Star Versus

Some of my favorite NES memories involve some competitive games. If you’re the same way, you’ll love Star Versus.

It’s a shooter game set in the stars, and only one player will emerge as the victor. While the actual gameplay is pretty simple, it is addictive enough to keep you coming back for more.

NEScape! s

NEScape has a cool premise that is built directly into the game. Simply put, this title recreates n escape room experience on your NES.

The only bad thing about this game is that it got so popular that the cartridges sold out. You can still find them for crazy prices online or download a digital copy of the game for only $10.

Full Quiet

Full Quiet is a modern NES game with a simple hook: you play as a father whose son has been kidnapped. To rescue him, you have to head deep into a mysterious jungle.

The forest, meanwhile, is full of puzzles, deadly enemies, and gear to help with your adventure. You can still pre-order this one on Kickstarter--while you’re there, check out the amazing progress that the team has made!

Dungeons & Doomknights

It would be hard to describe Dungeons & Doomknights in a single word. Fortunately, the makers of this modern NES game already did by calling this game a “Zeldavania.”

This ambitious little game is basically a “demake” of the old Adventure Quest MMO. And while this game is still in the pre-order stage, the demos and previews look amazing. You can even order the game as a golden NES cartridge that will look great next to your original copy of The Legend of Zelda.

Rollie

What would the love child of Mario, Sonic, and those weird Bubble Bobble dinosaurs look like? Probably a lot like Rollie!

Much of the game is a standard Mario-esque platformer. You can navigate by moving and jumping as usual or turning into a rolling ball. There are a variety of moves you can make, including blowing bubbles that can take out foes and also help you travel over annoying pits.

Micro Mages

While you can also play on PC, Micro Mages was optimized for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It offers a fun platforming adventure and even ships with a colorful instruction manual to tickle your nostalgia.

And this game also supports up to four players. This was a rarely-used feature for the original NES, and Micro Mages uses it to awesome effect.

Paprium

Paprium is one of those rare games where the story behind its delays and tortured release is as compelling as any game. Fortunately, the game itself ended up being worth the wait after many delays.

It’s part sidescroller, part fighter, and completely gorgeous. While this is one of the more expensive cartridges on this list, it looks like it might be worth taking your wallet out for.

Little Medusa

Still, got Hades on your mind? While you’re feeling mythological, it’s the perfect time to check out Little Medusa.

This puzzle/adventure game can be played on the NES, SNES, Genesis, or Switch. It features adorable character design, colorful stages, and brain-teasing puzzles. It won’t turn you to stone, but you might be in danger of sitting in the same place and playing this one for many hours on end!

Arkagis Revolution

Arkagis Revolution comes across like a blend of some of your favorite retro gaming qualities. For example, this modern Genesis title blends Mode 7-style effects with top-down shooter design and a generous sprinkling of bullet hell.

The game is impressive with features like voice-acted cutscenes. And with a built-in timer, this game is ready for any speedrunners who wish to test their mettle.

Lethal Wedding

It’s a nice day for a “fight” wedding. At least, that’s the theme of Lethal Wedding, a game where a fierce bride must take on a drug cartel to get her groom back.

The game is bloody and the battles are bracing. But the best thing about this game is you can download it for free from the developer and either play on your PC or, via a flashcard, directly on your Genesis.

Tanglewood

How best to describe Tanglewood? According to the devs, this Genesis game is like a weird cross between The Lion King and Another World.

The animations are slick and vibrant, and finding the collectibles quickly gets addictive. Best of all, the puzzles were very engaging without coming across as frustrating or unfair.

Almost Hero

If you’re checking out modern game cartridges, then you’re already a fan of retro entertainment. In that case, the modern NES game Almost Hero was made for you!

It features cooperative ninja action and multiple ways to proceed through the game. But our favorite details included the nostalgic nods: you learn new moves by finding VHS tapes, and you can attack enemies with things like boomboxes and even laserdisc players.

Pier Solar and the Great Architects

Make no mistake: Pier Solar and the Great Architects may be the most colorful Genesis game you ever play. On top of that, it’s an unforgettable roleplaying experience.

This game also gives you multiple ways to dive in. You can play on the Genesis by itself or use a Sega CD attachment to improve the game’s audio. Alternately, you can play an HD version of the title on more modern game systems.

Unholy Night: The Darkness Hunter

You can’t fault Unholy Night: The Darkness Hunter for its boldness. As a SNES fighting game, this new title will draw inevitable comparisons to Street Fighter II.

However, the real comparison should be to SNK instead of Capcom. This game was crafted by former SNK employees, and it shows in the polish of both the gameplay and animations.

Diary of a Zomboni Driver

Diary of a Zomboni Driver is a modern NES game with many different elements. Specifically, this is an RPG game that involves zombies, hockey players, and a freaky plot with many twists and turns.

The gameplay itself feels exciting and new. But the best compliment we can pay to this game is that it is definitely like nothing you have played before!