The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and beloved gaming consoles of all time. Released in 1985, it revolutionized the gaming industry with its vast library of games, innovative controller design, and iconic characters. In this article, we will focus on the North and South American NES cartridges released specifically for Europe, a region that was initially excluded from the original release of the NES.
Introduction
When Nintendo first released the NES in 1985, it was met with limited success in North America due to its high price point and limited game selection. However, when the console was re-released in Europe in 1987 under the name "Famicom," it quickly gained popularity. The European release of the NES included a unique set of games that were not available in North America at the time.
NES Games Released in Europe (North & South)
The NES was released in both North and South America as separate cartridges, which is why we are focusing on two regions here. The following list includes some of the most popular NES games released in Europe:
- DuckTales
- Super Mario Bros. 2
- Metroid
- Kid Icarus
- Bionic Commando
- Castlevania
Age Rating for NES Games (North & South)
The age rating for NES games in North and South America is regulated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and the Pan European Game Information (PEGI). While both organizations have guidelines for age ratings, their standards differ slightly.
- ESRB Ratings:
- E (Everyone): Suitable for all ages.
- E10+ (Everyone 10 and older): May contain mild cartoon violence, mild language, or suggestive humor.
- T (Teen): May contain violence, mild language, or suggestive content.
- M (Mature): May contain intense violence, strong language, or explicit content.
European PEGI Ratings:
- 3+ (Suitable for children aged 3 and older): No violent or disturbing content.
- 7+ (Suitable for children aged 7 and older): Mild cartoon violence or suggestive humor.
- 12+ (Suitable for children aged 12 and older): More mature themes, mild violence, or stronger language.
Comparison of NES Games with Age Ratings
Here is a brief comparison of the age ratings for some popular NES games:
- DuckTales: E10+ (ESRB), PEGI 7+ (European)
- Super Mario Bros. 2: E10+ (ESRB), PEGI 3+ (European)
- Metroid: T (ESRB), PEGI 12+ (European)
- Kid Icarus: T (ESRB), PEGI 12+ (European)
- Bionic Commando: M (ESRB), PEGI 16+ (European)
- Castlevania: T (ESRB), PEGI 12+ (European)
Conclusion
The NES is a beloved console with an impressive library of games. The North and South American NES cartridges released in Europe are just as iconic, with unique games that were not available in other regions. While both ESRB and PEGI have age ratings for NES games, their standards differ slightly. Understanding the age rating guidelines will help you make informed decisions about which games to play based on your child's age.
Additional Information
- The NES was released in Europe in 1987 under the name "Famicom."
- The console was initially met with limited success due to its high price point and limited game selection.
- The European release of the NES included a unique set of games that were not available in North America at the time.
- Some popular NES games released in Europe include DuckTales, Super Mario Bros. 2, Metroid, Kid Icarus, Bionic Commando, and Castlevania.
Games by Region
Here's a brief overview of some popular NES games released in different regions:
European NES Games
Some popular NES games released in Europe include:
- DuckTales: A platformer developed by Capcom that follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck.
- Super Mario Bros. 2: A platformer developed by Nintendo that features Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach as the main characters.
North American NES Games
Some popular NES games released in North America include:
- Metroid: A side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by Intelligent Systems that follows the adventures of Samus Aran.
- Kid Icarus: A platformer developed by Nintendo that features Pit, a young angel who is tasked with defeating Medusa.
South American NES Games
Some popular NES games released in South America include:
- Bionic Commando: A platformer developed by TOSE that follows the adventures of Rad Spencer, a commando who must rescue his girlfriend from an evil organization.
- Castlevania: An action-adventure game developed by Konami that features Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter tasked with defeating Dracula.
Conclusion
The NES is a beloved console with an impressive library of games. The North and South American NES cartridges released in Europe are just as iconic, with unique games that were not available in other regions. Understanding the age rating guidelines will help you make informed decisions about which games to play based on your child's age.
Additional Resources
For more information on NES games, including their age ratings and release dates, please refer to the following resources:
- Nintendo.com: The official website of Nintendo, featuring a vast library of NES games, including their age ratings.
- ESRB.org: The Entertainment Software Rating Board, responsible for regulating age ratings in North America.
- Pegi.info: The Pan European Game Information rating system, used to rate games in Europe.
References
- "The Nintendo Entertainment System" by IGN
- "NES Games" by GameSpot
- "Age Rating Guidelines" by ESRB