5 Worst NES Games We Pretend Were Good

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The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was among the initial home video game consoles widely used in the Western world, and it brought enjoyable games right into living rooms, creating cherished experiences for numerous gamers. While these early gaming sessions evoke fond memories and emotional attachment, some of the games from this period are often reminisced about more favorably than they deserve, either due to nostalgia or the novelty factor. Over time, certain titles have even become part of popular series, causing fans to overlook the less impressive qualities of the original games when sequels emerged.

Let’s delve into some classic NES games that are frequently praised, but upon closer inspection, have their share of imperfections.

5. Ghosts ‘n Goblins

When discussing Ghosts ‘n Goblins, some individuals may instantaneously recall the superior Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts on the SNES instead, which effectively overshadowed the NES version in their memories. For me, at least. However, it’s worth noting that the initial NES adaptation of Ghosts ‘n Goblins was often hindered by graphic glitches that resulted in a jittery gameplay, making it quite challenging and frustrating to navigate due to its high level of difficulty.

The game emphasized repetitive segments, making players endure the same gameplay twice to complete it and access the “real” conclusion. Despite its flaws, some still praised it due to Capcom’s reputation and its status as one of their early notable games. However, it should be noted that this version for the NES was developed by Micronics, who were also responsible for subpar ports like _Ikari Warriors_ and _Super Pitfall_, which aren’t as fondly remembered as _Ghosts ‘n Goblins_.

4. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, like many games from iconic series, received automatic approval from gamers due to its association with the Zelda franchise. However, upon reflection, some fans acknowledged and even praised the game for venturing into new territory. This appreciation might not have emerged if the game wasn’t part of the Zelda series. Conversely, it was sometimes criticized as one of the weaker titles in the series. Yet, it has its defenders who argue that its uniqueness sets it apart from other games in the franchise.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, contrary to popular belief among its defenders, wasn’t as impressive as they claimed. The game presented challenges that were more frustrating than enjoyable due to the excessive experience grinding required. This is further evident in the contemporary era where many players choose to replay the game with advanced features such as save states and rewind to make progress easier. It’s no wonder that, with The Legend of Zelda celebrating its 40th anniversary soon, a Zelda 2 remaster isn’t included in their big celebration plans, given the game’s perceived limitations compared to other titles in the series.

3. Blaster Master

I assure you, this list does not include challenging games out of mere difficulty. Yet, excessive challenge can be problematic if not executed well. The game “Blaster Master”, for instance, felt artificially tough due to the absence of a password system or save points. This meant players had to complete the entire game in one go or keep their consoles running continuously.

What made this more aggravating was that the game’s non-linear structure required exploration and backtracking to understand how to advance, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience overall. Games like “Blaster Master” greatly benefit from modern walkthroughs and save states, as they reduce the strain on patience that might have given it a less favorable reputation in today’s gaming landscape.

As a passionate gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but sing the praises of this classic NES title for its innovative shift from a 2D side-scroller to an immersive top-down dungeon crawler, and its undeniably brilliant music and visuals. However, while these aspects certainly earned it accolades, I believe some fans may have overestimated the game’s greatness.

Despite its reputation as a hidden gem, I found the gameplay itself to be slightly lacking compared to the high standards set by its other features. It’s an opinion that might not sit well with everyone, but it’s my honest take on the matter.

2. Duck Hunt

While many people fondly remember the game Duck Hunt from their early gaming days, upon closer analysis, its gameplay was quite simple compared to other games that used a light gun accessory. Games like Hogan’s Alley, Gumshoe, and Billiards Bill’s Trick Shooting on the NES used the light gun more effectively. So, it’s puzzling as to why Duck Hunt is frequently considered the best light gun game for the NES when other games performed better in this regard.

As a kid who grew up gaming on an NES, I can’t forget my fondness for the classic game “Duck Hunt”. It wasn’t just the game that captured me; it was the thrill of using the light gun accessory that came bundled with the console. For many of us, “Duck Hunt” was the original and best light gun game out there. Looking back, my memories of playing this game are tinted with nostalgia. Criticizing “Duck Hunt” feels like taking a jab at that trusty old light gun, a toy that had its charm for those of us who grew up with the NES.

1. Battle Toads

In my opinion, the original NES Battletoads game has been overshadowed by later versions, thanks to the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia from its successors. The SNES version, Battletoads in Battlemaniacs, is what usually comes to mind when I think about the series, while the NES version wasn’t a game I ever truly connected with. The controls felt clumsy and unreliable, and this only intensified the sense of injustice when paired with the game’s abrupt increase in difficulty during the early-mid stages.

Games during this period had to adjust their difficulty levels so players could get the best value for their money invested, but games such as Battletoads sometimes didn’t seem fair to the player due to this approach. The infamous turbo tunnel jumping stage was a challenge to overcome, and those who did weren’t typically granted an impressive endgame. Instead, the latter stages often required memorization, making them feel more like a confusing hodgepodge rather than a cohesive whole that was well-connected.

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2025-09-06 15:13