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 3
The seminal 1987 beat 'em up that defined the genre. Players control Billy and Jimmy Lee as they fight through waves of thugs to rescue Billy's girlfriend Marian from the Black Warriors gang. Features iconic moves like hair grabs, elbow drops, and two-player co-op.
The definitive arcade flight combat experience featuring the F-14 Tomcat. This sequel intensified the action with faster speeds, more enemies, and the iconic 360° rotating arcade cabinet. Players engage in dogfights across 18 stages with realistic fighter jet maneuvers.
Airwolf is an arcade shoot 'em up based on the popular 1980s TV series. Players pilot the advanced Airwolf helicopter through six intense missions, battling enemy aircraft, ground installations, and the rival helicopter Redwolf. Features digitized voice samples from the show and a rocking synth soundtrack.
A challenging side-scrolling action platformer where players control a barbarian warrior battling through monster-infested lands. Known for its punishing difficulty and innovative shop system between levels.
Psycho Soldier is a run and gun arcade game developed and published by SNK in 1987. It is notable for being one of the first video games to feature vocals in its soundtrack. Players control Athena Asamiya or Sie Kensou, psychic warriors who must battle through various stages to defeat the evil forces threatening the world.
The Ninja Warriors is a side-scrolling beat 'em up arcade game released by Taito in 1987. Players control one of three ninja androids battling through waves of enemies in a futuristic city to overthrow an evil dictator. Known for its unique three-screen wide display and cooperative gameplay.
Rastan Saga is a classic side-scrolling action platformer developed and published by Taito in 1987. Players control Rastan, a mighty barbarian warrior, on his quest to defeat the evil serpent god and claim the kingdom's treasure. Known for its challenging gameplay, detailed graphics, and epic fantasy atmosphere.
The Ninja Kids is a 1987 beat 'em up arcade game by UPL featuring three young ninjas battling through feudal Japan. Players choose between characters with unique weapons (nunchaku, kusarigama, or shuriken) to defeat the evil Shogun's forces across side-scrolling stages filled with environmental hazards.
Psycho-Nics Oscar is an innovative platform shooter where players control Oscar, a cyborg warrior with psychic abilities, through futuristic cityscapes. The game combines traditional run-and-gun action with unique psychic powers that allow Oscar to manipulate objects and enemies. Known for its distinctive visual style and pioneering use of psychic mechanics in action games.
Heavy Barrel is a classic run and gun arcade game where players control elite commandos infiltrating enemy facilities. The game is famous for its powerful Heavy Barrel weapon system, which is assembled by collecting scattered weapon parts throughout each stage.
Guerrilla War is a classic run and gun arcade game where players take on the role of revolutionary fighters, loosely based on Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, battling through jungles and enemy bases to overthrow a dictatorship. Known for its fast-paced action, unlimited continues, and cooperative two-player gameplay, it became an arcade staple for its satisfying combat and historical-inspired setting.
Contra is the seminal run and gun shooter that defined the genre with its intense action, iconic power-up system, and relentless challenge. Players control commandos Bill Rizer and Lance Bean as they battle through waves of alien enemies in this classic arcade masterpiece.
After Burner is a fast-paced rail shooter developed and published by Sega for the Master System in 1987. Players pilot an F-14 Tomcat jet fighter through intense aerial combat missions with cinematic visuals and realistic flight mechanics.
The sequel to the cult classic shoot 'em up features Opa-Opa's new adventure across pastel-colored planets. Introduces weapon upgrades, new enemies, and an improved shop system with more strategic options.
Wonder Boy is a classic side-scrolling platformer that helped define the genre in the 8-bit era. Players control the titular hero Tom-Tom as he runs, jumps, and throws stone axes to rescue his girlfriend Tina from the evil Dark King.
The sequel to the arcade classic transforms the series into an action-RPG hybrid. As Wonder Boy, players explore a fantasy world, battling monsters, upgrading equipment, and rescuing a princess from the dragon monster. Introduces RPG elements like shops, armor upgrades, and magic items.