The Famicom version of Contra is just a step beyond the reduced NES adaption. More background animation and superior music, it is the definitive rendition of the game.
@Joe Boo , agreed. As a huge contra fan, easily put contra 1 - S and Super C as B or C. Even though super C had some great bosses and levels, it felt a lot shorter and even a little easier in my opinion
@@ostiariusalpha Agreed. I had to pick up the Contra Collection. The Japanese also received superior versions of Castlevania III (another "S" for me) and Bayou Billy (Mad City).
@@GTBubbaliciousGum I'd give it an "A" for all the hours I spent playing it co-op with friends over the years. The top down stages are not as good. I could beat Contra with one life, but I've never made it past the alien top down level in Super C without dying.
Original Contra getting a B is a travesty. One of the reasons it was so popular is because it controlled so well. The running, jumping, and shooting (8 directions!) was so smooth compared to the vast majority of NES games. And it had a great sound track. This was a very well-made game for its time. Now that I've unleashed my righteous Contra fury, I have to say I love these NES ranking videos. Thanks for making them!
I agree. Contra is such a great NES game. The control is perfect. The graphics are excellent. I always have a blast when I play it, it’s so much fun! S tier for sure!
The reason I love John Riggs Ranks, is because he is stating his personal choices and experience, he’s not trying to please anyone, but Contra at least deserved an A. Can’t wait for Bandai and Tengen! Monster Party and Tengen Tetяis deserve an S
@@beerhammer1881 At least you know he's honest and not trying to pander to anyone else's tastes to make his list. Personally I'd rank Castlevania 2 as a D because I hate that garbage game. Bayou Billy too.
Waldenbooks was the highlight of my shopping trips. I lived in the country and had the mall trip every two months or so 😆EB and Software, Etc were two favorite places for game browsing. Sam Goody and Record Town were the music go-to joints.
You like it more than super C? I prefer super C, partially because I liked the bosses more, and also because the flame weapon isn't total trash... Actually it's one of the best.
Simon's Quest is an easy F tier in my book. "Open world" but with gameplay that made it a chore. Even Goonies 2 is better. Contra isn't my favorite but it's leaps and bounds better than CV2
@@VisionThing The original SMB is S-tier fun, but given the limitations of cartridge technology back in 1986, it has a B-tier presentation compared to the best of what came afterwards; Bowser as the final boss is pathetically simple. Yet honestly, that's still damned impressive in its own right that a game with no mapper chip can compete with games that came out 4 years afterward.
@@VisionThing Ugh, don't remind me. I've kept my disagreement on that to myself; none of the black box games are S-tier, as far as I'm concerned. That includes the gray box series.
@@VisionThing Even if someone claimed that, I still wouldn't put any of them in S-tier. Only SMB is mature enough in design, and ambitious enough in scale, that you could argue it is an S-tier; excluding anything that is not a block box game.
He is crazy Contra is one of the best games of all time, still holds up and is playable today. The best 2-player game on the console. Probably the best soundtrack on the NES. S tier. Also he hasn't played Castlevania 3 enough if he has never beaten it with Grant or Alucard.
I watched all your rank the NES games. This one surprised me the most. I thought the S ranks would be flowing on this one. Very surprised how different you and I feel about a lot of these Konami games.
No mention of soundtracks? Konami NES games had god-tier music, up there with Capcom and Sunsoft NES games. I'd venture to say that a huge part of the reason Contra is a 10/10 in so many gamers eyes is the soundtrack.
I have to say this about Goonies 2: it's a game I can beat in 30 minutes or maybe a bit less and one of my favorites growing up (still is). Here's the secret to how to tell which direction you came from in any given room that has different side-scrolling areas (based on either going north or south (north being what you can see and south being what you can't see)). Look at the way Mikey is facing in the lower left of the screen. If he has his face towards you, he came in from the north side. If he's got his back towards you, he came in from the south side. Mikey will stay this way until you leave the room back to the side-scrolling.
Kekeke89 I have ADD...and I love it. I’m not arguing the Simons Quest isn’t good. I completely enjoyed it and have played through it at least 3/4 times.
@@NESADDICT I was being sarcastic. Of course Contra is an A. I think Simon's Quest is way too rough and incomplete to deserve an A, as neat as the idea they were going for was. If it at least had actual bosses, that alone would be a big upgrade.
Kekeke89 ahhhh didn’t pick up on that in text. Anyway I agree. The two things that would have made it better would have been less convoluted clues and better boss fights.🙌
Keep doing these lists, was waiting for you to do Konami; I owned a lot of these games growing up-great nostalgia! I agree with most of your ratings. Contra and Jackal were my favorite Konami co-op's; wish Contra had gotten at least an A, but it'll always be an S to me!
Totally dig these epic length, multi-game vids, John! Sittin' here with a frosty Old Rasputin imperial stout, taking notes on what games to add to the collection next! Or at least play on my hacked-and-loaded NES Classic Edition... :D
Whew!!! Konami was absolutely stacked during the NES era!!!! So many great games - TMNT III - The Manhattan Project, Contra, The Adventures of Bayou Billy, The Goonies II, Gradius, The Castlevania series, Super C, Double Dribble, Blades of Steel, Lifeforce, Tiny Toon Adventures, Monster in my Pocket, etc.
My 8 year old daughter is working through Dracula's Curse and it's been a lot of fun seeing her put the tablet with Roblox down and really get into a great older classic and actually enjoy it to the point of playing to beat it. S tier for sure!!
Jackal is S-tier for me. Really glad you at least gave it an A. Castle-one-ia probably an S-tier for many. Wouldn't have flinched had Bucky O'Hare been given S-tier as well.
It's always a challenge making these lists while being honest to yourself with your choices. Found a couple on here that I need to try, thanks for the vid!
I've watched about 10 of these so far and I LOVE them. That said we have WAY different tastes. Ive been able to bite my tongue until now, but: Contra deserves an "s"! Also, in the last video you ranked "Family Feud" as an "A" and just .... Wow. I couldn't disagree more lol... BUT as I ramble on with my ranting rant I want to reiterate: these videos are nostalgia gold. Thank Riggs!
When i saw ranking konami NES games, the only thing i thought was "Where John will put my loved Castlevania III", and the only S ranked game, love it. It's an absolute masterpiece.
John Riggs: I love this game, very nostalgic for me. S Rank! Also John Riggs: This game is good. A lot of people love this game and are very nostalgic for it, but I'm not nostalgic for it. D Rank.
I don't blame you for giving "Super C" a higher rating than "Contra", since I also found myself playing that game more than the latter, especially after being able to purchase "Super C" for my Nintendo Wii via Virtual Console.
Thanks for not sh!tting on Simon's Quest! Love this game, got it at Babbages on a rare trip to the mall in the middle of the week back in the day. Back then there was no such thing as a release date so you never knew when you would see that game you have been waiting months for. Great video!
Since you mentioned the voice samples, Double Dribble has this patch out that makes the intro about as clean as Nascar. No new samples, just pure bugfixing.
I was waiting for this one! You’ll have to do a separate video for the Ultra titles! I need to play that Batman Returns game. I loved the SNES version.
Love your videos and your grading is usually on point. However contra 1 and 2 are definitely (A) TIER games. Everything else was on point. Keep these vids coming please.
He told you why. He obviously doesn’t like it as much as other people do. It’s a C in my opinion but I realize I’m in the minority. I don’t have fun playing it.
Mr Riggs thank you so much for showing Simons Quest some love. No one gives it its day in the sun. I love Simons Quest, and in my opinion has help up alot better than any of the other NES Castlevania's. Also if you want an idea for the next video. Tier Maker NES movie based games.
I meant to mention this in my previous post but please do an Ultra Games list when you have time! I was disappointed when you didn't include Ultra Games titles as Gyruss is a dark horse classic that I love (intuitive gameplay and a GREAT soundtrack) and Rollergames is a fun little gem (was the 100th video game I beat too so it has a special place in my heart). You DEFINITELY need to do a Sunsoft list as well. Just know that if Blaster Master isn't S-tier I will cry myself to sleep. :p :p :p
Keep up the good work John, not everyone will agree with your rankings, but that is impossible to achieve. They are YOUR rankings! For those that don't get that concept why do you watch these videos...only to see if the person 100% agrees with YOUR rankings?? Please continue to upload more content, I enjoy all of your videos and appreciate them even if my opinion differs from yours.
Having grown up with this stuff, I enjoy your ranking videos. Gotta love Konami's classic boxart with the grey borders. My own personal list would have CVIII as S-tier, with Jackal, Life Force, Contra, Super C, and TMNT 3 as A-tier. I actually beat Top Gun and Bayou Billy back in the day...and never wanted to play them again. ;) Adding my voice to the crowd asking for a Sunsoft list :)
I grew up in Washington too and we had a lot of time inside to play NES because of the weather and it's so awesome to see someone from Washington have such a great channel, I know of you and metal Jesus rocks and you are both great
4:03 - Simon's Quest was one of those weird games for me, in that I enjoyed it immensely, but a lot of people vehemently disagree with that and hate the game. I think part of the problem is the fact that some of the townspeople lie. But the thing is, the manual warns you that this will happen (and most of the time, even when they're lying, something in what they're saying is still a hint, except when they're referencing movies).
For me the problem is that you have to equip the right item and kneel in the right spot to progress at a certain point. I wonder if game manufactures got a portion of every call to the Nintendo hotline for their game.
You reminded me that castlevania 3 is one of the best. I just re-bought it because of this video. My Castlevania/Castlevania 3 were stolen a few years ago. 😁
My list (counting Ultra games) 1. TMNT 2 2. TMNT 3 3. Monster In My Pocket 4. Batman Returns 5. Castlevania 3 6. Castlevania 7. Tiny Toon Adventures 8. Jackal 9. Super C 10. Contra
Thanks for all of your great videos. I believe Contra and Castlevania are two of the best video games of all time and deserve S-Tier for sure. If there was a higher tier I’d put them there. Have a good day!
Your Ranking lists are so much fun to view, John! And I really do appreciate your honesty and how you rank games based on how you feel (rather than simply trying to please your viewers). I personally love Blades of Steel but I get that you don't like sports games so I totally respect your opinion there. And it was quite intriguing to see your list at the end of the video. Personally, I would have Contra, Life Force, and TMNT 3 on my A-tier as I love all three games. But like you, I really do love Super C as that game feels slightly more polished than the original Contra game (way better weapons overall too). And I could tell you wanted to rate Stinger higher. Just do it man! Stinger is one of my favorite underrated gems and that game and Life Force are two of the very best shoot 'em ups for the NES IMO. Lastly, great job putting Bucky O-Hare on your A-tier and congrats on getting that game for $5. I am SO jealous (just paid $180 for a copy). ;)
@@illrobbzilla I lived in Arizona for eight years actually so nice try! :p In all seriousness though, hasn't the values of classic NES games gotten out of hand? I do remember the days when we could get almost any game for $20 or less. Oh how I miss those days!
I like how we as classic gamers expect us to be able to jump and then reverse back mid-air. Even though in real life it's totally impossible. Just like double-jumping.
I've got to tell you, I'm always looking for the next thing in games. Although there are a few I've gone back to from time to time, I have next to zero interest in revisiting the game design of yesteryear. That being said, I've been watching every one of your videos. Although I don't want to play them, I do like that I see games I maybe rented for a weekend, and totally forgot about ever since. Your honest commentary on the games is also top notch.
Carmen San Diego - I remember the "hours" time limit being frustratingly inadequate. Seemed like if you got one question wrong you'd run out of time, but you still had to play the level to completion to know for sure.
Blades of Steel is amazing. Definitely the best hockey game on Nes and in the top 3 of all sports games on Nes. Also, Contra, Lifeforce, Super C and Jackal could be higher.
Awesome review John! Love Konami! Cool thing is I requested it last week so thanks!! Love to see a Sunsoft review and most will find this request crazy but how about Brøderbund? Yeah I’m one of those weird guys who actually liked their titles!! 🤪🤪🤷♂️👍👌
Wow... Goonies 2. I absolutely love that game. It helped me to learn english (my mother language is spanish). I used to play it with an english-spanish dictionary on my side, translating word by word. Definitely good times.
@JohnRiggs These have been super fun to watch. The nostalgia!! WOOT!! I'll do a list, sounds hella fun. But I may just have to replay some or play some since I like yourself didn't see the Ninja game until WAAAAY later. Hmm, what Company are ya gonna do next? Culture Brain? Hudson Soft? Jaleco? Also, I usually play some of the soundtracks via youtube, and yeah Bayou Billy's soundtrack is LIIT(Fire). Will you jump on the Snes or Mega Drive and rank some of their games?
WATCH! Ranking every Capcom Game ua-cam.com/video/bAKdn0db9Mc/v-deo.html
WATCH! Ranking every LJN game ua-cam.com/video/yols92IkR3E/v-deo.html
Are you reading my mind?!?
LJN?! Poor Riggs 🤣
@@santiagocapellan3245 haha, some aren't so bad
@@JohnRiggs hey John can I ask you a question that anybody can answer but nobody does?.
maybe rank black cart/tengen games
Contra is an easy "S" for me. One of the top 10 NES games of all-time.
The Famicom version of Contra is just a step beyond the reduced NES adaption. More background animation and superior music, it is the definitive rendition of the game.
@Joe Boo , agreed. As a huge contra fan, easily put contra 1 - S and Super C as B or C. Even though super C had some great bosses and levels, it felt a lot shorter and even a little easier in my opinion
Also liked the base levels more than the top down levels in super c.
@@ostiariusalpha Agreed. I had to pick up the Contra Collection. The Japanese also received superior versions of Castlevania III (another "S" for me) and Bayou Billy (Mad City).
@@GTBubbaliciousGum I'd give it an "A" for all the hours I spent playing it co-op with friends over the years. The top down stages are not as good. I could beat Contra with one life, but I've never made it past the alien top down level in Super C without dying.
Original Contra getting a B is a travesty. One of the reasons it was so popular is because it controlled so well. The running, jumping, and shooting (8 directions!) was so smooth compared to the vast majority of NES games. And it had a great sound track. This was a very well-made game for its time.
Now that I've unleashed my righteous Contra fury, I have to say I love these NES ranking videos. Thanks for making them!
no one ever said he had taste lol
I agree. Contra is such a great NES game. The control is perfect. The graphics are excellent. I always have a blast when I play it, it’s so much fun! S tier for sure!
Since you don’t have enough S tier, you can fix it by putting Blades of Steel is S tier where it belongs.
Agreed. Blades of steel is an amazing game and I hate hockey.
haha, perfect.
Hell yes.
@@JohnRiggs would have bumped all Castlevania to S as well as original Contra. Life Force and Kings Quest to A and Gradius to B
It's a fantastic hockey game it's one of the few sports games I play besides ice hockey and track'n field
The reason I love John Riggs Ranks, is because he is stating his personal choices and experience, he’s not trying to please anyone, but Contra at least deserved an A. Can’t wait for Bandai and Tengen! Monster Party and Tengen Tetяis deserve an S
Blades of Steel was one of my favs as a kid! My friend and I used to play that all the time!
Blades of Steel is _still_ one of my all time favorite video games, I like the left-right better than the top-bottom of other 90s hockey games
Wasn't a sports fan but this game was great! Had a lot of hype around it. Awesome that you could play Gradius during half-time.
Yeah and remember the fights ?? Good stuff.
Contra a 'B'? Sorry, gonna have to override your picks and elevate it and Castlevania to 'S' tier while Blades of Steel and Life Force move up to 'A'
I quit watching after I saw the Bayou Billy and Blades of steel ranking. Guy needs to not be ranking video games lol
@@beerhammer1881 At least you know he's honest and not trying to pander to anyone else's tastes to make his list. Personally I'd rank Castlevania 2 as a D because I hate that garbage game. Bayou Billy too.
Contra ain't no goddamn B
@@beerhammer1881 bayou billy is classic. It's a really hard game but the story is fleshed out and is an awesome game
This dude is a clown 🤡
Oh wow Walden books. The days of going to the mall and going back from the arcade, walden books, EB and the food court over and over again.
In my mall there was an arcade called Gold Mine, really nice, even had the rocky outcroppings on the walls throughout.
I miss Waldenbooks. I worked for them for almost 10 years before they and parent company Borders went out of business.
JAMES MARUCCI loved Walden books! Sam Goody video too!
Waldenbooks was the highlight of my shopping trips. I lived in the country and had the mall trip every two months or so 😆EB and Software, Etc were two favorite places for game browsing.
Sam Goody and Record Town were the music go-to joints.
Us old farts from the 70s 80s 90s: "remember _____ store in the mall...?"
21st century children: "what's a mall?"
This is an awesome idea... I think I played more Konami games on the NES than any other publisher... even the 1st party titles
Same here
Oh snap! Look @ SLOPE'S leaving his thoughts 😎
You know it's a party when the DJ shows up
"I'm going to put Contra as a B, just 'cause" - John Riggs
I feel like I dont even know you anymore.
Contra is easily an "S" game.
Castlevania 1 and Bucky O Hare are S i think as well
You like it more than super C? I prefer super C, partially because I liked the bosses more, and also because the flame weapon isn't total trash... Actually it's one of the best.
For real.
If Contra is S then Super C is clearly SSS. Literally the better game in every single aspect.
I loved Blades of Steel due to the ability to get in a one-on-one fight with another player. Compared to automated scuffles in "Ice Hockey".
Simons Quest is an "A", and Contra is a "B" to you? WTF
Simon's Quest is an easy F tier in my book. "Open world" but with gameplay that made it a chore. Even Goonies 2 is better. Contra isn't my favorite but it's leaps and bounds better than CV2
Contra is barely as good as Friday the 13th. Deal with it.
@@VisionThing The original SMB is S-tier fun, but given the limitations of cartridge technology back in 1986, it has a B-tier presentation compared to the best of what came afterwards; Bowser as the final boss is pathetically simple. Yet honestly, that's still damned impressive in its own right that a game with no mapper chip can compete with games that came out 4 years afterward.
@@VisionThing Ugh, don't remind me. I've kept my disagreement on that to myself; none of the black box games are S-tier, as far as I'm concerned. That includes the gray box series.
@@VisionThing Even if someone claimed that, I still wouldn't put any of them in S-tier. Only SMB is mature enough in design, and ambitious enough in scale, that you could argue it is an S-tier; excluding anything that is not a block box game.
He is crazy Contra is one of the best games of all time, still holds up and is playable today. The best 2-player game on the console. Probably the best soundtrack on the NES. S tier.
Also he hasn't played Castlevania 3 enough if he has never beaten it with Grant or Alucard.
I agree, it's great 1 or 2 players, with or without the 30-lives code.
Grant - easy mode
Alucard - normal mode
Sypha - hard mode (also canon)
no companions - OMGWTF controller swinging frenzy
I watched all your rank the NES games. This one surprised me the most. I thought the S ranks would be flowing on this one. Very surprised how different you and I feel about a lot of these Konami games.
I agree. Of all his rankings, this one seemed off.
No mention of soundtracks? Konami NES games had god-tier music, up there with Capcom and Sunsoft NES games. I'd venture to say that a huge part of the reason Contra is a 10/10 in so many gamers eyes is the soundtrack.
I have to say this about Goonies 2: it's a game I can beat in 30 minutes or maybe a bit less and one of my favorites growing up (still is). Here's the secret to how to tell which direction you came from in any given room that has different side-scrolling areas (based on either going north or south (north being what you can see and south being what you can't see)). Look at the way Mikey is facing in the lower left of the screen. If he has his face towards you, he came in from the north side. If he's got his back towards you, he came in from the south side. Mikey will stay this way until you leave the room back to the side-scrolling.
Dude Contra is an A all the way. It plays extremely well as the controls, graphics, and atmosphere are all great. And that music!
Contra is trash for kids with ADD. Simon's Quest is a masterpiece that stands the test of time 'till this day. Get over it buddy.
Kekeke89 I have ADD...and I love it. I’m not arguing the Simons Quest isn’t good. I completely enjoyed it and have played through it at least 3/4 times.
@@NESADDICT
I was being sarcastic. Of course Contra is an A. I think Simon's Quest is way too rough and incomplete to deserve an A, as neat as the idea they were going for was. If it at least had actual bosses, that alone would be a big upgrade.
Kekeke89 ahhhh didn’t pick up on that in text. Anyway I agree. The two things that would have made it better would have been less convoluted clues and better boss fights.🙌
Supposedly the Famicom Contra was better!
OG Contra is a "B" is the craziest think I have heard today , real talk !!!
no joke It's a classic people still play and love. Bst 30 minutes of my life is playing with 27 lives with a friend.
OG Contra B same as Friday the 13th.
Keep doing these lists, was waiting for you to do Konami; I owned a lot of these games growing up-great nostalgia! I agree with most of your ratings. Contra and Jackal were my favorite Konami co-op's; wish Contra had gotten at least an A, but it'll always be an S to me!
I remember playing Goonies 2 back in the late 80s. I am amazed I beat that game back before the Internet and guides / FAQs.
Hey John, would you ever consider doing lists like these for classic arcade games? Like a Data East arcade tier list, a Konami one, a Taito one etc?
Totally dig these epic length, multi-game vids, John! Sittin' here with a frosty Old Rasputin imperial stout, taking notes on what games to add to the collection next!
Or at least play on my hacked-and-loaded NES Classic Edition... :D
Whew!!! Konami was absolutely stacked during the NES era!!!! So many great games - TMNT III - The Manhattan Project, Contra, The Adventures of Bayou Billy, The Goonies II, Gradius, The Castlevania series, Super C, Double Dribble, Blades of Steel, Lifeforce, Tiny Toon Adventures, Monster in my Pocket, etc.
My 8 year old daughter is working through Dracula's Curse and it's been a lot of fun seeing her put the tablet with Roblox down and really get into a great older classic and actually enjoy it to the point of playing to beat it.
S tier for sure!!
For me contra, super c, cv1 and cv3 are all S tier.
Loving these ranking lists!
I absolutely love TMNT 3 and Blades of Steel. TMNT 3 is my favorite Konami game that isn't labeled an Ultra game from the company.
Contra is in the 'S' territory if you input the 30 lives code. It's a 'B' if you don't.
Jackal is S-tier for me.
Really glad you at least gave it an A.
Castle-one-ia probably an S-tier for many.
Wouldn't have flinched had Bucky O'Hare been given S-tier as well.
I absolutely love these new series of videos you’re doing, one of my favorite videos on UA-cam
Contra was one of my favorites. A definite S to me.
As a big list wh-re, something I even consider a hobby, these videos are top notch. Glad to find the channel. :)
These ranking videos are absolutley brilliant 👏
It's always a challenge making these lists while being honest to yourself with your choices. Found a couple on here that I need to try, thanks for the vid!
You’ve really upped your game! Great vids lately!
I love ranking videos! Keep them coming!
Looooooove these videos!!! Because of licensing limitations I would’ve included the Ultra titles though. Great stuff John!
Ultra will be its own list later - there's several of those - enough for it's own video
Contra and Life Force are my top 2 games on the NES, but there also a lot of nostalgia with them. But great games.
I beat Castlevania III with every companion combo back in the day, including not having a companion at all.
I've watched about 10 of these so far and I LOVE them. That said we have WAY different tastes. Ive been able to bite my tongue until now, but:
Contra deserves an "s"!
Also, in the last video you ranked "Family Feud" as an "A" and just .... Wow. I couldn't disagree more lol... BUT as I ramble on with my ranting rant I want to reiterate: these videos are nostalgia gold. Thank Riggs!
Contra is a definitive 2 player couch co op experience that needs no nostalgia goggles to be an S rank, John!!! :P Great vid, love your channel
I love Simon's Quest too even though it is flawed. 🧐🗿
Not flawed, more like misunderstood.
If it had good translation it would have been a good game. Still, it was groundbreaking and ahead of it's time.
My favorite of the 3 because it was the one I had as a kid.
Yeah, never underestimate nostalgia lol
Awesome music
When i saw ranking konami NES games, the only thing i thought was "Where John will put my loved Castlevania III", and the only S ranked game, love it. It's an absolute masterpiece.
Konami, hands down one of the best game developers. I wish other company’s would have taken notes from this guys.
Konami these days is pure trash.
John Riggs: I love this game, very nostalgic for me. S Rank!
Also John Riggs: This game is good. A lot of people love this game and are very nostalgic for it, but I'm not nostalgic for it. D Rank.
No logic what so ever!
What’s your point?? It’s HIS list and how HE feels about the games.
I didn't grow up with the NES so I have zero nostalgia. But I can tell you right now Contra is an S. Such a fun game.
Love these tier videos! Thanks.
I don't blame you for giving "Super C" a higher rating than "Contra", since I also found myself playing that game more than the latter, especially after being able to purchase "Super C" for my Nintendo Wii via Virtual Console.
Bucky! I was obsessed with that game when I was younger! Always wished they made more Bucky games
The arcade beat-em up is incredible!
It's a C tier. That's probably why they didn't make any more. Where Contra is a S tier and made plenty of those.
These videos are super cool. I look forward to seeing more.
About time somebody says that Simon's Quest is a great game! Love that game
Thanks for not sh!tting on Simon's Quest! Love this game, got it at Babbages on a rare trip to the mall in the middle of the week back in the day. Back then there was no such thing as a release date so you never knew when you would see that game you have been waiting months for. Great video!
3:09 Best series from Konami on the NES. I don't think most gamers would disagree.
Castlevania III is the summit of Konami NES games.
Since you mentioned the voice samples, Double Dribble has this patch out that makes the intro about as clean as Nascar. No new samples, just pure bugfixing.
I love the rom patches!!!!! Gradius 3 with the slowdown patched out is amazing.
double dibble
That's Double Dibble. 😁
@@RealAlphaDrum you beat me to it😁
Great surprise. Another great Ranking video. Hopefully this series can continue onto other platforms! Thanks for the video!
I was waiting for this one! You’ll have to do a separate video for the Ultra titles! I need to play that Batman Returns game. I loved the SNES version.
Love your videos and your grading is usually on point. However contra 1 and 2 are definitely (A) TIER games. Everything else was on point. Keep these vids coming please.
This was a great video as always. I think next we could see some Tecmo game ranking?
That was a fantastic analysis of why you gave Contra a B: "just because."
Why even make a video of this nature if you don't explain?
He told you why. He obviously doesn’t like it as much as other people do. It’s a C in my opinion but I realize I’m in the minority. I don’t have fun playing it.
NICE! IDK if you honored my comment on your last video or if I predicted the future. Either way I shall let my ego inflate to great heights!
Yuh love ya John!
It's funny how Capcom is engrained in your brain as you called Konami "Capcom" instead a couple of times 😋 great video
I'm pretty sure Castlevania and Contra would overwhelmingly be placed in the S tier by most gamers. Likely the same for Super C.
I know its been 3yrs but i just wanted to let you know i love your ranking videos bro, thanks for the content and keep it up
Konami had some amazing games. Great video as always.
Mr Riggs thank you so much for showing Simons Quest some love. No one gives it its day in the sun. I love Simons Quest, and in my opinion has help up alot better than any of the other NES Castlevania's.
Also if you want an idea for the next video. Tier Maker NES movie based games.
These ranking videos are great! Wish you could do the entire nes library. These videos are very helpful
I meant to mention this in my previous post but please do an Ultra Games list when you have time! I was disappointed when you didn't include Ultra Games titles as Gyruss is a dark horse classic that I love (intuitive gameplay and a GREAT soundtrack) and Rollergames is a fun little gem (was the 100th video game I beat too so it has a special place in my heart). You DEFINITELY need to do a Sunsoft list as well. Just know that if Blaster Master isn't S-tier I will cry myself to sleep. :p :p :p
Been binging all your ranking videos. Love them. Drinking game for the series: every time John says “decent.”
this was great. quick to the point of each game with gameplay. I'll wait for the ultra one!!!
Love these ranking videos!!!! Keep up the good work
Keep up the good work John, not everyone will agree with your rankings, but that is impossible to achieve. They are YOUR rankings! For those that don't get that concept why do you watch these videos...only to see if the person 100% agrees with YOUR rankings?? Please continue to upload more content, I enjoy all of your videos and appreciate them even if my opinion differs from yours.
Really enjoying these videos, John. Got an idea for a video: tier list for NES peripherals! Keep up the great work.
Love that tee!! Pop and twinbee is one of my all time fave snes games
Having grown up with this stuff, I enjoy your ranking videos. Gotta love Konami's classic boxart with the grey borders.
My own personal list would have CVIII as S-tier, with Jackal, Life Force, Contra, Super C, and TMNT 3 as A-tier.
I actually beat Top Gun and Bayou Billy back in the day...and never wanted to play them again. ;)
Adding my voice to the crowd asking for a Sunsoft list :)
To me, Tiny Toons Adventures is an Easy S tier. It might actually be my all time favorite NES game.
1:20 Batman Begins was on NES? Konami predicted the future.
was just gonna type that lol
Not if Nolan (or someone on the film team) was a fan of the game and suggested the title, heheh.
Goonies is an “S” for me. Played through it so many times I lost count.
I grew up in Washington too and we had a lot of time inside to play NES because of the weather and it's so awesome to see someone from Washington have such a great channel, I know of you and metal Jesus rocks and you are both great
Top gun is known as the garage sale mystery game
4:03 - Simon's Quest was one of those weird games for me, in that I enjoyed it immensely, but a lot of people vehemently disagree with that and hate the game. I think part of the problem is the fact that some of the townspeople lie. But the thing is, the manual warns you that this will happen (and most of the time, even when they're lying, something in what they're saying is still a hint, except when they're referencing movies).
For me the problem is that you have to equip the right item and kneel in the right spot to progress at a certain point. I wonder if game manufactures got a portion of every call to the Nintendo hotline for their game.
@@jst25 There actually is a clue that tells you to do this.
You reminded me that castlevania 3 is one of the best. I just re-bought it because of this video. My Castlevania/Castlevania 3 were stolen a few years ago. 😁
My list (counting Ultra games)
1. TMNT 2
2. TMNT 3
3. Monster In My Pocket
4. Batman Returns
5. Castlevania 3
6. Castlevania
7. Tiny Toon Adventures
8. Jackal
9. Super C
10. Contra
Thanks for all of your great videos. I believe Contra and Castlevania are two of the best video games of all time and deserve S-Tier for sure. If there was a higher tier I’d put them there. Have a good day!
Your Ranking lists are so much fun to view, John! And I really do appreciate your honesty and how you rank games based on how you feel (rather than simply trying to please your viewers). I personally love Blades of Steel but I get that you don't like sports games so I totally respect your opinion there. And it was quite intriguing to see your list at the end of the video. Personally, I would have Contra, Life Force, and TMNT 3 on my A-tier as I love all three games. But like you, I really do love Super C as that game feels slightly more polished than the original Contra game (way better weapons overall too). And I could tell you wanted to rate Stinger higher. Just do it man! Stinger is one of my favorite underrated gems and that game and Life Force are two of the very best shoot 'em ups for the NES IMO. Lastly, great job putting Bucky O-Hare on your A-tier and congrats on getting that game for $5. I am SO jealous (just paid $180 for a copy). ;)
tigmo55 $180? I have some ocean front property to sell you... It's in Arizona!
@@illrobbzilla I lived in Arizona for eight years actually so nice try! :p In all seriousness though, hasn't the values of classic NES games gotten out of hand? I do remember the days when we could get almost any game for $20 or less. Oh how I miss those days!
Awesome Twin Bee Shirt Riggs .
I like how we as classic gamers expect us to be able to jump and then reverse back mid-air. Even though in real life it's totally impossible. Just like double-jumping.
I've got to tell you, I'm always looking for the next thing in games. Although there are a few I've gone back to from time to time, I have next to zero interest in revisiting the game design of yesteryear.
That being said, I've been watching every one of your videos. Although I don't want to play them, I do like that I see games I maybe rented for a weekend, and totally forgot about ever since. Your honest commentary on the games is also top notch.
S: Contra, Super C, Castlevania lll, Tmnt lll
A: Castlevania, Jackal, Bucky, Blades Steel
Carmen San Diego - I remember the "hours" time limit being frustratingly inadequate. Seemed like if you got one question wrong you'd run out of time, but you still had to play the level to completion to know for sure.
Blades of Steel is amazing. Definitely the best hockey game on Nes and in the top 3 of all sports games on Nes. Also, Contra, Lifeforce, Super C and Jackal could be higher.
It was so hard for me to agree that this is your list and you have the right not to rank Castlevania as S tier. Still a great video. Thank you, John!
Interesting takes on some classics. Want to see you rank Sunsoft or Data East next.
You should do a list on Bandai, square, and enix games. Those were huge
Taking a lot of well deserved heat in the comments for Contra. Really enjoy these videos man.
Awesome review John! Love Konami! Cool thing is I requested it last week so thanks!! Love to see a Sunsoft review and most will find this request crazy but how about Brøderbund? Yeah I’m one of those weird guys who actually liked their titles!! 🤪🤪🤷♂️👍👌
Wow... Goonies 2. I absolutely love that game. It helped me to learn english (my mother language is spanish). I used to play it with an english-spanish dictionary on my side, translating word by word. Definitely good times.
That's about the WORST game to learn english as it's very broken in the game, but glad it helped.
@@JohnRiggs It was what I had at that time. I was 10 y.o.
I bought Bucky o hare from a friend in the 90s for $2 and was one of my most favorite games back then. S rank for me
Double Dribble a “D”? Broooooo.
@JohnRiggs
These have been super fun to watch. The nostalgia!! WOOT!! I'll do a list, sounds hella fun. But I may just have to replay some or play some since I like yourself didn't see the Ninja game until WAAAAY later. Hmm, what Company are ya gonna do next? Culture Brain? Hudson Soft? Jaleco? Also, I usually play some of the soundtracks via youtube, and yeah Bayou Billy's soundtrack is LIIT(Fire). Will you jump on the Snes or Mega Drive and rank some of their games?