The original Castlevania remains a standout NES game thanks to its challenging stages, memorable soundtrack, boss fights and atmospheric presentation. It also helped lay the groundwork for the Metroidvania genre. But several other games on Nintendo’s 8-bit console excel in different ways, from expansive platforming to nonlinear exploration.

Kirby’s Adventure expands on the short, accessible platforming of Kirby’s Dream Land. Kirby sets out to recover the pieces of the Star Rod, which powers the Fountain of Dreams, and the game gives him a new ability to copy powers from certain enemies. Its broad scope and save system add to an adventure that is longer and more involved than its predecessor.

DuckTales turns the Disney animated series into a lively platformer starring Scrooge McDuck, who travels in search of treasure and competes with Flintheart Glomgold. Scrooge’s cane serves as both a weapon and a tool for navigating levels, while the game’s soundtrack and playful design help make it a notable licensed release.

Super Mario Bros. 3 builds on the series’ earlier games with a balance of challenge and accessibility. Mario and Luigi travel across the Mushroom World to undo the transformations inflicted on its kings by the Koopalings. A range of power-ups, including the Super Leaf and Tanooki Suit, lets the brothers fly for limited periods and helps them tackle the game’s varied stages.

Crystalis, one of SNK’s role-playing games for the NES, takes place in 2097, a century after a devastating global nuclear war. Its protagonist awakens from cryogenic suspension with magical abilities and sets out to prevent further destruction. The game combines exploration reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda with equipment upgrades and elemental swords that are effective against specific enemies.

Metroid shares its name with half of the term “Metroidvania,” alongside Castlevania. It helped establish the genre’s nonlinear approach through Samus Aran’s mission on the planet Zebes, where she confronts the Space Pirates and their plans for the Metroids. Players can explore the planet in different ways, finding upgrades that unlock new abilities and reveal hidden routes, while managing Samus’s limited energy.

Sources: Comic Book Resources.