The nostalgia of playing classic fighting games on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) still resonates with many gamers today. The NES was home to a plethora of iconic fighting games that defined the genre and paved the way for future classics. From the early days of Karate Champ to the more sophisticated games like Street Fighter 2010, the NES had it all.
The NES era saw the rise of popular fighting game franchises, including Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. These games not only provided endless entertainment but also showcased the capabilities of the NES console. The combination of simple yet addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and iconic soundtracks made these games staples of many gamers' childhoods.
In this article, we will count down the top NES fighting games of all time, highlighting their key features, gameplay, and impact on the gaming industry.
Top 10 NES Fighting Games
10. Karate Champ (1986)
Karate Champ is often credited as one of the first fighting games ever created. Developed by Technos Japan, this game introduced many of the concepts that would become standard in future fighting games, including one-on-one matches, special moves, and a variety of martial arts techniques.
Gameplay and Features
- Simple yet addictive gameplay
- One-on-one matches against various opponents
- Variety of martial arts techniques, including punches, kicks, and throws
- Iconic " bonus stages" featuring breaking bricks and boards
9. Fist of the North Star (1987)
Based on the popular manga and anime series, Fist of the North Star is a side-scrolling fighting game developed by Shouei System. The game follows the story of Kenshiro, a martial artist on a quest to avenge his friend's death in a post-apocalyptic world.
Gameplay and Features
- Side-scrolling gameplay with a variety of environments
- Simple yet effective combat system
- Variety of special moves and abilities
- Faithful adaptation of the original manga and anime series
8. Dragon Warrior III (1988)
Developed by Chunsoft, Dragon Warrior III is a role-playing game with fighting elements. Players control a hero on a quest to save the world from an evil sorcerer, battling various monsters and enemies along the way.
Gameplay and Features
- Role-playing game elements, including character development and item collection
- Turn-based combat system with a variety of spells and abilities
- Exploration of a vast open world
- Iconic monsters and enemies from the Dragon Warrior series
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (1993)
Developed by Konami, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters is a fighting game based on the popular TMNT franchise. Players control one of the four turtles or other characters from the series, battling against each other in one-on-one matches.
Gameplay and Features
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of special moves and abilities
- Colorful and vibrant graphics
- Iconic TMNT characters, including the four turtles and other allies and enemies
- Tournament mode with a variety of opponents and challenges
6. Mighty Final Fight (1993)
Developed by Capcom, Mighty Final Fight is a side-scrolling fighting game and a spin-off of the popular Final Fight series. Players control one of three characters, including Guy, Haggar, and Cody, as they battle against various enemies in a variety of environments.
Gameplay and Features
- Side-scrolling gameplay with a variety of environments
- Simple yet effective combat system
- Variety of special moves and abilities
- Iconic characters and enemies from the Final Fight series
5. River City Ransom (1989)
Developed by Technos Japan, River City Ransom is a side-scrolling fighting game with role-playing elements. Players control Alex, a high school student on a quest to rescue his girlfriend from an evil gang, battling various enemies and bosses along the way.
Gameplay and Features
- Side-scrolling gameplay with a variety of environments
- Simple yet effective combat system
- Role-playing elements, including character development and item collection
- Iconic characters and enemies from the Kunio-kun series
4. Double Dragon II: The Revenge (1989)
Developed by Technos Japan, Double Dragon II: The Revenge is a side-scrolling fighting game and the sequel to the original Double Dragon. Players control Billy and Jimmy Lee, two brothers on a quest to avenge their friend's death at the hands of an evil gang.
Gameplay and Features
- Side-scrolling gameplay with a variety of environments
- Simple yet effective combat system
- Variety of special moves and abilities
- Iconic characters and enemies from the Double Dragon series
3. Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight (1990)
Developed by Capcom, Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight is a fighting game and a spin-off of the popular Street Fighter series. Players control a variety of characters, including Ken and Ryu, as they battle against each other in one-on-one matches.
Gameplay and Features
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of special moves and abilities
- Colorful and vibrant graphics
- Iconic characters from the Street Fighter series
- Variety of stages and environments
2. Mortal Kombat (1992)
Developed by Midway Games, Mortal Kombat is a fighting game that revolutionized the genre with its "fatalities" and over-the-top violence. Players control a variety of characters, including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, as they battle against each other in one-on-one matches.
Gameplay and Features
- Fast-paced gameplay with a variety of special moves and abilities
- Iconic "fatalities" and finishing moves
- Variety of characters and stages
- Blood and violence, which was a new concept in fighting games at the time
1. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (1987)
Developed by Nintendo, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! is a boxing game that is widely considered one of the best games of all time. Players control Little Mac, a young boxer on a quest to become the champion of the world, battling against various opponents, including the infamous Mike Tyson.
Gameplay and Features
- Simple yet addictive gameplay
- Variety of opponents, each with their own strengths and weaknesses
- Iconic characters, including Little Mac and Mike Tyson
- High level of difficulty, which adds to the game's charm and challenge
Conclusion: A Look Back at the Best NES Fighting Games
The NES era was a golden age for fighting games, with a plethora of iconic titles that still hold up today. From the simple yet addictive gameplay of Karate Champ to the fast-paced action of Street Fighter 2010, these games showcased the capabilities of the NES console and paved the way for future classics.
Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or just a fan of fighting games, the NES has something to offer. So, dust off your old NES console, grab a friend or two, and experience the magic of these classic fighting games.
What's your favorite NES fighting game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the best NES fighting game of all time?
+According to our ranking, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! is the best NES fighting game of all time, followed closely by Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter 2010.
What are some other notable NES fighting games?
+Some other notable NES fighting games include Dragon Warrior III, River City Ransom, and Double Dragon II: The Revenge.
Can I still play these games on modern consoles?
+Yes, many of these classic NES fighting games have been re-released on modern consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, through various retro gaming collections and Virtual Console services.