1987 Games Collection
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!!
1987
FightingMike 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.
Contra
1987
Run and GunThe legendary run-and-gun shooter where commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean battle alien forces in a 2D side-scrolling onslaught. Famous for its spread shot power-up and 30-lives 'Konami Code'.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
1987
Action RPGThe 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.
Renegade
1987
Beat 'em upThe 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.
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
1987
Action-AdventureThe 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.
Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line
1987
RPGThe 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.
Final Fantasy
1987
RPGThe 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.
Legacy of the Wizard
1987
Action RPGLegacy 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.
Double Dribble
1987
SportsThe 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.
1943: The Battle of Midway
Capcom's seminal vertical-scrolling shooter simulating the pivotal WWII Pacific naval battle. Players pilot a P-38 Lightning against the Japanese fleet, featuring fuel management and power-up systems that defined the shoot-'em-up genre.
Flying Shark
1987
Shoot 'em upA classic vertically scrolling shoot 'em up where players pilot a biplane against waves of enemy aircraft and ground targets.
Galaga '88
1987
Fixed ShooterNamco's 1987 sequel to Galaga introduces dimension warps, triple fighter combinations, and new enemy types like the Zako Yello. Features 29 stages with branching paths and a synthesized voice announcing power-ups.
Continental Circus
1987
RacingA Formula 1-style arcade racer featuring championship circuits across Europe. Known for its pseudo-3D scaling tracks and turbo boost mechanics.
R-TYPE
R-TYPE is the seminal 1987 horizontal shooter that defined the 'cerebral shooter' genre. Players pilot the R-9 spacecraft against the Bydo Empire, utilizing the revolutionary Force pod that can attach, detach, and fire in multiple configurations. Famous for its intricate level design and biological-mechanical enemy aesthetic.
MAHJONG GAKUEN
1987
MahjongMAHJONG GAKUEN is Seta's 1987 competitive mahjong arcade game featuring anime-style female opponents. Known for its risque content and being one of the first mahjong games to popularize the 'erotic mahjong' subgenre in Japanese arcades.
SUPER HANG-ON
1987
RacingSUPER HANG-ON is a legendary motorcycle racing arcade game developed by Sega. As the sequel to Hang-On, it features high-speed racing across diverse terrains with a unique deluxe cabinet that mimics real motorcycle handling. Players lean the bike to steer through challenging courses while managing limited fuel.
Super Dodge Ball
1987
SportsSuper Dodge Ball is an arcade sports game developed by Technōs Japan. Released in 1987, it features exaggerated dodgeball gameplay with special moves and international teams. Players control teams from different countries in fast-paced matches with unique court layouts and power shots.