1987’s Pixel Powerhouses: Zelda, Contra, and 3 More Classics You Can’t Forget

1987 was a year of groundbreaking advancements in the video game industry. From pixelated heroes to epic fantasy adventures, this was the year that truly set the stage for future gaming generations. Dive in as we explore the best video games of 1987, uncovering why everyone loved them, their flaws, cheats, glitches, and fun facts.

Gaming in 1987 was like discovering a new universe. You had the NES, the Sega Master System, and a smorgasbord of arcade cabinets vying for your attention. These games weren’t just time-killers; they were cultural phenomena. They were the foundation of what we now consider the golden age of video gaming. So, dust off your power gloves and blow into those cartridges, because we’re about to take a nostalgia trip through the best video games of 1987.

Each game on this list not only defined the era but also had its quirks and imperfections. From hilarious glitches to cheats that made you feel like a gaming god, these classics had it all. Let’s break it down.

• The games that defined 1987
• Why these games were adored and their unique flaws
• Fun facts, cheats, and glitches that made them legendary

The Legend of Zelda

**The Legend of Zelda** wasn’t just a game; it was an odyssey. Released on the NES, it introduced us to the sprawling world of Hyrule, where we played as Link, a green-clad hero on a mission to rescue Princess Zelda. The game was revolutionary for its open-world exploration, non-linear gameplay, and intricate puzzles. It was like Indiana Jones met medieval fantasy, with a sprinkle of puzzle-solving goodness.

Everyone loved it because it felt like a genuine adventure. You weren’t just playing a game; you were embarking on a quest. It was also one of the first games to feature a save system, which was a big deal back then. But let’s not get too misty-eyed. The game had its flaws. The graphics, while charming, were rudimentary even by 1987 standards. And don’t get me started on the infamous **”Second Quest”**, where the dungeons were rearranged, making the game even more cryptic.

• Released: 1987
• Platform: NES
• Sales: Over 6.5 million copies
• Fun Fact: The game was inspired by creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s childhood explorations of caves and forests.

Contra

**Contra** was the quintessential run-and-gun action game. Developed by Konami, it was like playing an ’80s action movie. You controlled commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, blasting through waves of alien enemies. The game’s fast-paced, side-scrolling action was a hit in arcades and on the NES. It was tough as nails, but that only made it more addictive.

Why did everyone love it? Because it was pure, unadulterated action. No fluff, just you, a gun, and a seemingly endless horde of enemies. Plus, it introduced the legendary **Konami Code** (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start), which granted you 30 lives. But let’s not gloss over its flaws. The game’s difficulty was borderline sadistic, and the hit detection was sometimes questionable. And yes, it had its fair share of glitches, like enemies getting stuck in walls.

• Released: 1987
• Platform: Arcade, NES
• Sales: Over 4 million copies
• Fun Fact: The game’s title was inspired by the Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal of the ’80s.

Mega Man

**Mega Man**, known as **Rockman** in Japan, was Capcom’s blue bomber who quickly became a gaming icon. The game introduced us to Mega Man’s quest to defeat Dr. Wily and his six Robot Masters. What set Mega Man apart was its innovative gameplay mechanic: after defeating a boss, you could acquire their weapon. This added a layer of strategy, as certain weapons were more effective against specific enemies.

People loved Mega Man for its challenging platforming, catchy music, and unique boss battles. The game was tough but fair, and mastering it felt like a genuine achievement. However, it wasn’t without its quirks. The game had some frustratingly difficult sections, and the infamous **”Yellow Devil”** boss was the stuff of nightmares. Additionally, the original NES release had a notorious glitch where Mega Man could shoot through walls.

• Released: 1987
• Platform: NES
• Sales: Over 1 million copies
• Fun Fact: The game’s design was heavily influenced by Japanese anime and manga.

Double Dragon

**Double Dragon** was the epitome of beat ’em up games. Developed by Technos Japan, it followed the story of brothers Billy and Jimmy Lee as they fought their way through gangs to rescue Billy’s girlfriend, Marian. The game’s cooperative gameplay was a major draw, allowing two players to team up and dish out justice together.

The game was beloved for its satisfying combat, memorable levels, and the thrill of cooperative play. However, it had its share of flaws. The NES version suffered from significant **sprite flicker** and slowdown, and the controls could be a bit clunky. Additionally, the game had a notorious cheat where you could perform an infinite elbow attack, making you nearly invincible.

• Released: 1987
• Platform: Arcade, NES
• Sales: Over 2.5 million copies
• Fun Fact: The game was one of the first to feature a simultaneous two-player mode in the beat ’em up genre.

Metroid

**Metroid** was a game ahead of its time. Released by Nintendo, it introduced us to Samus Aran, a bounty hunter on a mission to stop the Space Pirates and their biological weapon, the Metroids. The game was notable for its atmospheric exploration, non-linear gameplay, and the surprise reveal that Samus was a woman, a groundbreaking moment in gaming history.

Metroid was adored for its immersive world, haunting soundtrack, and the sense of isolation it conveyed. It was a game that encouraged exploration and rewarded curiosity. However, it had its downsides. The game’s password system was cumbersome, and it was easy to get lost in the labyrinthine corridors. Additionally, Metroid had a notorious glitch where you could perform a **”door warp”** to skip sections of the game.

• Released: 1987
• Platform: NES
• Sales: Over 2.7 million copies
• Fun Fact: Samus Aran’s design was inspired by the protagonist of the movie Alien, Ellen Ripley.

The best video games of 1987 weren’t just pixels and bytes; they were the foundation of a cultural revolution. These games were more than entertainment; they were experiences that shaped a generation. They taught us about perseverance, strategy, and the joy of discovery. Despite their flaws, cheats, and glitches, they remain beloved classics that continue to inspire and entertain.

So, whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or a newcomer curious about the roots of modern gaming, these titles are worth revisiting. They remind us of a time when gaming was simpler, yet infinitely complex in its own way. Now, go dust off that NES, pop in a cartridge, and embark on an adventure that transcends time.

References

1. Nintendo
2. Konami
3. Capcom
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