Platform: NES FDS, NES, Virtual Console

That Shigeru Miyamoto's masterpiece is one of the most influential and timeless games ever made is rather obvious. Almost a quarter century later, Link's debut remains incredibly fun and playable. The epic overworld theme and beery dungeon music still sound great on the vintage NES hardware. Though the graphics are quite simple, they are elegantly functional, and the gameplay retains its crisp precision. Hyrule remains a large space to explore, especially when you consider the much more challenging second quest. Given such an incredible first appearance, it's no wonder that Zelda is widely considered Nintendo's best franchise in terms of game quality.

Atmosphere makes this game stand out more than any other in this list. The lighting, level design, boss fights, and music work together so seamlessly. Being the best 2D Metroid game doesn't hurt either. After all, the mighty Gunpei Yokoi (creator of the Game Boy) helped design this. How tragic that he was killed in a car accident in 1997. If only he could see how respected this game remains, even 15+ years later. The Metroid Prime games are worthy successors, but are they really better? Apples vs. oranges? Perhaps it's one of those debates that never ends. What's certain is that this is one of the finest games ever created by a company that has produced many a fine game.

The addition of multilevel dungeons, new equipment, and even a parallel world improved upon the already excellent gameplay of the original Legend of Zelda. Not only did it sell over 4.6 million cartridges worldwide, it monopolized the #1 spot in Nintendo Power's list of top games for five years! So why isn't this #1 in this list? It very easily could be. Early titles that age so well score a few extra points, and such an unusually dark and unmatched 2D side-scroller bearing the mark of a brilliant mind no longer with us also gains a slight edge. Even with the extra power of today's consoles, Nintendo has to dig deep to produce a better Zelda experience than this.

Developer: Johnson-Voorsanger Productions

Publisher: Sega, TecToy (Brazil)

Released: 1992

Randomly-generated levels, two-player co-op, being able to fall from one level down to the previous one? This is far from your typical action-adventure game, and that's what makes it so fantastic. Look a little closer and all the expected elements are there, from the emphasis on exploration to collecting items (presents) and even puzzle-solving (i.e. using spring shoes to cross a gap). Your characters even grow in strength over time, yet you never score any actual experience points.

Platform: SMS, TG-16, Virtual Console (SMS, TG-16)

Developer: WestOne, Sega / Hudson Soft

Publisher: Sega, TecToy (Brazil) / Hudson Soft

Released: 1989 / 1990

What you have here is the best side-scrolling fantasy action-adventure of the era: vibrant colors, catchy music, and clever level design—including seven side-quests! It's the variety in gameplay that really makes this title stand out, though. Over the course of your adventure, you will transform into many five different creatures, from Mouse-Man to Hawk-Man, Piranha-Man, and more, each with their own unique characteristics. While the TG-16 version looks and sounds better, the SMS one offers gameplay that's just as tight.

Developer: Nihon Falcom (original), Sega (reprogramming)

Publisher: Working Designs (US), Nihon Falcom (Japan)

Released: 1994

Here is one of the best-kept secrets of the Sega CD. Like Wonder Boy III, we have platforming meets fantasy and multiple incarnations of the character you get to play—Mail, Tatt, and Gaw this time. Differentiating this title, though, you'll find excellent cut-scenes with the quality voice work for which Working Designs is known, along with a very healthy dose of humor. This is clearly the most light-hearted title in the list, and it represents an amazing package, overall, a reminder of how great the Sega CD could have been.

Platform: Genesis, SNES, Sega CD

Developer: Delphine Software

Publisher: U.S. Gold, Sunsoft (Japan)

Released: 1993, 1994 (Sega CD)

While some people call this a cinematic platformer, the non-linear levels and numerous puzzles beg to differ. Discovering the extensive science-fiction world and using your inventory smartly is essential to complete this title. The animated cut-scenes are the best in the pre-CD console universe. Another wonderful quality is the atmospheric sound clips and effects, though the Sega CD version does offer a full soundtrack—not necessarily an improvement. No matter what version you play, this remains a title well ahead of its time.

With a tropical island theme, an overworld and towns that resemble Dragon Warrior, Zelda-esque dungeons, the ability to jump, and a yo-yo as the starting weapon, this title definitely carves out its own niche. Though the game does lag a little bit in terms of music and sound effects, the fun story and excellent gameplay more than compensate. Interestingly, StarTropics was never released in Japan—one of the rare times than American and European gamers scored a victory in the ludicrous battle of market segmentation. There was a sequel, Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II, released in 1994, but it feels rushed and cannot match the innovation and cleverness found in the original.

Released: 1991

The first and only Goemon Ganbare game released outside of Japan during the 8- and 16-bit era is a delicious blend of beat 'em up, side-scrolling, collecting items, and even playing mini-games, including one that features the entire first level of Gradius. In addition to the standard close range attack, you can learn four different Judo abilities. Better still, a friend can get in on the action with simultaneous co-op play. With the feudal Japan setting, the humorous animated expressions of characters, and the light-hearted tone in general, this title is an absolute blast to play. There's nothing else quite like it out there, aside from all the Japan-only Goemon Ganbare titles—all well worth checking out.

Developer: Compile (original), Sega (reprogramming)

Publisher: Sega, TecToy (Brazil)

Released: 1988

Sega enhanced the graphics of the Compile original and created a totally different overworld along with new dungeon layouts. The overworld feels very Zelda, but side-scrolling and even vertically-scrolling dungeons give Golvellius a more unique feel—not to mention the protagonist's green hair! You'll also find an unusually excellent musical score throughout the game. Considering Golvellius's excellent debut its surprising that it never received a sequel.