10 Best Platformers on the NES

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The Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, debuted in 1985 with a platforming game, and developers are still creating them for the console today – a testament to its ability to handle this classic 8-bit style of gameplay. Over its lifespan, more than 1,300 NES games were released globally, with hundreds coming to the United States. We’ve compiled a list of 10 standout platformers, limiting ourselves to one game per series. Our selections were based on a combination of reviews from when the games first came out, how popular they were, and their influence on the platformer genre. This isn’t a ranked list; the games are presented in random order.

1) Metal Storm

Released near the end of the NES’s lifespan—the same year as the Super Nintendo—Metal Storm didn’t reach a large audience, which is a shame because it’s a really enjoyable game. This action-platformer is unique for its gravity-reversing mechanic, used to overcome obstacles throughout the levels. Despite receiving positive reviews, Metal Storm wasn’t commercially successful, probably because of its late release. However, it’s found a new fanbase among retro gaming fans and was re-released in 2019 by Retro Bit, giving players a chance to experience it today.

2) Batman: The Video Game

Most games based on movies aren’t worth playing more than once, but Batman: The Video Game is an exception. Released with the 1989 Batman film, it’s one of the best side-scrolling platformers featuring DC characters from the 8-bit generation. Players control Batman, who can wall-jump and use a variety of weapons, like the iconic Batarang, to battle a diverse range of enemies. While released at the same time as the movie, the game tells its own story and isn’t directly connected to the film’s plot. The movie’s success likely helped a lot of people discover and enjoy Batman: The Video Game when it first came out.

3) Bionic Commando

Though not widely remembered today, Bionic Commando was a groundbreaking game when it arrived on the NES in 1988. While loosely connected to a 1987 arcade game with the same name, the NES version offered a unique experience. Players control Ladd, who uses a mechanical arm and grappling hook to swing and pull himself through levels. As he progresses, Ladd discovers new gear to help him complete his mission. Bionic Commando was a creative platformer that revolutionized how players moved, and it spawned a small series of games.

4) Ninja Gaiden

The original Ninja Gaiden arrived in arcades and on the NES in 1988, introducing a fast-paced, action-packed platformer with a unique retro-futuristic style. Players take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa, who travels to America to find his father’s killer. The gameplay, featuring 20 levels packed with enemies and a katana-focused combat system, shares similarities with games like Metroidvania. What set Ninja Gaiden apart for the NES was its detailed story, told through impressive cutscenes. The game’s success led to a long-running series, with the latest installment, Ninja Gaiden 4, released in 2025.

5) Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins

If you were looking for a truly challenging game back in the day, Ghosts ‘n Goblins on the NES was notoriously difficult – one of the hardest games ever made for the system. The NES version closely resembles the arcade game, with the same levels, gameplay, and characters. You play as Sir Arthur, a knight tasked with defeating all sorts of monsters to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the villain Astaroth. The game is brutally hard because enemies constantly attack, and you can only take two hits before dying, forcing you to restart from the last checkpoint. Even if you do manage to win, you have to play through the whole thing again, but it’s even more difficult the second time! Despite its difficulty, Ghosts ‘n Goblins is a remarkably well-designed platformer and a prime example of a “Nintendo Hard” game.

6) Kirby’s Adventure

Although Kirby’s Dream Land was a great game for the Game Boy, Kirby’s Adventure quickly became a beloved classic on the NES. In this game, players control Kirby, who can swallow enemies to gain their abilities. He needs to journey across Dream Land and repair the Star Rod while battling a variety of foes. The game was praised for its smooth controls and gameplay, particularly the unique ability to copy enemy powers, which wasn’t available in the first Kirby game. Since its initial release, Kirby’s Adventure has been re-released and even remade, including a multiplayer version for the Game Boy Advance.

7) Contra

Originally released in arcades in 1987, Contra became popular on the NES the following year. It’s a beloved run-and-gun platformer, and it’s especially famous for being the game that popularized the Konami Code – entering it on the title screen gives you 30 extra lives! Though challenging, the code helped players complete the game, which was a fantastic experience in two-player mode, letting friends team up to conquer its levels. Contra is frequently ranked among the best NES games and remains a standout action platformer on the console.

8) Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse

The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) had three main Castlevania games, and fans often debate which one is the best. Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse is frequently considered the top choice, though many disagree. This game serves as a prequel, starring Trevor Belmont—an ancestor of Simon Belmont—as he battles Dracula and his forces of darkness. Unlike the second game, Dracula’s Curse focuses on fast-paced action and platforming, similar to the original Castlevania, and moves away from role-playing game elements. Its popularity has led to several re-releases and ports to different consoles, and it served as the basis for the first two seasons of the 2017 Netflix Castlevania series.

9) Mega Man 2

The Mega Man series is known for its consistently high quality, with 11 main games, six of which were released on the NES. Mega Man 2 was the most important of these, building on the foundation of the original game – which hadn’t been a massive success – and improving it in every way. It continues the story right after the first game, with refined gameplay, better graphics, and enhanced sound. It was a huge hit, selling over 1.5 million copies and becoming the second best-selling Mega Man game. Many fans consider Mega Man 2 to be one of the greatest platformers ever made for the NES.

10) Super Mario Bros. 3

Although Super Mario Bros. was a breakthrough hit that launched Nintendo to success in the 1980s, many consider Super Mario Bros. 3 to be the superior game. It expanded on the original with larger levels, new abilities, a world map, and other improvements. Super Mario Bros. 3 essentially set the standard for platforming games, influencing the genre for years to come, and was a standout title on the NES. Bundled with the console itself, it became a massive commercial success, selling over 17 million copies.

What’s the best platformer game on the NES in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-28 17:16