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Top 5 Hardest NES Games That Kicked Our Ass

Top 5 Hardest NES Games That Kicked Our Ass

The thrill of E3 had me reminiscing about the origins of my favorite pastime and it led me to one main conclusion – games are way too easy these days. Forgive me while I jump atop the soapbox for a moment, but the gaming industry has gone soft. Don’t get me wrong, I love the offerings we have now, but nothing compares to the old days. It’s been a while since CheatCC tossed up some retro video game magic, but today is the day. It’s time to take a walk down memory lane by remembering the hardest games on the NES platform.

Punch-Out!!

Punch-Out!!

In all actuality, this game as a whole isn’t on the same level of consistent difficulty as the rest that made the cut. However, the final boss trumps, no presidential pun intended, all in comparison because of Mike Tyson and his ridiculously enormous character. Not only did Iron Mike look like a giant in the ring against the main character, but he was impossible to beat. One punch knockouts, dirty cheap shots, and questionable attack methods made Tyson a terror in the ring. Punch-Out!! makes the list of controller busters simply because Mike Tyson brings the pain.

Battletoads

Battletoads

I don’t even know where to start with this one. Battletoads was such a ridiculous concept that it could have only been released and successful during the early ’90s. The development of this game is pure genius, as the stages lure you with a calm and cool atmosphere before they punch you in the mouth and knee you in the groin. All you need to do is reach Stage 3 and you’ll want to chuck the entire system out the window. I’m pretty sure Nintendo owes Rare a check for all the extra controllers gamers purchased as a result of this gem.

Castlevania

Castlevania

There are so many limitations in this game it will drive you wild, but for whatever reason we couldn’t possibly put it down. Castlevania . Your quest during this deep and dark thriller isn’t all that bad. However, when the bosses show up to tango, the game achieves an entirely new meaning for the word difficult. Take a trip down memory lane if your blood pressure needs prolonged elevation.

Contra

Contra

The Rambo-type shirtless beast in blue pants starred in one of the coolest NES games ever produced. Unfortunately, it was nearly impossible to beat without using the 30 life cheat code. Any projectile that touched our jacked-up character would kill him in an instant, which might explain the wardrobe decision. Contra was a difficult task for any avid gamer to conquer.

Silver Surfer

Silver Surfer

They should have named this game The Unbeatable Game of Torture. Seriously, Silver Surfer was like playing Contra on steroids. Literally everything within this game is aimed at killing you, even the walls. That’s not even the best part. When you die, you have to start the entire level over. I’d be impressed to meet the man or woman who’s legitimately beaten this game without the illustrious Game Genie. You’d be hard-pressed to find one.

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