1986 Games Collection
1986 marked a turning point where video games evolved beyond simple arcade experiences into richer, more complex adventures. This collection showcases groundbreaking titles from the NES, Sega Master System, and PC that introduced deeper storytelling, expanded gameplay mechanics, and technical innovations that pushed 8-bit hardware to its limits.
Genre-Defining Masterpieces
- The Legend of Zelda (NES): Shigeru Miyamoto's open-world adventure introduced battery saves and non-linear exploration, creating the action-RPG blueprint.- Metroid (NES): Nintendo's sci-fi epic pioneered the "Metroidvania" genre with its sprawling, interconnected world and female protagonist.
- Dragon Quest (NES): Yuji Horii's RPG established the template for Japanese role-playing games, selling over 2 million copies in Japan alone.
Technical Breakthroughs
- The Famicom Disk System launched in Japan, allowing rewritable game saves and expanded storage via floppy disks.- Sega's Master System debuted with advanced graphics capabilities, including a wider color palette than the NES.
- PC gaming saw the rise of VGA graphics and AdLib sound cards, enabling richer multimedia experiences.
Cultural Impact
- Castlevania (NES) blended Gothic horror with platforming, spawning one of gaming's most enduring franchises.- Out Run (Arcade) revolutionized racing games with its "choose your path" branching courses and iconic soundtrack.
- Bubble Bobble (Arcade) turned cooperative puzzle-platforming into a global phenomenon with its adorable dinosaur duo.
Why 1986 Still Matters
These games established narrative depth and player agency as core gaming values. Our collection preserves these classics across 15+ platforms with enhanced features like save states and scanline filters, letting you experience gaming's pivotal evolution year as it was meant to be played.Showing 12 games from 1986
Super Mario Bros 2
1986
PlatformerThe true sequel to the original Super Mario Bros introduces new power-ups, enhanced physics, and a dynamic weather system. Mario and Luigi return with new abilities to save Princess Peach from Bowser's airship fleet across eight chaotic worlds.
Castlevania
The foundational vampire-hunting action game where players control Simon Belmont through Dracula's castle. Features the iconic Vampire Killer whip and sub-weapons like holy water and throwing axes.
The Legend of Zelda
1986
Action-AdventureThe groundbreaking action-adventure that defined open-world gaming. As Link, explore Hyrule freely to rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon, collecting items and uncovering secrets.
Dragon Quest
1986
RPGThe game that defined Japanese RPGs, Dragon Quest (known as Dragon Warrior in North America initially) introduced core mechanics that became genre staples: turn-based combat, experience points, and equipment progression.
TwinBee
1986
Shoot 'em upTwinBee is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up game developed by Konami, originally released in arcades in 1985 and ported to the NES in 1986. It introduced the iconic bell power-up system and cute character designs that became hallmarks of the series.
Othello
1986
Board GameOthello is a digital adaptation of the classic strategy board game for the NES, released in 1986. Based on the Reversi concept, players take turns placing black or white discs to flip opponent's pieces. The NES version features both single-player against AI and two-player modes with simple controls perfect for the console.
Balloon Fight
1986
ActionBalloon Fight is an action game where players control a character with balloons attached to their back, flying through stages while avoiding enemies and popping their balloons. Features single-player and versus modes with simple but addictive gameplay.
Rygar
1986
Action-AdventureRygar is an action-adventure arcade game developed and published by Tecmo in 1986. Players control the warrior Rygar who wields a unique weapon called the 'Diskarmor' to battle through mythical lands and defeat the evil Ligar.
Bubble Bobble
1986
PlatformerBubble Bobble is a 1986 platform arcade game where players control Bub and Bob, two cute dinosaurs who trap enemies in bubbles. Known for its cooperative gameplay, cheerful music, and hidden secrets that influenced future platformers.
SUPER MARIO BROS.
1986
PlatformerSUPER MARIO BROS. is Nintendo's 1986 arcade adaptation of their NES masterpiece. Players control Mario (or Luigi in 2P mode) through 8 worlds to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, featuring enhanced graphics and the Vs. Mode competitive variant.