Super Mario Bros.

NES Release Date: 18/10/1985 Famicom Release Date: 13/09/1985

8 Worlds – 32 Levels No Continues – Unless you Hold A and Press Start at the title screen after getting a game over. There are hidden Warp Zones to later worlds.

Wrecking Crew

NES Release Date: 18/10/1985 Famicom Release Date: 18/06/1985

100 Levels Has a Level Select screen Has a Level Editor Every 18 seconds (after an initial 28 seconds), a fireball will appear (without a sound) and float across the screen. Possible to get stuck – Press Select to quit to menu and restart the level, or wait for a fireball to kill you.

Ninja Kid

NES Release Date: 29/10/1986 Famicom Release Date: 17/04/1986

Endless – 8 Bosses No Continues No PAL Version Features an overworld and down-jumping. Press Select to cycle through special weapons.

Ghosts 'n Goblins

NES Release Date: November 1986 Famicom Release Date: 13/06/1986

6 Stages + Final Boss Unlimited Continues

Trojan

NES Release Date: February 1987 Famicom Release Date: 24/12/1986

6 Stages + Final Boss No Continues – Unless you Hold Up and Press Start at the title screen after getting a game over. Has Vs. Mode (2P) Press Up to Jump

Castlevania

NES Release Date: 01/05/1987 FDS Release Date: 26/09/1986

6 Areas – 18 Levels Unlimited continues from the last area you reached. Hold Up and press B to use your special weapon Picking up the Double-Shot (II) or Triple Shot (III) will let you throw weapons faster. Hint: Holy Water is very useful.

Solomon's Key

NES Release Date: July 1987 Famicom Release Date: 30/07/1986

48 Levels + 3 Secret Levels and a final stage No Continues – Unless you Press A+B+Up at the Game Over Screen This Continue Code only goes up to Level 41. If you continue on Level 42-48, you will start at Level 41. HACK: Infinite Continues – Address: 9136 – New Value: 2C Each level has a timer. Hints from the manual: 1. You can create a block more than one square away by standing on the edge. 2. You can stand next to a flame as long as you stay on the edge of its square. 3. Collecting 10 fairies will grant you an extra life. Hints from me: 1. Some items are hidden until you create a block on their square and then destroy it. 2. The final stage has a dumb/nasty trick. You have to hit the right mirror with your wand before you can break the final brick.

Rygar

NES Release Date: July 1987 Famicom Release Date: 17/04/1987

Five Areas (Plus Hub and Final Dungeon) Unlimited Continues – 3 health at respawn Leveling System – Defeating enemies will increase your attack power, and your total health to a maximum of 12. Enemies occasionally drop Mind Stars – which can be put toward temporary abilities: Power Up (3) – Increase the length and speed of your weapon (until you die). Attack & Assail (5) – Attacks all enemies on screen for the next 10 hits. Recovery (7) – Fully restores health. Notable Items: Grappling Hook / Wind Pulley / Crossbow Other Items: Indoras' Armor / Coat of Arms / Pegasus Flute Using the Wind Pulley in overhead view across diagonal ropes can be pretty fiddly… The end of the rope needs to connect with your waist – a sound will play when this occurs.

The Legend of Zelda

NES Release Date: 14/07/1987 FDS Release Date: 21/02/1986

Nine Dungeons Unlimited Continues – 3 hearts at respawn Notable Items: Sword (3) / Shield (2) / Boomerang (2) / Bomb / Bow / Candle / Magical Rod Notable Items: Raft / Stepladder / Power Bracelet (move boulders) / Recorder (warp to cleared dungeons) Other Items: Blue Ring / Red Ring / Magical Key / Book of Magic / Heart Containers

Metroid

NES Release Date: 15/08/1987 FDS Release Date: 06/08/1986

Five Areas Unlimited Continues – 30 health at respawn Has Password System Unlockable Abilities: Morph Ball / Bomb / Missile / Long Beam / Ice Beam / Wave Beam / High Jump / Screw Attack Other Unlockables: Varia Suit / Energy Tanks HINT: When in doubt, bomb the floor.

Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!

NES Release Date: 18/10/1987 FDS Release Date: 18/09/1987

Three Circuits + Final Fight (14 Fights Total) Unlimited Continues Has Password System HINT: Press Select in-between rounds to recover some health.

Mega Man

NES Release Date: December 1987 Famicom Release Date: 17/12/1987

Six Levels + Four Final Stages Unlimited Continues Unlockable Abilities: Magnet Beam (M – hold to create longer platforms), Super Arm (G – pick up and throw bricks) Other Abilities: Ice Slasher (I), Hyper Bomb (B), Fire Storm (F), Thunder Beam (E), Rolling Cutter (C)

Contra

NES Release Date: 2/02/1988

8 Stages Four Continues Has 2P Mode

Double Dragon

NES Release Date: June 1988 Famicom Release Date: 8/04/1988

4 Stages No Continues Has Vs. Mode (1P/2P) Tip: Stun an enemy with two kicks Unlockable Moves: Level 2: Uppercut (A when enemy is stunned), High-Kick (B when enemy is stunned) Level 3: Jump-Kick (A+B) Level 4: Hair-Pull (B at the right distance – Then press B to kick, or press A to throw) Level 5: Pin-Down (Hold Down while enemy is on the ground, and Press A to punch) Level 6: Elbow (A, while facing away from enemy – HIGH DAMAGE) Level 7: Roundhouse Kick (Press B when enemy is stunned – HIGH DAMAGE).

Super Mario Bros 2

NES Release Date: 09/10/1988 FDS Release Date: 10/07/1987

7 Worlds – 20 Levels Two continues There are hidden warps to later worlds. Originally released in Japan as Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic (Dream Factory: Heart-Pounding Panic) Super Mario Bros 2 removes the intro cinematic and changes several sprites – most notably the main characters Hold Down for a few seconds to perform a higher jump.

Blaster Master

NES Release Date: November 1988 Famicom Release Date: 17/06/1988

Eight Areas Four continues – 15 Lives Total Note: The Famicom version of the game had unlimited continues. HACK: Infinite Continues – Address: 037E – New Value: 09 Press Select to exit the vehicle. You can strafe in overhead view by holding A. Hold Down and press B to use special weapons. You can exit a boss room, if you’re not ready to fight. Notable Upgrades: Hyper Beam, Crusher Beam, Hover, Dive Engine, Wall 1, Wall 2 (Ceiling) Other Items: Key

Bionic Commando

NES Release Date: December 1988 Famicom Release Date: 20/07/1988

19 Areas – (12 Levels + 7 Neutral Zones) Zero continues at start – but it’s possible to pick up continues by intercepting trucks on the map screen, and taking out large enemies. You can pick up two continues per truck stage – continues are kept even if you fail the stage, and the trucks respawn on the map. You can even intentionally die after picking up two continues, and then pick up another two. Leveling System – Defeated enemies drop bullets. Collected bullets go toward increasing your total health to a maximum of 8 HP. Press Start to use an item you have brought into the mission (such as the energy potion or flare) Press A+B+Start to exit a level and return to the map screen. You need to communicate with your squad to open locked doors in Areas 1, 4 and 8. You need the right “communicator” in each area – otherwise, you will only hear “GA GA GA”. NPCs will tell you which “communicator” to use – For instance, the first communicator is used in Areas 1, 4 and 5. You need the Rocket Launcher for Area 6, and the 3-Way Gun for Area 7. Exit to the map (A+B+Start) if you forget to bring them. None of this is written in the manual.

Ninja Gaiden

NES Release Date: March 1989 Famicom Release Date: 09/12/1988

6 Acts – 20 Levels Unlimited Continues If you die to the boss of Act 5 or Act 6, you will be sent back to the start of the Act.

Adventures of Lolo

NES Release Date: 20/04/1989 Famicom Release Date: 1988

10 Floors – 50 Rooms Unlimited Continues Has Password System Combines two 1988 Famicom games from the Eggerland series into one game.

Mega Man 2

NES Release Date: June 1989 Famicom Release Date: 24/12/1988

Eight Levels + Six Final Stages Unlimited Continues Has Password System Difficulty Modes: Normal / Difficult Notable Abilities: Vertical-Moving Platform, Horizontal-Moving Platform, Elevator Platform, Crash Bomber (destroys some walls) Other Abilities: Time Stopper, Leaf Shield, Atomic Fire (hold to charge), Bubble Lead, Metal Blade (8 directions), Quick Boomerang, Air Shooter.

Monster Party

NES Release Date: June 1989

Eight Levels Unlimited Continues Has Password System No Famicom or PAL Version

Faxanadu

NES Release Date: August 1989 Famicom Release Date: 16/11/1987

Four Areas Unlimited Continues Has Password System Hold Up and press B to use your special weapon Level Up by defeating enemies for XP and then talking to a Guru Levelling up gives you a higher amount of gold when you die and respawn Talking to a Guru will also save your game Notable Items: Wing Boots / Mattock

Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll

NES Release Date: August 1989 Famicom Release Date: 14/02/1987

Five Levels (Journey + Tournament) Unlimited Continues Has Password System No PAL Version Difficulty Modes: Beginner / Professional Press Select to use health items Press A+B and Up/Down/Left/Right to perform spinning kicks Secret Skills: Flying Dragon – Press A, B and Up when your KO Gauge is full. Trick Throw – Block an upper-body punch and then press B and Down. Cosmic Saucer – When fighting Tusk Soldiers, press Up and B when your KO Gauge is full.

Air Fortress

NES Release Date: September 1989 Famicom Release Date: 17/08/1987

Eight Levels Unlimited Continues Has Password System

P.O.W.: Prisoners of War

NES Release Date: September 1989

Five Stages Unlimited Continues

DuckTales

NES Release Date: 14/09/1989

Five Levels – All available from the Level Select Screen No Continues Difficulty Modes: Easy (6HP) / Medium (3HP) / Hard (3HP + No Cake or Magic Coins) Jump and then hold Down and B to pogo – After one bounce, you can let go of Down, but keep holding B. Hold Left/Right and press B to putt. Your pogo stick needs to visibly land on a platform to bounce. If it lands over the edge, Scrooge McDuck will stop pogoing.

The Battle of Olympus

NES Release Date: December 1989 Famicom Release Date: 31/03/1988

8 Areas Unlimited Continues – Total Olives halved at death Has Password System Notable Items: Sandals of Hermes / Staff of Fennel / Divine Sword / Shield (2) / Harp of Apollo / Ocarina / Eye of Graeae / Moon Crystal Other Items: Bracelet of Power / Trojan Pitcher / Ambrosia / Golden Apple Players might need a guide to figure out what the Eye of Graeae is for… Or not. Clue 1: “There may be a crystal ball somewhere that enables you to see invisible things.” Clue 2: “Inside the cave there may be an invisible door.”

A Boy and His Blob

NES Release Date: January 1990

Two Parts No Continues Transformations: Ladder, Bridge, Coconut, Bubble, Blow Torch, Jack, Umbrella, Trampoline, Rocket, Hummingbird, Hole Unlockable Transformations: Key, Vitablaster HACK: Infinite Lives – Address: 89A9 – New Value: 24

Clash at Demonhead

NES Release Date: January 1990 Famicom Release Date: 27/12/1989

42 Routes (Non-Linear) Unlimited Continues Has Password System No PAL Version Advice: Buy a Shop Call every time you use one. Notable Items: Power Boots (run faster, jump higher), Jet Pack, Aqua Lung, Super Suit (swim in lava). Upgrades: Micro Power (become small), Teleport, Levitation (until hit), Energizer, Karate Power (invincibility for 30 seconds) Once you have unlocked Micro Power, you unlock new upgrades for every 100 force points you acquire (starting at 200). None of the upgrades are essential, but Teleport can save a lot of time. You lose 50 force points each time you die.

Super Mario Bros 3

NES Release Date: 9/02/1990 Famicom Release Date: 23/10/1988

8 Worlds Unlimited Continues

Batman

NES Release Date: 13/02/1990 Famicom Release Date: 22/12/1989

5 Acts – 18 Levels Unlimited Continues Press Start to change special weapon Batman can wall-jump

Snake's Revenge

NES Release Date: April 1990

8 Areas Unlimited Continues Has Password System No Japanese Version Sidescroller Controls: Press Select and then Left/Right to switch between Knife, Gun and Rations. You can knife enemies while crawling, or drop explosives, but you cannot shoot your gun. Hint 1: Exiting a screen and re-entering it will cause items to re-appear. Hint 2: The game checkpoints whenever you enter/exit the lift, or reach a new area. Hint 3: Punching guards (instead of knifing them) may result in health/ammo drops. Hint 4: The first boss is a bullet-sponge. Stock up on rations before the fight.

Xexyz

NES Release Date: April 1990 Famicom Release Date: 26/08/1988

12 Areas Unlimited Continues Has Password System

Ninja Gaiden II

NES Release Date: May 1990 Famicom Release Date: 6/04/1990

7 Acts – 22 Levels Unlimited Continues

Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (1990)

NES Release Date: June 1990

11 Levels – 3 Optional No Continues Has 2P Mode

Crystalis

NES Release Date: July 1990 Famicom Release Date: 13/04/1990

Six Areas Save/Load System No PAL Version Press Select then Start to access the Save Menu If none of your attacks work on an enemy, it is because you are under-levelled and need to grind. Notable Items: Ball of Wind/Fire/Thunder (each destroy barriers), Ball of Water (creates ice bridges), Gas Mask, Leather Boots, Shell Flute Notable Magic: Refresh, Paralysis, Telepathy, Teleport, Recover, Barrier, Change, Flight. ADVICE: If you get stuck, try using Telepathy. No idea how anyone figured to use Paralysis to reveal Kensu in the town of Swan.

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (1990)

NES Release: 1/09/1990 Famicom Release: 22/12/1989

10 Stages Unlimited Continues Has Password System 1-04 staircase: Up (Grant) = 2-01 to 2-06, then 3-01 ... Down = 3-00, then 3-01. 3-02 staircase: Up (Sypha) = 3-03 to 3-04, 4-0A (letter path) to 7-0C, then 8-01 … Down (Alucard) = 4-01 (number path) to 5-06 5-06 staircase: Up = 5-07, 6-01 to 6-02, then 7-01... Down = 6-01* to 6-05*, then 7-01. Explanation: Grant’s clocktower (Level 2) is optional. After that, there are two major routes: Sypha’s route, or Alucard’s route. Alucard’s route has a fork with two distinct Level 6’s. Level 8 to 10 are the same for all routes. Three playthroughs needed to see all content.

Kickle Cubicle

NES Release Date: September 1990 Famicom Release Date: 29/06/1990

Four Lands – 71 Levels + 30 Extra Levels Unlimited Continues Has Password System

Little Nemo - The Dream Master

NES Release Date: September 1990

8 Levels Unlimited Continues

Low G Man

NES Release Date: September 1990

Five Chapters – 15 Levels Unlimited Continues Has Password System No Famicom Version Double-tap Left/Right to run. Picking up winged items can increase your jump height, spear length, and pistol bullets per shot. Walker Vehicle Controls: Jump, Hold Down, and then jump when you hit the ground to perform a high-jump. Spider Vehicle Controls: Hold Down and press A to jump higher. Switch to holding Up in mid-air and you will reverse gravity. Hint: Freezing enemies and then stabbing them is safest – but if you spear enemies without freezing them, they will always drop an item.

RollerGames

NES Release Date: September 1990

6 Acts – 12 Levels Unlimited Continues Press A+B for special attack (3 per level – never essential)

Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight

NES Release Date: September 1990 Famicom Release Date: 8/08/1990

Five Planets – 19 Levels Unlimited Continues Press Up to cling to platforms above you Press A to grab walls Hold Down and Press B to shoot diagonally upward

Conquest of the Crystal Palace

NES Release: November 1990 Famicom Release: 24/08/1990

Five Stages Unlimited Continues Hold Down and Press A to summon your dog or use items.

Mega Man 3

NES Release: November 1990 Famicom Release: 28/09/1990

Eight Levels + Five Final Stages Unlimited Continues Has Password System Notable Abilities: Rush Spring (high-jump), Rush Submarine (swim), Rush Jet (fly) Other Abilities: Gemini Laser, Hard Knuckle, Magnet Missile, Needle Cannon, Search Snake, Shadow Blade, Spark Shock, Top Spin.

Puzznic

NES Release Date: November 1990

160 Levels (Puzznic) + 80 Levels (Gravnic) Unlimited Continues Has Password System Contains two games – Puzznic and Gravnic. Press Retry several times to restart the timer in Puzznic.

StarTropics

NES Release Date: 1/12/1990

Eight Chapters Unlimited Continues – 3 health at respawn Battery Save System No Famicom Version Pause the game and press Up/Down to access items. Attached to the game’s manual is a special letter from Uncle Steve. SPOILER: Halfway through the game, you will be asked to dip this letter in water to reveal an important message. Frequency: 747 MHz

Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu

NES Release Date: 14/12/1990

5 Levels Five Continues – You can gain more in bonus stages Level Select Code: Up, Up, Down, Down, Up, Down, B, A, Start

Ninja Crusaders

NES Release Date: 14/12/1990

5 Acts – 10 Levels Unlimited Continues Has 2P Mode Hold down B to transform into a tiger/scorpion/bird/dragon – depending on which weapon is equipped.

Shadow of the Ninja

NES Release: December 1990 Famicom Release: 10/08/1990

5 Acts – 15 Levels No Continues Has 2P Mode Weapons can level up, but getting hit four times will de-level the weapon. Level Select Code: A x 4, B x 4, (A, B) x 4 Then hold one or two buttons and press start: • Level 2-1 = B • Level 3-2 = A • Level 4-3 = A+B If you are playing 2P Mode (or have two controllers), there are more level select codes available.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

NES Release Date: January 1991

6 Missions – 18 Levels Unlimited Continues No Famicom or PAL version

Metal Storm

NES Release Date: February 1991

7 Stages – 13 Levels + Expert Mode Unlimited Continues No PAL version

Isolated Warrior

NES Release Date: February 1991 Famicom Release Date: 15/02/1991

7 Levels Unlimited Continues

Totally Rad

NES Release Date: March 1991 Famicom Release Date: 28/09/1990

Five Acts Three Continues

Whomp 'Em

NES Release Date: March 1991 Famicom Release Date: 7/12/1990

Intro Level + 6 Stages + Final Stage Unlimited Continues No PAL Version

Power Blade

NES Release Date: March 1991 Famicom Release Date: 20/04/1990

6 Sectors + Final Stage Unlimited Continues

Battletoads

NES Release Date: 1/06/1991

12 Levels Three Continues Has 2P Mode Double-tap left/right to run. Five Lives Cheat: Hold Down+A+B and press Start on the title screen and continue screen. Note: Famicom Version has five lives, five continues, and much easier levels.

The Little Mermaid

NES Release Date: 19/07/1991

5 Stages Unlimited Continues

Frankenstein: The Monster Returns

NES Release Date: July 1991

Four Stages Two Continues No Famicom or PAL version Press jump twice to perform a jump-kick. Has a Password System.

Rockin' Kats

NES Release Date: September 1991 Famicom Release Date: 5/04/1991

5 Levels + Bonus Level Unlimited Continues

Vice: Project Doom

NES Release Date: 15/11/1991 Famicom Release Date: 26/04/1991

11 Acts – 27 Levels Unlimited Continues

Toki

NES Release Date: December 1991 Famicom Release Date: 19/07/1991

6 Stages Four Continues

Bucky O'Hare

NES Release Date: January 1992 Famicom Release Date: 31/01/1992

4 Planets + Mother Ship (4 Levels) Unlimited Continues

Kick Master

NES Release Date: January 1992

8 Levels Unlimited Continues No Famicom or PAL Version

Monster in My Pocket

NES Release Date: January 1992

Six Stages Three Continues Has 2P Mode No Famicom Version

Wacky Races

NES Release Date: 1/05/1992 Famicom Release Date: 25/12/1991

10 Levels Unlimited Continues

Gargoyle's Quest II

NES Release Date: October 1992 Famicom Release Date: 17/07/1992

Six Dungeons + Final Stage Unlimited Continues Notable Abilities: Magic Claw (Shoot gel at spikes to climb them), Magic Tornado (Shoot platforms)

Felix the Cat

NES Release Date: October 1992

Nine Worlds – 25 Levels Three Continues No Famicom Version

Little Samson

NES Release Date: 22/10/1992 Famicom Release Date: 26/06/1992

4 Intro Stages + 18 Levels Unlimited Continues Has Password System One level (Crab Ride) is optional and skips two levels. Difficulty Modes: Easy (14 Levels) / Normal (18 Levels)

Ufouria: The Saga

NES Release Date: 19/11/1992 Famicom Release Date: 20/09/1991

Nine Areas Unlimited Continues Has Password System No American Release Notable Abilities: Suction Cup (Wall-Climb), Glide, Swim Other Abilities: Freeze, Bomb

Fire 'n Ice

NES Release Date: 11/03/1993 Japan Release Date: 24/01/1992

100 Levels + 50 Bonus Levels Unlimited Continues

Kid Klown in Night Mayor World

NES Release Date: 1/04/1993 Japan Release Date: 30/09/1992

Intro + Five Stages + Final Stage Unlimited Continues No PAL Version

Kirby's Adventure

NES Release Date: May 1993 Japan Release Date: 23/03/1993

8 Levels – 47 Stages Unlimited Continues

Mr. Gimmick

NES Release Date: 19/05/1993 Japan Release Date: 31/01/1992

6 Levels + True Ending Level Unlimited Continues No American Version

DuckTales 2

NES Release Date: June 1993 Japan Release Date: 23/04/1993

5 Levels + True Ending Level No Continues – But you can buy one