The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary gaming console released in the 1980s and early 1990s. It brought iconic characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda to living rooms worldwide. The NES also featured an impressive library of games that catered to various genres, including shooting games. In this article, we'll delve into the world of NES shooting games, explore popular titles, and discuss their age ratings.

Introduction

Shooting games were a staple on the NES, providing players with fast-paced action and thrilling experiences. The console's library featured a wide range of shooting games, from side-scrolling classics to 3D games that pushed the boundaries of the time. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the most popular NES shooting games, their features, and age ratings.

Popular NES Shooting Games

1. Contra (1987)

Developed by Namco, Contra is a run-and-gun action game that follows Bill and Lance as they fight against an alien invasion. The game features fast-paced action, challenging level design, and an iconic soundtrack. Contra was released in 1987 and has since become a classic of the genre.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Contra is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for families and casual gamers.

1. Metal Gear (1989)

Developed by Konami, Metal Gear is a stealth action game that follows Solid Snake as he infiltrates enemy bases to gather intel. The game features a unique storyline, challenging level design, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Metal Gear was released in 1989 and has since become a cult classic.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Metal Gear is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for fans of the series.

1. DuckTales (1989)

Developed by Capcom, DuckTales is a platformer that follows Scrooge McDuck as he searches for treasure and battles villains. The game features challenging level design, iconic characters, and catchy music. DuckTales was released in 1989 and has since become a classic of the genre.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

DuckTales is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for families and casual gamers.

1. Bionic Commando (1988)

Developed by Capcom, Bionic Commando is a platformer that follows a soldier named Simon as he battles against an evil organization. The game features challenging level design, innovative gameplay mechanics, and an iconic soundtrack. Bionic Commando was released in 1988 and has since become a classic of the genre.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Bionic Commando is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for fans of the series.

1. Ghosts 'n Goblins (1986)

Developed by Capcom, Ghosts 'n Goblins is a platformer that follows Sir Arthur as he battles against demons and other enemies. The game features challenging level design, iconic characters, and catchy music. Ghosts 'n Goblins was released in 1986 and has since become a classic of the genre.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Ghosts 'n Goblins is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for families and casual gamers.

Lesser-Known NES Shooting Games

While Contra, Metal Gear, and Ghosts 'n Goblins are well-known titles in the NES shooting game library, there are many other lesser-known gems worth exploring. Here are a few examples:

1. Blast Process (1987)

Developed by Irem, Blast Process is a space shooter that features fast-paced action and challenging level design. The game was released in 1987 and has since become a cult classic.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Blast Process is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.

1. Guardian Legend (1990)

Developed by Taito, Guardian Legend is a space shooter that features fast-paced action and challenging level design. The game was released in 1990 and has since become a cult classic.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Guardian Legend is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.

1. Xevious (1989)

Developed by Namco, Xevious is a space shooter that features fast-paced action and challenging level design. The game was released in 1989 and has since become a classic of the genre.

Age Rating: E (Everyone)

Xevious is suitable for players of all ages, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.

NES Shooting Games with Age Ratings

While most NES shooting games are rated E (Everyone), some titles may contain violence, mild profanity, or suggestive themes that may not be suitable for younger players. Here are a few examples:

1. Contra: Hard Corps (1994)

Developed by Midway, Contra: Hard Corps is an updated version of the classic Contra game. The game features fast-paced action and challenging level design, but also contains mild profanity and violence.

Age Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)

Contra: Hard Corps is suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a good choice for older kids and teenagers.

1. Metal Gear Solid (1998)

Developed by Konami, Metal Gear Solid is an updated version of the classic Metal Gear game. The game features stealth action and challenging level design, but also contains mild profanity, violence, and suggestive themes.

Age Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Metal Gear Solid is suitable for players aged 17 and above, making it a good choice for older teenagers and adults.

1. Ghosts 'n Goblins: Prequel (1998)

Developed by Capcom, Ghosts 'n Goblins: Prequel is an updated version of the classic Ghosts 'n Goblins game. The game features challenging level design and iconic characters, but also contains mild profanity and violence.

Age Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)

Ghosts 'n Goblins: Prequel is suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a good choice for older kids and teenagers.

Conclusion

The NES shooting game library is a treasure trove of classic titles that cater to various tastes and preferences. From fast-paced action games like Contra and Metal Gear to platformers like DuckTales and Ghosts 'n Goblins, there's something for everyone on the NES. While some titles may contain violence or suggestive themes, most are suitable for players of all ages.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a fun and exciting gaming experience, be sure to check out some of these classic NES shooting games. With their challenging level design, iconic characters, and catchy music, they're sure to provide hours of entertainment for gamers of all ages.

Recommendations

If you're new to the world of NES shooting games, here are a few recommendations:

1. Contra: A fast-paced action game that's perfect for fans of run-and-gun gameplay.
2. Metal Gear: A stealth action game that's perfect for fans of strategy and puzzle-solving.
3. DuckTales: A platformer that's perfect for families and casual gamers.

If you're looking for something a bit more challenging, here are a few recommendations:

1. Blast Process: A space shooter that features fast-paced action and challenging level design.
2. Guardian Legend: A space shooter that features fast-paced action and challenging level design.
3. Xevious: A space shooter that features fast-paced action and challenging level design.

Remember, these games are suitable for players of all ages, so be sure to check the age ratings before playing.