Top 5 Games of 1986: From Zelda’s First Quest to Castlevania’s Cursed Castle

1986 was a year to remember in the world of video games. It was a time when pixels ruled the screens and imagination filled in the gaps. This was the year that set the stage for many gaming classics, offering experiences that are still cherished today.

While the world was busy watching “Top Gun” in theaters and Madonna was burning up the charts, gamers were diving into virtual adventures that would become legendary. From fantastical quests to arcade shoot-em-ups, the best games of 1986 left an indelible mark on the industry. So, let’s fire up the nostalgia engines and take a look at the top five video games from this iconic year.

These games weren’t just popular; they were groundbreaking. They pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time, and their influence is still felt in modern gaming. But, as with anything, they had their quirks and flaws. Let’s dive into why everyone loved them, explore their glitches and cheats, and share some fun facts that you might not know.

• Exploration of why these games were beloved
• Insight into their flaws, cheats, and glitches
• Fun facts and pop culture connections

The Legend of Zelda

When it comes to video games that defined a generation, The Legend of Zelda is at the top of the list. Released in 1986 by Nintendo, this action-adventure game introduced players to the mystical land of Hyrule, the courageous Link, and the legendary Princess Zelda. It was a game that encouraged exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, all wrapped in an enchanting 8-bit world.

The game was revolutionary for its time, offering a non-linear gameplay experience. Players could tackle dungeons in various orders, which was a radical departure from the straightforward level progression of most games back then. This freedom, combined with the game’s deep lore and challenging puzzles, made it an instant classic.

However, it wasn’t without its flaws. The original game came with a manual that was practically essential for understanding the game’s mechanics and storyline. Without it, players could easily get lost or miss crucial items. Plus, the game had its fair share of glitches. For example, players discovered a way to walk through walls by manipulating the game’s collision detection, allowing them to bypass certain challenges.

• Released: 1986
• Developer: Nintendo
• Sales: Over 6.5 million copies worldwide
• Fun Fact: The game’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, was inspired by his childhood explorations of caves and forests.

Metroid

Metroid was another groundbreaking game released by Nintendo in 1986. This sci-fi action-adventure game introduced players to the bounty hunter Samus Aran, who ventured through the labyrinthine corridors of the planet Zebes to defeat the Space Pirates and their leader, Mother Brain. The game’s atmosphere was dark and eerie, with a sense of isolation that was unparalleled at the time.

One of the most notable aspects of Metroid was its non-linear exploration and backtracking, which later became known as “Metroidvania” style gameplay. Players had to find power-ups and abilities that allowed them to access previously unreachable areas, creating a sense of progression and discovery.

Despite its innovative gameplay, Metroid had its issues. The game’s password system for saving progress was cumbersome and prone to errors. Additionally, the lack of an in-game map made navigation challenging, leading to players getting lost in the game’s sprawling environments. And let’s not forget the infamous “Justin Bailey” cheat code, which allowed players to start the game with all power-ups and revealed Samus’s true identity as a woman—a shocking twist at the time.

• Released: 1986
• Developer: Nintendo
• Sales: Over 2.7 million copies worldwide
• Fun Fact: Samus Aran’s reveal as a woman was a groundbreaking moment in gaming history, challenging gender stereotypes in video games.

Out Run

Sega’s Out Run, released in 1986, was a driving game that put players behind the wheel of a red Ferrari Testarossa, racing against the clock on scenic routes. What set Out Run apart from other racing games of its time was its emphasis on the experience rather than just the competition. Players could choose their route through branching paths, each offering different scenery and challenges.

The game’s graphics were stunning for its time, with vibrant colors and smooth animations that made the landscapes come alive. The soundtrack was also a standout feature, with catchy tunes that players could select before starting their race. Out Run was more than just a game; it was a virtual road trip.

However, the game wasn’t without its quirks. The arcade version of Out Run had a notorious bug where the car could sometimes pass through obstacles without crashing, making some players question their driving skills. Additionally, the game’s difficulty curve was steep, with some routes being significantly harder than others. But these flaws didn’t stop Out Run from becoming a beloved classic.

• Released: 1986
• Developer: Sega
• Sales: Over 20,000 arcade units sold
• Fun Fact: The game’s designer, Yu Suzuki, took a road trip across Europe to gather inspiration for the game’s diverse environments.

Bubble Bobble

Taito’s Bubble Bobble, released in 1986, was a charming and addictive arcade game that introduced players to the adorable bubble-blowing dragons, Bub and Bob. The game’s objective was simple: trap enemies in bubbles and then pop them to clear each level. With its catchy music, colorful graphics, and cooperative gameplay, Bubble Bobble quickly became a hit.

The game featured 100 levels of increasing difficulty, each filled with unique enemies and obstacles. Players could also collect various power-ups and items to aid them in their quest. The cooperative mode allowed two players to work together, making it a popular choice for friends and family.

Despite its popularity, Bubble Bobble had its share of glitches. One of the most famous was the “Level 100 glitch,” where players could become stuck if they didn’t defeat all the enemies in the correct order. Additionally, the game’s ending was nearly impossible to achieve without a second player, as it required both Bub and Bob to be present to see the true ending. Nevertheless, these quirks only added to the game’s charm and replayability.

• Released: 1986
• Developer: Taito
• Sales: Over 1 million copies sold worldwide
• Fun Fact: The game’s iconic theme song was composed by Tadashi Kimijima, who also worked on the music for other Taito classics like Arkanoid.

Castlevania

Konami’s Castlevania, released in 1986, was a gothic action-platformer that set players on a quest to defeat the evil Count Dracula. As the vampire hunter Simon Belmont, players navigated through Dracula’s castle, battling monsters and avoiding deadly traps. The game’s dark atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and memorable music made it an instant classic.

Castlevania was known for its difficulty, with precise platforming and tough enemies that required skill and patience to overcome. The game’s bosses, including iconic foes like Medusa and Frankenstein’s Monster, provided epic and memorable battles. The soundtrack, composed by Kinuyo Yamashita, featured haunting melodies that perfectly complemented the game’s eerie setting.

However, Castlevania wasn’t without its frustrations. The game’s knockback mechanic, where Simon would be pushed back upon taking damage, often led to unfair deaths by falling into pits. Additionally, the game’s limited lives and lack of a save system meant that players had to start from the beginning if they ran out of continues. Despite these challenges, Castlevania’s atmosphere and gameplay kept players coming back for more.

• Released: 1986
• Developer: Konami
• Sales: Over 500,000 copies sold worldwide
• Fun Fact: The game’s original Japanese title, “Akumajō Dracula,” translates to “Demon Castle Dracula.”

Reflecting on the best video games of 1986, it’s clear that this was a year of innovation and creativity in the gaming industry. These games not only entertained players but also pushed the boundaries of what was possible in video games. They introduced new gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and immersive worlds that have left a lasting impact on the industry.

While each of these games had their quirks and flaws, they are fondly remembered for their contributions to gaming history. From the open-world exploration of The Legend of Zelda to the eerie atmosphere of Metroid, these games offered unique experiences that captivated players and set the stage for future generations of video games.

As we look back on these classics, it’s important to appreciate the creativity and innovation that went into their development. These games were more than just entertainment; they were works of art that inspired countless players and developers. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to these retro gems, take a moment to revisit the best video games of 1986 and experience the magic that made them timeless classics.

References

1. Nintendo
2. Sega
3. Konami
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6. What did it feel like to be a teenager in the 1980s? – Quora