Heart of Darkness (originally released in 1998)

Starring a boy who travels to another world to rescue his kidnapped dog.

Most noted for it's... surprisingly brutal death scenes. The game is rated E for Everyone, so it's not outright gory, but the boy's death sequences can be something else.

Another World (originally released in 1991)

A young scientist embarks on an unexpected adventure when an experiment gone awry transports him to an alien planet and he forms an unexpected partnership with a local alien.

Screenshots from the Amiga version of the game.

Road Runner’s Death Valley Rally (originally released in 1992)

Based on the famous Looney Tunes cartoons, play as the Road Runner and evade Wile E. Coyote’s attempts to capture you. Very good visuals that capture the spirit of the cartoon.

Unfortunately, the gameplay is less impressive. It’s like they wanted to make their own Sonic game, made levels that required speed, but then have enemy placements and level design that punish trying to go fast.

Valkyrie no Bouken: Toki no Kagi Densetsu (originally released in 1986)

Released exclusively in Japan, its name translates to "The Adventure of Valkyrie: The Legend of the Key of Time".

Released a few months after the first The Legend of Zelda, it was essentially Namco's own take on the genre.

The King of Dragons (originally released in 1991)

Fight with mini-boss, Dark Apprentice.

Gameplay by me.

On the 30th anniversary of SMRPG, let’s take a look at a small sprite detail and compare it to the remake.

Originally, Dodo’s helmet falls over his eyes during his peck animation, explaining why he doesn’t see Mario move during this mini-game.

Either the remake developers didn’t notice this detail or had trouble making the helmet cover his eyes in 3-D, but his vision is unobstructed in this version, making it nonsensical that he doesn’t see Mario move.

Retro wins every time.

T.R.A.G. (originally released in 1999)

Take control of dual protagonists Alex and Michelle as you fight your way through a terrorist occupied building.

If you liked the early Resident Evils, you’ll be right at home with T.R.A.G., as it employs the same 3rd person tank control movement system, though the game is less horror and more sci-fi.

Just Breed (originally released in 1992)

Released exclusively in Japan and very late in the NES's lifespan, Just Breed is a tactical RPG noted to have cutscene presentation beyond what you would normally expect on the system.

You might raise an eyebrow at the game's title. It's a bit of a wonky translation, the meaning is more like 'Heroic Bloodline' or 'Noble Heritage'. It is not a demand to have kids.

Rayman 2: The Great Escape (originally released in 1999)

Honestly one of my favorite N64 games. Play as the limbless hero as you smash prison cages, collect Lums, and defeat the evil robo-pirates.

Ubisoft may be a meme and punching bag these days for their greed, but back in the day they were a good developer. Even if the amount of times they ported this game is comical.

B.O.B. (originally released in 1993)

A hybrid of a platformer and a run and gun, albeit with an annoying inability to aim diagonally. Guide B.O.B. through a series of time limited levels, employing gadgets like trampolines to navigate the environment.

The game leans toward the comical side of things, with B.O.B.’s objective being to find a car to make it to his date on time.

Magical Pop’n (originally released in 1995)

Featuring a protagonist who could be visually described as a girl Link, contains six large, explorable levels.

Boasts excellent animations and spritework, though also a bit of an easy game, with generous health pickups and unlimited continues.