Best simple, score-focused NES games

[raygank]

I didn't have an NES growing up, and I've only recently started giving some NES games a shot since getting a Retron 5.

I expected to be into the same sorts of games on the NES that I am on other platforms. Although I like short games (I host a podcast on them in fact) I tend to favor games with a narrative, and don't usually like arcade-style score-attack games. Weirdly enough, though, the two NES games I keep going back to again and again so far from my tiny collection are City Connection and Xevious. City Connection in particular. I love the simple jumping, the speed and flow of the game, and the great music.

In a way, I think these appeal to me the same way a lot of mobile games do; it's a simple, quick, turn-your-brain-partly-off experience with clear goals and short session lengths, and I'm able to see myself improving little by little with better and better scores.

What NES games should I try that scratch this same itch? Bonus points if they're relatively cheap to pick up.

[Hobie-wan]

It's been quite a while since I had a good session where I beat it, so I can't really remember how long that would be if you practiced it enough, but Zanac is a fantastic shmup on the NES. It's price has been going up, but I recommend it and it isn't expensive if you just get a cart. I think Trojan is a fun hack and slash that's pretty fast to get through once you finally lick it, so sessions can be pretty short whether learning or have it mastered. It is cheaper than Zanac, though perhaps not as engrossing.

[Exhuminator]

As far as shooters go, pretty much anything by Capcom or Konami on the NES will do good for you. For example, Life Force by Konami, and Legendary Wings by Capcom.

Here are a few others that you might like:

http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/9/7/6/48976_front.jpg

http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/3/0/8/29308_front.jpg

http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/7/9/6/21796_front.jpg

http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/4/0/8/32408_front.jpg

http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/3/3/3/23333_front.jpg

http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/6/8/7/49687_back.jpg

Have fun!

[TSTR]

There's also arcade ports. Things like Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Popeye, Burgertime, Galaga, etc.

[prfsnl_gmr]

I will second Hobie's Zanac recommendation. That game is excellent.

Also, if you like City Connection, you should look into Mappy Land. It is a console-exclusive, and for some reason, I always think of it as playing similarly.

[ExedExes]

Vice Project Doom, even if it has a few gametypes in one, does have a very good story and will fit your requirements.

Heck, even Xexyz too.

Also be sure to check out the Natsume trio of NES awesomeness -- S.C.A.T, Shadow of The Ninja, and Shatterhand! (ok, so those last 2 aren't exactly score driven, but they're good for some fast action)

[Hobie-wan]

Also be sure to check out the Natsume trio of NES awesomeness -- S.C.A.T, Shadow of The Ninja, and Shatterhand! (ok, so those last 2 aren't exactly score driven, but they're good for some fast action)

Great games for sure, but definitely not cheap.

[Nyukki]

Oh no, this thread has me looking at famicom cartridges on taobao. I feel the onset of rabbit hole syndrome...

[Tanooki]

Famicom is a wise way to go as there's some really nice stuff for point racking fun that can be done fairly quick like Gradius II and Parodius we missed out on from Konami that are relatively cheap cart alone, Crisis Force too but not as cheap.

I see an arcade game need there, I'd suggest skimming the NES and Famicom list of games for arcade conversion. While there are some more games that aren't conversions that fit the quick pick up and play for points style of the arcade, the notables are arcade games in a lot of cases. That probably is why the NES is still so appealing today to people, despite Nintendo still being around, the games while less nice in the color and audio department by todays standards still fit that mold tablet games often shoot for which is what you said you want.

[emb1234]

I second the Balloon Fight recommendation.

I could play Balloon Trip mode all day.