www.classic-games.net

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/mega-man-x8/

A legitimately great game that is often overlooked due to the bad reception of its predecessor. The back to basics approach works with great level design, cool bosses, and a host of power-ups to find. It also has one of the better soundtracks in the series. Don't pass this one up because Mega Man X7 was terrible!

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/mega-man-x-collection/

A solid collection of most of the best in the series. I can't help but be disappointed after the stellar amount of extras packed into the Mega Man Anniversary Collection. This feels like the bare minimum to get it out the door.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/star-wars- ... ikes-back/

A little known late NES title released in 1992. This is clearly an improvement on its predecessor but is buried under far too many frustrating gameplay eleements to be worth tracking down. Super Empire Strikes Back has its problems but is a much better game in my opinion.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/super-fantasy-zone/

A really cool sequel to the classic arcade game. I'm sure most of us in America aren't aware of its existence as Sega for some reason never brought it out here. While it is basically identical to the original its still a pretty damn good game. I'd have preferred this over crap like the shoddy ports of Galaxy Force 2 or DJ Boy.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/kishin-dou ... le-raiden/

Its been a long time since I watched the Zenki OVA but any knowledge of the series is not necessary. This is a pretty cool brawler with high production values and solid combat. The platforming isn't as precise as it should be but works well enough in my opinion. Battle Raiden is an awesome hidden gem and an easy import purchase that I highly recommend.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/double-dra ... ed-stones/

I hate Double Dragon III. I hate it in the arcade. I hate it on the Genesis. And I especially hate it on the NES. Stay the hell away from this one.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/strider-sega/

For its time this was a beyond awesome arcade port. Time has caught up with it somewhat but this is still a fantastic version of the one of the top arcade games of the time. Sega outdid themselves with this one. Fun fact: I played the NES Strider game first and wondered why this was so different. Heh.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/gradius-iii/

Still great and even better than the arcade in some areas. Time has caught up with this one a little bit as the slowdown is just embarrassing in parts. But this is still an awesome game overall and worth tracking down.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/metal-storm/

A truly original and underrated gem from Irem. I always wondered why R-Type was never ported to the NES but I'll gladly take an original title like this instead. The gravity flipping mechanic is implemented really well and the level design is amazing. A bit high on the difficulty side but well worth it in my opinion. Shot out to Nintendo Power for bringing this to my attention back in the day.

[sayewonn]

http://www.classic-games.net/mercs/

A beyond awesome port of the Capcom arcade hit. Sega went above and beyond with this one, not only remaining faithful to the arcade but adding in the original mode that gives a brief arcade experience more longevity. This is one of the early Genesis titles that I return to the most and I'm glad its held up so well.