Retro Games From 1987
1987 stands as one of the most pivotal years in video game history, delivering timeless classics across NES, Sega Master System, and arcades. This was the era when 8-bit technology peaked, giving birth to franchises that would define generations. Our platform preserves these legendary titles with authentic emulation for modern devices.
NES Dominance
Nintendo solidified its reign with:- The Legend of Zelda: Revolutionized adventure games with its open-world design and battery save feature.
- Metroid: Introduced nonlinear exploration and one of gaming's first female protagonists, Samus.
- Mega Man: Established the precision platformer genre with its weapon-copying mechanic.
Sega's Contenders
The Master System countered with:- Phantasy Star: Set new RPG standards with 3D dungeons and a sci-fi narrative.
- Shinobi: Popularized the ninja action genre with its throwing stars and melee combat.
Arcade Revolution
Coin-op classics included:- Double Dragon: Defined beat-'em-up gameplay with two-player co-op.
- R-Type: Perfected the shooter genre with intricate power-up systems.
Why 1987 Matters
This year's innovations—nonlinear levels, character progression, and cinematic storytelling—became industry standards. Our platform offers:- CRT filter options for authentic scanline visuals
- Rewind functionality for challenging moments
- Multiplayer support for classic couch co-op
Relive the year that shaped modern gaming, where pixel art met boundless creativity.
Showing 18 games from 1987
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! is a boxing sports game developed and published by Nintendo. Released in 1987 for the NES, it features Little Mac fighting through a series of colorful opponents culminating in a match against Mike Tyson. Known for its timing-based gameplay and memorable characters, it became one of the most iconic sports games of the 8-bit era.
The debut of Capcom's iconic Blue Bomber in a revolutionary non-linear platformer. Defeat Robot Masters to gain their weapons in any order, culminating in Dr. Wily's fortress.
The radical sequel to The Legend of Zelda transforms the formula with side-scrolling combat, RPG-style leveling, and magic spells. Link ventures through Hyrule to awaken Princess Zelda from an eternal sleep while preventing Ganon's resurrection.
The precursor to Double Dragon that established the urban beat-'em-up formula. Battle through 4 districts of New York using punches, kicks, and throws against street gangs.
The second installment in the Castlevania series introduces RPG elements to the franchise. Players control Simon Belmont as he searches for Dracula's body parts to break a curse in this nonlinear adventure with a day-night cycle.
The first JRPG sequel expands the adventure with three playable descendants of Erdrick. Journey across continents to defeat the malevolent Hargon in this groundbreaking title that introduced party mechanics and ship travel to the genre.
The game that saved Square from bankruptcy and launched one of gaming's most iconic franchises. This NES classic established core RPG mechanics like the job system, turn-based battles, and an epic fantasy narrative.
A unique action game starring Hudson's mascot Takahashi Meijin (Master Higgins) where players catch bugs with honey traps. Features rapid button mashing mechanics that showcase Takahashi's famous 16-shot-per-second button pressing ability.
Legacy of the Wizard is an action RPG developed by Nihon Falcom and published by Namco for the NES. Players control four family members with unique abilities to explore a vast dungeon and defeat the dragon Keela. Known for its nonlinear gameplay and challenging difficulty.
The groundbreaking NES basketball game featuring 5-on-5 action, slam dunk cutscenes, and digitized player voices. Choose from four international teams in this arcade-style sports classic.
The groundbreaking tactical espionage action game that defined the stealth genre. Players control Solid Snake infiltrating the fortress Outer Heaven to destroy the superweapon Metal Gear, using camouflage and evasion rather than direct combat.
Join the Goonies gang in this nonlinear adventure to rescue their friends from the Fratelli crime family. Explore caves, solve puzzles, and use unique items in this cult classic sequel that improves upon the original.
A side-scrolling military action game where you play as a special forces operative infiltrating enemy bases. Known for its knife combat and POW rescue missions.
Konami's spin-off of the Gradius series featuring both horizontal and vertical scrolling shooter segments. Introduced cooperative multiplayer and power-up capsules that automatically activate when collected.
A top-down vehicular combat game where players control a high-tech spy car equipped with machine guns, oil slicks, and smoke screens to eliminate enemy agents on a never-ending highway.
The sequel to the classic arcade breakout game featuring enhanced graphics, new power-ups, and challenging stages. Players control the Vaus spacecraft paddle to deflect balls and destroy colorful blocks in this NES adaptation of Taito's hit arcade game.
Winter sports simulation featuring 8 Olympic-style events including figure skating, bobsled, and ski jumping. Players compete for medals while managing physics-based mechanics.