Thursday 1 August 2013

THE NES AND SPORTS TITLES

They're a dime a dozen. A turd pile in the middle of the room. Everyone sees them, and nobody but the collector's or the really hardcore want them. They are the sports games. Collecting dust in every bin, shelf, container, and case you can think of. But there are some truly great sports titles. Some that mock the sport they represent even. For beginning collectors, or maybe the novice nes gamer, here are a few suggestions!

BOXING:
A no-brainer. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out! Or the re-release Punch-Out! They're the kings of pugilism for a reason. Fun, and a spoof on the sport itself. Every owner of the old toaster should have this game.

Others: Ring King (OK), George Foreman's KO Boxing (yuck)

The Undisputed Champ!

BASEBALL: 
Way too many games in this genre. From RBI Baseball, Bases Loaded, Dusty Diamonds All-Stars, Baseball Simulator 1000, Legends of the Diamond, Little League Baseball....oh boy the list goes on and on. So, it depends on what you want. Do you like a full simulation with official rosters? Go with RBI Baseball. Do you like wacky and zany baseball (with no official MLB roster) go with Baseball Simulator 1000 or Baseball Stars 2.

A home run!

FOOTBALL (AMERICAN): 
Not that many entries in the gridiron series. Still, there's some quality games here and it really depends of taste and preference. Most people would say the two best football games for your money are Tecmo Bowl and Super Tecmo Bowl. The original has no official roster. The sequel even has the Super Bowl itself! Stick with those two. I should mention Nintendo's NES Play Action Football as you can play with 4 players with the NES Satellite or the 4 Score adapter.

Others: John Elway's Quarterback (OK), 10 Yard Fight (yuck)

Big Time Touchdown!

BASKETBALL: 
Basketball is unfortunately not well represented on the NES. Especially with official rosters at the time. While good games are listed, nothing really stands out as the best. You have Double Dribble by Konami, Jordan vs. Bird, Magic vs. Bird, Hoops, Archrivals...yeah. I would stick with Double Dribble.

Others: Ultimate Basketball (would have been the top spot, but its WAY too difficult).

Good music, sounds effects suffered.

HOCKEY: 
While there's not many games in the Hockey field, what's there is actually pretty good! A flip of the coin is generally decided which of the two (that being Ice Hockey and Blades of Steel) is best. Want cartoon shenanigans? Go with Ice Hockey. If you're looking for more realism and fighting go with Blades of Steel.

Other: Wayne Gretzsky Hockey (yuck)

Gretzsky on steroids!

TRACK: 
The best of the bunch will most often be Track and Field 2 by Konami. But others exist. If you have a Power Pad the heavy breathing inducing World Class Track Meet is a must. California Games is a stay clear game, and well, stay clear of Winter Games. Crappy controls and terrible sound. You've been warned!

Go for the gold! Invest in turbo fire.

SOCCER: 
I think for silly and over the top antics on the pitch, Nintendo World Cup blasts apart all other soccer games. Plus you can play with 4 players! If you want a little more realism (just a wee bit more mind you) turn to Goal! Or, Goal! 2.

Take that Pele!


OTHERS:
Super Spike V' Ball is the best beach volleyball game on the system. For ridiculous mayhem with a ball, pick up a copy of Super Dodgeball. If you enjoy thrashing and gnashing on the pavement than Skate or Die 1 and 2 are for you. Stay clear of 720 degrees....yuck! And that for the most part covers it! These titles are plenty and in bountiful numbers, but, there are some really fun gems in here! 

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