The Ten NES Games That Give Me the Best Nostalgic Feels

by Mike DeAngelo on July 18, 2025

Welcome, gamers, to a new feature here on That’s Entertainment. A while back, we used to have a much bigger game presence on the internet, and we’re going to be bringing it back in some form, as I’ve recently started unveiling Top Ten Lists on YouTube, and we’re going to integrate them here into the That’s Entertainment website as well. We’re going to go in order of when the top tens were released on YouTube, so let’s get going.

And if you want, you can watch here:


If you grew up with an NES controller in your hands, you know the kind of magic that comes from blowing into a cartridge and booting up your favorite game. For me, the NES wasn’t just a console. It was a time machine. These are the ten NES games that instantly transport me back to those simpler times. Some are classics. Some are cult favorites. But all of them hit me right in the feels.

Let’s dive into the games that shaped my childhood, one pixel at a time.


10. Contra

We’re kicking off this list with a bang, literally. Contra was the ultimate test of your reflexes and patience. Yeah, it was tough. But once you had that Konami Code memorized (up, up, down, down…), everything changed. The waterfall level remains my favorite. Between the tense climb and the wild boss at the top, it was a rush like no other. Even now, beating Contra—with or without the code—feels like a badge of honor.


9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

This one gets a lot of flak, but I’ll always defend it. That overhead view, the punishing underwater Dam level, and the unforgettable music… It had such a unique vibe. Sure, it was brutally hard, but I kept going back for more. And let’s be real: Donatello was absolutely OP. This was one of the first licensed games that felt like it understood its source material, and it holds a special place in my memory.


8. Metal Gear

The NES version of Metal Gear was my first real taste of a game that felt huge. Stealth? Strategy? A story? It was almost too much for my younger brain to handle. I didn’t beat it as a kid, but I’ll never forget that strange but memorable line: “I feel asleep.” It was weird, it was wonderful, and it opened my eyes to what games could be.


7. Bionic Commando

No jumping, only swinging. That grappling hook mechanic was revolutionary. I got this game as a sort of consolation prize after a disappointing tournament, and it ended up being one of the most fun and unique experiences I ever had on the NES. The music slapped, the gameplay was sharp, and that swinging motion just felt good in a way few games ever matched.


6. Castlevania

Castlevania was terrifying, and I loved it. The gothic setting, the haunting soundtrack (that clock tower music!), and the relentless difficulty all made for a game that burned itself into my brain. It also introduced me to one of my favorite series ever. Later entries would evolve the formula into Metroidvania territory, but the original still brings back intense memories of trial, error, and triumph.


5. Blaster Master

I always say this one’s more Metroidvania than Metroid. Blaster Master gave you not just platforming, but top-down exploration too, and I had no idea where I was going half the time, but I loved it. It felt massive, mysterious, and just a little intimidating. Between the tank, the on-foot sections, and the killer soundtrack, it was a journey worth taking over and over again.


4. DuckTales

Woo-oo! This is hands-down one of the best licensed NES games ever made. The pogo mechanic added something brand-new to the platforming formula, and every level felt distinct and whimsical. And that Moon theme? Still legendary. For a kid who loved the cartoon, this game felt like magic, and it still plays beautifully today.


3. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Yeah, it’s divisive. But for me? Pure joy. I loved the 2D side-scrolling combat, the towns you could visit, and the RPG elements that were still pretty new to console gamers at the time. It was rough around the edges, sure, but I vibed with its weird energy. I recently replayed the remastered version with some quality-of-life tweaks, and it reminded me just how much heart this game still has.


2. Super Mario Bros. 3

This is the NES at its absolute finest. The overworld maps, the power-ups, the themed worlds, the music—everything about Super Mario Bros. 3 just worked. Whether it was leaping into the green Goomba boot, avoiding the Angry Sun, or flying with the raccoon tail, this game captured imagination in a way few others could. It’s an all-timer, plain and simple.


1. Mega Man 2

This one is special. I got Mega Man 2 as a reward for a good report card, and it changed my world. It was my first Mega Man game, and it hit hard. The music? Iconic. The gameplay? Tight and precise. That feeling of finally beating a boss after dozens of tries? Unmatched. It was a gift from my mom, and it felt like a reward for hard work. That memory, combined with the game’s brilliance, earns it the top spot on this list.


What Are Your Most Nostalgic NES Games?

That’s my list, but nostalgia is personal. What NES games give you the best feels? Was it Kid Icarus? Excitebike? Maybe even Little Nemo? Let me know in the comments!

And if you enjoyed this list, be sure to check out the YouTube version for even more retro goodness. We’ve got plenty more countdowns, deep dives, and game retrospectives on the way. Thanks for reading, and keep the nostalgia alive!