My top 10 8-bit games

#10 Ice Hockey/Blades of Steel - I couldn't pick just one of these games so I took the easy way out and combined them into one selection. Although I do own Ice Hockey on the Virtual Console and not Blades of Steel, it doesn't mean I prefer one over the other. One just so happened to be released first and I didn't want to pay for two hockey games on my Wii. They each do have their pros and cons however. I preferred the gameplay to Ice Hockey and the strategy that came with selecting either a fast, skinny player, a medium player, or a fat powerhouse. Blades of Glory had better music and the fighting mechanic was awesome. Either of these games are worth checking out.

#9 Double Dribble - This is one of the games that introduced me to sports games as a kid. It was probably one of the first I owned. I still have memories of schooling my uncles when they'd come to my house. I remember thinking that the little animation that played when you dunked the ball was so realistic. Some intense battles were played on this game.

#8 Battletoads - One of the most difficult games on this list, and that's saying alot! If you've never played this game you're really missing out as it is one of the most obscure games on the list. This is a fun beat 'em up in the same vein as Double Dragon (I think they might've even made a crossover game) and fun as hell. It is also one of the best looking games on the system and the finishing moves are awesomely hilarious! Play this if you ever have a chance.

#7 Excitebike - This game was just plain fun. Being that I was a young'n when I got my Nintendo, this game helped eased me right into the experience not being too difficult but still requiring some strategy. This game was ahead of it's time with the track creator. It was always fun to go back and set a new best time on each of the tracks.

#6 Bubble Bobble - This reminds me of when I would rent a 2-player game just so I wouldn't have to play alone. I discovered this gem of a game using that method of thinking. My sister would always take the role of the blue dragon and I'd carry her through all 99 levels. Very fun 2 player game that's easy to get into and perfect to play with a date nowadays.

#5 Punch-out - Along with Battletoads, it is probably one of the most difficult games on this list. It is a game of trial and error that tests your reaction time and attention to detail. It is a great game complete with memorable characters and awesome music. I currently have the training music as the default ringtone on my phone. This is another game that I have not been able to beat due to the difficulty. I refuse to read a guide for any games that I play but I hope to one day stand as the boxing champ of the world.

#4 Legend of Zelda - I'm almost ashamed that this game isn't higher on my list but that's just a credit to the quality of games on the system. This is the game that started the whole Legend of Zelda series and inspired many copycats. It introduced so many new gameplay aspects that are still a part of the series today. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the number one game on the many fan's lists. From the non-linearity of the game, to the ability to play it using whichever weapons you choose, this was one of the first games that truly let you play how you wanted. A must play for all gamers.

#3 Megaman 2 - Everything about this game is badass: the gameplay, the bosses, the music. You name it, this game has it. Although its predecessor and successors were great games in their own right, this game just had something about it that struck a chord with me. I still go back and play through it once in awhile when I'm craving something old school. The music is classic. Some of the most memorable game tunes ever written. Woodman's theme is among the best you'll find in video games even now. I even have a different boss theme as a ringtone for each one of my friends. Once you discover each boss's weakness, it's pretty easy to get through the game but it's that thrill of discovery and trial and error that makes the game great. The difficulty is also pretty high in some parts; try getting through Heatman's disappearing platforms without using the rocket platform, or Quickman's instant death lasers without using Flashman's time freeze. Very difficult indeed and I think it has grown on me even more since I got it on the Virtual Console.

#2 Super Mario Bros. 3 - In terms of pure gameplay and enjoyability, this game would probably be number 1 on my list but I have to give homage to a classic and couldn't bring myself to place this one in my #1 spot. This game is just about perfect in every way, it took everything it's predecessor did and perfected it and added several fun elements that became staples of the Mario series.World map with crazy new enemies. Check. Ability to actually go back in a stage! Check. Cool new powers. Double check. Frog Mario is the cutest thing ever and Tanooki (statue) Mario...WTF?!

#1 Super Mario Bros. - For a split second, I thought about putting another game in the number 1 spot but then I came to my senses. Although games that came after may have done things slightly better, this game revolutionized the industry and I don't think it needs much elaboration. I will let its spot as #1 on my list speak for itself.