Today we are heading back in time and checking out some of the best NES fighting games in the consoles extensive library of titles. You definitely can’t go wrong with a bit of beat ’em up action.
The following NES games, 1 to 15, are in no arranged order.
1. Mighty Final Fight:
Not based on the classic eighties arcade game, Might Final Fight is its own thing exclusively for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Nearing the end of the consoles lifespan, Capcom came along and delivered an absolute banger of a beat ’em up to fans of the genre. Great graphics, sound effects, and bone-crunching gameplay makes this a must play title.
2. Double Dragon:
The NES port of the iconic arcade machine happens to be a rather fateful port. If I had to pick one negative about this version of the game, it would be that it lacks a standard two player playthrough option, but makes up for it somewhat with a very fun one-on-one battle mode. Overall, it’s easily one of the best fighters on the console.
3. Double Dragon II: The Revenge:
Double Dragon II: The Revenge is the best beat ’em up on the NES. Period. Like the original game, this version of the arcade machine is totally its own thing. The graphics are very impressive and the sound effects are on point. Punching and kicking the crap out of enemies is super satisfying with those bone-crunching noises.
4. Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones:
The third game in the Double Dragon series on the NES is completely its own thing and continues the same style as the previous game on the console compared to the direction that the arcade version took. The difficulty level of the third game is immense, setting a real challenge for even the most experienced beat ’em up fans.
5. Punch-Out:
Probably the most recognised and beloved boxing games ever created. If you were lucky enough to own a Nintendo Entertainment System back in the late eights, there’s a good chance you owned or came across a copy of Punch-Out at some point during the systems lifespan. Still, to this day, it remains an incredibly good game.
6. Renegade:
The coin-op makes its debut on the NES, and it’s a banger. Renegade is one of those fighting games a lot of us retro fans grew up playing in the late eighties, either in the arcades or on a home computer via a cassette tape. Yes, games really did exist in cassette tape form back then. The later ports of the game, especially the NES version, is far superior.
7. Target: Renegade:
Target Renegade is the follow-up to the original Renegade. The game is superior in a lot of ways, especially the larger sprites and the ability to scroll the stages instead of being in one restricted area. Much like the first game, the gameplay style pretty much remains the same. A great bunch of music tracks accompanies the loaded action.
8. World Wrestling:
When it comes to wrestling games they’re often either hit or miss. Good news is, Tecmo’s World Wrestling is definitely a hit on the NES. I will say, it’s not the easiest wrestling games to get to grips with, but once you master the in ring manoeuvres, you’ll find yourself playing it for hours. A little gem on the console for sure.
9. Battletoads:
Battletoads is one of those games that happens to be good no matter what console you play it on. I don’t think I have ever come across a rubbish version of the game yet. And of course, it all started with the NES game way back in 1991, and I believe many retro gamers would agree that it still holds up rather well to this day.
10. Battletoads and Double Dragon:
Fighting games don’t get much better than Battletoads and Double Dragon. That’s right, it combines the characters from each game series into one. Fans of the earlier Battletoads and Double Dragon games will probably find this one quiet amusing to playthrough. Filled with plenty of fun enemy characters and lots of comedic moments makes this one a must play.
11. Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja:
Next up, we come to one of my personal favorite fighting games from the late eighties. Data East first released Bad Dudes vs. Dragon Ninja in arcades back in 1988, and later ported the game over to the Nintendo Entertainment System the following year. The NES game is pretty much a faithful conversion of the arcade original. Beat ’em up fans will enjoy this one.
12. The Adventures of Bayou Billy:
The Adventures of Bayou Billy is one of the best underrated NES games on the beloved console. It’s by no means an easy game to get to grips with, but once you master the control system, it’s quite rewarding and a lot of fun to play. You can use sticks, rocks, and a whole lot of other things to defeat enemies with. Very much a game inspired by Crocodile Dundee.
13. River City Ransom:
If you love games like Renegade and Target Renegade, then River City Ransom will be right up your alley. Beat ’em ups don’t get much better than this. Featuring unique character sprites, tons of fighting moves, colourful stages, and addictive gameplay makes this one well worth your time. Be sure to check this one out.
14. Kung Fu:
A brilliant NES port of the classic arcade fighting game known as Kung Fu Master. The Nintendo version (shortened to Kung Fu) plays tremendously well, featuring smooth animation and ultra responsive gameplay. Also, I must not forget to mention the awesome character sprites, memorable music, and brilliant sound effects throughout.
15. Batman: The Video Game:
I remember playing this mega game quite a bit back in the early days of the NES console. Easily one of the best NES fighting games in existence. I simply can’t say enough great things about Batman on the Nintendo. There’s nothing more satisfying than running, punching, climbing, and shooting enemies with projectiles. An absolute gem of a game.
So, here you have it. Out top 15 bashers you need to play asap.
Are there any other titles that might be worth adding to our best NES fighting games list? If so, let us know what games we missed down in the community comments area below.
