Jeff Gerstmann, a veteran games journalist and streamer, is on a mission to play and rank all 751 8-bit Nintendo games. Over the past three years, Gerstmann has been diligently working his way through the extensive library of NES titles, live-streaming his gameplay sessions on Twitch every Friday. Rather than completing each game entirely, he spends around 30 minutes to an hour on each title to form a fair evaluation before moving on to the next one.
The idea for this ambitious project stemmed from Gerstmann’s observation that many existing reviews and opinions on NES games seemed repetitive and lacking in originality. Determined to offer a fresh perspective, he set out to personally assess and rank each game, ensuring a genuine and unbiased critique.
As a seasoned figure in the video games industry with three decades of experience, Gerstmann’s insights hold weight. Having grown up with the NES and developed a deep appreciation for its games, he brings a critical eye to the titles from that era, assessing their relevance and enjoyment in today’s gaming landscape.
Among the top-ranking games on Gerstmann’s list is “Mega Man 2,” which he praises for its exceptional music and captivating design. Conversely, classics like “Super Mario Bros.” and “Duck Hunt” also feature prominently but with varying placements based on their enduring appeal and gameplay mechanics.
At the opposite end of the spectrum are titles that Gerstmann deems as subpar, highlighting the influx of poorly made games that emerged due to the NES’s popularity. Despite encountering some truly dismal experiences, he remains committed to completing his exhaustive ranking project and plans to undertake a similar endeavor for another iconic gaming console once this task is complete.
