TRIVIA: this game is a cut-down version of Dr. Mario Online Rx and still has remnents of its code.
NOTE: there are some other Dr. Mario games on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS.

Ridge Racer Revolution
A remix of the arcade game Ridge Racer 2. Great music.
1995 | PS1
TRIVIA: one of the few PS1 games to support the Link Cable.
NOTE: Rage Racer is the sequel.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project
A decent port of a good arcade game, where the turtles must rescue April O'Neal (of course).
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: the Japan release calls it TMNT 2 since they named the arcade game TMNT 2.
NOTE: this is included in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.

Star Trek: 25th Anniversary
A pretty lakcluster top-down action game that's real slow to play. It's more for Trekkie nerds.
1991 | NES
TRIVIA: the red shirt guys accompany you and are the first to die, just like in the show.
NOTE: there is a PC and Game Boy version but they are all different games.

Microsoft Windows 98
A weird homebrew that mimics the Windows 98 interface on the NES.
2002 | NES
TRIVIA: this is a Chinese scam made to trick rural people that it was a genuine computer.
NOTE: there is a Windows XP homebrew for the NES as well.

Severed Steel
A fast-paced FPS game that rewards you doing stunts. It's too much for me.
2021 | PC
TRIVIA: was developed by one person over 3 years.
NOTE: there is a sort-of sequel, Echo Point Nova, currently in production.

Cyberpunk 2077
An FPS RPG where you start as nobody and rise to the top. It's decent now that it's been patched.
2020 | PC
TRIVIA: Keanu Reeves liked the script so much he asked to have his screen-time doubled.
NOTE: there is an expansion - Phantom Liberty - but I don't have it.

Bejeweled 3
It's Bejeweled, the match-3 puzzle game. I was bored.
2010 | DS
TRIVIA: the devs used actual scientists to make Zen mode as peaceful as possible.
NOTE: lots of ports but no Bejeweled 4 since the series then focused on mobile.

Dr. Mario
It's columns with capsules. Mario definitely doesn't have a medical license.
1990 | GB
TRIVIA: this game was produced by Gunpei Yokoi, creator of the Game Boy.
NOTE: Dr. Mario is on the GBA though it is a port of the NES version.

Left 4 Dead
Co-op FPS where you fend off zombies to reach safe zones. It gets damn hectic.
2008 | PC
TRIVIA: was originally a mod for Counter-Strike: Source.
NOTE: I bought this game (for $2) to play co-op with a friend who now doesn't want to play it. Pffft.

Bust A Groove
Rhythm game where correct button inputs do damage. Great music.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the localization edited the characters and even the music.
NOTE: this is almost impossible with emulation unless you do frame delay or something.

Road Rash
Racing game with combat mechanics. A decent game to shut your brain off to.
1991 | MD
TRIVIA: this game started off as Mario Andretti Racing, a rather serious driving sim.
NOTE: the PS1 version is in 3D and has licensed music.

Tetris Attack
Match coloured, err, textured blocks together in this decent puzzle game.
1996 | GB
TRIVIA: this isn't a Tetris game and Nintendo swapped the original fairy characters for Mario.
NOTE: there is an SNES version, a GBC version (which I've played), an N64 version, and a DS version.

Sonic the Hedgehog
Blistering fast sidescroller with an emphasis on speed.
1991 | MD
TRIVIA: Sonic is fast because the devs thought hedgehogs are fast, and can't swim for similar reasons.
NOTE: there's a port for the GBA.

Darkwing Duck
A fun sidescroller that shows the NES late in its lifespan still had good games. Has bad controls.
1992 | NES
TRIVIA: was built on the Mega Man 5 engine, with music done by the composer of Mega Man 3.
NOTE: has a Game Boy port, and a TurboGrafx-16 version that is different and unrelated.

Tetris Attack
Match the coloured panels. It's pretty damn fun.
1995 | SNES
TRIVIA: this is a localized version, with Mario characters instead of fairies.
NOTE: Pokemon Puzzle League on N64 is the sequel.

Street Fighter II Turbo
Fighting game that combines both Champion Edition and Hyper Fighting versions of SFII.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: Capcom made this version to compete with bootlegs that made SFII faster.
NOTE: this is on the SNES Classic and the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection.

Mario Paint
Various minigames and applications, and it came with the SNES mouse.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the music was done by Hirokazu Tanaka, who also did EarthBound and Metroid.
NOTE: I made a bit of music in the spinoff MarioPaintComposer but nothing is worth sharing.

Ecco the Dolphin
A beautiful game with good music, hampered by being hard.
1992 | MD
TRIVIA: the plot twist, that there are alien invaders on Earth, is foreshadowed in glyphs.
NOTE: there's a few ports, but the Sega CD version has better music and has FMVs.

Felix the Cat
An alright sidescroller with good graphics but the floaty jump physics are a nuisance.
1992 | NES
TRIVIA: you know that meme of Felix with his face peeled off? That comes from a Russian bootleg.
NOTE: the Felix the Cat Bundle has this and the Game Boy versions.

Ape Escape // ** RECOMMENDED **
3D platformer in which you must catch the apes. Great music.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: each localization has different voice actors and names for the apes (I prefer PAL version).
NOTE: Ape Escape: On the Loose for PSP is a remake.

Rage Racer
It's Ridge Racer but darker and grittier, with acid jazz music to match.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: this game introduces Reiko Nagase, the cute mascot for the series.
NOTE: Ridge Racer Type 4 (R4) is next in the series.

Super Star Wars
A decent licensed game of the classic 1977 Star Wars film. Shame it's so hard.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the Kalidah Monster boss is based on a character cut from the film.
NOTE: there is a port for the PS4 and Vita.

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master
A pretty good sidescroller, visually impressive but slow.
1993 | MD
TRIVIA: most magazine preview shows outdated screensgots as Sega made them redo the game.
NOTE: Shinobi Legions for the Sega Saturn is the sequel.

Pokemon Puzzle League
It's Puzzle League with Pokemon shoehorned in. It's alright but it lags and stutters a lot.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: was made for the Western market and not released in Japan.
NOTE: Planet Puzzle League for the DS is a non-Pokemon sequel to this game.

Kirby's Dream Land // ** RECOMMENDED **
A pretty easy cute sidescroller. You can't absorb abilities, that's in the sequel.
1992 | GB
TRIVIA: Kirby was originally named Popopo until Nintendo's lawyer, John Kirby, won their lawsuit.
NOTE: Kirby’s Dream Collection on the Wii has a port of this game.

Road Runner's Death Valley Rally
Play as Road Runner in this speedy platformer that is like part-Mario, part-Sonic.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the Japanese version is easier due to having more forgiving hitboxes.
NOTE: Desert Speedtrap for Game Gear and Master System is pretty similar to this game.

Super Mario Kart // ** RECOMMENDED **
A great kart racer that kick-started the entire genre. The physics are bit slippery.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: this game was born because the SNES couldn't handle F-Zero split-screen.
NOTE: it's on the SNES Classic Edition. Mario Kart 64 is next.

WWF Super WrestleMania
A janky wrestling game featuring a roster from the franchise's Golden Era.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the SNES and MD versions have different rosters to encourage you to buy both versions.
NOTE: the SNES version has no finishing moves and a smaller roster, so it's the inferior version.

Road Rash II
One of the better 16-bit racing games. Still annoying mechanics. Great music.
1992 | MD
TRIVIA: was developed by less than 10 people and they lent their names and faces for the riders.
NOTE: the EA Replay collection on PSP has a port of this. Road Rash 3 is the sequel.

Lemmings
Guide the mindless little creatures through the levels. It play surprisingly well on a controller.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the SNES version has 5 exclusive levels not from the original Amiga version.
NOTE: there are more ports than you can shake a stick at.

The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse
A pretty good sidescroller where you don various outfits to use various powers.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the music is composed by Mari Yamaguchi, who also composed Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts.
NOTE: there's a GBA port that uses saves insteas of passwords. There are sequels too.

RoboCop versus The Terminator
A decent but minmdless run-and-gun game. Good music.
1993 | MD
TRIVIA: even though the cover art shows Peter Weller and Arnie but they're not in the game.
NOTE: the SNES and MD versions are different enough to look at both.

Streets of Rage 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the best 16-bit beat-em-ups, with certainly one of the best Mega Drive soundtracks.
1992 | MD
TRIVIA: the music wasn't made on a MIDI setup but an old NEC PC-8801 with a custom sound engine.
NOTE: there is a Game Boy port. Streets of Rage 3 is the sequel.

The Addams Family: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt
A so-so but difficult sidescroller tie-in in the animated series.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: it is rumoured there is no password system because the devs rushed the game.
NOTE: despite sharing the same name, the NES and GB version are a remix of the first SNES game.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the best games of all time. Introduces Tails, the spin dash, the chaos emeralds, and more.
1992 | MD
TRIVIA: was developed mainly in the USA.
NOTE: there are ports to the Master System and Game Gear.

Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose!
A mediocre sidescroller that mixes all sorts of genres together. Wish it played well.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: the original Japanese version is the easier version.
NOTE: there are some Tiny Toon Adventures games on GBC and GBA.

Batman Returns
A sidescroller beat-em-up where you play as a mentally ill man dressed as a bat. It's bleh.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: has the iconic Danny Elfman score, which composer Jun Funahashi had to transcribe by ear.
NOTE: there is a Batman Returns on Mega Drive but it is a platformer and more difficult.

Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
A decent game that is grand on presentation but a pain with its difficulty.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: this is the first Star Wars game that have multiple Force abilities.
NOTE: has a PS4 and Vita port with trophies and lets you bind controls.

ToeJam & Earl // ** RECOMMENDED **
Control two funkadelic aliens and collect pieces of your crash spaceship. Great music.
1991 | MD
TRIVIA: was one of the first roguelikes (on console at least).
NOTE: there are sequels but their reception is mixed.

Aladdin
A decent sidescroller that is quite a bit different from the Mega Drive version.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: this was the first major game Shinji Mikami made. He would later create Resident Evil.
NOTE: has a port on GBA that has battery saves but changed music.

Ecco: The Tides of Time
More difficult underwater action, but this time you can transform into other sea creatures.
1994 | MD
TRIVIA: the Japanese version has an exclusive level where you fight your way out of a stomach. Hmm.
NOTE: Ecco Jr. is a prequel that is easier.

Jungle Strike
An alright sequel to Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf. Now you can pilot over vehicles.
1993 | MD
TRIVIA: Bill Clinton, US president at the time, has a cameo at the end of the game.
NOTE: there are ports to the SNES and Game Gear and Game Boy. Soviet Strike is the sequel.

Mega Man X
A more mature take on Mega Man which kickstarted its own series. Great music.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: beating bosses affects the environment and hazards in other stages.
NOTE: Mega Man Maverick Hunter X for the PSP is a remake of this game.

Bugs Bunny: Rabbit Rampage
A pretty good sidescroller, probably the first that has felt like the cartoons.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: this game is named after the short "Rabbit Rampage" yet it is based on "Duck Amuck".
NOTE: there are more Looney Tunes games on SNES to check out.

Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball
One of the better 16-bit baseball games (though that isn't saying much). Very annoying to play.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: even though it has the MLB licence only Ken Griffey Jr. appears by name.
NOTE: there is a Game Boy port that has the actual names of real players.

Super Street Fighter II
An overhaul of SFII with new characters, including Cammy my beloved.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: the MD version used a 40MB cartridge with uncompressed assets.
NOTE: Super Street Fighter II Turbo is the sequel (not to be confused with Street Fighter II Turbo).

Donkey Kong '94
A unique puzzle game that isn't the arcade original but its own thing.
1994 | GB
TRIVIA: Mario does his Super Mario 64 moves years before that game came out.
NOTE: Mario vs. Donkey Kong is the spiritual successor.

Halo 3 // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the finest FPS games ever made, concluding a cherished trilogy.
2007 | PC
TRIVIA: made more money in its first 24 hours than any other game, movie, or book to date.
NOTE: I played this on the Master Chief Collection, which includes cut content and runs at 60 FPS.

Operation C
A remix of Contra and Super C in all their difficult glory.
1991 | GB
TRIVIA: was known as Probotector in PAL regions, with the humans replaced by robots.
NOTE: this is bundled in the Contra Anniversary Collection, recommended as it has save states.

Flashback: The Quest for Identity
A beautiful game that is enchanting in presentation but lacking in gameplay.
1993 | MD
TRIVIA: the game came with a comic book that explains the lore, though it contradicts in-game lore.
NOTE: Fade to Black is the sequel.

Catrap // ** RECOMMENDED **
A unique puzzle game where you can rewind time. This does my head in, I am really am getting dumber.
1990 | GB
TRIVIA: one of the first, if not the first, game to use a rewind mechanic.
NOTE: this game is also known as Pitman and has more games under this name.

Stunt Race FX
A fully 3D racing game that looks decent but plays like the opposite of decent. Annoying to play.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: all the cars are male apart from the yellow Coupe, which is female.
NOTE: Dirt Trax FX is a spiritually successor, with motorbikes instead of cars.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered
A pretty good third-person action game, a proper love-letter than that stupid 2016 movie.
2019 | PC
TRIVIA: Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis wrote the game's script with ideas they had for a third film.
NOTE: the original game was the 2nd PS3 game I ever rented (1st was Demon Souls, 3rd was Bioshock).

Mortal Kombat II
One of the best 16-bit fighting games, uncensored in all its glory.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: despite the SNES version now being uncensored, the Japanese version is still censored.
NOTE: there's a crap Game Boy port and a Japanese-only PS1 port that is uncensored.

The Adventures of Batman & Robin
A tie-in to Batman: The Animated Series, and a good one at that.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: was launched as The Adventures of Batman & Robin aired, despite Robin not being in the game.
NOTE: every game under this title on different platforms is a different game.

QuackShot Starring Donald Duck
Donald Duck does Indiana Jones stuff in this pretty good sidescroller.
1991 | MD
TRIVIA: game isn't region locked and instantly localizes itself upon detecting the console's region.
NOTE: Donald Duck in Maui Mallard is the next 16-bit Donald Duck game.

Monster Max
An isometric puzzle game that plays like one of those old computer games. It sucks.
1994 | GB
TRIVIA: made by Speccy legends Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond, music by DKC composer David Wise.
NOTE: sold poorly so there are no sequels or ports.

Golden Axe
Good ol' beat-em-up that's like Streets of Rage but inspired by Conan the Barbarian.
1989 | MD
TRIVIA: the enemies' death cries are actually voice effects from 80's action movies.
NOTE: was ported to the Game Gear and WonderSwan Color.

Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World // ** RECOMMENDED **
An upgraded port of Super Mario World with more convenience. Get the Color Restoration patch/hack.
2001 | GBA
TRIVIA: Luigi isn't just a palette swap, he has his own physics and gameplay mechanics.
NOTE: I prefer this over the SNES version as I like being able to save whenever and keep all my lives.

Batman: The Video Game
An alright sidescroller with chibi Batman using a gun, and good music.
1990 | GB
TRIVIA: it has almost nothing in common with the 1989 movie, other than the final boss fight.
NOTE: there are more Batman games on Game Boy.

Mega Man X2
More Mega Man action, this time your actions shape the story soemwhat.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: this game uses a custom Cx4 chip allows for some cool 3D effects.
NOTE: ported to Mega Man X Collection and Mega Man X Legacy Collection.

Ghouls 'n Ghost
A frightenly difficult sidescroller with good music.
1989 | MD
TRIVIA: this port was programmed by Yuji Naka, who would later do the Sonic games.
NOTE: there are some ports but the PC Engine version is pretty close to the arcade original.

NBA Jam: Tournament Edition
One of the best 16-bit basketball games, though your CPU teammate is damn useless.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: has lots of hidden characters, from musicians to politicans to Mortal Kombat characters.
NOTE: was ported to many systems. The PS1 and Saturn ports are one of their launch titles.

Gargoyle's Quest
A tricky dicky platformer where you play as the hated Firebrand from Ghosts 'n Goblins. Nice music.
1990 | GB
TRIVIA: music is composed by Yoko Shimomura, who later did every Kingdom Hearts game.
NOTE: the sequel is on NES and Games Boy.

Stargate
A nice looking platformer that plays like Flashback, but unfairly difficulty like Flashback.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: despite being based on the film there is no Kurt Russell or James Spader to be found.
NOTE: the Game Boy and Game Gear ports are very different: they are puzzle games!

Golf
It's golf, starring Mario to get you interested.
1984 | NES
TRIVIA: programmed by the late great Satoru Iwata, eventual president of Nintendo.
NOTE: has a GBA version that uses the e-Reader. Animal Crossing on GameCube has a port.

Golf
It's a decent port, with music, but it's much harder to see where the hole is.
1989 | GB
TRIVIA: this version explicitely states it is Mario, predating Mario Golf by a decade.
NOTE: NES Open Tournament Golf is the next golf game featuring Mario.

Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
A fine sidescroller action game that set the benchmark for 16-bit Disney games.
1990 | MD
TRIVIA: playing on Easy skips several levels, so don't play on it for the complete experience.
NOTE: there is a 2013 remake to consider if you like the original.

The Revenge of Shinobi
Quite a nice platformer action game, with some of the best music of the era.
1989 | MD
TRIVIA: the original release has unlicensed cameos that probably count as plagirism.
NOTE: Shinobi III is the sequel (played it), so Shinobi Legions is next.

Mega Man II (GB)
A handheld remix, combining bosses from the first two games with Slide and Rush forms from Mega Man 3.
1991 | GB
TRIVIA: the game's development was rushed in only 5 months, leading to a poorly-coded sound engine.
NOTE: there are more Mega Man games on Game Boy that remix the NEs originals.

Weaponlord
Brutal weapons-based fighting game. Imagine Mortal Kombat but based on Conan the Barbarian.
1995 | MD
TRIVIA: it's believed this game inspired Namco to make Soul Edge (Namco published Weaponlord).
NOTE: the Genesis version has smoother gameplay over the SNES vesion.

Sonic The Hedgehog 3
One of the best 16-bit games ever made, though it has questionable design choices.
1994 | MD
TRIVIA: it is indeed true Michael Jackson composed some music tracks but was left uncredited.
NOTE: combine this with Sonic & Knuckles to create Sonic 3 & Knuckles.

Motocross Maniacs
It plays like Excitebike but has loop-de-loops and huge jumps. The courses are too long.
1989 | GB
TRIVIA: the music was composed by Michiru Yamane, who later did Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
NOTE: has sequels on the GBC and GBA.

Killer Instinct
One of the finest 16-bit fighting games, and certainly has some of the best music for the era.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: the game came on black catridges and came with a CD of the game's soundtrack.
NOTE: the arcade sequel was ported to the N64 as Killer Instinct Gold.

Mortal Kombat 3
A good fighter, but it moved the series in a direction fans preferred it didn't.
1995 | SNES
TRIVIA: the game lacks Scorpion because the actor quit, and Kitana because her actress sued.
NOTE: Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 adds some missing characters back to the roster.

Super Bomber Man
A pretty good action puzzle game. It's way too easy to accidentally kill yourself.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: the multiplayer was so addictive it causes missed deadlines at game studios and magazines.
NOTE: was recently released on the Super Bomberman Collection.

Space Megaforce
A standard shmup.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: is a part of the Aleste franchise; the localization stripped out the characters and plot.
NOTE: Aleste Branch and Zaleste are a modern day revivals of the franchise.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past // ** RECOMMENDED **
A fantastic action-adventure game that is timeless, but easy to get lost.
1991 | SNES
TRIVIA: this is the first game to have Cuccos, the chickens that kill you if you mess with them.
NOTE: Four Swords on GBA is a port of this game. Link's Awakening is the sequel.

Donkey Kong Country // ** RECOMMENDED **
Classic sidescroller with fantastic music. I played it on GBA for variety's sake.
2003 | GBA
TRIVIA: the GBA version has new content, like new minigames and a Scrapbook of concept art.
NOTE: get the Palette Restoration patch to undo the washed-out colours this port did.

Kirby's Dream Land 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
Wholesome platforming fun, now with the ability to absorb and use abilities.
1995 | GB
TRIVIA: Chao is from the game Yuyuki, and Mariel is based on Matarael from Neon Genesis Evangelion.
NOTE: Kirby's Dream Land 3 is the sequel.

Donkey Kong Land
Sequel to Donkey Kong Country, and it proves the DKC experience works on an 8-bit system.
1995 | GB
TRIVIA: all the Donkey Kong Land games came on yellow catridges, and Japan didn't get them in yellow.
NOTE: Donkey Kong Land 2 and Donkey Kong Land III are the sequels (duh).

BallisticNG // ** RECOMMENDED **
A spiritual successor to the Wipeout series: fast sci-fi racing with weapons.
2016 | PC
TRIVIA: this was originally two fan projects that merged into one.
NOTE: I dropped this in 2024 but a major patch in 2025 revamped the physics engine.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX // ** RECOMMENDED **
A glorious top-down action-action game, a must play, especially for LoZ fans.
1998 | GB
TRIVIA: started as an official side-project, hence why there are many Nintendo cameo appearances.
NOTE: the DX version is an upgrade of the original with new puzzle that account for colour.

Donkey Kong Country 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
A fantastic sequel, which I am playing on GBA for variety's sake. Get a "Color Restoration" patch.
2004 | GBA
TRIVIA: the GBA version has tons of exclusive content, like new modes, bosses, and minigames.
NOTE: there are many downgrades, like graphics and sound, so you're better off with the SNES version.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble
A great game, considered the weakest SNES DK game but still packs in platforming fun.
1996 | SNES
TRIVIA: has lots of Nintendo game references, like Wrinkly Kong playing on a Nintendo 64.
NOTE: the GBA port has lots of new content, a new soundtrack, but it's so washed out it's unplayable.

Virtual Boy Wario Land
The best Virtual Boy game is a sidescroller with a fat bastard switching perspectives. It's good.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: was the last game worked on by Gunpei Yokoi, creator of the Game Boy and Virtual Boy.
NOTE: was added to Nintendo Classics in 2026.

Mario Clash
A remake of the classic Mario Bros game but with foreground and background swapping.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: was the first 3D Mario game, predating Super Mario 64 by a year.
NOTE: was re-released in 2026 on Nintendo Switch Online.

Jack Bros.
A nifty Gauntlet-like game, but the annoying red-and-black make it hard to see where you're going.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: it's a spin-off of Shin Megami Tensei and the first in the series to be localized.
NOTE: physical copies are rare with eye-watering prices, but was recently released on Switch Online.

Mario's Tennis
The first Mario Tennis game is the one on Virtual Boy. I can't win a single match!
1995 | SNES
TRIVIA: despite the Doubles mode this is single player only; the Link Cable was cancelled.
NOTE: was bundled with the Virtual Boy, so this is the most common physical VB game to find.

Red Alarm
A first-person flying shooter, like Star Fox but in wireframe mode. Damn annoying to play.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: no, this was not a cancelled Star Fox game, that was a tech demo Nintendo made but canned.
NOTE: in 2026 was released on the Nintendo Classics lineup of VB games.

Teleroboxer
It's Punch-Out but in first person. This uses both D-pads. Worst boxing game ever.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: produced by Yoshio Sakamoto, who worked on every non-Prime Metroid game.
NOTE: was added to the Nintendo Classics service in 2026.

Vertical Force
A shmup where you must switch between foreground and backgroud. It's not so fun.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: all the text is in English, even the Japanese version.
NOTE: is now available on the Nintendo Classics lineup of crummy old VB games.

Panic Bomber
It's like Bomberman meets Tetris. It's difficult to play this in monochrome.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: it too had planned multiplayer but the Link Cable was cancelled.
NOTE: this is a spinoff of Bomberman: Panic Bomber, which itself is like Tetris.

Super Metroid // ** RECOMMENDED **
A brilliant game that still stands strong as one of the best games ever made.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: the last six months of development were crunch: 15 hour days and sleeping in one stinky room.
NOTE: Metroid Fusion is the direct sequel.

3-D Tetris
It's Tetris but in 3D. The monochrome colours make it very hard to see what you're doing.
1996 | VB
TRIVIA: was the very last commercially released Virtual Boy game.
NOTE: physical copies are rare, but Nintendo has the VB lineup on Nintendo Classics.

Golf
Visually impressive golf game, though the 'blood grass' makes it a source of mockery.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: was originally meant to have a save function but was removed during development.
NOTE: made available in the Nintendo Classics lineup, so you can bleed your eyes out too.

Virtual League Baseball
A standard baseball game that is borderline unplayable due to no shadows and unfair AI.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: the E3 demo version was even more unplayable due to a bug where you couldn't hit the ball.
NOTE: had a cancelled sequel. This game is on Nintendo's Classic lineup (of shovelware).

Space Invaders: Virtual Collection
A port of the first two Space Invader games. The '3D' perspective will make you miss your shots.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: it's a Japan-exclusive release but all the text is in English.
NOTE: physical copies are rare and pricey, but you can play it on Nintendo Classics nowadays.

Innsmouth no Yakata
A spooky horror game that plays like Wizardry meets Resident Evil. It's crapola.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: a US version was planned but canned; prototype was found at Acclaim's bankruptcy sale in 2004.
NOTE: physical copies are very rare and costly, but there it is on Nintendo Classics.

SD Gundam Dimension War
Control super-deformed giant mechs in this turn-based game. It's eh meh bleh.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: was the last Japan-exclusive Virtual Boy game. Most of the menu text is in English.
NOTE: physical copes are rare and drain your bank, and it is NOT in the Nintendo Classics lineup.

Super Tennis
It's one of the better tennis games of the era, probably the best until Virtua Tennis.
1991 | SNES
TRIVIA: each playable character is based on a real pro tennis player.
NOTE: Mario Tennis on N64 is the spiritual successor.

V-Tetris
It's Tetris with not much 3D stuff, which is good. It has an odd 1960's aesthetic to it.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: has a non-functioning multiplayer mode due to the the Link Cable being cancelled.
NOTE: is available on the Nintendo Classics.

Virtual Bowling
It's bleedin' bowling innit. It's alright and has impressive 3D graphics.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: was released on the same day the Virtual Boy was discontinued, hence it's rarity and price.
NOTE: is available on the Nintendo Classics range.

Space Squash
It's like tennis meets Pong. Your face will get as red with anger as the screen.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: the character you play as is an intentional rip-off of Bomberman.
NOTE: never left Japan but there is an English patch.

Virtual Fishing
Catch fish in a blood ocean with untranslated Japanese text. Has the worst fishing mechanic ever.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: an English version was planned but canned, and a prototype of this localization exists.
NOTE: can be played via Nintendo Classics for Switch Online.

Virtual Lab
A crappy puzzle game that was rushed to market just as the Virtual Boy was discontinued.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: a good example of it being incomplete: has level passwords but nowhere to enter them!
NOTE: rare, expensive, pretty bad, and it's not on the Nintendo Classics service.

Nester's Funky Bowling
Cartoony bowling game featuring Nester, the mascot of Nintendo Power magazine. It's pretty bad.
1996 | VB
TRIVIA: Nester was already retired from Nintendo Power by the time this game came out.
NOTE: not available on Nintendo Classics, but Nintendo hints of more VB games to come.

Waterworld
A flop game based on a flop movie for a flop console. The music is its saving grace.
1995 | VB
TRIVIA: was the only licensed movie game released, though GoldenEye 007 and Doraemon were planned.
NOTE: predictably isn't on Nintendo Classics, just as well.

Niko-chan Battle
A cancelled FPS game based on the Faceball 2000 series.
N/A | VB
TRIVIA: "Niko-chan" means a smiling face or something like that since "niko niko" means smiling.
NOTE: has an updated version named Faceball: Remastered with new levels and restored cut content.

Bound High
Bounce a ball through a level and destroy robots. Pretty good for an unreleased game.
N/A | VB
TRIVIA: was produced by Hideki Konno, who was the director of Super Mario Kart and Luigi's Mansion.
NOTE: was reworked into Chalvo 55 for the Game Boy.

VUE Snake
It's ye olde snake game with two-player multiplayer.
2003 | VB
TRIVIA: was the first full homebrew Virtual Boy game (the official first was a Tic-Tac-Toe).
NOTE: 'VUE' stands for the codename of the Virtual Boy: Virtual Utopia Experience.

Red Square
Survivor horror game inspired by Yume Nikki. I wish I could say it's decent but it's not.
2019 | VB
TRIVIA: was created for Dream Diary Jam 3 entirely in NEC V810 Assembly within just 6 weeks.
NOTE: rushed development means no sound, which works to its benefit.

Flappy Cheep Cheep
It's Flappy Bird on Virtual Boy, using a Cheep Cheep from the Mario games. Addictive.
2014 | VB
TRIVIA: was made for the Planet Virtual Boy Coding Competition 2013 within 24 hours.
NOTE: like many Virtual Boy homebrews you can run it on an actual Virtual Boy via a flash cartridge.

3D Crosswords
It's crossword puzzles but in 3D, which works surprisingly well (surprising because it's Virtual Boy).
2014 | VB
TRIVIA: was made for the 2013 Planet Virtual Boy Coding Competition.
NOTE: first best effect, play an emulated version using a VR headset, then get stronger glasses.

Advanced Pasta Cooking Simulator
Cook pasta while your terrorist neighbours try to kill you. It's bad and too awkward to enjoy.
2013 | VB
TRIVIA: was released as an April Fools Day joke game.
NOTE: developer has made more, like Advanced Chromatography Simulator and Advanced Smoking Simulator.

GoSub
Guide a submarine through a maze of rocks. This sub must be made of glass. It's basic and works.
2009 | VB
TRIVIA: has a sequel, GoSub 3D, that was coded for the 2010 Planet Virtual Boy Coding Competition.
NOTE: was originally on Atari 2600, has been ported to many other old systems.

Hamburgers En Route to Switzerland
Pilot a hamburger in a shmup game, shooting milkshakes to get to Switzerland. Yes.
2020 | VB
TRIVIA: has a Game Hear version called Hamburgers En Route To Switzerland: Zurich In Reach!
NOTE: has been ported to the NES and Intellivision.

Fishbone
Play as a fish and eat other fish, gradually getting bigger.
2012 | VB
TRIVIA: the physical cartridges have the Virtual Boy Rumble Pack rumble feedback feature.
NOTE: the developer also made Game Hero, which is Guitar Hero for the Virtual Boy.

Soviet Union 2010
Fly a Soviet plane to shoot down American in this arcade game.
2010 | VB
TRIVIA: was coded for the Planet Virtual Boy Coding Competition 2010. It came 4th.
NOTE: has a sequel: Soviet Union 2011.

Soviet Union 2011
More flying a Soviet plane to shoot down American in this arcade game.
2011 | VB
TRIVIA: was coded for the Planet Virtual Boy Coding Competition 2011. It came 2nd.
NOTE: the improve sound engine was backported to the first game.

BLOX
Push boxes onto specific tiles just like Sokoban. Oh wait, it is just Sokoban. It's alright.
2003 | VB
TRIVIA: was the first ever 'complete' homebrew Virtual Boy game (not a tech demo).
NOTE: has a sequel, BLOX 2.

BLOX 2
More Sokoban action to remind me of how much my brain has degraded.
2009 | VB
TRIVIA: has over 1800 levels, which 30x the amount the first game had.
NOTE: won the Virtual Boy Homebrew of the Year 2009 award.

Castle of Doom
Sidescroller that plays like old platformer games like Manic Miner. Annoying music.
2010 | VB
TRIVIA: the ROM size is 14 KB (the rest of the 498 KB is empty space to pad it out).
NOTE: has an updated version, Castle of Doom Redux, which is still in production.

VB Racing
A racing game that reminds one of Outrun.
2009 | VB
TRIVIA: was an entry in the 2008 Planet Virtual Boy Coding Competition. It came 2nd place.
NOTE: might not run on certain emulators, especially old ones.

Game Hero
It's Guitar Hero on Virtual Boy, with music from classic NES games (and Cheetahmen II).
2012 | VB
TRIVIA: took 6-8 months to develop due to having to sync the music to the VB's 50.27 Hz refresh rate.
NOTE: the developer has also released the MIDI converter so you can put more songs in the game.

Mario Kart Virtual Cup
A version of Super Mario Kart on Virtual Boy.
2008 | VB
TRIVIA: an actual Mario Kart game for Virtual Boy was cancelled, so this is a fan-made version.
NOTE: is only a demo and may not get updated since it never has since its 2008 release.

Hyper Fighting
A pretty impressive port of Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting for the Virtual Boy.
2015 | VB
TRIVIA: is one of the largest ROM file sizes at 32MB, the largest the Virtual Boy supports.
NOTE: has a pricey physical release even though it uses Capcom's assets.

Pineapple 64
A funny and very short adventure game of a guy really wanting a pineapple.
2023 | VB
TRIVIA: has easter eggs and self-aware meta commentary.
NOTE: the same developer made Castle of Doom.

Secret of Mana // ** RECOMMENDED **
A very fine action-RPG. It even has three-player multiplayer. Great music.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: planned for the SNES-CD, which got cancelled, resulting in much of the game being cut down.
NOTE: has a 3D remake. Trials of Mana is the sequel.

ActRaiser
Part platformer part city-builder, both decent segments but don't mesh too well. It's alright.
1990 | SNES
TRIVIA: legend has it Square were so impressed by this game's music they overhauled FFIV's music.
NOTE: Has an HD remaster: ActRaiser Renaissance. ActRaiser 2 is the sequel.

Cybernator
A sidescroller where you play as a heavy mech. I like the anime art style.
1992 | SNES
TRIVIA: Front Mission is sort of a spiritual successor since Satoshi Nakai designed both.
NOTE: the localization censored lots, so get Assault Suits Valken DECLASSIFIED for uncensored.

SimCity
Build a city in this ambitious port of a PC classic to the SNES. I'd rather play the PC version.
1991 | SNES
TRIVIA: Shigeru Miyamoto produced this game, and it is full of Nintendo references.
NOTE: has a cancelled NES version. There are also Japan-exclusive scenarios. SimCity 2000 is sequel.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
Quite a nice arcade beat-em-up. It is a coin-muncher so expect to take cheap damage.
1991 | SNES
TRIVIA: the SNES version has exclusive content, like the Technodrome level and new bosses.
NOTE: both Arcade and SNES version is included in the TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection.

F-Zero
Blistering fast sci-fi racing game that showcases Mode 7 in action.
1990 | SNES
TRIVIA: Captain Falcon is the face of the game even though he only shows up in the manual.
NOTE: F-Zero 99 is a battle royale version of the game. F-Zero X is the sequel.

Dynamite Headdy
A nice sidescroller that has that Treasure magic. No continues unless you play the Japanese version!
1994 | MD
TRIVIA: the Western release is much harder and cuts out much of the dialogue.
NOTE: has ports for the Sega Master System and Game Gear.

Golden Axe II
More mindless sidescrolling fun, this time an console-original fare.
1991 | MD
TRIVIA: was rushed to sale before the SNES's launch, which is why it recycles much from first game.
NOTE: Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder is the actual sequel to the arcade game.

Ecco Jr.
It's Ecco but easier, aimed at the younger players, and gamers like me with thin tolerance.
1995 | MD
TRIVIA: entirely pull of puzzles: no enemies, no air meter, and no health bar.
NOTE: Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future is the next Ecco game.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island // ** RECOMMENDED **
An awesome sidescroller, beautiful in many ways, other than damn baby Mario crying his head off.
1995 | SNES
TRIVIA: the game uses the Super FX2 chip which can stretch sprites.
NOTE: Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3 on GBA is a port with more content but is worse.

Plok
A colourful sidescroller where you use your limbs as projectile weapons. Nice music.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: Shigeru Miyamoto liked the game and gave feedback during its development.
NOTE: no sequels or ports, but the webcomic Plok: The Exploding Man continues the story.

Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls
A decent yet repetitive third-person shooter starring our fave bear.
2014 | PC
TRIVIA: was the most expensive Danganronpa to make due to it being all 3D.
NOTE: I got this on sale for $3. I recommend getting it ultra cheap or you might despair.

Illusion of Gaia
A pretty good action-adventure RPG that plays like Link to the Past but linear with faster gameplay.
1993 | SNES
TRIVIA: physical copies came bundled with a hint book and world map, which you'd want pre-internet.
NOTE: Soul Blazer is the first in the series... should I have played it first?

Uniracers
A fun racing game where you do stunts with a unicycle. Really nice music.
1994 | SNES
TRIVIA: Pixar claimed the unicycle concept was stolen from them, so they sued DMA Design and won.
NOTE: no sequels or ports, and physical copies are uncommon and pricey.

Flappy Bird (NES)
It's flippin' Flappy Bird innit, demade for the NES.
2015 | NES
TRIVIA: written in 6502 Assembly and runs perfectly on an NES console.
NOTE: there are several Flappy Bird games on the NES. This entry pretty much covers all of them.

Micro Mages
A fantastic sidescroller that plays like Super Meat Boy meets Ice Climber.
2019 | NES
TRIVIA: is only 40KB big and works on a real NES, getting a physical release.
NOTE: has a Second Quest version. Has a PS4 and PS5 release with 4-player online multiplayer.

Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril
It's basically I Wanna Be the Guy for the NES: unfair deaths, fake difficulty, and traps.
2010 | NES
TRIVIA: was made famous due to appearing on Game Grumps, which I haven't heard of in years.
NOTE: the Japanese version, Battle Kid: Kikenna Wana, is way easier.

Lizard
A pretty weird exploration game that plays like a Metroidvania.
2018 | NES
TRIVIA: made by one person over four years.
NOTE: has a physical release, and has been ported to MS-DOS.

Alwa's Awakening (NES)
A cute demake of a NES-style metroidvania game. Best music in an NES game? It's up there.
2022 | NES
TRIVIA: the NES version has exclusive content.
NOTE: if you purchased the original then you probably got this 8-bit edition as a free bonus.

Witch n' Wiz
A nifty puzzle-platformer with a rewind button. It plays like Catrap.
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: was originally on the PICO-8 and was ported to NES for a contest. It came 2nd.
NOTE: there is a SNES port.

2048
An NES port of a viral math-based puzzle web game.
2014 | NES
TRIVIA: the font and some graphics were borrowed from the Mega Drive version of the game.
NOTE: has a physical release and has been ported to all sorts of systems.

Chase
Maze game that plays like Pac-Man but with slippery controls.
2012 | NES
TRIVIA: 90% of the game was coded in C, with the remaining in Assembly to get it working.
NOTE: has been ported to crusty old computers like the Amiga and the ZX Spectrum.

Mine Shaft
An endless game where you must carefully fall down a mine shaft to avoid hazards.
2012 | NES
TRIVIA: was inspired by Chase to be coded mostly in C. The ROM is only 6KB big!
NOTE: the same developer later made Slow Mole, so check that out.

Pong de las Tortugas Ninja
Pong + Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle = a nostalgic time-waster.
2017 | NES
TRIVIA: there are three TMNT pong games in the series, and each are only 6KB big.
NOTE: there are other similar themed homebrew Pong games.

Falling
Another endless falling game; this time you are avoid platforms instead of landing on them.
2019 | NES
TRIVIA: was made in 6502 Assembly in just 11 days.
NOTE: there are several versions of this game but they all seem to be graphically different.

Sudoku NESWORLD Edition
A version of Sudoko made for the website NESWorld.
2006 | NES
TRIVIA: has a physical release, including five golden cartridges.
NOTE: has an updated version, Sudoku 2007, with more puzzles.

I Wanna Flip the Sky
It's I Wanna Be the Guy with the gravity flipping of VVVVVV. It's hard.
2012 | NES
TRIVIA: was coded as an entry in the NEO Flash Coding Competition in only two weeks.
NOTE: is include in the homebrew compilation cart Action 53. Developer also made Love Story.

Gruniozerca
Play as a hamster and switch colours to collect the coloured carrots.
2017 | NES
TRIVIA: had three physical copies made which sold for children's charities and medical foundations.
NOTE: has a few sequels that are different genres.

Lawn Mower
Mow the lawn and avoid hazards like rocks and dogs. It's harder than it looks.
2011 | NES
TRIVIA: was originally made for the ZX Spectrum.
NOTE: has been ported to other platforms like the Commodore 64.

SplatooD
It's Splatoon demade for the NES. It's a weird top-down maze kinda game.
2015 | NES
TRIVIA: the demo released before Splatoon, the finished version released the same time Splatoon did.
NOTE: inspired other NES demakes.

Lan Master
Puzzle game in which you must untangle cables. Plays like Pipe Mania. Great music.
2011 | NES
TRIVIA: created for the 2011 NES Coding Comp and came 2nd place.
NOTE: the developer Shiru has made other homebrew games I should check out.

Euchre
Based on the card game of the same name. I don't really know how to play this.
2019 | NES
TRIVIA: made for the 2018 Nesdev Coding Competition. He came 8th.
NOTE: there is an Atari 2600 homebew based on the same card game.

Alter Ego
Puzzle platformer where you control a guy and your clone copies your movements. Nice music.
2011 | NES
TRIVIA: was originally a ZX Spectrum game and Shiru ported it to NES.
NOTE: there are also Mega Drive and Commodore 64 versions.

Jet-Paco Hyper Special Space Agent!
Fly a jetpac around dangerous levels. It's tough.
2015 | NES
TRIVIA: ported from the 2011 ZX Spectrum original.
NOTE: was ported to the Amstrad CPC in 2023.

The Wit
A NES demake of The Witness. Solve small puzzles that make my head hurt.
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: the game is only 40KB big and was coded in C in only 2 months.
NOTE: has a remastered version that ups the puzzle count from 30 to 150, QoL features, and bug fixes.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars // ** RECOMMENDED **
Mario and Bowser team up in this fantastic RPG that is part turn-based combat, part platformer.
1996 | SNES
TRIVIA: has lots of guest cameos, from Legend of Zelda, Metroid, F-Zero, Star Fox, and more.
NOTE: has a remake that's worth a look.

Mortal Kombat Trilogy
Despite the name it's an updated version of Mortal Kombat 3.
1996 | N64
TRIVIA: Johnny Cage had to portrayed by a new actor since the old one starred in another game.
NOTE: the N64 version has zero loading and exclusive characters; PS1 and Saturn have more characters.

Killer Instinct Gold
A port of the arcade game Killer Instinct 2.
1996 | N64
TRIVIA: earlier versions of the game crash if a Rumble Pak is in any connected controller.
NOTE: the game's soundtrack got its own physical release. It IS that good to warrant it.

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
A major showcase in N64 technology with piloting aircraft and janky on-foot sections.
1996 | N64
TRIVIA: was the biggest Star Wars game not based on a movie; books and comics told the same story.
NOTE: has a PC port that has FMVs.

Mario Kart 64 // ** RECOMMENDED **
The game that put kart racing on the map and launched a thousand clones. It's pretty good.
1996 | N64
TRIVIA: this is the first 3D racing game with rubber-banding AI i.e. you're too good so it cheats.
NOTE: is playable on Nintendo Switch Online with online multiplayer.

Turok: Dinosaur Hunter
An FPS where you play as a Native American and face off against cyber-dinos. Horrible controls.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: is based on an 1950s comic series that got a revival in the 90s.
NOTE: has a remaster based on N64 version with the PC music. Turok 2: Seeds of Evil is the sequel.

Blast Corps
Pilot multiple vehicles to clear the way of a nuclear military carrier. It's fun but hard.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: Made by just seven people. Developed in UK but released in Japan first and UK last.
NOTE: is available on the Rare Replay collection.

Doom 64
An original game that swaps fast-paced action for slow atmospheric survival horror. It's alright.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: is a prequel to Doom Eternal; the narrative begins and the Unmaker first appears here.
NOTE: has a remaster available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. I prefered the PC version.

ClayFighter 63 1/3
A weird and wacky fighting game that is more style than substance.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: has guest characters Earthworm Jim and Boogerman, both voiced by Dan Castellaneta.
NOTE: the updated version ClayFighter: Sculptor's Cut is very rare and pricey.

Star Fox 64
Arcade on-rails dogfighting fun, with a branching storyline based on how well you do.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: wa  the first N64 game to use the Rumble Pak, which it came bundled with.
NOTE: Star Fox 64 3D for 3DS is a remake. There is another remake coming to the Switch 2.

GoldenEye 007 // ** RECOMMENDED **
Classic FPS that was revolutionary at the time but nowadays has aged like milk.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: was made by 10 people, most of them new to making video games.
NOTE: Nintendo Online has this with online multiplayer. GoldenEye 007: Reloaded is a remake.

Extreme-G
A decent cyberpunk racing game, like Wipeout meets Rollcage. Very nice music.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: this game uses half a memory card due to ghost times and uncompressed data.
NOTE: is a N64 exclusive, and has a sequel that got ported to PC.

Diddy Kong Racing // ** RECOMMENDED **
The actual kart racing game that many others would take notes from. Worst part is the padding.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: Banjo and Conker debut here and would later get their own games.
NOTE: Diddy Kong Racing DS is a remake.

Yoshi's Story // ** RECOMMENDED **
The sequel to Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island: eat fruit in this colourful sidescroller.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: this is the game that gave Yoshi his iconic voice.
NOTE: Yoshi Topsy-Turvy is a spin-off, and Yoshi’s Crafted World is a spiritual successor.

WCW vs. nWo: World Tour
Pretty good wrestling game that introduced a grappling system to the genre.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: includes NJPW wrestlers but with names changed because THQ didn't have the rights.
NOTE: WCW/nWo Revenge is the sequel.

WWF War Zone
Brainless wrassling game with a roster mixing the New Generation era and the Attitude Era.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: last game with Brian Pillman, first game with Mankind.
NOTE: there is a PS1 version. WWF Attitude is the sequel.

Bomberman Hero
Somehow they turned Bomberman into a pretty fun 3D platformer.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: was originally a Bonk game.
NOTE: Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! is the sequel.

F-Zero X
Fast sci-fi racing game, it's a good one. The music is awesome.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: the racer Mr. EAD is a reference to Nintendo’s EAD team and Shigeru Miyamoto.
NOTE: F-Zero GX is the sequel.

Turok 2: Seeds of Evil
A new Turok takes on dinos and aliens, in very dark maze-like levels with a bad framerate.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: one of the first games to use the Expansion Pak.
NOTE: has a PC port and a remaster based on the N64 version with the PC version's superior music.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the greatest games of all time, though that IS claimed by people nostalgic for this gem.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: the Arwings from Star Fox are hidden in the code and were used to test the Z-targeting.
NOTE: has a GameCube port and a remake on the 3DS. Majora's Mask is the sequel.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
Aerial dogfighting that's decent and mind-numbing.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: a spacecraft from The Phantom Menace is hidden by a cheat dode. Also a 1969 Buick car.
NOTE: has a PC port

Mario Party // ** RECOMMENDED **
Pretty fun boards full of minigames that will give you blisters. RNG hates me.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: this game caused many hand injuries, so much so that Nintendo agreed to pay settlements.
NOTE: is available on Nintendo Switch Online. Mario Part 2 is the sequel.

Tonic Trouble
A weird and zany platformer that plays like Rayman. Plays like a clunky 3D metroidvania.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: was created to prototype the Rayman 2 engine. Also has product placement.
NOTE: has a PC port with altered levels.

Pokemon Snap // ** RECOMMENDED **
An on-rails first-person game where you take photos of pokemon. It's charming.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: was originally a 64DD game that had nothing to do with Pokemon.
NOTE: New Pokémon Snap is the sequel.

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance HD // ** RECOMMENDED **
An interesting entry involving recruiting monsters and switching between Sora and Rika on a timer.
2017 | PS4
TRIVIA: the cast of The World Ends with You are in Traverse Town as tutorial-giving cameos.
NOTE: I played this on the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.

World Driver: Championship
Nintendo's answer to Gran Turismo is a lackluster arcade racer. I want to like it but I can't.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: many of the passwords are named after dev team members.
NOTE: Boss Game Studios' later game Stunt Racer 64 is built on this game's engine.

Hybrid Heaven
Part platformer, part turned-based combat with wrestling moves, fully weird. It's quite bad.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: one of the few N64 games that has a 16:9 resolution mode.
NOTE: no sequels or ports and is not on Nintendo Switch Online.

Jet Force Gemini
Third-person shooter made by Rare: clunky controls, jank camera, and obtuse collectibles.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: the multiplayer map Greenwood Village is from Diddy Kong Racing.
NOTE: is available on the Rare Replay and on Nintendo Switch Online.

WWF WrestleMania 2000
One of the best wrestling games of its day, but try telling that to the control scheme.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: features WCW wrestlers, like Chris Jericho, who hadn't yet moved over to WWF.
NOTE: has a Game Boy Color version. WWF No Mercy is the sequel.

Mario Party 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
More boards, more fun, with less minigames that cause blisters.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: has 65 minigames, 20 of which are updated versions from the original Mario Party.
NOTE: Mario Party 3 is the next in the series (shocking).

Excitebike 64
The 3D version of the NES classic, now even more awkward to play. It's alright.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: has a multiplayer soccer mode, predating Rocket League by 15 years.
NOTE: Excitebike: World Rally is the next game in the series (bikes, not trucks).

Army Men: Air Combat
Instead of plodding around in a third-person shooter, this is a Desert Strike style flying game.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: is a rebranding of the original PS1 game, Army Men: Air Attack.
NOTE: Army Men: Air Attack 2 is thr sequel.

Tarzan // ** RECOMMENDED **
A pretty good platformer, as expected of a licensed Disney game.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: the N64 version removed the FMVs, so now collecting the T-A-R-Z-A-N letters rewards nothing.
NOTE: I've already played the PS1 version. The PC port moves the collectibles.

Mario Tennis
The definitive Mario Tennis game. Fun stuff and charming.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: debut of Waluigi, and last game with Donkey Kong Jr. as a playable character.
NOTE: has a Game Boy Color version. Mario Power Tennis is the sequel.

Bayonetta // ** RECOMMENDED **
Imagine Devil May Cry but you play as a tall sexy lady. I love how unapologetic it is.
2020 | PS4
TRIVIA: there are tons of references to other games by Platinum Games.
NOTE: the sequels are Nintendo exclusives.

Pokemon Stadium
Turn-based arena battles with 3D models, which sounds exciting but it slows everything down.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: the original Japanese version is quite lacklustre with only 40 playable Pokemon.
NOTE: is available on Nintendo Switch Online. Pokemon Stadium 2 is the sequel.
NOTE 2: the rental pokemon suck so I will return when I've played the main games to transfer mons.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
It's Kirby in 2.5D. You can swallow multiple guys at once to combine powers (like your mother).
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: was originally a 64DD game with King Dedede and Waddle Dee as playable characters.
NOTE: Kirby's Dream Collection includes this game. Also available on Nintendo Switch Online.

Spider-Man
Pretty good action game where you play as a w*irdo in a tight onesie shooting white sticky stuff.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: this version replaces the FMVs with static comic book panels but keeps all the voice acting.
NOTE: is also on PS1 and Dreamcast. Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro is the sequel.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask // ** RECOMMENDED **
Massive 3D action adventure game has you escaping a three-day (54 minute) time loop.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: was fully developed within 14-15 months.
NOTE: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is the remake.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit // ** RECOMMENDED **
A great mix of the SNES and N64 entries: SNES tracks, N64 roster and mechanics.
2001 | GBA
TRIVIA: is the first Mario Kart game not made by Nintendo; it was made by Intelligent Systems.
NOTE: Mario Kart: Double Dash is the sequel. Mario Kart DS is the next handheld entry.

Psychonauts // ** RECOMMENDED **
A pretty good platformer that gets very trippy. Protip: play the PS2 original, not this PS4 port.
2016 | PS4
TRIVIA: was inspired by a cut level from 1998's Grim Fandango. Took 5 years to make (long back then).
NOTE: Psychonauts 2 is the sequel. Psychonauts in the Rhombus of Ruin is a VR spinoff.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages / The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons // ** RECOMMENDED **
Two unique Zelda games, with different mechanics and gameplay styles with one unified story.
2000 | GBC
TRIVIA: was originally a trilogy but the third game was cancelled and elements were repurposed.
NOTE: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Four Swords are the spiritual successor.

Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep -A fragmentary passage-
A decent short game starring Aqua that connects Birth by Sleep to KHIII.
2017 | PS4
TRIVIA: this game fixes a continuity error in the original Kingdom Hearts: shirtless Mickey!
NOTE: this game is on the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the best games of all time crammed onto a N64 cart... it's quite butchered, but still fun.
2001 | N64
TRIVIA: missing 9 songs, the level Chopper Drop, FMVs, and some sound effects to fit on a 32MB cart.
NOTE: I've only got the Dreamcast version to go. Also has a GBA version.

Super Mario 64 // ** RECOMMENDED **
Classic 3D platformer that redefined gaming. For such an important game you'd think it plays better.
1996 | N64
TRIVIA: debut of Mario's voice (outside of education games that predate SM64).
NOTE: Super Mario 64 DS is a remake with more stars and more playable characters.

Pokemon Yellow // ** RECOMMENDED **
The enhanced version of Red and Blue. A fat electric rat follows you around.
1998 | GB
TRIVIA: much of the game is based on the anime, like being able to catch all three starters.
NOTE: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! is an HD remake. Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are sequels.

Final Fantasy VIII Remastered // ** RECOMMENDED **
A good RPG that has been unfairly maligned these days. At least everyone agrees the music is great.
2019 | PS4
TRIVIA: no Chocobo World but those exclusive items can now be found using Angelo Search.
NOTE: it's built on the PC port so it has odd quirks like no true analogue movement.

Banjo-Kazooie // ** RECOMMENDED **
A good 3D platformer where you play as a big bear and a sexy bird. This mogs that Mario fella.
1998 | N64
TRIVIA: had the now-useless item-swapping "Stop 'N' Swop" function ruined by a N64 hardware revision.
NOTE: is on the Rare Replay. Banjo-Tooie is the sequel.

Paper Mario // ** RECOMMENDED **
A quirky and charming RPG that is quite funny, but those quirks can be annoying.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: was originally a sequel to Super Mario RPG until Square left to make Final Fantasy VII.
NOTE: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the sequel.

Donkey Kong 64
A decent game known for large levels, 3,821 collectible items, and more backtracking than school.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: requires the Expansion Pak as the game was coded to use that extra memory.
NOTE: Donkey Kong Country Returns is the next platformer, and Donkey Kong Bananza is the next 3D one.

Mario Party 3
More Mario, more party. It's the worst of the N64 trilogy.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: Waluigi and Princess Daisy are multiplayer only. Also, Wailuigi's board can be unwinnable.
NOTE: this isn't a part of the Nintendo Power cover games project, but I tossed it in anyways.

Banjo-Tooie
Improves upon the first game in every way (arguable), all interconnected levels like a Metroidvania.
2000 | N64
TRIVIA: the Stop 'N' Swop feature doesn't work but it does on the Xbox Live and Rare Replay versions.
NOTE: Grunty’s Revenge is the interquel. Nuts & Bolts is the sequel.

Super Smash Bros
Fighting game with Nintendo characters with a focus on platforms, positioning, and powers.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: the prototype had original characters and Satoru Iwata coded it himself during his weekends.
NOTE: Check out Smash Remix, which is a mod that adds more characters.

Rayman
Colourful and pretty difficult sidescroller featuring a creature with no limbs.
1995 | PS1
TRIVIA: Rayman has no limbs due to hardware limitations.
NOTE: was originally a Jaguar game. GBA port: Rayman Advance. Rayman 2: The Great Escape is sequel.
DEMO: first level, Pink Plant Woods.

Twisted Metal
Vehicle-based arena fighter with wacky cars and weapons.
1995 | PS1
TRIVIA: originally had live-action endings but they were replaced with simple text endings.
NOTE: Twisted Metal 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: first arena, Los Angeles.

Mickey's Wild Adventure
Whimsical sidescroller set in levels based on classic Mickey Mouse cartoons.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: was directed by David Jaffe who also made Twisted Metal.
NOTE: is based on Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse.
DEMO: first level, Steamboat Willie.

Tomb Raider
Janky third-person action game where you play as a lurvely Bri'ish lass with a pointy chest.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: was originally released on the Saturn first.
NOTE: Tomb Raider II is the sequel.
DEMO: first level, Caves.

Porsche Challenge
Arcade racer game where every car is a Porsche Boxster.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: was created to promote the Porsche Boxter, which did save Porsche from bankruptcy.
NOTE: The Getaway is another game made by Team Soho.
DEMO: only has Stuttgart and the silver Porsche Boxster car.

Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee
Funny and quirky sidescroller full of charm and soul.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: was originally called Soul Storm during production. Lorne Lanning voices Abe.
NOTE: Has a remake, Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty, which I've played. Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus is sequel.
DEMO: first location, RuptureFarms.

Parappa The Rapper
Catchy rhythm game featuring a rapping dog and other paper-thin creatures.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: an original song was created for the game but cut at the last minute.
NOTE: Um Jammer Lammy is the spinoff. PaRappa the Rapper 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: Stage 1: Chop Chop Master Onion’s Kung Fu Dojo.

Tomb Raider 2
Sprawling third-person action game full of the same awkward platforming.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: became a PS1 exclusive after Sony signed an exclusivity deal with Eidos.
NOTE: Tomb Raider III is the sequel.
DEMO: first half of the first level, The Great Wall.

Gex
A pretty decent sidescroller featuring a wisecracking gecko.
1995 | PS1
TRIVIA: Gex originally a stuntman doing stunts for money.
NOTE: was originally on the 3DO. Gex3D: Enter the Geck is the sequel.
DEMO: has no PS1 demo, I just wanted to play it before Gex 3D.

Hercules
A sidescroller that would be pretty fun if you didn't take cheap damage constantly.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: was released a week before the movie.
NOTE: has a PC port.
DEMO: one level, which is Level 4: The Big Olive.

Armored Core
Action-packed third-person action game. Destroy mechs, upgrade your mech, repeat.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: the mechs were designed by Shoji Kawamori, who also designed the mechs for Macross.
NOTE: has a few expansions, Project Phantasma and Master of Arena.
DEMO: first two corporate contracts.

Bloody Roar
Fighting game where you can transform into an animal form. It's alright, has that 90s jank.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: the original arcade game is called Beastorizer.
NOTE: Bloody Roar 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: Two playable characters, Yugo (Wolf) and Alice (Rabbit), and one stage.

Colin McRae Rally
Realistic racing rally game, one of the finest of its day.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the physics are based on Sega Rally Championship, though Colin McRae hard them redo it all.
NOTE: Colin McRae Rally 2.0 is the sequel. DiRT is the spiritual successor series.
DEMO: one car - Subaru Impreza - and two tracks - Greece and UK.

Dead or Alive
Fighting game with an emphasis on counter attacks.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the first Capcom arcade game made by a third-party dev (Tecmo in this case).
NOTE: has an Arcade and Saturn version.
DEMO: two characters - Kasumi and Ayane - and one stage, Danger Zone.

Gex 3D: Enter the Gecko // ** RECOMMENDED **
Pretty fun platformer full of charm and wit.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: there are over 1000 one-liners Gex can say (God help us).
NOTE: Gex 64 is ther N64 port. Gex 3: Deep Cover Gecko is the sequel.
DEMO: One level, "Frankensteinfeld".

Klonoa: Door to Phantomile // ** RECOMMENDED **
Cute charming sidescroller. You play as a long-eared cat thing. Easy and short, unlike life.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: the original plot was about a robot escaping a prison colony, pretty dark bleak stuff.
NOTE: has a remake and a remastered port. Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil is the sequel.
DEMO: one level, Vision 1-1.

Ghost in the Shell
Action-packed third-person game. Control a spider-mech and blow shit up. It's decent.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: written by Masamune Shirow, who did the original manga. Same VAs as the 1995 movie.
NOTE: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on PS2 is the next GITS game.
DEMO: Mission 1 ("An Assault")

Theme Hospital
Very humourous hospital simulator. It's awkward on PS1 so stick to the PC vesion.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the actors in the FMV are actual Bullfrog employees.
NOTE: Two Point Hospital is the spiritual successor.
DEMO: timed limited Level 1.

No One Can Stop Mr. Domino
Run around setting up dominoes to knock over for chain reactions. It's pretty annoying.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: there is no Dual Shock design by choice.
NOTE: no sequels
DEMO: Stage 1 ("Phat Tony's Casino").

Oddworld: Abe's Exoddus // ** RECOMMENDED **
Very nice sidescroller game featuring more possessions and farts.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: was made in only nine months. Is considered a part 2 to Oddysee and not a true sequel.
NOTE: has a PC version. Oddworld: Soulstorm is the reimaging.
DEMO: first part of the Necrum Mines.

Tomb Raider 3
More Lara Craft, this time with sprinting throughout non-linear level progression.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA:
NOTE: is also on PC. Now bundled in the Tomb Raider I-III Remastered collection.
DEMO: first level, India.

Rollcage
Futuristic racing game where you can drive on the ceiling. You get spun around way too easy.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: a new graphics engine was made just to render everything when driving at such speeds.
NOTE: Rollcage Stage II is the sequel. Rollcage Redux is the ideal verion for the PC game.
DEMO: first circuit

Wild 9
A weird and wacky sidescroller that oozes charm, among other things. It's pretty bleugh.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the devs wanted to include the game Earthworm Jim as an easter egg but scrapped the idea.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive, no ports or sequels.
DEMO: first level

Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver
Dark and broody third-person action game, notable for a big world with no loading screens.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: directed by Amy Hennig who would later direct Uncharted.
NOTE: was ported to Dreamcast. Soul Reaver 2 is sequel. Can get them on the remaster collection.
DEMO: first realm

R-Type Delta
Sidescrolling schmup, one of the best of its generation.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the game's environment-mapping textures were included as a test but was kept in.
NOTE: R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is the remaster. R-Type Final is the sequel.
DEMO: first level

Bloody Roar 2
Decent fighting game where you can transform into a beast.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: has a fan-made patch that adds better voice acting.
NOTE: Bloody Roar 3 is the sequel.
DEMO: two characters, Long and Stun

Gex: Deep Cover Gecko // ** RECOMMENDED **
Humorous and fun third-person action platformer starring that wisecracking gecko.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: Agent Xtra, that chick in the game's cutscenes, is portrayed by Marliece Andrada (Baywatch).
NOTE: also on Nintendo 64. Can get it on Gex Trilogy remaster collection.
DEMO: Mystery TV

R4: Ridge Racer Type 4
One of the best arcade racers of its generation, and perhaps the best Ridge Racer game.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: has tons of Namco references, like cars based on their arcade games.
NOTE: You can find it on the PlayStation Classic. Ridge Racer 64 is NOT a port, it is unique.
DEMO: one course - Edge of the Earth - and one Drift car.

Syphon Filter
A pretty good action-shooter, plays like third-person GoldenEye mixed with Metal Gear Solid.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: was almost cancelled a few times but Sony had faith in it.
NOTE: Syphon Filter 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: first level, Washington D.C.

Omega Boost
3D dogfighting mech game. Good music but cheesy FMVs.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: The mechs are designed by Shoji Kawamori, who also did the mechs for Macross.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive, never got a port or sequel.
DEMO: Zone 1 and Zone 2

Croc 2 // ** RECOMMENDED **
3D platformer starring our favourite crocodile. It's superior to the first game in every way.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the NTSC version has Gummi Savers product placement (now called Life Savers Gummies).
NOTE: has a PC version. A remaster is coming out Q4 2026.
DEMO: first level, Find the Key! Save the Gobbo!

Metal Gear Solid // ** RECOMMENDED **
Action-stealth espionage, like playing a movie. It's art, it's a masterpiece, it's MGS.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: has a PC port and GameCube remake. Is available on Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1.
NOTE: Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty is the sequel.
DEMO: goes from Docks (start of game) to the DARPA Chief.

Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time
Pretty decent action platformer. Lots of charm.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: has tons of references to classic Looney Toons cartoons.
NOTE: has a PC version. Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters is the sequel.
DEMO: First level, Wabbit on the Run!

Um Jammer Lammy
Cute rhythm game that plays just like PaRappa the Rapper, so of course I'm bad at it.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the arcade version uses a guitar controller, predating Guitar Hero by six years.
NOTE: PaRappa the Rapper 2 is the spiritual successor
DEMO: the "Fire" level

Lego Racers
Dinky little racing game, full of charm, but the rubberbanding is horrible.
1999 | N64
TRIVIA: planned to have vehicle damage but was scrapped due to hardware limitations.
NOTE: the PS1 version is pretty bad. Has a PC version. Lego Racers 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: one circuit, Imperial Grand Prix

40 Winks
Kinda fun action platformer game but it has crap physics and gets boring quick.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: had a completed N64 version that was even reviewed before being cancelled.
NOTE: no sequels
DEMO: one level, Creepy Crawly Cemetery

Dino Crisis
Resident Evil with dinosaurs. It's criminal this franchise never made a comeback.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the dinosaurs can track your blood trails and open doors.
NOTE: has a Dreamcast port. Dino Crisis 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: Stage Two

Metal Gear Solid: Special Missions
Over 300 combat puzzles of Snake shooting targets and avoiding guards.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: has a teaser for Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty.
NOTE: is available on Master Collection Vol. 1.
DEMO: a dozen or so training stages

Quake II
Damn good FPS, overlooked since it's more of a mission pack than a true sequel.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the PS1 port has exclusive episodes and exclusive music.
NOTE: has versions for the PC and N64. Remasters for modern platforms. Quake III Arena is sequel.
DEMO: one level, Comm Center.

Kingsley's Adventure
Imagine Legend of Zelda with animals. It's alright. Has tank controls and low draw distance.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the narration is done by Bernard Cribbins, well known for doing voiceover work.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive, never been re-released.
DEMO: Sea Town

Tomb Raider The Last Revelation
Possibly the best of the classic era but it disappointed due to it being mainly Egyptian.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the devs dropped Nell McAndrew as promo model because he modelled for Playboy.
NOTE: has a PC port. Is bundled in Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered.
DEMO: supposedly a unique level not in the final game.

Pac-Man World // ** RECOMMENDED **
A clever fun mix of platforming and the Pac-Man formula. One of the better PS1 3D platfomers.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the original 1980 Pac-Man arcade game is an unlockable bonus.
NOTE: has a GBA version and a remaster for modern platforms. Pac-Man World 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: two levels, Buccaneer Beach, and Clowning Around.

Ace Combat 3: Electrosphere
Is this peak dogfighting? Indeed it is.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: the localization butchered the branching missions and anime FMVs. The v2 version restores it.
NOTE: Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies is the sequel.
DEMO: first two missions.

Rollcage Stage II
Racing game where you can drive on walls and ceilings. Not much different than the first game.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the music was done by record label Moving Shadow, and it's a Redbook CD.
NOTE: has a PC port under the name Death Track Racing.
DEMO: one track

Renegade Racers
Racing game with speedboats and weapons. It's eh meh bleh.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: was originally a cancelled N64 game called Wild Water World Championships.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive, no ports or sequels.
DEMO: one track, River Rapids

Colin McRae Rally 2
Possibly the best rally game of its time, or all time. Now has NPC opponents.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the game's minimalist UI won some design awards.
NOTE: Colin McRae Rally 3 is the sequel.
DEMO: one rally stage, Stage 1 (Greece)

Toy Story 2
A pretty good action platformer, though a bit repetitive and the levels are too big.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: Pastebin's SMART filter blocks the word 'W**dy', the main character. What a stupid website.
NOTE: also on N64 and PC. Has a port on PS4 with save states and rewind function.
DEMO: 1 levels,  Andy's House.

Muppet RaceMania // ** RECOMMENDED **
One of the better kart racing game of its era. This has all your Muppet friends.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: has over 100 video clips from six Muppet movies.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive, no ports or sequels.
DEMO: one track, Canyon Battle

Pipe Dream
Arrange different-shaped pipes to connect the entrance to the exit. It's a standard hacking puzzle.
1990 | NES
TRIVIA: got an arcade port that was very popular in Japan.
NOTE: also on the Amiga and Atari ST and the Microsoft Windows Entertainment Pack for PC.

Puzzle League DS
Tile-matching game that you can play on auto-pilot. Nice aesthetics and decent music.
2007 | PS4
TRIVIA: the protag of the SNES game Panel de Pon makes a cameo but the localization edits it out.
NOTE: Puzzle League Express for the DSi is a cut-down version.

Vib Ribbon
Rythmn game that generates obstacles based on music CDs you put in the PS1.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: was originally an advertisement game for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
NOTE: Mojib-Ribbon is the sequel.
DEMO: some courses, cannot swap discs to play other courses.

Rayman 2
Pretty decent action platformer starring the eponymous limbless creature. Dumb voice acting.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: much of the code for the PS1 version had to re-written, hence it feels the most odd.
NOTE: is also on Dreamcast, PC, N64, and is on PS2 as Rayman Revolution
DEMO: the first half of the level The Bayou.

Spiderman
Swing around as a creep in a tight onesie, shooting white sticky web on bald men.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the final boss, Monster-Ock, is original and created for this game.
NOTE: is also on Dreamcast, N64, and PC
DEMO: first part of first mission, Bank Heist.

Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour
An alright kart racer based on Disney World theme park attractions. The rubber-banding AI is brutal.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the music and sound effects are taken from the actual theme park attractions.
NOTE: is also on Dreamcast and PC
DEMO: one course, Dinosaurs

Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX: Maximum Remix
BMX game with eight extra levels and remixed goals over the original. Bad gameplay but good music.
2001 | PS1
TRIVIA: this version of the game often came bundled with the soundtrack CD.
NOTE: also on Dreamcast and PC. Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is the sequel.
DEMO: one level, a warehouse level that is exclusively made for the demo?

Grind Session
A pretty decent skateboarding game, perhaps the best non-THPS skating game on the PS1. Good music.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: developed by Shaba Games, who would later make future THPS games
NOTE: Razor Freestyle Scooter is the spiritual successor.
DEMO: first level, Da Banks (NYC}.

Bugs Bunny & Taz: Time Busters
Bugs and Taz team up in this charming platformer. For some reason the controls are bad.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: made the same studio that would later make Dead by Daylight (after studio name change).
NOTE: also on PC.
DEMO: Granwich and a few minigames, like Arabian The Biladi Lessons and Aztec The Pelota Game.

Asterix: The Gallic War
Part action, part turn-based strategy game. It's alright but it does get frustrating.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: is inspired by the game North & South, itself based on a Belgian comic.
NOTE: also on PC.
DEMO: one level, Carnac.

Crash Bash
Pretty fun party game: 28 minigames where RNG screws you over.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the Spyro 3 demo of this game is actually the prototype with most of the game hidden inside.
NOTE: Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex is the next game in the series.
DEMO: a few levels like Pogo Pandemonium and Polar Push.

Chicken Run
Imagine Metal Gear Solid but with chickens and British voices. It's not bad.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: Benjamin Whitrow (Fowler) and Lynn Ferguson (Mac) reprise their roles.
NOTE: also on Dreamcast and PC.
DEMO: Compound on Tweedy’s farm

Frogger 2
Guide your froggy friend in 3D platforming levels. It gets way hard.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: also on Dreamcast and PC.
NOTE: over 100 prototype builds were found.
DEMO: two levels, The Garden and Haunted House.

Hyper 3-D Pinball
Pinball in 3-D, with six original tables.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: the graphics were made using SGI workstations, costing $15k-$40k ($30k-80k in today's money).
NOTE: has versions on the PS1 and PC.

Pinball Dreams
A decent port of the Amiga original, is what I'd say but the tables are bad to begin with.
1994 | GG
TRIVIA: the scoring is reduced by 1/100 to make room for the numbers on the small screen.
NOTE: Pinball Dreams 2 is the sequel.

Wizard Pinball
Only one table, which is fantasy based. It's pretty bad.
1995 | GG
TRIVIA: no battery save or flash memory, so all high scores are gone when system is turned off.
NOTE: Game Gear exclusive

C-12: Final Resistance
An impressive third-person action shooter, you vs the mechs.
2001 | PS1
TRIVIA: made by the same people who made the Medievil games. The USA release wasn't until 2002.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive.
DEMO: Mission 1: The Outpost / Industrial Sector

WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role
One of the best wrestling games of all time, oozing with soul, among other things.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: The Big Show and Ken Shamrock were removed but their assets are still in the game.
NOTE: WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It is the next WWF game.
DEMO: just two wrestlers, Triple H and The Rock.

Toy Story Racer
A pretty mediocre kart-racing game, combining locations from both films, nothing new to the genre.
2001 | PS1
TRIVIA: despite having locations from Toy Story 2, none of that film's characters appear.
NOTE: has a Game Boy Color version.
DEMO: two circuits: Andy's House race, and Pizza Planet battle.

World's Scariest Police Chases
Plays like Driver but you are the police. It's pretty alright.
2001 | PS1
TRIVIA: has voiceovers by John Bunnell, host of the World's Wildest Police Videos television show.
NOTE: has a PC version.
DEMO: a few missions

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth // ** RECOMMENDED **
A great turn-based RPG that is classic Yakuza: serious plot, silly side quests, all good.
2024 | PS4
TRIVIA: has lots of cameos like Danny Trejo, but the rest are literal whos.
NOTE: Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is the next one to play.
IMPORTANT: I have finished the story, I might return to do even more side content (pffft).

Monsters Inc. // ** RECOMMENDED **
A pretty good platformer even if repetitive. It's a prequel to the film.
2001 | PS1
TRIVIA: Steve Buscemi (Randall), James Coburn (Waternoose), Bob Peterson (Roz) reprise their roles.
NOTE: has a PC version, and a much-different PS2 version that is more stealth-based.
DEMO: Training Obstacle Course, and The Oasis section of Desert Grounds.

Treasure Planet
One of the last decent 3D platformers of the PS1.
2002 | PS1
TRIVIA: Joseph Gordon-Levitt reprised his role as Jim Hawkins for this game.
NOTE: is also on PS2 but it's more of a racing game. Has a Game Boy Advance port.
DEMO: The Solar Surfing Canyon Run.

Legend of Dragoon
A beautiful decent turned-based RPG, one of the last good original RPGs of the PS1.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: was developed by Sony as an answer to Final Fantasy. Only PS1 demo disc JRPG?
NOTE: is available on PS4 and PS5 with trophies.
DEMO: The Prairie and Limestone Cave area

Grim Fandango Remastered

Classic point-and-click game about a travel agent who must bring down the corrupt department.
2015 | PS4
TRIVIA: the remaster has re-made music courtesy of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
NOTE: with this I've played every other remastered LucasArts point-and-click game.

Hollow Knight
Spooky metroidvania to get me ready for Hollow Knight: Silksong (eventually)
2018 | PS4
TRIVIA: made over 3 years after a successful AUD$57,000  Kickstarter.
NOTE: Hollow Knight: Silksong is the sequel.

3D Pinball: Space Cadet
A pretty neat port of the classic pinball game onto the PS2
2024 | PS2
TRIVIA: is built on the SpaceCadetPinball decompilation project.
NOTE: get the ISO so you don't need the original game's assets.

Spyro the Dragon: Grim Garden
A fan-made custom level that is a proof-of-concept that we can make actual levels now.
2026 | PS1
TRIVIA: was made with WadEdit, a tool specialised in modifying the original Spyro game's files.
NOTE: requires patching the original Spyro the Dragon .bin file.

Buzzy Bee
It's Flappy Bird but with a bee. It's alright.
2021 | PS1
TRIVIA: was an entry in the 32-bit Jam 2021.
NOTE: can be played on official hardware.

Celeste Classic PSX
A port of the indie sidescroller Celeste Classic.
2023 | PS1
TRIVIA: was developed entirely in Rust, a programming language designed for memory perfomance.
NOTE: there are two ports of Celeste to the PS1. I'm not sure which version I played.

Sonic in Crash Bandicoot 2
Play as Sonic in Crash 2, complete with his slippery physics.
2021 | PS1
TRIVIA: has original content, like Sonic music and a Dr. Robotnik boss battle.
NOTE: the modder Airumu has made other Crash 2 mods.

Magic Castle
A long-lost Net Yaroze game that is an action dungeon-crawler. Has bad controls.
2021 | PS1
TRIVIA: was pitched to Sony in 1998 but every attempt to finish and publish the game failed.
NOTE: can be played on official hardware.

Sega Flipper
A port of the classic pinball game to the Colecovision.
2021 | CV
TRIVIA: has a physical copy, manual and all.
NOTE: Sega made other pinball games to try out.

Fairy Pinball: Yousei Tachi no Pinball
A naughty pinball game where good actions with your balls makes the ladies undress.
1987 | FDS
TRIVIA: is quite rare and expensive, and you don't want to be caught buying this.
NOTE: no sequels or ports but the Hacker International id make other lewd games.

Spyro 3.5: Return to the Forgotten Realms
A devilishly difficult romhack that moves collectibles way out of your reach.
2023 | PS1
TRIVIA: more than just the collectibles were altered: new graphic, voice acting, and music was added.
NOTE: you can either patch the base game's .bin file or you can find a pre-patched version.

Heart of Darkness
A nice looking 2D sidescroller puzzle platformer that is very annoying to play.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: took four years to make and has thousands of hand-drawn animation frames.
NOTE: also available on PC.

I.Q - Intelligent Qube
A 3D puzzle game that does my head in. I have no idea how to play this game.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: early copies came bundled with a physical puzzle game.
NOTE: I.Q: Intelligent Qube Final is the sequel. Also I.Q. Remix+ on PS2.

Time Crisis
On-rails light gun game where you take cover to reload.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: came bundled with the GunCon, the quintessential PS1 light gun controller.
NOTE: Time Crisis II is the arcade sequel. Time Crisis: Project Titan is the next on PS1.

Dino Crisis 2
A more fast-paced arcade style game, unlike the surival-horror original.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: the jungle setting was intended for the first game but had to be pre-rendered.
NOTE: has been ported to PC. Dino Stalker is the spin-off.

Diablo
Classic ARPG that plays really slow compared to its sequels.
1998 | PS1
TRIVIA: the PS1 version has a unique 2 player mode the PC original lacks.
NOTE: Diablo II is the sequel.

Klonoa Beach Volleyball
Volleyball with the characters and items from Klonoa. It's eh meh bleh.
2002 | PS1
TRIVIA: last Namco game released on the PS1.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive, no sequels.

Ghoul Panic
Spooky arcade shooter. Imagine Point Blank but every minigame is horror based. Lots of loading.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: directed by Manabu Namiki, who is better known as a musician. Game doesn't have ghouls.
NOTE: no sequels.

Duke Nukem: Land of the Babes
Clunky third-person action game, not much better than the first game.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: was subtitled Planet of the Babes until shortly before release.
NOTE: is available on Duke Nukem Collection 2 for the Evercade.

Spinball
Simple pinball game with small flippers, a wide drain, and it just feels odd to play.
1983 | VEC
TRIVIA: is one of the few Vectrex games you can actually pause.
NOTE: Vectrex exclusive, no ports or sequels.

Muppet Monster Adventure // ** RECOMMENDED **
Play as Robin (Kermit's nephew) in this kid-friendly spooky platformer. It's pretty good.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: soundtrack was done by Michael Giacchino, who recently did Spider-Man: No Way Home.
NOTE: PS1 exclusive.
DEMO: two levels: Peacock Purgatory (first level), and The Muck Monster Slimeth (boss battle).

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command
Cel-shaded linear action game that is mind-jumbing.
2000 | PS1
TRIVIA: Patrick Warburton reprises his role as Buzz,
NOTE: is a tie-in for the pilot movie of the animated series (remember that?).

Blazing Lasers
Vertical shmup, one of the finest of its time. Good music.
1989 | PCE
TRIVIA: is very loosely based on the film Gunhed, so loose the localization rebranded the name.
NOTE: Released on the Virtual Console and modern retro compilation platforms,

Alien Crush Returns // ** RECOMMENDED **
A pretty fun pinball game featuring gross creatures. Good music.
2008 | WII
TRIVIA: this is a sort-of remake of Alien Crush for the PC Engine.
NOTE: Demon's Tilt is a sort of spiritual successor.

Super Star Soldier
Vertical shmup, another of the finest of its time. Is a spiritual successor to Blazing Laser.
1990 | PCE
TRIVIA: was created for the All-Japan Caravan Festival, Hudson’s e-sports tournament.
NOTE: followed by Soldier Blade and Final Soldier on PCE.

Mr. Driller W
Basic Mr. Driller action: go down. No puzzle mode or time attack in this game though
2009 | WII
TRIVIA: the W stands for both 'Wii' and 'World' (the original Japanese title is Mr. Driller World).
NOTE: Mr. Driller: Drill Till You Drop for the DSi is basically this game with more content.

Mole Mania
A pretty neat puzzle game. It's the kind of game where it's easily solved, just tricky to do it.
1996 | GB
TRIVIA: produced by Shigeru Miyamoto in one of his rare hands-on roles.
NOTE: Adventures of Lolo is similar and Baba Is You is a close enough spiritual successor.

Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II
Pilot iconic Star Wars spacecraft in missions against the Empire. It's dogfighting dogshit.
2001 | GC
TRIVIA: Developed by Factor 5 in a mere 9 months.
NOTE: GameCube exclusive. THe sequel is Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike for the Gc.

Einhander
2.5D side-scrolling shmup that kind of plays like R-Type. It's basic but the music's good.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: some of devs reunited in Kingdom Hearts III and designed the Gummi Ship segments.
NOTE: later made available via PlayStation Network classics.

Crash Team Racing: Retro-Fueled
A modded ROM hack that brings the mechanics of Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled to the original CTR.
2020 | PS1
TRIVIA: more than just the physics were altered: new graphics and music was added too.
NOTE: you can either patch the base game's .bin file or you can find a pre-patched version.

Final Fantasy Adventure
Top-down action-adventure RPG that plays like Legend of Zelda. It's pretty bland.
1991 | GB
TRIVIA: this game is actually the first entry in the SaGa franchise.
NOTE: remade into Sword of Mana for the GBA. Later released on the Collection of Mana collection.

Bloody Wolf
Top-down run-and-gun action game that is very cheesy that it oozes 80s action films.
1989 | PCE
TRIVIA: the PC Engine port has a whole new level set at night where you rescue hostages.
NOTE: originally an arcade game by Data East, ported to the PC Engine.

Die Hard Arcade
3D arcade beat-em-up where you run around beating people up. It plays so slowly.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: originally released in arcades as Dynamite Deka, was reskinned with the Die Hard license.
NOTE: Dynamite Cop on the Sega Dreamcast is the sequel.

Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
3D action-adventure platformer that plays like Ocarina of Time before that game even came out. Bleh.
1997 | N64
TRIVIA: has tons of references, from Dragon Ball Z to Robocop to Super Sentai.
NOTE: Followed on N64 by Goemon's Great Adventure.

Splatterhouse
2D side-scrolling beat-'em-up that’s pretty violent and pretty brainless.
1990 | PCE
TRIVIA: Rick’s hockey mask was changed to red due to copyright concerns with Friday the 13th.
NOTE: ported from arcades to PC Engine; Splatterhouse 2 and 3 are on Genesis and has a 2010 reboot.

Luigi's Mansion
Action-adventure puzzle game as Luigi capturing ghosts with a vacuum. Repetitive & awkward controls.
2001 | GC
TRIVIA: was a tech demo that they liked enough to flesh out into a full game.
NOTE: was remade for the 3DS. Sequels are Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS) and Luigi's Mansion 3 (SW).

Super Smash Bros. Melee
Fighting game featuring many Nintendo characters duking it out. It's alright.
2001 | GC
TRIVIA: was made in just 13 months, which landed director Masahiro Sakurai in hospital from stress.
NOTE: Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the sequel.

Vigilante
Side-scrolling beat-'em-up with a plot very similar to Streets of Rage. Extremely unfair gameplay.
1989 | PCE
TRIVIA: this is a spiritual successor to the arcade game Kung-Fu Master.
NOTE: Ported from arcades to the PC Engine, Sega Master System, and Commodore 64.

Powerslave // ** RECOMMENDED **
FPS game set in Ancient Egypt. It's not half bad.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: built on a new engine that plays like a Metroidvania rather than the linear original.
NOTE: also on PS1 and PC. Got remastered as Powerslave Exhumed in 2022.

Virtua Cop
Light-gun shooter: blap the criminals and avoid civilian hostages. It's alright.
1995 | SAT
TRIVIA: the first light-gun game to be in 3D, and the first that lets you shoot enemies through glass.
NOTE: Virtua Cop 2 is the sequel.

Chrono Trigger // ** RECOMMENDED **
Fantastic RPG about a guy time-traveling to gather allies to stop an alien from destroying the Earth.
1995 | SNES
TRIVIA: created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yuji Horii, Akira Toriyama, and Nobuo Uematsu, the GOATs.
NOTE: is available on PS1, DS, and on PC via Steam. Chrono Cross is the sequel.

Final Bubble Bobble
Play as cute dinosaurs where you must trap enemies and pop them. It's called "Final" but it's a port.
1988 | SMS
TRIVIA: to get the good ending you must beat the game co-op.
NOTE: ported to nearly every home system in existence at the time.

Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap
A cutesy Metroidvania where you can transform into animals, each with unique mechanics.
1989 | SMS
TRIVIA: the localized Brazilian release replaced characters with the ones from Monica’s Gang.
NOTE: Direct sequel to Wonder Boy in Monster Land; has a remake released in 2017.

Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
Alex Kidd adopts the ninja skills of the Shinobi series to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. It’s bleh.
1990 | SMS
TRIVIA: was an original game before Sega requested it be an Alex Kidd game.
NOTE: the last Alex Kidd game, not counting Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX, a remake of the first game.

Parodius Da!
A cute parody of Gradius that is bizarre and pretty alright.
1992 | PCE
TRIVIA: the PC Engine version is missing a few stages due to storage limitations.
NOTE: part of the Parodius series. Gokujo Parodius! (aka Fantastic Journey) is next.

Thunderball
A pinball game where you can move the paddles like in Pong. It's blurgh.
1979 | MO2
TRIVIA: has a slow motion mode which makes the game playable.
NOTE: sold in EUrope as Videopac 24: Flipper Game.

Pikmin
Command plant creatures, make beat beat up bugs and flowers, and collect spaceship parts. Good stuff.
2001 | GC
TRIVIA: Shigeru Miyamoto was inspired by watching ants carry objects in his garden.
NOTE: sequels are Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3, and Pikmin 4.

Saturn Bomberman — Sega Saturn
Multiplayer Bomberman that can support up to 10 players simultaneously on screen at once.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: has cameos, such as Bonk and Master Higgins from Adventure Island.
NOTE: Saturn Bomberman Fight!! is next.

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III
Cute platform-action game use your parasol to attack and collect water.
1991 | PCE
TRIVIA: was made for the PC Engine first instead of the Arcades first.
NOTE: Third main entry in the Bubble Bobble / Rainbow Islands series.

Choplifter
Side-scrolling helicopter game. This is such a stupid game.
1985 | SMS
TRIVIA: was originally a 1985 arcade game, itself based on a 1982 Apple II game.
NOTE: Ported to numerous systems; followed by various modern remakes and sequels.

Sonic Adventure
Very fast and quite fun action platformer. It's so cheesy you might need an antacid.
1998 | DC
TRIVIA: developed in a grueling 18-20 months for the Dreamcast's launch.
NOTE: ported to GameCube and PC, has been remastered for PS3, 360, and PC. Sonic Adventure 2 is next.

Resident Evil
Survivor horror game where you shoot zombies with tank controls, conserving ammo and save points.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: began development as a SNES remake of the RPG Sweet Home.
NOTE: got remade in 2002 for the GameCube.

Panzer Dragoon
Beautiful and mind-numbing on-rails shooter where you pilot a dragon and shoot creatures. Decent.
1995 | SAT
TRIVIA: the devs modelled animations by creating a dragon out of beer crates and sitting on it.
NOTE: followed by Panzer Dragoon Zwei, Panzer Dragoon Saga, and a modern 2020 remake.

Dragon's Curse
Platforming action-RPG where you transform into animals, each with their own mechanics.
1989 | PCE
TRIVIA: released in Japan as Adventure Island, but there already was an Adventure Island.
NOTE: this is a remake of remake of the Sega Master System’s Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap.

Master of Darkness
Sega’s answered to Castlevania: an action platformer with a gothic theme. It's pretty good.
1992 | SMS
TRIVIA: only had a physical release in PAL and Brazil, but the Game Gear version got a wider release.
NOTE: got a Game Gear release under the name Vampire: Master of Darkness.

Alundra
A top-down action-adventure RPG that plays like Legend of Zelda.
1997 | PS1
TRIVIA: made by ex-Landstalker devs and had its difficulty raised by localizers Working Designs.
NOTE: Followed by a spiritual sequel, Alundra 2: A New Legend Begins.

Panzer Dragoon Zwei
More on-rail shooter but now with a branching storyline, and the dragon changes form.
1996 | SAT.
TRIVIA: possibly the Saturn game that best optimized the dual CPU architecture.
NOTE: this is a prequel to the original Panzer Dragoon. Panzer Dragoon Saga is the sequel.

Golvellius: Valley of Doom
An action-adventure RPG that switches between top-down and side-scrolling like Zelda 2. It's alright.
1988 | SMS
TRIVIA: was originally an MSX game, and Compile was so impressed they remade this game for the MSX2.
NOTE: original game is on MSX. rue Demon King Golvellius is a remake. Super Cooks is the spinoff.

Street Fighter II: Champion Edition
An ambitious port, essentially jamming a 16-bit game onto an 8-bit machine.
1993 | PCE
TRIVIA: requires the Arcade Pad 6 controller to have enough buttons to do all the moves.
NOTE: this is an updated version of Street Fighter II, released on everything at the time.

Virtua Fighter 2
An impressive fighting game but I hate that everyone jumps like they’re on the moon.
1995 | SAT
TRIVIA: Yuki Naka stepped in to optimise the code, allowing the game to run at 60 FPS.
NOTE: Sequel to Virtua Fighter; followed by Virtua Fighter 3.

Daytona USA
Arcade racing game that suffers from a rushed job that botched the framerate.
1995 | SAT
TRIVIA: Saturn port is lacklustre because the Saturn's launch was rushed before the game was ready.
NOTE: Daytona USA: Championship Circuit Edition is the revised version. followed by Daytona USA 2.

Tekken 2
Improved upon the first game in every way, and then Tekken 3 improved on this game in every way.
1996 | PS1
TRIVIA: actual martial artists did their moves in a motion-capture studio for that authentic look.
NOTE: Direct sequel to Tekken. Tekken 3 is next, but I grew up with that so Tekken 4 is next.

Street Fighter Alpha 2
A cuter and quicker version of Street Fighter. It's pretty good.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: the Saturn version is better than the PS1 version as more RAM means less loading.
NOTE: Sequel to Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dreams.

Fighters Megamix
Fighting game featuring tons of characters from Sega’s games. It's slow and almost unplayable.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: was designed specifically for the Saturn and never got an arcade release.
NOTE: no sequels or spinoffs.

Panel de Pon
The original match-3 tile sliding puzzle game. You don't need to know Japanese for this.
1995 | SNES
TRIVIA: was localization as Tetris Attack. One of Gunpei Yokoi's last games at Nintendo.
NOTE: is also on Nintendo Puzzle Collection for the GameCube.

NIGHTS Into Dreams
Pilot some guy in pyjamas through rings against a time limit (sounds like Superman 64). It's fine.
1996 | SAT
TRIVIA: designed for the then-upcoming Saturn 3D Control Pad.
NOTE: received a sequel titled NiFi: Journey of Dreams on the Wii.

Panzer Dragoon Saga
A weird on-rails shooter that weaves an RPG system with fast action. It’s alright.
1998 | SAT
TRIVIA: due to Sega’s restructuring in the late 90s, the source code of this game is lost.
NOTE: Panzer Dragoon Orta is the sequel but it is an Xbox exclusive.

AI: The Somnium Files – Nirvana Initiative // ** RECOMMENDED **
A great Visual Novel that combines detective work with locked-room puzzles.
2022 | PC
TRIVIA: you can play this game without having played the original, but I recommend playing it.
NOTE: No Sleep for Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files is the sequel.

Pokemon Crystal // ** RECOMMENDED **
The enhanced version of Gold and Silver. One of the finest peaks in the series.
2000 | GBC
TRIVIA: was the first Pokemon game to do online battles using the Mobile Adapter GB.
NOTE: Pokémon Emerald is the spiritual successor. I skipped Gold/Silver since Crystal is supreme.

Silent Bomber
Fast fun game where you run around planting bombs, like Bomberman but less cute.
1999 | PS1
TRIVIA: Developed by CyberConnect, who would later on make anime arena fighting games.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Rayman 2: The Great Escape
The definitive edition of the game, with more collectibles and bigger levels (too big at times).
2000 | DC
TRIVIA: this version has a hub world where you can spend crystals to unlock minigames.
NOTE: is also on PS1, PC, N64, and is on PS2 as Rayman Revolution

Into the Breach
Bite-sized maps of tactics gameplay for bite-sized game sessions. It's decent.
2018 | PC
TRIVIA: spent four years in development.
NOTE: released on the Switch, iOS and Android, and Stadia (pffft)

Soulcalibur
The definitive port of this arcade classic fighter.
1999 | DC
TRIVIA: you can plug in the Dreamcast keyboard and play with the keyboard if you want.
NOTE: it did have an HD port on Xbox Live Arcade but has since been delisted.

Conker's Bad Fur Day
A 3D platformer full of NSFW raunchy humour. Imagine Banjo on literal drugs.
2001 | N64
TRIVIA: was originally going to be family-friendly, working title was Conker's Quest.
NOTE: remade as Conker: Live & Reloaded. Is available on the Rare Replay compilation.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (DC)
This Dreamcast version is the best version, with a solid framerate and barely any pop-in.
2000 | DC
TRIVIA: this port was handled by Treyarch, who later did Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2x for the Xbox.
NOTE: I have played the PS1 and N64 versions. Now onto THPS 3.

8BIT Music Power
A nifty music player full of original chiptune tunes and some minigames. Very nice music!
2016 | NES
TRIVIA: has a physical release courtsey  Japanese accessory maker.
NOTE: Followed by 8bit Music Power Final and 8bit Music Power Encore.

Fruit Shinobi
It's Fruit Ninja where you use the Zapper to shoot fruits but avoid the bombs.
2023 | NES
TRIVIA: you can emulate the Zapper using your computer mouse.
NOTE: no sequels.

Irritating Ship
Streer your ship around twisting levels and avoid the walls. Irritating is right.
2022 | NES
TRIVIA: uses the NES' 'sprite 0 hit' flag for precise pixel-perfect collision detection.
NOTE: is available on a multi-region physcial region.

Tactus
An 8-bit clone of Crypt of the NecroDancer. It's tough with good music.
2022 | NES
TRIVIA: was an entry in the 2022 NESdev Competition. It came 1st place overall.
NOTE: has ongoing builds released on itch.io.

nnnnnn
Object-dodging game based on the "Gravitron" sequence in VVVVVV. Good music balances out frustration.
2019 | NES
TRIVIA: music made by Chip Jockey.
NOTE: is available on the Evercade.

Coin World
Mario clone where you must collect every coin in the level to proceed.
2018 | NES
TRIVIA: was made to test the NES' color palettes and collision mechanics.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Pong de las Tortugas Ninja
Pong + Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles = cowabunghole.
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: coded entirely in raw 6502 Assembly, art done in MS Paint.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Plummet Challenge Game
Vertical action-platformer where you drop down and collect gems. The hitboxes are unfair.
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: built using NESmaker, has references to other games they made like Carpet Shark.
NOTE: Released as a digital ROM and physical cartridge package.

The Arm Wrestling Classic
Building up arm strength for some arm wrassling. This isn't worth wearing out your buttons for.
2022 | NES
TRIVIA: uses Mapper 30 for easy use on flash cart and emulators.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Mosh Lift
Vertical platformer where you swing up like Bionic Commando. It requires good timing.
2023 | NES
TRIVIA: was an entry for the annual NESdev coding community game jams; it came 6th place.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Zooming Secretary
Arcade game that has you running around answering phone calls. Sadly no sitting on your boss' lap.
2011 | NES
TRIVIA: was coded in C rather than assembly.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Blockage
Puzzler where you slide blocks to clear a path for a rolling ball to reach the exit. Hurts my head!
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: the demo has 32 levels; the full game has 100 levels.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Proximity Shift
Auto-scrolling arcade game where you teleport your ship to get through mazes. Too hard for me.
2023 | NES
TRIVIA: made for the 2023 annual NESdev coding competition; it came 2nd.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Flea!
A platformer in which you're always bouncing, so time your jumps well.
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: physical copies are multi-region, running on NTSC and PAL consoles.
NOTE: has been ported to PC (Steam), Dreamcast, Evercade, and modern consoles.

Tapeworm Disco Puzzle
Plays like Snake mixed with Adventures of Lolo. It's the sort-of sequel to Flea.
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: is one of the few NES puzzle games with an undo/rewind button.
NOTE: has been ported to the Sega Dreamcast, Game Boy, PC, and other consoles.

Hyperbeatz
2021 | NES
Rhythm game: hits the buttons in time to very nice chiptune music. If you've played DDR it's the same.
TRIVIA: the ROM weighs in at a mere 40KB, the same size as the original Super Mario Bros.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

D-Pad Hero
2009 | NES
It’s Guitar Hero on the NES. Ypu have to hit the direction buttons and A or B, it's bad.
TRIVIA: has chiptunes of tracks from Guns N' Roses, Daft Punk, and Michael Jackson.
NOTE: D-Pad Hero 2 is the sequel.

KiraKira Star Night AC
Very cute auto-scroller where you must collect moving stars. Nice music.
2016 | NES
TRIVIA: The "AC" stands for Arcade.
NOTE: counterpart game is KiraKira Star Night DX.

KiraKira Star Night DX
More very cute auto-scroller where you must collect moving stars. More nice music.
2016 | NES
TRIVIA: has music composed by Yuzo Koshiro and Manami Matsumae, and more.
NOTE: counterpart game is KiraKira Star Night AC.

CTR: Christmas Team Racing
Romhack of the original CTR to make it more festive. Has 11 new tracks and altered bosses.
2025 | PS1
TRIVIA: it's recommended you turn on 8MB RAM expansion and overclock the virtual CPU to 400%.
NOTE: there are more CTR romhacks to check out.

Carpet Shark
Arcade action game where you play as a shark moving through the carpet. Unfair hitboxes!
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: based on a indie 2013 film.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

For the Birds VI
Play as a bird and fly and avoid obstacles. Simple as.
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: despite the name, this is the first in the series.
NOTE: other For the Birds homebrew games are released across retro platforms.

Fish
A vertical climbing game where you must get into water to renew your oxygen. It's alright.
2023 | NES
TRIVIA: was coded in 6502 assembly language over a 48-hour period for the 17th Alakajam! game jam.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Purple Cape Man
Side-scrolling where you play as a purple superhero. It's crap and hurts my eyes.
2015 | NES
TRIVIA: the game's readme file comes with instructions on making your own levels with a hex editor.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Eskimo Bob
Play as an eskimo and collect fish in many ice-themed levels.
2018 | NES
TRIVIA: based on an old web animation series created by Kevin Bolk.
NOTE: Alfonzo's Arctic Adventure on the NES is the spin-off/sequel.

Nebs and Debs
Sidescroller with a dash option. It's alright but some of those jumps are unfair.
2019 | NES
TRIVIA: was an entry for the 2016 NESdev Coding Competition; it came second.
NOTE: released for the NES, PC (Steam), and Dreamcast.

Halo 3 ODST
A decent FPS where you play as a soldier during the Covenant invasion of New Mombasa. Piss filter!
2020 | PC
TRIVIA: was originally DLC called Halo 3: Recon before it was retooled into a full release.
NOTE: is based on the Xbox 360 original. Halo: Reach is the next game, also a prequel.

Spacegulls
Play as a seagull in a maze-like space station, flying with Flappy Bird-esque bouncing. It's decent.
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: developed by Morphcat Games, who also made Micro Mages and Bobl.
NOTE: Released digitally via itch.io and physically on NES cartridges.

Cheril in the Cave
Platformer where you play as a naked pink-haired girl with a big ass. Annoying platforming.
2017 | NES
TRIVIA: developed by The Mojon Twins, who have made tons of homebrew console-ready games.
NOTE: part of the Cheril game universe spanning multiple retro platforms.

Super Bat Puncher
An action-adventure platformer where you control a cute bat. Quite a good game.
2011 | NES
TRIVIA: developed by Morphcat team members.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Streemerz
An action-platformer that plays like Bionic Commando. It's very annoying.s
2012 | NES
TRIVIA: was made for the "Action 52 Owns" game jam that remakes Action 52 games to be better.
NOTE: was originally built as an Adobe Flash game before being ported to the NES.

Lala the Magical
Control a cute witch and create blocks to solve puzzles. It's eh meh bleh.
2011 | NES
TRIVIA: developed by the The Mojon Twins who do other homebrew games for old systems.
NOTE: released for the NES, MSX, and ZX Spectrum.

20XX
Imagine Mega Man X as a procedurally generated rougelike. It resembles a Flash game. It's fine.
2017 | PC
TRIVIA: was developer Chris King's first commercial game.
NOTE: is also on PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. 30XX is the sequel.

Oopi's Quest
Puzzle game that plays like Sokoban. It's pretty easy, it's pretty good.
2022 | NES
TRIVIA: Created by Kenney (known for his asset packs), music by Tedd Kerr (Wolfgang).
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

MiedoW Cheril's Nightmares
Spooky top-down puzzle shooter. Graphically it looks good but the gameplay is lackluster.
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: a part of the Cheril series, such as Cheril in the Cave.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Robobeat
Rhythm rougelike FPS: move and shoot to the beat. It's like a cyberpunk BPM and so-so.
2024 | PC
TRIVIA: you can swap in your own music, something rare for a rhythm game.
NOTE: also on PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X/S.

Sifu
Beat-em-up where dying ages you in your next life, improving damage but lowering health. It's decent.
2024 | PC
TRIVIA: all the martial art moves in this game are authentic.
NOTE: can be found on all modern platforms.

Kid Funky
A pretty bad platformer that resembles sugar-infused Saturday morning cartoons.
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: built with NESmaker.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

Sir Ababol Remastered
Sidescroller where you flowers while avoiding bats and skeletons. It's basic and eh.
2012 | NES
TRIVIA: the original game was released for the ZX Spectrum in 2010.
NOTE: has been ported to the NES, MSX, and Amstrad CPC.

Sonic Adventure 2: Battle // ** RECOMMENDED **
Fast 3D platformer with none of that dumb open world to get lost in. Better than the first game.
2001 | GC
TRIVIA: the GameCube version added exclusive modes and expanded Chao Garden mechanics.
NOTE: was on Sega Dreamcast, has been been ported to GameCube, PC, and modern platforms.

Wolfling
Metroidvania where you can swap between human and wolf. The physics will screw you over.
2019 | NES
TRIVIA: was an entry in the a NESdev Competition. It came 3rd place overall.
NOTE: has been ported to the Commodore 64 as Wolfling Reloaded.

Gotta Protectors Amazon's Running Diet
Auto-runner starring a chubby anime girl; collect water, avoid the cakes. It's fine for five minutes.
2017 | NES
TRIVIA: is a part of the Gotta Protectors series.
NOTE: was originally launched digitally on Nintendo 3DS and Xbox One getting demade for the NES.

I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
Pretty chilling point-and-click horror game based on the classic 1967 novel.
1995 | PC
TRIVIA: the book's author Harlan Ellison wrote for the game and voices the supercomputer AM.
NOTE: has ports on modern systems.

Ghoul Grind: Night of the Necromancer
Auto-runner starring a skeleton guy and a goth girl that fire projectiles differently. It's bleugh.
2021 | NES
TRIVIA: made in NESmaker in roughly a year.
NOTE: is also available on Dreamcast

Underground Adventure
Explore a cave, collect gems, and avoid slimes and bats. It's eh meh bleh.
2020 | NES
TRIVIA: was an entry for the 2019 NESmaker Byte-Off Competition as a proof-of-concept.
NOTE: no sequels or ports.

007: Agent Under Fire
First-person shooter featuring stealth elements, driving segments, and really bad controls.
2001 | PS2
TRIVIA: has an original story since the devs didn't have the likeness rights to Pierce Brosnan.
NOTE: 007: Nightfire is the sequel.

Capybara Quest
A cute capybara platformer journeying across worlds to rescue its baby from a pelican. It's decent.
2023 | GB
TRIVIA: was nominated for a Coolmath Award for Best Logic Game.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Fix My Heart
A punishingly fast 1-bit precision platformer set inside a deadly cave.
2021 | GB
TRIVIA: programmed entirely within a strict 10-day window for the GBCompo21 game jam.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Dangan GB
Fast-paced arcade bullet-hell shoot 'em up where precision dodging is key to survival. It's bad.
2018 | GB
TRIVIA: was as an entry for the GBCompo2018 competition; it came 2nd place.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Mona and the Witch's Hat
Charming platformer about a cute kitty retrieving her lost flying hat. It's alright.
2018 | GB
TRIVIA: was originally designed as an entry for a GBCompo jam
NOTE: has a remake on Game Boy Color: Mona and the Witch's Hat Deluxe.

There's Nothing to Do in This Town
Narrative slice-of-life about small-town teenage boredom and exploration. Decent for 15 mins.
2020  | GB
TRIVIA: was made during the pandemic lockdowns based on the dev’s rural home life.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Porklike: Wurst Comes to Worst
A roguelike dungeon crawler starring a pig adventurer. It's amazing you can make this on Game Boy.
2022 | GB
TRIVIA: the original game was made a tutorial game for the PICO-8.
NOTE: no ports or sequels

You Are a Skeleton & That Is a Problem
A terribad point-and-click text game so braindead you need to be high to enjoy it.
2022 | GB
TRIVIA: created specifically for game jams and is full of self-depreciating humour.
NOTE: no ports or sequels

Don't Call Me Mama But Yes I Am Your Mama
An engineer tries to mutate a strong battle creature before her power shuts off. Snooze.
2019 | GB
TRIVIA: created as part of a game-development streaming project by Kyle.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Atop the Witch's Tower GB
A smiley blob in a bizarre tower must collect ingredients for a ritual. It's interesting but meh.
2020  | GB
TRIVIA: a port of John Thyer’s classic ZZT computer game.
NOTE: ported directly from PC ZZT source material.

Soul Void Redux
A moody atmospheric adventure in an isolating void. It's pretty dumb.
2023 | GB
TRIVIA: this is an expanded "Redux" version of an earlier minimalist jam game.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Deep Forest
A short top-down adventure game centered on exploring a forest. Not bad.
2020 | GB
TRIVIA: was one of the first successful GB Studio games, which was released the previous year.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Animal Crossing
Farming real-time in a cozy, customizable village populated by grumpy animals.
2002 | GC
TRIVIA: has playable NES games like Excitebike, Donkey Kong, Balloon Fight, and The Legend of Zelda.
NOTE: this is an enhanced version of the N64 original. Animal Crossing: Wild World is next to play.

Spider-Man: The Movie
Control some creepy teenager as he swings around New York beating up other freaks. It's junk jank.
2002 | PS2
TRIVIA: Tobey Maguire and Willem Dafoe reprise their film roles.
NOTE: Spider-Man 2 is the sequel.

Dino's Offline Adventure
A nifty demake of the Chrome browser dinosaur game. Good for a minute.
2018 | GB
TRIVIA: developed by security researcher Stacksmashing.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Rex Run
A better demake of the Chrome browser dinosaur game. Way better than Dino's Offline Adventure.
2019 | GB
TRIVIA: heavily inspired by classic looping browser minigames.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Flappy Boy
A crappy clone of Flappy Bird. It has intentionally glitched graphics (doesn't make it good).
2019 | GB
TRIVIA: programmed using GBDK by Elemental Code purely to test hardware capabilities.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Sushi Gun
Feed the cats when they beckon for food. It's cute and fun for 60 seconds.
2021 | GB
TRIVIA: made with GB Studio, art made with Aseprite.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Animal Crossing
A cozy real-time simulation game where you must raise money to pay your mortgage. It's a slog.
2001 | GC
TRIVIA: has classic NES games you can collect and play.
NOTE: Animal Crossing: Wild World for the DS is the next game in the series.

Baba Is You // ** RECOMMENDED **
Mind-bending puzzler where you push words around to rewrite the rules. Makes me feel dumb...er.
2019 | PC
TRIVIA: the prototype won the Nordic Game Jam 2017.
NOTE: is on PC, Switch, and mobile devices.

Gravity Circuit
A Mega Man X type sidescroller. It's decent in every way but remarkable in none.
2023 | PC
TRIVIA: the original concept was set in cyberspace.
NOTE: has a sequel, Gravity Circuit 2, announced.

Shock Lobster
An arcade shooter game starring a high-voltage crustacean shooting creatures and jumping anchors.
2021 | GB
TRIVIA: was an entry for GBCompo 2021.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Logic Island
A brain-teasing puzzler built to test deductive reasoning. Yep, does my head in.
2023 | GB
TRIVIA: is an adaption of Nurikabe, which are puzzles that plays kind of like Minesweeper.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Halo: Combat Devolved
The iconic FPS demade into a top-down 8-bit Game Boy game. Ambitious and pretty good.
2023 | GB
TRIVIA: developed by SofaSwordsman and Crusader Games using GB Studio.
NOTE: no ports or sequels (come on, do Halo 2 next).

Neighbor
Every place you move to has creepy things. It plays like an RPG Maker game. It's alright.
2020 | GB
TRIVIA: developed by Horatiu.nyc, serving as a companion piece to Bitterroot.
NOTE: physical distribution are done with EligosGames bundles.

Magical Mirror Starring Mickey Mouse
Point-and-click game, gotta get this mouse out of the haunted house. It's not half bad.
2002 | GC
TRIVIA: if you connect a GBA to the GameCube you will unlock bonus content.
NOTE: GameCube exclusive.

Lost Kingdoms
Action-RPG where you use cards to summon monsters in real-time combat. It's quite bad.
2002 | GC
TRIVIA: was developed by FromSoftware and released in North America before Japan.
NOTE: Lost Kingdoms II is the sequel.

Slime Trials
A physics-based platformer where you control a blob like using the Rope in the Worms games. It's fine.
2023| GB
TRIVIA: was an entry for GBCompo 2023.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Gunman Clive
Wild West action side-scroller. It's short and to the point.
2015 | GB
TRIVIA: is a demake of the original Gunman Clive for 3DS and PC.
NOTE: Gunman Clive 2 (3DS/PC/Switch) is the sequel.

Do I Pass?
A visual novel about a transgender woman riding a bus. It's too preachy. You shall not pass.
2019 | GB
TRIVIA: originally made for Confession Jam 3 before being expanded with more dialogue.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Elden Ring (GB Demake)
Demake of Elden Ring that plays like Legend of Zelda. It's short and decent.
2022 | GB
TRIVIA: features the Church of Elleh, complete with Melina asking "No Maidens?"
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Cargo
Navigate a derelict space vessel Wizardry style while carefully tracking oxygen. Not good.
2022 | GB
TRIVIA: was created by Horatiu.nyc, is a horror game like Traumatarium.
NOTE: released for Game Boy and Analogue Pocket.

Final Fantasy XI Adventure
It's Final Fantasy Adventure modelled after FFXI. It plays way too slow to be fun.
2019 | GB
TRIVIA: has Vana'diel's towns and regions and Mog Houses.
NOTE: no ports or sequels.

Keylocker Turn Based Cyberpunk Action
Turn-based JRPG that has a musician versus a dystopian government that outlawed music. It's mediocre.
2024 | PC
TRIVIA: the game takes place in the same universe as the developer Moonana's other games.
NOTE: is available on all modern platforms, except Switch 2 as of writing.

BALL X PIT // ** RECOMMENDED **
A rougelike Arkanoid clone where you bounce your balls to grind for money. It's damn good.
2025 | PC
TRIVIA: sold 300,000 copies in its first week and 1,000,000 copies within the first three months.
NOTE: is on all modern platforms and is usually dirt cheap when on sale.