New to nes libary (Seeking Guidance)

[Illuvatar]

Alright so it started somehow, with me watching avgn... then other nes reviewers. I don't know how but this strange effect has come on to me, and i love playing 2d rpgs, but never grew up in the 90's. Well i was born in 1994...makes me 18, but i never grew to know any nes games.

What i am asking.

I need like, a list of 10-15-20 games tops, that are at the least GOOD, hopefully addictive. and most important don't go over the 10 dollar limit, because i am tight on money, and what to get the most for less. I don't really know were to start to be honest. Games i already collected, picked up Zelda II, Dragon warrior, monster party, and thats all i have. But so far this is a strange hobby to just pick up. I have both snes and nes, idk if i got ripped or was a good deal, bought my nes for 59.99 on nintendo repair shop, came in great shape.

things to consider:
I like Rpgs
Sidescrollers are pretty cool

Your helps appreciated, btw i have really been eyeballing ultima games for the nes, but so far dragon warrior 1 is pretty repitive, it gets old quick, so idk how similiar they are in getting old quick.

[JeremiahJT]

My first advice as an RPG fan is to get all 4 of the Dragon Warrior games for the NES. Probably my favorite NES series of any genre. I'll also go ahead and say the original NES Final Fantasy. I like the Dragon Warrior games better, but Final Fantasy is still an excellent game. Unfortunately some of the games can get expensive, but if you stay with cart only you should eventually be able to find all of them but maybe Dragon Warrior IV for not too much money. I love the first Dragon Warrior, but I can see how you might think it's repetitive, the later ones get more varied so they should hold your interest better.

[Illuvatar]

Besides the fact that i am used to playing games with nice graphics, when i played dragon warrior 1... idk it just felt like there was not much customization, like i manged to get to level 17, but i keeped going into a cave and being raped by a dragon. And i had no idea were to go either. Plus i looked on amazon, dragon warrior Iv is like 40-50 dollars used lol damn, i really want cheaper rpgs, i know its not easy to find good cheap nes games, but it would be prefered. I tried playing emulators, but...it just did not feel right, idk how to describe it, its like if its not legit it feels like a bore. So is the newer dragon warriors improved? because i felt as if, with limited swords etc.

[Edmond Dantes]

Try Legend of the Ghost Lion. It doesn't seem very popular so it might not go for much, but its a unique little RPG with a great soundtrack. It's one of my favorites, right behind the NES version of Might and Magic (which I'd recommend, but you said you don't like getting lost).

I've also heard Destiny of an Emperor is good, but I can't vouch for it personally.

[Balloon Fight]

Crystalis is one RPG I would highly recommend. All of the mega mans are amazing, especially Mega Man 2 which can usually be had for $10-$15.

[o.pwuaioc]

For RPGs, try Battle of Olympus if you like Zelda II.

For sidescrollers, holy wow dude there are tons. I'll give you three classics and three not so much talked about:

Classic:

Super Mario Bros 2 (US version)
Castlevania series
Ninja Gaiden series

Hidden Gem:

Little Nemo: Dream Master
Shatterhand or Kabuki Quantum Fighter
Blaster Master

[Rickstilwell1]

Another really good one if you liked Zelda II is Faxanadu. That one can be had for just a few bucks. And if you ever get Final Fantasy, make sure you remember to turn the game speed up to 8 instead of leaving it at the very slow default setting.

In Dragon Warrior, if that green dragon is beating you at level 17 I can only see two possible problems - you need to use more healing spells in battle or you need to buy better weapons and armor from the cities that are further away from the beginning of the game.

My most recently completed SNES RPG was Soul Blazer. I had a lot of fun with that game.

[o.pwuaioc]

My most recently completed SNES RPG was Soul Blazer. I had a lot of fun with that game.

That game was really fun. I kept laughing at all the misspelled words and terrible grammar, though. I think I ended up deleting the screenshots showing them, though. If you liked it, you should move on to Illusion of Gaia next, and then Terranigma, although it was never released in America.

[Rickstilwell1]

That game was really fun. I kept laughing at all the misspelled words and terrible grammar, though. I think I ended up deleting the screenshots showing them, though. If you liked it, you should move on to Illusion of Gaia next, and then Terranigma, although it was never released in America.

I played quite a bit of Illusion of Gaia, but it is turning out to be quite a bit more annoying although still fun. It's a bit easier to get lost as the puzzles are a bit less obvious. I haven't played much of anything since I've moved though.

[fergojisan]

Stay away from the AD&D games.

[Parodius Duh!]

thenesdump.com for classy repro carts of games youve never heard of before. Chronicle of the Radia War and Silva Saga kick major ass!

[Parodius Duh!]

Stay away from the AD&D games.

Hey now! Dragons of Flame is frickin' awesome! but of course it was only released on Famicom. You can still get a translated repro though!

[frogofdeath]

Hidden Gem:

Little Nemo: Dream Master

Blaster Master
I second both of these, though I never realized they were hidden gems.

[Bazoo]

I really enjoy The Magic of Scheherazade and StarTropics, and they sound up your alley. Both of them should be incredibly cheap, $2-3 if you find them locally (a few bucks more to ship from Amazon but I think it would still be worth it if you have no local game shops). StarTropics is action RPG while Scheherazade has elements of both turn-based and action (some enemies you fight in a top-down screen and others go to a battle screen). I also second Crystalis.

[Illuvatar]

Alright, so i ordered faxanadu, crystalis, castlevania Iv for snes because i heard it was the best, legend of zelda 1, and final fantasy II for snes. Was going to get more, but i can't decide on anymore. Really thinkin about dragon warrior II, but i kind of want some action games, i picked up contra alien wars at flea market, and holy hot fuck is it hard.

Reply about dragon warrior.

I grinded, and got a half plate, also i have a broad sword, with iron shield. IT is STILL TO hard to kill the dragon, it is the only boss i ran into, i am now level 18, and i keep getting my ass kicked WTF it almost 2 shots me.

Question: I can get symponthy of the night castlevania, on psn, but does it offer good challenge, because i want a challenging game.

[Sparkster]

For Dragon Warrior, without giving you any spoilers, try exploring a little more of the land, talk to everyone you can, and by level 17 you have a spell called healmore which could help you immensely against the dragon (it's a Green Dragon, right?). Sometimes it helps to go back to places you've been before.

I'd say DW3 is my favourite of the bunch, more because you have so many more options for a 4 character party, choice of weapons, and exploration routes.

I was going to mention StarTropics as a game to check out. Surprised I haven't seen Super Mario Bros 3 mentioned here yet. That is a must-have for any NES owner.

But you'll have plenty to play with the titles already mentioned in this thread.

[o.pwuaioc]

I second both of these, though I never realized they were hidden gems.

Yeah, not truly hidden, but not usually talked about from what I've seen.

[Edmond Dantes]

Question: I can get symponthy of the night castlevania, on psn, but does it offer good challenge, because i want a challenging game.

SOTN is one of those games that's hard if you're new to it and don't know what you're doing. Once you've got a grasp on it though, its not much of a challenge.

[Illuvatar]

Well i beat the first castlevania.

I have a BAD ISSUE, i need challenging RPGS, omg i have searched high and low for a difficult final fantasy for nes and snes, all i get is that Iv and II for snes, and even the first one is easy to moderate. I was going to get ff orgins on psn, but i keep hearing its easy. I read that secret of mana was easy on plenty of websites. I was really wanting to get into chrono trigger, but i read plenty reviews saying it is a walk in the park.

I just can't play a game knowing it is easy, it feels like what is the point?
So please give me HARD rpgs, i beg you!

[Edmond Dantes]

Well, you seemed to have problems with that dragon in Dragon Warrior I...

And if that's the case, I would definitely recommend trying out Might and Magic. If anyone tells you that game is a walk in the park, they're lying. There's also a decent NES port of Wizardry and Wizardry II, and Ultima: Exodus (you might give the other Ultima games a shot too, but personally I thought Exodus was the only one that got better on the NES).

[Illuvatar]

Well, you seemed to have problems with that dragon in Dragon Warrior I...

And if that's the case, I would definitely recommend trying out Might and Magic. If anyone tells you that game is a walk in the park, they're lying. There's also a decent NES port of Wizardry and Wizardry II, and Ultima: Exodus (you might give the other Ultima games a shot too, but personally I thought Exodus was the only one that got better on the NES).

Dragon warrior 1 in theory is easy yes, it is only time consuming you just need to mass levels, then it is easy. I am just having issues with a not knowing were to go, and some green dragon.

IF you google chrono trigger to easy, there is plennty post about people, and reviews saying the game is easy.Never played it so it turned me off from wanting to, i also read reviews from this site, there are like 4 saying it is easy check out this link. But i really want to try chrono trigger, but if it is easy as people say its not worth the time. Easy games don't have high replay value for myself, though it is only 9 dollars on psn.
http://www.rpgamer.com/games/chrono/ct/reviews/ctstrev1.html

I will take a look into ultima exodus, and see if it is challenging.

[Edmond Dantes]

Dragon Warrior 1 actually tells you where to go, you just have to think about the clues you've had, and sometimes be willing to go somewhere just because "hmmm I wonder what that is?" NES RPGs in general were more for adventurous folk who like to find things, not be told to go look.

Chrono Trigger isn't what I'd call challenging (though there are some monsters and boss fights that will seriously hurt you the first time through), but its such an excellent game regardless. The PSN one is probably the Playstation 1 port. I hope it fixed the loading issues...

[Rickstilwell1]

You should buy the Magic Armor and Large Shield. They make a much bigger difference than just that half plate.

[Gunstar Hero]

Side scrollers you say?

NES games -

Super Mario Bros. + Duck Hunt - HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Mario-Bros-Duck-Hunt-Nintendo-1988-w-Zapper-Controller-/290729114643?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43b0ce3c13#ht_500wt_1203) is a link for both the cartridge and the light gun used to play Duck Hunt for $10
(it's a two in one cartridge and even if you don't want duck hunt (Which is a light gun duck hunting game) it's the cheapest way to get the famous first Super Mario Bros.)

Super Mario Bros. 2 - HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Mario-Bros-2-Nintendo-1986-NES-Game-Cart-Only-/110899907797?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item19d2264cd5#ht_1898wt_954) is one for $11.75 and free shipping
(Also fantastic platforming similar to the first but with new game features)

Super Mario Bros. 3 - HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Mario-Bros-3-Nintendo-1990-/180909293906?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item2a1f08c152#ht_500wt_1203) is one for $9.63 including shipping
(Probably my favorite out of the three NES Super Mario games. 8-bit platforming at it's finest!!!)

Mega Man 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 - HERE (http://www.ebay.com/ctg/Mega-Man-2-Nintendo-1989-/56236018?_refkw=mega+man+nes&_pcatid=2&_odkw=mega+man+nes+1-6&_pcategid=139973&LH_ItemCondition=4000&_osacat=0&_dmpt=Video_Games_Games&_dashexp=1) is the second one for $10
(Mega Man games are very challenging but are also some of the greatest NES platforming games available. If you see any f the 6 games for the NES pick them up!)

Those should get you started and most are fairly cheap.

Next Super Nintendo games -

Super Mario World - HERE (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Mario-World-Super-Nintendo-1990-/261048265203?pt=Video_Games_Games&hash=item3cc7b069f3#ht_500wt_1156) is one for $10 free shipping
(My favorite mario game of all time. It is the perfect side scroller.)

Most Super Nintendo games range around $20-$25 so I'm only suggesting one game for now.

Hope I helped and welcome to retro gaming!

[Illuvatar]

Hi i want to buy ff orgins on psn, its only 10 dollars i get ff1 and ff2

Are either of these games challenging? and do they have good replay value. I never heard of ff2 for nes, but if i buy them i don't want a very easy game, so anyone have a word to put in on there challenge? I like games like dragon warrior, so how similiar is the final fantasy series.

I can also get ff Iv or Vi, but i hear they are easy easy, only read that ff1 was medium difficulty to difficult, but idk so that is why i am asking. Idc about storyline much i just want a challenge.

[o.pwuaioc]

Ultimately all RPGs are easy if you just grind. The point of an RPG is for the story. If you overpower yourself, no enemy will be difficult, but it would make the game long and tedious, as you yourself seem to have found out playing Dragon Warrior.

[SparTonberry]

FF1 is a pretty challenging game. Origins has the original difficulty as well an easier mode.
It's pretty hard if you play on the original/hard difficulty. The GBA version (and the PSP version, because it's a port of the GBA) messed that up by only offering the "easy" mode (though they changed the gameplay a bit to make it more modern, but the update was poorly balanced).
I haven't really played the origins FF2, but I played the NES version with a translation patch. It's also pretty hard unless you do quite a bit of grinding. Mainly, the world is pretty open, but you'll get your ass kicked real bad by enemies when you go the wrong way.

FF4 is mostly an easier game, but some of the end bosses can get pretty tough.
Too bad you don't care about story. FF6 has some of the best story, graphics and music on the SNES. It's very easy mainly due to a few crippling bugs/oversights. Those were fixed in the GBA version, though the GBA's music sucks and it has a bit of slowdown.
Though honestly if you're looking for SUPER EXTREME hardcore difficulty, you might not find it. Most RPGs were designed for moderate difficulty.
Maybe you'd like 7th Saga for SNES, though much of the difficulty in that games comes about because Enix (deliberately or not) screwed up the stat growth curves, making the player characters a lot weaker in the English version than the Japanese. So, the difficulty is a bit more as a result of hoping you get lucky and the enemies don't murder you in one turn.

$10 for SMB: DH is pretty high, and SMB2 + 3 for an average of $10 is also the high end.
But maybe just because I come from the days when you could walk into GameStop and get SMB: DH and the Zapper for a buck, and the other SMBs for $5 each.
SNES games for $20-25 apiece is also pretty high unless you're going for the uncommon/high demand games.
Most lesser demand games you could probably find for $10-15 each or less.
I'd try to checking around locally at pawn shops/"collectors stores" first. Maybe Goodwill, but the stores near me suck and rarely have any cart-based games.

[Illuvatar]

I wonder why Dragon warrior... 4 and 3 are like 5x more exspensive then 1... i mean dw 1 cost like lol 2-5 dollars, while 4 is like 40-50.

Good point i guess any jrpg would be easy if u just grind, i guess what i meant was does it take strategic thinking, well i bought it, so far... its a hell of a improvement over dw 1, but hey there different games, the thing i like about dw, is your only one person, makes it kind of simple and better. I guess i was just used to most of my child hood playing gba games, so the improved graphics over ff1 is good. But i really always read guides, i kind of feel guilty like it makes me wonder whats the point, if i am just following a series of steps... but then i ask myself why not? so i don't screw up.

Not tried ffII yet, but i hear its the blacksheep of the series.

[Illuvatar]

Damn, playing ff orgins really makes me wish i would of got it for the nes instead, because the experience so far is really enjoyable, and i doubted it at first. And i hear there is a bug you can abuse in ff2 were you can level on yourself, or by clicking and cancling =( just knowing this ruins the experience some, hopefully its extremely tedious to convince me training regularly is faster. I honestly like the idea for the combat system in II i don't understand why it has so much hate, but i never played it so i wont know till i find out.

To anyone who beat ff1 in orgins, is it true that you have to beat it in easy to get specific unlockables? And after i beat ff1 and ff2, should the next in the series be Ff3? and is it for snes? i really want a challenging ff, that is whole reason i skipped Iv for orgins.

[SparTonberry]

DW1 is only like $5 because Nintendo massively overproduced the game for the US, expecting lighting to strike twice (because it was a massive hit in Japan, despite that before it was released it was thought the Japanese wouldn't like RPGs either).
Nintendo ended up giving most of them away as a Nintendo Power subscription enticement (completely free, unlike later "free game" promotions that were merely a nice discount over buying the game and a subscription).
(though the three year delay between the Japanese and US versions didn't help. Despite that DW1 had some small improvements over the Japanese version, in that time other companies had produced and localized more advanced games, like Phantasy Star.)

The real Final Fantasy III was originally released on the Famicom. Currently the only legit English version is the DS remake.

[Illuvatar]

Well so far on ff1, i am enjoying it how does my party sound two fighters, black mage, white mage. It is rather exspensive to keep up with two fighters... i am in elfheim, just got my ship i dont know were to go...game does not explain were to go so wtf? all i know is i need 4 crystals...so this is kinda lame not knowing were to go i grinded to level 9, and have 2 mythril swords...

Tried out ffII i noticed u can select and deselect your characters....i read about this bug, and it is free xp its rather slow but kinda ruins the expereience knowing i can cheat. I don't know why this game gets so much hate i like the new system what is everyones thoughts on this? Does knowing u can abuse the system ruin it for you? or do you think its to tedious to be worth the time.

[SparTonberry]

I personally think Black Mage is kind of worthless in FF1 because MP is so limited. I'd rather use Red Mage, who can use most black magic when you really need it (like slimes, who only take more than 1HP damage with magic, or critical hits (maybe another bug?).) but at least can get decent hits.
Red Mage can't use level 8 magic, but again, I personally would rather have an average fighter with some magic than a good magician due to the MP limitation.
I still take along the white mage because even though healing magic is also pretty crappy, you need it. And the White Wizard's Exit spell is the only way out of the last dungeon (at least on the NES. Perhaps another bug, I heard a normal exit tile was coded into the game but went unused.)

The FF Origins version of FF1 is just a slight bit easier due to the UI improvement. You can have, in theory, 99 of everything. But on the NES, you only have four weapon and four armor slots per character. Including both equipped and unequipped items. So you have to make a choice between powerful equipment or some with useful effects (free magic) in battle (assuming you look up a FAQ to see which equipment can be used in battle). The other notable difference is that the Origins version lets you forget spells if you change your mind, but the NES doesn't. Though once you know what the spells are, it's kind of unlikely you'd do that.