~Solomon's Key~ magic of Transmuting Stone Blocks, creative, logical, and a process of TRY & ERR.

• Dana enters the constellation maze to find the magical "Solomon's Key" and seal escaped demons.

• Players control Dana, a wizard; fairies provide 1UPs, and Princess Lihita awaits in a hidden room.

•Use magic to create or destroy blocks to build paths and trap various enemies.

•The Mark III/SMS version adds passwords and slightly changes stage layouts and items.

• Praised for its perfect action-puzzle balance and high replayability with many hidden items.

• High score pursuit is criticized as trivial due to massive point exploits in specific stages.

• The GDV (Deviation Value) system makes scores almost meaningless for measuring actual player skill.

• It was the first game intended for simultaneous release on both arcade and home console formats.

• A highly complete masterpiece requiring both deep logical thinking and precise action techniques.

~NINJA-KID II~ Ninja action such as triple jumps and wall climbing, and melancholy music

• Sequel to Majou no Bouken, Ninja-kun aims to defeat the final boss Ashura across over 30 diverse stages.

• Features versatile actions including triangle jumps, wall climbing, and swimming via a simple 2-button system.

• Players unlock weapons like bombs and homing shuriken by clearing bonus challenges led by a monk.

• Overseas titled "Ninja Kid II," it is famous for "Thinking AI" that reacts dynamically to player behavior.

• Celebrated for its melancholy "naki-melo" BGM and atmospheric sound design that resonates with many fans.

• The arcade version suffered from "permanent patterns" (infinite lives), making it a rare find in game centers.

• The FC version by Micronics is a "good port," adding branching routes while keeping the arcade's core elements.

• Despite high difficulty like the "beginner killer" Scene 4, the FC version offers helpful infinite continues.

• The arcade game ends in total silence with a simple English message, fitting the stoic nature of the shinobi.

~Ganbare Goemon 2~ Comical Sci-Fi Period Comedy

A side-scrolling action sequel released for SFC in 1993, featuring world map navigation and improved saving.

Established the comical Sci-Fi period drama style, merging traditional Japan with giant robot technology.

Players select from three characters: Goemon, Ebisumaru, and Sasuke, each having unique weapon properties.

Marks the debut of Goemon Impact, featuring both high-speed 2D runs and 3D cockpit-view boss battles.

Supports 2-player co-op with a "piggyback" system that enhances attacks and encourages teamwork.

Features creative stage designs based on Japanese food and toys, with an acclaimed fusion soundtrack.

Better playability than its prequel, thanks to lower item prices and the ability to revisit stages.

Includes rich animations, such as character-specific idle motions and varied enemy destruction effects.

Highly rated as a all-ages(万人向け) masterpiece, though some consider the total volume a bit short.

Impact battles can be stressful and difficult due to constant fuel consumption and tricky boss patterns.

~SPY vs SPY~ Traps and psychology, watching others' moves, and destroying friendships

• Competitive action game based on the "SPY vs SPY" comic, featuring white and black spies in a mansion.,

• Collect four items—blueprint, passport, key, and money—and find a bag to escape before the rival.,

• The split-screen system allows players to see the opponent's movements and anticipate their strategy.,

• Set deadly traps like dynamite, springs, and buckets of acid to "kill" the opponent and steal time.,

• Engage in direct combat using punches, knives, or sticks when both spies enter the same room.,,

• Strategic depth is enhanced by disarming traps with items like pliers, buckets of water, or umbrellas.,

• Features comical and black-humor death animations that make the trap-based gameplay unique and fun.

• The single-player mode is weak because the CPU AI often falls into its own traps, reducing tension.

• Highly skilled players can create inescapable trap setups, which might strain real-life friendships.

• A timeless multiplayer classic praised for its unique mechanics despite some repetitive elements.,

~Ys I & II~ worldview, music, half-character shifts : "RPGs are now entering an era of kindness"

• Ys I & II are classic action RPGs by Nihon Falcom following Adol Christin's adventures.

• The "bump" combat system allows attacking by running into enemies without a dedicated button.

• "Half-character shift" is a vital technique to defeat enemies safely by offsetting positions.

• Ys I's catchphrase "an era of kindness" aimed for a game everyone could reasonably complete.

• The FC version featured unique map and scenario changes, setting it apart from the PC original.

• Excellent graphics and "deep" music on the FC were highly praised for creating an immersive world.

• Critics found the FC version's puzzles, especially the abandoned mine, notoriously vague and difficult.

• Ys II added magical elements like Fire, required for boss battles, diversifying the gameplay.

• The soundtrack is celebrated as a genre-defining masterpiece with incredible speed and emotion.

• Overall, the series redefined action RPGs through its simple mechanics and rich storytelling..

~Konami Wai Wai World~ A crossover festival game featuring Konami's popular characters

• Dream crossover action where heroes like Goemon and Simon unite to defeat the evil Waldar.

• Eight unique playable characters feature distinct health bars, jump heights, and special weapons.

• Players can explore six initial stages in any order to rescue their trapped Konami companion.

• Strategic character switching is required to clear specific gimmicks and environmental puzzles.

• Special traits like Kong's jump or Mikey's size are essential for accessing locked stage areas.

• The final stage includes a vertical shooter and a base infiltration inspired by the game Contra.

• Faithful BGM and graphics from original titles provide a nostalgic and high-quality experience.

• The game is noted for its high difficulty, strict platforming, and costly character revival system.

~Dr. Mario~ a massive hit especially among casual players

• Dr. Mario (1990) is a unique falling puzzle game. Mario acts as a doctor researching viruses until Nurse Peach alerts him to new strains spreading in the hospital.

• Players drop two-block capsules into a bottle, matching four same-colored elements vertically or horizontally to eliminate viruses. The goal is to clear all viruses.

• It features red, blue, and yellow viruses with humorous animations. They mock you during a game over but writhe in pain when they are being eliminated.

• The rules are ultra-simple and intuitive, understandable within 30 seconds. This accessibility made it a massive hit, especially among casual players and housewives.

• The 2P mode is highly addictive. Players can set individual levels (0-20) and speeds (LOW to HI), allowing fair matches between beginners and experts.

• Iconic tracks like "FEVER" and "CHILL" are praised. Interestingly, the GB and SFC versions feature an extra melody in "FEVER" not found in the original FC version.

• Gameplay can feel repetitive at higher levels. Success often involves luck, as the specific colored pill you need might not appear when the bottle is nearly full.

• The overseas packaging features viruses with more aggressive faces. Additionally, Dr. Mario 64 was initially an overseas exclusive before coming to Japan.

• The series saw many versions like "Dr. Luigi" and a mobile game. Dr. Mario also joined "Super Smash Bros." because the director wanted to use the "FEVER" theme.

• Often called a game "moms are good at," it remains a masterpiece. It originally had the prototype title "Virus" before becoming the classic we know today.

~Spelunker~ The Delicate Cave Explorer

• Origin: Released in 1983 for Atari 8-bit and brought to NES (Famicom) by Irem in 1985 with significantly higher difficulty.

• Fragility: The hero dies from falling just 14 dots, a distance slightly less than his own height of 16 dots.

• Time Limit: An energy gauge serves as a strict time limit, requiring players to collect refills while exploring caves.

• Combat: Players use a "Phantom Blaster" for ghosts and "Flash" for bats, though these tools have limited uses.

• Risk: Hazards include dynamite blasts, falling flash debris, and even ghost remains, making every move dangerous.

• Precision: The game demands pixel-perfect movement and jumps, especially during the notorious rope-to-rope segments.

• Strategy: Learning patterns and managing resources like dynamite and flash is essential for navigating the deep caves.

• Sense of Skill: Though frustrating, practicing leads to clear improvement, offering a genuine sense of achievement.

• Secrets: Caves are filled with hidden 1UPs and diamonds, rewarding players who carefully investigate every corner.

• Legacy: Known as a pioneer of "death-and-learn" games, it remains a cult classic despite its "kusoge" reputation.

~Getsu Fūma Den~ now a celebrated cult classic with its own legacy

• Released by Konami in 1987, this action RPG is set in a far-future Japan in the year 14672.

• Fuma journeys through hell to slay Ryukotsuki, avenge his brothers, and recover the stolen Wave Swords.

• Gameplay blends 2D side-scrolling action with exploration of complex 3D dungeons and giant boss battles.

• Includes RPG growth mechanics where defeating enemies increases Fuma’s sword power and overall health points.

• Players use various sub-weapons like Shurikens and a powerful "Spinning Top" .

• Widely praised for cinematic cutscenes and large character sprites that pushed the Famicom’s technical limits.

• The iconic soundtrack by Hidenori Maezawa is celebrated for its hauntingly beautiful "Japanese" melodies.

• Its responsive controls and tight action mechanics were considered high-quality among other 1980s titles.

• Though noted for similarities to Genpei Toma Den, it is now a celebrated cult classic with its own legacy.

~Strider~ cinematic sound, speed sliding, innovative wall-climbing mechanics, and intense thrills.

• Strider (Strider Hiryu) features a high-speed ninja in a futuristic 2048 dystopian world.

• The plasma sword Cypher and fast sliding moves offer incredible combat speed and thrills.

• Innovative wall and ceiling climbing mechanics revolutionized 2D platforming action games.

• Cinematic presentation is enhanced by dynamic BGM transitions that match stage progress.

• Some players find navigation difficult due to confusing layouts and sudden death traps.

• The final boss, Grand Master, is famously weak and lacks a sense of grand challenge.

• Early arcade versions suffered from a major bug where BGM failed to change properly.

• Support items like the Robo-Tiger provide powerful automatic attacks to assist Hiryu.

• Masterful ports like the Genesis version fixed sound bugs while adding unique visual flair.

• Hiryu’s legacy lives on through his popular appearances in crossover fighting games.

~Mario Paint~ transformed professional magic into a magic set that children can use freely

• Released in 1992 for the SNES, this tool was a pioneer in creative console gaming for all ages.,

• It was bundled with the Super Famicom Mouse, introducing many gamers to PC-style controls.,

• The Drawing Screen features tools like pens, sprays, and stamps with a palette of 16 colors.,

• Animation Land lets users create frame-by-frame loops and move them across custom backgrounds.,

• Sound Collage allows composing music by placing unique icons, like cats or pianos, on a staff.,

• The famous "Apphun" voice icon provides a humorous, pitch-shifting vocal effect for melodies.,

• Gnat Attack is an addictive fly-swatting mini-game designed to help players master the mouse.,

• The title screen is full of secrets; clicking letters triggers surreal and funny reactions.,

• A single save slot allows users to store their integrated art, music, and animation projects.,

• Its legacy continues today through games like Super Mario Maker and the WarioWare DIY series.,

~Milon's Secret Castle~(Meikyu Kumikyoku) Exceptional Music , Rewarding Exploration

• Exceptional Music and Presentation: The game is highly praised for its music-themed fairy-tale world. The "Maze Song" bonus stage, where the background music becomes more elaborate as you collect instruments, was a pioneering example of integrating music directly with gameplay.

• Rewarding Exploration and Volume: The non-linear, maze-like structure of Castle Garland allowed players to discover hidden shops and items in any order. This provided a sense of "rich volume" and discovery that was highly valued at the time.

• "Satisfying" Difficulty Balance: In Japan, the game was often evaluated as having a "perfectly challenging balance"—it was difficult enough to be rewarding without being entirely unfair.

• Punishing Action Mechanics: The game is noted for its high difficulty because Milon does not become temporarily invincible (blinking) after taking damage. This meant a player's health could be depleted almost instantly if they didn't move away quickly.

• Obscure Puzzle Solving: Some puzzles were considered "unreasonable" or cryptic, as there is often no visual difference between normal walls and the "soft blocks" that hide essential secrets or shops.

This game can be thought of as a beautiful but thorn-filled garden; while the atmosphere and music are enchanting, the hidden traps and unforgiving difficulty require a very patient gardener to navigate.

~Contra III: The Alien Wars~(Contra Spirits) "exhilarating destroy action" and "flashy effects"

• Contra Spirits is a 1992 SFC action shooter, the series' first original home console title, known for its "exhilarating destroy action" and flashy effects.

• Set in 2636, Earth is devastated by a massive alien invasion. Six months later, the elite "Contra" team returns to launch a fierce counteroffensive.

• Bill Rizer and Lance Bean are modeled after Schwarzenegger and Stallone. North American versions replaced them with characters named Jimbo and Sully.

• Players can carry two weapons, use bombs, and perform a dual-wielding spin attack. Stages alternate between side-view and rotating top-view perspectives.

• Titled Contra III in NA and Super Probotector in EU. These regional versions featured different titles and specific character or setting adjustments.

• The game masterfully uses SFC’s scaling/rotation for cinematic scenes, like Stage 4's missile hopping, and features high-quality music and sound.

• Scores are hidden during gameplay, only appearing at the end. Later bosses are notoriously difficult, though "30 lives" cheats can help beginners.

• The top-view stages feature intense screen rotation that showcases the SFC hardware's power, though this effect may cause motion sickness for some players.

• It was ported to GB and GBA and is now playable on modern systems via the Contra Anniversary Collection and various Virtual Console releases.

• A 16-bit masterpiece that balances serious action with over-the-top spectacle, it represents Konami's peak effort in pushing SFC hardware to its limits.

~Wrecking Crew~ well-regarded action puzzle featuring deep strategy and satisfying demolition

• Action puzzle game where demolition worker Mario must destroy all walls across 100 fixed stages,,.

• Core gameplay requires deep strategy to avoid soft-locks, as incorrect demolition order often halts progress,.

• Mario cannot jump; his hammer is for demolition only. Limited actions require strategic enemy avoidance,.

• Dynamite creates satisfying chain reactions, destroying adjacent structures and awarding continuous bonus scores,,.

• Pillars and Drums add complexity. If Mario is trapped by a falling drum, a complete system reset is often required,.

• The rival Blurry/Spike constantly interferes by destroying walls from the back side, attempting to knock Mario down,.

• The Super Hammer allows faster movement and one-hit destruction of all walls, but its power can destabilize game balance,.

• The Famicom version features a high volume of content: 100 stages and a Design Mode for creating custom levels,.

~Ninja Gaiden~ Great drama and BGM, but notorious for its brutal, unforgiving difficulty.

NINJA GAIDEN (Ninja Ryukenden) is Tecmo's 1988 action game, praised for its dramatic cinematic scenes and highly acclaimed BGM.

It is infamous for its brutally high difficulty, demanding skill mastery from players.

~Mega Man 2~(Rockman 2 Dr. Wily no Nazo) the first "Boss Design Contest" and "E-can"

• Released in 1988 for the Famicom, this sequel refined the original's mechanics and established the core standards for the entire Rockman series.

• Following his defeat, the evil Dr. Wily returns with eight powerful new combat robots to challenge Rockman and resume his quest for world domination.

• Alongside returning heroes, eight unique bosses appear; their designs were famously selected from fan submissions in the first "Boss Design Contest".

• Key additions include the Energy Tank (E-Can) for health, a grid-based password system, and three support items that serve as prototypes for Rush.

• The game is celebrated for its "exquisite balance," allowing high-skill players to win with the Buster while rewarding the tactical use of special weapons.

• Special weapon utility is uneven; the Metal Blade is exceptionally versatile, while the Time Stopper and Atomic Fire suffer from poor energy efficiency.

• The Boobeam Trap requires specific weapon energy, leading to tedious grinding if lost. Additionally, all stored E-Cans are lost upon a Game Over.

• The overseas version added a "Normal" mode where players deal double damage, alongside a "Difficult" mode matching the original Japanese challenge.

• Developed in just three months, its iconic soundtrack later spawned major viral internet songs like "Omoide wa Okkusenman" and "Airman ga Taosenai".

• Often hailed as a "series masterpiece," it perfected the formula and set the template for sequels with its polished gameplay and boss rush format.

~Ghosts Goblins~(Makaimura) "Red Arremer" is a notorious enemy, knockback can be frustrating

• Ghosts 'n Goblins is a side-scrolling action game where the knight Arthur rescues a kidnapped princess from the Great Demon King.

• Arthur travels through a monster-filled world wearing only underwear beneath his armor to save his lover from the clutches of evil.

• Red Arremer is a notorious enemy named after a programmer; its reactive AI makes it one of the toughest "walls" in gaming history.

• Arthur starts in armor, loses it after one hit, and dies on the second; armor can be recovered by clearing stages or finding rare items.

• Jumping has a fixed trajectory with no mid-air control, requiring players to memorize enemy patterns and plan moves precisely.

• To see the true ending, players must beat the game twice, as the first victory is revealed as an illusion created by the enemy.

• In overseas versions, the Cross weapon was replaced with a Shield due to religious regulations regarding iconography.

• While the stiff controls and knockback can be frustrating, the game's balanced design offers an immense sense of accomplishment.

• Progressing to the final boss requires the Cross weapon, but obtaining it is often luck-dependent as it drops randomly from pots.

• The game spawned many sequels and spin-offs, including the Red Arremer series, and Arthur remains an iconic character for Capcom.