Nintendo Entertainment System (25th Anniversary)

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 04:00 AM

Eric Corp Gamer's RU Exclusive Review 19
Nintendo Entertainment System
1985 - 2010 (25)

As I haven't done a new review since two months ago, I'm gonna take off from taking on the horribleness of pirated games until either December 2010 or January 2011. Since I haven't done a review since, I'm gonna begin with a console review on the Nintendo Entertainment System, one of the most popular systems of all time. Also, I'm doing this because it's going to be the NES' 25th anniversary in North America (October 18, 1985 - October 18, 2010)

History:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_K1u5aeVzE"]YouTube - Nintendo NES, a 10 minute history.[/ame]

REVIEW

Console Average: B

Original NES model: C+
The original model which is pretty big for a third-gen console, resembles a toaster with a loading mechanism, which is rather unique in comparison to a top-loader (mostly due to the video game crash of 1983, [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_crash_of_1983"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_game_crash_of_1983)[/ame]. The cosmetic look is rather interesting and memorable to look, however the loading mechanism leaves a lot to be desired. Before I mentioned it, the system utilizes a 10NES chip, which checks if the game is authorized, which is annoying. When you put a game in and push the POWER button, you'll notice that the system keeps resetting, until you put the cartridge at a specific spot that it starts working. It can get gradually mind-numbing, since you think that the game is not working anymore, but luckily there is a trick to make things work, here's a video on how to do so:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qu2DhvpydI"]YouTube - How to Make NES Games Work![/ame]

When I try the trick (beginning on 2:11), all of the games I have so far generally work flawlessly (though rarely, it does take more than one try to work). Also, the pins on the system can get rather prone, mostly due to either aging (since the NES is about 25 years old now), the use of the Game Genie (since it adds more strain to the pins), or repeated putting it in/taking it out the cartridges (it causes to wear out quickly), which can affect it if one of the pins gets bent, making the system unusable. Other than that, the model is decent enough, but it's inconsistent 10NES chip and the pins can make use of the system rather skeptical. Unless you get one that has the 10NES chip removed, but other than that, it's only recommended for collector's items.

NES 2: A
Unlike the original model, this one actually uses a top loader, which is much better than the VCR-like mechanism that plagued of the older model. Also, this system also lacks the 10NES chip, which improves the system and gives the ability to play PAL version of games (or better, PAL-exclusive games). The only problem is the inability of using the Game Genie on the system (unless you have an adapter). Other than that, this is the model people should get to play games on the system.

Graphics: B
Overall, the graphics capabilities of the system is pretty good for a third-gen console, and even though it is rather outdated, I still think they hold up, even today. While the early games on the NES were rather simplistic, as years go by, the games utilized more detailed and complex graphics. For example, compare Duck Hunt (1985) to Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990). You'll notice that SMB 3 utilized better looking graphics than Duck Hunt did. The system is also well known to utilizing more sprites and colors than previous consoles, which was amazing at the time. There's not much to say, but the graphics on the NES is considered to be famous by many people and is part of the Nintendo pop culture. See below:

Sound: A+
While the graphics is a little outdated, the sound is pretty damn good for a third-gen console and the video game world, overall. Many games utilized very good and catchy, which many of the soundtracks is considered memorable by many people, which includes games like Super Mario Bros., Contra, and Mega Man, for example. You really have to hear it to understand how amazing the sound chip of the system is when used to its full potential.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEKDF_WbMlg"]YouTube - Super Mario Bros. Music - Main Theme & Overworld[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqFhczSljwM"]YouTube - Stage 1: Contra Music[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFKtYCcMWT4"]YouTube - Best VGM 153 - Mega Man 2 - Dr. Wily Stage 1 / 2[/ame]

Controller Average: B+

Original NES model: A+
The controller featured in the "toaster" model is the perfect controller. Just a D-pad, A and B buttons, Start and Select, plain simple. This controller is plain flawless, and is considered part of Nintendo pop culture, too. The perfect controller ever made.

NES 2: B
This one is pretty good, but it's dog-bone (which resembles the SNES controller*) look really bland and lame, and it just doesn't feel good in the palm on your hands. This one is good if you don't have the famous NES controller, but not, stick with the controller featured on the "toaster" model. (See above)

Games: A+
I believe that this needs no introduction, but this system has thousands of memorable and well-made games in its library. Some of the best gaming franchises include: Super Mario Bros., Contra, Mega Man, Ninja Gaiden, Castlevania, Zelda etc. There is much more than that, but I can't say it all. As there are thousands of games in the NES library, some of them are unlicensed (ex: Tetris, R.B.I Baseball, and Action 52 (ugh)) and pirated games (ex: Somari, Sonic 3D Blast 5, and Kart Fighter (check out my reviews of those)), during its lifespan. While most of those games are pretty lame, a few of those games does stand out like Tetris and R.B.I. Baseball, for example. Even though these games are at least 15 years old or more, they are still remembered and played even today (like us at Retro Uprising), and these games have a charm that not even the seventh-gen games have, and don't focus on "graphics over gameplay" like most of the current-gen games.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fHsMv319HI"]YouTube - Castlevania (NES) Walkthrough - Level 1[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7vcLht-cdE"]YouTube - The Legend of Zelda NES walkthrough (Quest 1) part 1[/ame]

Overall: A+
I really don't need to say more. The system gave us some of the best franchises that are still continuing today, and still has the fun and appeal that made video gaming fun in the first place. Even the most successful consoles has to give props to the NES for getting us out of the Video Game Crash of 1983, and for the success of the system. Kudos for Nintendo for bringing us the eye candy we all know and love.

If you wish to play the NES on RU:
Retro Uprising - Arcade

2010 Eric Corp Incorporated
* thanks to StarFoxFan2009 for reminding me

Members of RU:
People who have read this review, please comment me some additional info I could use to put in my review to make it much better. Thanks for reading, all hail NES!

**StarfoxFan2009** · 08-20-2010, 04:02 AM

Let's not forget to mention the NES 2 controller resembles the SNES controller...

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarfoxFan2009

Let's not forget to mention the NES 2 controller resembles the SNES controller...

Thanks for reminding me, I totally forgot about that.

**Tails** · 08-20-2010, 04:17 AM

Nice job, why don't you talk about how people pirated games and name some? Tetris rings a bell.

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tails

Nice job, why don't you talk about how people pirated games and name some? Tetris rings a bell.

Don't worry, I'm gonna revise my review a little bit. Think of this like a draft. I was gonna get to that, thanks though.

**StarfoxFan2009** · 08-20-2010, 04:22 AM

The way i see it, all they did was add a few buttons to it and called it the SNES

**Kugyince** · 08-20-2010, 04:23 AM

The pins are easy enough to adjust back into position with a small flathead.

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tenser

The pins are easy enough to adjust back into position with a small flathead.

Well yeah, but I'm talking about the general audience and people is not gonna know that they could use it to adjust them back. Not like I don't have that problem with my model, but I mean for other people.

**splatglobe 95** · 08-20-2010, 10:26 AM

that's pretty good history we'll alaways love it no matter what people think.

---------- Post added at 10:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:23 AM ----------

super mario bros 3 was the best nes game ever. even better that super mario bros.
(if people still love super mario bros 1)

**CrispyChicken** · 08-20-2010, 11:59 AM

Great review, I have the SNES, but I wish I got the NES, they have alot of great games on there, at least I can play them here on RU.

**ZedIsDead** · 08-20-2010, 12:51 PM

Nice review. I disagree about the standard NES controller though. It may be nostalgic, but it's also uncomfortable as hell. The Super Nintendo controller is the only one Nintendo has done right.

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjatiamat

Nice review. I disagree about the standard NES controller though. It may be nostalgic, but it's also uncomfortable as hell. The Super Nintendo controller is the only one Nintendo has done right.

How is it uncomfortable? I never had that problem using the controller, as it seemed comfortable to me.

**ZedIsDead** · 08-20-2010, 01:06 PM

The corners of it get really annoying after a while.

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjatiamat

The corners of it get really annoying after a while.

Okay, I understand, but then, why are you putting your hands on the corners, then? I don't put my hands on the edges but, that's cool. Just stick with a NES 2 controller if you think the other feels uncomfortable.

**Slime Slayer** · 08-20-2010, 01:16 PM

Good read, I don't see how the console design could get anything less than an a. I don't think I've ever encountered a nes that was truly "dead".

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevencassidy13

Good read, I don't see how the console design could get anything less than an a. I don't think I've ever encountered a nes that was truly "dead".

Well, I was referring to the general audience that seems to have a problem with the 10NES chip and the pins getting bent. I would've give the original model at least an A-, but people seem to have problem with it.If only if it was more reliable, then probably in the A's. But, you're entitled to your opinion and I like that.

**Slime Slayer** · 08-20-2010, 01:59 PM

Well I was just comparing it to the xbox's and ps's of the newer generations, next to those it's practically immortal.

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevencassidy13

Well I was just comparing it to the xbox's and ps's of the newer generations, next to those it's practically immortal.

Oh, I understand, I hate when some people compare the NES to like a PS3, for example. People need to learn to compare them to other systems of the same generation (NES - SMS, PS3 - 360 - Wii) and not to other generations, because people are obviously gonna go to the better looking graphics. That really sickens us at RU.

**Normdogg** · 08-20-2010, 07:20 PM

The way I see it, graphics and gameplay should not be compared to newer/older generations. However, durability seems to be a valid comparison between generations. These days, people seem to take the cheapest way out and buy crappy hardware for platforms. However, back in the 80s and 90s, even though the platforms were expensive to make, they are lasting for 20+ years. My NES and SNES still work great, but I wouldn't say the same about my PS3, PSP, DS, Wii, and 360 in 20 years.

**ECInc2XXX** · 08-20-2010, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Normdogg

The way I see it, graphics and gameplay should not be compared to newer/older generations. However, durability seems to be a valid comparison between generations. These days, people seem to take the cheapest way out and buy crappy hardware for platforms. However, back in the 80s and 90s, even though the platforms were expensive to make, they are lasting for 20+ years.

I agree with your statement, Normdogg. That's what I was thinking, too.

**Demon-Mask** · 08-20-2010, 10:32 PM

Yes, the only thing that should be compared trans-generation would be durability. The only other thing I compare is how much work developers put into the games, nowadays it seems that developers are larger, have more money, and put together games while cutting as many corners as possible, this is why there are too many gray games that use a similar engine, because the engines are recycled, and there are several engines that have been developed specifically to be used {for a nominal fee} by various developers. It used to be that games were harder to develop and developers were smaller and had less money, yet somehow managed to put together games that cut less corners.