The NES truly hit its stride during this period. Most of Nintendo’s most popular NES hits are released at this time—titles such as Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, Kid Icarus, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Super Mario Bros. 2, Punch-Out!!, and many more. Nintendo also received incredible support in the form of third-party titles at this time; the number of games that were released in this short time period is absolutely staggering.
While this era produced some of Nintendo’s most cherished classics, the NES still had more to give on a technical level. It wasn’t until the next and final period that the NES was pushed to its limits.
During this period, the popularity of the NES went through the roof. The system boomed and saw near-endless support in the way of new titles from both third-party developers and Nintendo itself. By the time this period ended there were more Nintendo consoles in homes than any other console before it.
Pro Wrestling
March 1987
“Now real wrestling action is at your fingertips!
It’s a reverse bulldog, a double noggin-knocker, a leap off the top turnbuckle—it’s pure pandemonium! Welcome to the world of Nintendo Pro Wrestling. Where you take on six of the meanest, baddest, most rotten guys around. With names like The Amazon, Giant Panther, and Kin Corn Karn. You’ll begin the match by choosing a wrestler and an opponent—either the computer or a friend. Then with a flick of the wrist you’ll perform drop-kicks, body-slams, head-locks and dozens of other bone-crunching moves designed to annihilate your opponent. But be warned. Each wrestler has his own arsenal of back-breaking moves. Which means you’ll have to think fast and move even faster to pin your opponent, hold him for a three-count, and become champion of Nintendo Pro Wrestling!”
Slalom
March 1987
“Hit the slopes of Mount Nasty for the challenge of your life!
The freezing wind cracks against your face. The tension mounts. Suddenly, you’re off! Speeding through the gates on one of Nintendo’s 24 snow-covered runs. Welcome to SLALOM! Where you feel every bump, every jump, every death-defying turn, just like in a real slalom race! Along the way you’ll dodge other competitors, trees, sledders—even snowmen—as you speed down mountains like Snowy Hill, Mount Nasty, and Steep Peak in a heart-pounding race against the clock. Challenge the moguls and execute trick jumps. You’ll find SLALOM just as thrilling and dangerous as the real thing!”
Volleyball
March 1987
“Here’s your chance to bump, set, and spike your way to victory!
Slam the perfect serve. Spike the game-winning point. Make the save that saves the game! It’s all up to you. Because you call the shots in Nintendo VOLLEYBALL. You’ll start by selecting a team from the country of your choice. As Captain, you’ll lead your team through a fast-paced warm-up round, then quickly move into the heat of real volleyball competition. You’ll decide when to spike, when to lob, when to make a diving save—everything just like the captain of a real volleyball team! Play against a friend or challenge the computer. Either way, Nintendo’s true-to-life graphics and realistic game play will bring all the fun and excitement of volleyball right into your home!”
Kid Icarus
July 1987
“Get ready for the action and adventure of Greek Mythology translated to the Video Age.
Far away in a kingdom called “Angel Land” the evil goddess Medusa has stolen the Three Sacred Treasures and imprisoned the goddess of light, Palutena. As Kid Icarus, your mission is to find the treasures, destroy Medusa, and rescue Palutena from the depths of the Palace in the Sky. To find the treasures you’ll travel through ruins collecting weapons and storing power for use in combat against creatures of Medusa’s army. Use your bow and arrow to ward off gatekeepers of the Underworld, Overworld, and Skyworld as you strive toward your battle against Medusa. Will you survive to restore Palutena’s light and return it to “Angel Land”? Only you know.”
The Legend of Zelda
August 1987
“Welcome to THE LEGEND OF ZELDA. Where the only sound you’ll hear is your own heart pounding as you race through forests, lakes, mountains, and dungeonous mazes in an attempt to restore peace to the land of Hyrule. Along the way, you’ll be challenged by Tektites, Wizzrobes, and an endless array of ruthless creatures who’ll stop at nothing to prevent you from finding the lost fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom. But don’t despair. With a little luck and a lot of courage, you’ll conquer your adversaries, unite the Triforce fragments, and unravel the mystery of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA!”
Metroid
August 1987
“It’s you against the evil Mother Brain in the thrilling battle of Metroid!
You’re inside the fortress planet Zebes. The planet of endless secret passageways where the Metroid are multiplying. Left alone the Metroid are harmless. But in the wrong hands they could destroy the galaxy. It’s up to you to prevent the Mother Brain that controls Zebes from using the Metroid for evil purposes. But that won’t be easy. You’ll have to use your spacesuit to absorb valuable energy for your search to gain the use of power items like the Ice Beam, Wave Beam, High Jump Boots, and Varia Suit. If you survive, it will be you and your acquired powers against the Mother Brain.”
Punch-Out!!
October 1987
“Who’ll be the champ in the World Video Boxing Association?
Punch-Out!! It’s 13 tough matches in the minor, major, and world circuits that lead to the final challenge—the World Video Boxing Association title fight. The ultimate bout against the newest WVBA Champ—Mr. Dream.
Practice your hook and take a quick jab. Try to stay light on your feet as you dance left, then right, dodging punches while you throw your own. Boxers from around the world like Piston Honda, Glass Joe, and Super Macho Man are all trying to knock you out of the ring.
You’ve trained for months for this moment. There’s the bell. Shake hands and come out boxing!”
Rad Racer
October 1987
“Feel the awesome power of 3-D rally racing!
This is no ordinary game pak. This is Rad Racer. Nintendo’s thrilling 3-D video game. Rad Racer comes action packed with revolutionary 3-D technology and 3-D glasses (they’re free inside) that will have you really believing you’re in the middle of a cross country rally race—cruising along at 200 miles per hour!
Rad Racer takes you through 8 treacherous race courses, including the Los Angeles Nightway, the San Francisco Highway, and the Grand Canyon. No matter what car and course you choose, Rad Racer’s hair-pin curves, dare-devil turns, and realistic action will bring home all the fun and excitement of real rally racing. Think you’re up to it? Then drivers start your engines. It’s Rad Racer!
Ice Hockey
March 1988
“Fast-paced action at the drop of the puck!
It’s fast skatin’, hip checkin’, high scoring action. Lead your team into center ice, over the opponent’s blue line. Pass over to the point and set up for the tip in—Score! Choose a country for you and your opponent, select a level of play, and face off at center ice to become the top goal scorer in Nintendo’s Ice Hockey. Get charged with a penalty and test your defense. Or attack on a power play and use your puck handling skills to catch your opponents off guard. Either way, you can become a superstar in the league of Nintendo Ice Hockey.”
World Class Track Meet
August 1988
“Surely you can trot past Turtle, but can you catch a Cheetah?
Run, jump, and race to your heart’s content! This action-packed game turns your home into an exciting stadium! Using the Power Pad, we dare you to increase your physical ability and surpass your athletic goals. You’ll compete against a runner in the Tournament Mode, and in 4 events for a total score in Olympic Mode. The top 6 winners’ names and scores will appear on the electronic billboard. The top 3 winners will stand on the winners’ platform. Compete against a computer or friends in an ultimate athletic challenge that could reward you the gold!”
Donkey Kong Classics
October 1988
“What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? A Donkey Kong double feature!
In DONKEY KONG you’ll duck barrel bombs and flaming fireballs as you help Mario save his girlfriend Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. In DONKEY KONG JR., you’ll join forces with these madcap monkeys to help Donkey Kong Jr. rescue his father from Mario’s prison. Are you ready for laughter? You’d better be. Because this double dose of monkey business will have you rolling in the aisles!”
Super Mario Bros. 2
October 1988
“Mario’s back! Bigger and badder than ever before!
This time it’s a fierce action-packed battle to free the land of Subcon from the curse of the evil Wart. It’s up to you, along with Mario, Luigi, Toad, and the Princess to fight your way through bizarre multi-level worlds and find him! This time you’ve got a brand new kind of power—plucking power—and now anything you find can be a weapon. But beware! You’ve never seen creatures like these! Shy Guys and Tweeters! Ninji and Beezos! You’ve never had an adventure like this! Only cunning and speed can save you now.”
Anticipation
November 1988
“Now you’re playing with brainpower.
Bored with board games? Tired of pursuing trivia? Had your fill of ethical questions? Then you’re ready for ANTICIPATION. This zany, unpredictable, totally whacked-out video board game begins with a giant connect-the-dots puzzle. Suddenly, a video pencil starts connecting the dots and, before you know it, you’re in a maddening race against the clock, trying to solve the puzzle. Is it an Igloo? A Penguin? A Pineapple? Whatever it is, you—and all your friends—will have a great time trying to guess what the pencil is drawing. Guess right and you’ll get a crack at the really tough puzzles—no dots or clues, just the pencil drawing a picture. Think you’re up to it? Then challenge your friends. Or take on the Computer. Either way, this off-the-floor board game will challenge you, excite you, and generally drive you crazy for years to come.”
Super Mario Bros. & Duck Hunt
November 1988
“Take aim, fire and… save the Mushroom Princess?
Two of the very best video game entertainment experiences in one package! The Mushroom Princess is being held captive by the evil King Koopa. Rescue her before the time runs out in another non-stop adventure from the SUPER MARIO BROS.!
You’ve only got three precious shots when hunting these elusive ducks. Be a sharpshooter with the Zapper light gun or even your trusty old dog will laugh at you! Play DUCK HUNT and SUPER MARIO BROS. and discover you can have lots of laughs and be challenged at the same time.”
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
December 1988
“The Hyrule fantasy continues…
The land of Hyrule is in chaos. As Link, you’ll be sent on a treacherous journey to return six precious Crystals to their origins in six stone statues. Only by defeating the guardians of the six palaces will you gain passage to the seventh palace, take on the ultimate challenge that awaits you, and wake the Princess Zelda from her sleeping spell. On your way, helpful villagers you encounter will offer clues and secret messages invaluable in your quest. As you guide Link through the levels of Hyrule, close-ups and overviews will enhance your video vision. Are you up to the challenge?
In the tradition of the Legend of Zelda, the Adventure of Link is one of the most challenging video games we’ve ever created. To help you keep up with the action, Nintendo’s exclusive Extended Playing Power means LINK is programmed to remember everything you find on your journey, so you never have to start your search empty-handed.”
Dance Aerobics
March 1989
“Hop, skip and jump your way into shape!
It’s time to get up and get physical with Nintendo’s DANCE AEROBICS. You and all your friends will have a blast working your way through 12 levels of aerobic conditioning and 64 separate aerobic routines. With DANCE AEROBICS, you’ll feel better, you’ll look better, and you’ll have a lot of fun. So don’t just stand there, get out your Power Pad and shake, rattle, and roll your way into a new you!”
Cobra Triangle
July 1989
“Speed and skill are all that can save you.
You’re in the hot seat and it’s full speed ahead into a river of danger.
Cobra Triangle! The challenge.
Logs jam the river. Whirlpools spin madly. You’re under enemy fire, and it’s a race against time!
And this is just the start!
Advance in the skill and work your way up through the seven stages of Cobra Triangle. Collect pods in mid-air as you rocket over jumps. Outmaneuver the enemy as you frantically speed exploding mines to the safety area.
You thought you’d seen it all.
And then! Speeding boats actually drag helpless swimmers away! You’re the protector. It’s up to you to outwit the enemy and sink their rotten boats… before it’s too late.
Finally, you meet the monsters. Can you discover the secret of getting past them? And if you can, what dangers await you then?
Are you the one? Can you survive the Cobra Triangle?”
Dragon Warrior
August 1989
“Dragon Warrior… the epic beginning of a new era in video games.
Mere finger speed and sweat are no match for the challenges of this game. You will be required to use deductive reasoning, not a quick sword, to defeat your enemies.
All is darkness. The Dragon-lord has captured the Princess and stolen Erdrick’s powerful ball of light.
You are Erdrick’s heir. To you has fallen the most dangerous task—to rescue the King’s daughter and recover the mystic ball of light.
Your mission is deadly, but it is your fate. Prophets have long foretold your coming.
Three keepers await your journey, each ready to aid you with a mystic item of great power.
Gather the three objects. Scribes will record your deeds. Use cunning and wisdom to choose your commands. Gain experience, weapons, and armor as you battle your way through the world. Rest if you must.
Search out the Dragon-lord’s lair and face your destiny. In this role-playing adventure you are the Dragon Warrior!”
Faxanadu
August 1989
“Unlock doors of legend on your journey through Faxanadu.
You are the elves’ last hope. Outside the town walls lurk monsters with the power to destroy anything in their path. Inside the walls, water and time are running out. Soon the ancient elf town of Eolis will vanish into eternity.
Only you can save Eolis. No one else dares to venture beyond the walls, onto the World Tree, where towns and fortresses precariously await the whims of fate at the hands of the Evil.
You are searching for the water source and for an antidote to the poison that makes the water undrinkable. To find them you’ll need gold and food and magic, speed with a sword… and luck.
Every town holds a new mystery; every fortress, a new danger. Merchants will sell you magic and valuable tools, but it’s up to you to figure out what you need. Long, secret mantras help you slip through the mists, but will you survive the next challenge?
This is Faxanadu, the legend, the adventure—the incredible journey on the World Tree.”
Tetris
November 1989
“The Soviet Game Sensation!
Your pulse quickens. Beams, boxes, zig-zags, and “L” shaped building blocks drop relentlessly down a narrow passage.
You quickly spin, shift, and align the shapes, then slide them in for a perfect fit.
It’s challenging and the pace is demanding. But satisfaction comes as you position each block neatly into place.
Start at new heights for a tough contest. Pick the music and set your pace from 20 progressive skill levels.”
Short Order & Eggsplode!
December 1989
“Eggsplode! is Eggciting!
This hen-house will keep you hopping!
It’s your job to protect the chickens.
The sly fox and his giggling friend are planting bombs in the hen house.
Quick! Jump on the Power Pad to stop the Eggsplosion! But don’t mistake an egg for a bomb or the chicken may give you a piece of her mind.
Eggstra good times are guaranteed!
Short Order Shenanigans!
Can you build a bigger burger?
Piggy, rabbit and mouse place their orders. Get hopping and see who can last the longest!
Keep their orders straight, match their steps, and you’ll make hamburgers as tall as a house!
It’s an entertaining romp for kids with an appetite for fun!”
To The Earth
November 1989
“Use your Zapper Light Gun to blast deadly UFOs, hurling meteors, and angry aliens on a cosmic battlefield!
You are on a mission to save the Earth. You are the commander of a high-speed astro cruiser.
Meteors are crashing. UFOs hurtle toward you at astro speed. Deadly alien vessels take a collision course.
Use your Zapper Light Gun to blast back. Your weapons snap and flash as wave after wave of extraterrestrials attacks! Saturn and Jupiter may hide more treacherous aliens.
Zoom past them, but don’t relax your guard—not until you’ve fought your way… To The Earth!