First game: Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Other NES games: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. didn’t just set the bar; it turned the bar into a trampoline and jumped over it! Not only did it define the platformer genre, but it also set a new standard for game design and storytelling. It’s literally synonymous with video games and the most recognizable mascot in the entire industry!

Today, Mario is a household name and remains at the forefront of gaming innovation, captivating players with fresh adventures and creative ideas.

First game: The Legend of Zelda (1986)

Other NES games: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

The Legend of Zelda revolutionized the action-adventure genre with its open-world exploration and puzzle-solving. It remains a cornerstone of Nintendo’s offerings, with each new game building on its legacy and continuing to push the boundaries of game design.

Although not the title character, Link has become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry, and every game in the franchise is considered a masterpiece!

First game: Dragon Quest (1986)

Other NES games: Dragon Quest II, Dragon Quest III, Dragon Quest IV

Dragon Quest didn’t just create a genre; it wrote the playbook for JRPGs. It remains a cornerstone of Japanese gaming culture, consistently delivering epic tales and legendary quests, evolving with each new entry.

Its main theme is so iconic it could practically be Japan’s national anthem by now! Jokes aside, it’s hard to find a franchise in any industry that matches Dragon Quest’s status as a national treasure.

First game: Metroid (1986)

Other NES games: None

Metroid introduced a blend of exploration and action and, together with the next entry on our list, pioneered the “Metroidvania” genre. The sense of loneliness, eerie music, and high difficulty all contributed to making this an unforgettable adventure. However, it was the gameplay, with cleverly hidden items that gradually increase the heroine’s powers, that made it a classic.

Samus Aran’s adventures continue to be a major part of Nintendo’s lineup, blending nostalgia with modern gameplay in this beloved series.

First game: Castlevania (1986)

Other NES games: Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest, Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse

Castlevania brought gothic horror into our homes with challenging gameplay and a brooding atmosphere. Its legacy of monster-slaying and castle-crawling endures through numerous sequels and adaptations. While not precisely in this entry, the series would go on to help shape the “Metroidvania” genre, which is one of the most beloved today.

The franchise has slowed down on new releases, but a series of collections has been keeping the classics alive on modern hardware.

First game: Digital Devil Story – Megami Tensei (1987)

Other NES games: Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II

Before Persona, there was Megami Tensei – a series that dared to explore dark themes and complex morality long before it was trendy. Megami Tensei laid the groundwork for mature storytelling in RPGs, with its demon negotiation mechanics and deep, philosophical undertones.

It’s a franchise that’s continued to evolve, spawning a vast universe of games under the “Shin Megami Tensei” banner and maintaining a dedicated fan base who revel in its unique blend of mythology and psychological drama.

First game: Mega Man (1987)

Other NES games: Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3, Mega Man 4, Mega Man 5, Mega Man 6

With its challenging gameplay and unique boss system, Mega Man became a staple of action-platforming. Its influence is still felt through numerous spin-offs and adaptations, showcasing its enduring appeal and relevance in the gaming industry.

Although the release of new games in the franchise has slowed down, a steady stream of collections has kept the classic games available on new platforms.

First game: Final Fantasy (1987)

Other NES games: Final Fantasy II (Japan only), Final Fantasy III (Japan only)

Final Fantasy didn’t just raise the JRPG stakes; it created a whole new game. With its sprawling narratives and unforgettable characters, it’s a franchise that keeps redefining the role-playing experience. It has grown into one of the most influential series in gaming history, pushing boundaries and capturing audiences worldwide.

First game: Mother (1989)

Other NES games: None

Mother might have flown under the radar in its NES days, but it’s gained a cult following thanks to its quirky humor, offbeat story, and inventive gameplay. This series took traditional RPG conventions and turned them on their head, presenting a contemporary setting that was rare for its time.

Though there hasn’t been a new entry in decades, the legacy of Mother lives on through fan translations, passionate communities, and its influence on indie game developers worldwide.

First game: Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light (1990)

Other NES games: Fire Emblem Gaiden

Fire Emblem introduced tactical role-playing to a generation of gamers, blending deep strategy with memorable characters and permadeath mechanics that kept players on the edge of their seats. The series’ emphasis on careful planning and character development set it apart from other RPGs, turning every battle into a high-stakes chess match with your favorite heroes at risk.

Today, Fire Emblem remains a beloved franchise that continues to grow in popularity, with recent entries bringing the series into the mainstream spotlight and capturing the hearts of both new and veteran players alike.

First game: Battletoads (1991)

Other NES games: None, though there was a crossover with the Double Dragon series

Battletoads is a franchise that made a splash with its tongue-in-cheek humor and notoriously punishing difficulty. Known for its variety of gameplay styles – from beat-’em-up action to insane speeder bike levels – it quickly became a cult classic.

Though the series lay dormant for years, it’s had a resurgence in recent times, reminding both old fans and new players why these amphibious heroes are still a force to be reckoned with in the gaming world.