A gaming critic is currently engaged in the ambitious task of playing and assessing all 751 8-bit Nintendo games released in the 1980s and ’90s. Jeff Gerstmann, a seasoned games journalist and streamer, embarked on this three-year endeavor to rank each game from best to worst.
Every Friday since August 2023, Gerstmann has been live-streaming his gameplay sessions on Twitch, where he spends roughly 30 minutes to an hour on each NES title before moving on to the next. His approach involves creating a ranked list based on his impressions rather than fully completing every game.
The inspiration for this project stemmed from Gerstmann’s observation that many existing reviews and opinions on NES games seemed repetitive and lacking in originality. He felt compelled to revisit these titles and offer a fresh perspective.
As a veteran in the video game industry with over 30 years of experience, Gerstmann has a deep-rooted passion for the NES, having received it as a Christmas gift in 1986. He aims to identify which games from that era still hold up today by evaluating them with a critical eye.
Among the top-ranked titles on Gerstmann’s list is “Mega Man 2,” praised for its exceptional music, visuals, and engaging gameplay mechanics. In contrast, “Duck Hunt” occupies a mid-tier position due to its arcade-style brevity compared to more expansive titles like “Super Mario Bros.”
At the bottom of the ranking, Gerstmann highlights poorly crafted and unlicensed games that Nintendo had no control over, showcasing the challenges faced by the platform as it gained popularity. He warns against engaging with adult-themed casino games featuring explicit content.
With only one game left to review, the iconic “Super Mario Bros. 3,” Gerstmann anticipates potential controversy surrounding its placement on the list. Despite the daunting task ahead, he remains committed to exploring gaming history further by extending this ranking project to other classic consoles in the future.
