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 - Page 2
A fantasy action-platformer where players control the armored knight Kuros as he battles through five castles to rescue a kidnapped princess from the evil wizard Malkil.
F-15 Strike Eagle is a combat flight simulator video game developed by MicroProse. Released for the NES in 1987, it simulates the experience of flying the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighter jet. Players undertake various missions involving air-to-air and air-to-ground combat across different theaters of war.
A pool simulation game featuring multiple billiards games including 8-ball, 9-ball, and trick shots. Players compete in various locations to earn money and unlock new pool halls.
A tennis simulation featuring two of the greatest players of the 1980s. Play as either Chris Evert or Ivan Lendl in singles matches with realistic tennis mechanics for the NES.
Action-platformer starring bomb disposal expert Jack who must navigate pyramid chambers to defuse explosives and rescue hostages from the evil Zeus.
The definitive Olympic sports simulation that popularized button-mashing gameplay. Compete in 6 events including 100m dash, long jump, and javelin throw using the NES controller's rapid-fire mechanics.
The 1987 NES adaptation of Ultima III, featuring a streamlined console RPG experience. Players lead a party of adventurers to defeat the evil Exodus in a fantasy world with turn-based combat and overworld exploration.
Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei is a first-person dungeon-crawling RPG developed by Atlus and published by Namco for the Famicom/NES. Based on Aya Nishitani's horror novel series, it tells the story of Akemi Nakajima, a high school computer prodigy who creates a demon-summoning program. Seeking revenge on bullies, he inadvertently unleashes the Norse god Loki upon Tokyo. Together with Yumiko Shirasagi—a transfer student who is the reincarnation of the goddess Izanami—Nakajima must navigate labyrinthine demon realms, recruit demons as allies, and undo the chaos he has caused.
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.
A classic vertically scrolling shoot 'em up where players pilot a biplane against waves of enemy aircraft and ground targets.
Namco'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.
A Formula 1-style arcade racer featuring championship circuits across Europe. Known for its pseudo-3D scaling tracks and turbo boost mechanics.
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 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 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 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.