The open-world chaos of Grand Theft Auto 3 could have been a little stricter—at least according to early development plans. Originally, players were meant to receive a wanted level simply for running a red light. However, the idea didn’t sit well with the development team, leading to its swift removal.
According to former developer insights, this mechanic was scrapped because it conflicted with the game’s overall design philosophy. While realism has always played a part in the GTA series, the goal was to encourage freedom rather than restrict it with minor infractions. Getting a wanted level for something as trivial as ignoring a traffic signal would have significantly slowed down the pace of gameplay, leading to frustration rather than fun.
In gta3, traffic lights cycle through 3 states: North/South East/West Pedestrians
The traffic light’s model orientation determines its cycle, and at startup, my code stored the cycle in the road nodes. This is why, even if the light was knocked over, cars still obeyed the light.… pic.twitter.com/RMJMA7spnE
At its core, GTA 3 revolutionized the gaming landscape by introducing a fully explorable 3D city where players could engage in mayhem at their own pace. The decision to remove penalties for red lights allowed for smoother, more dynamic movement through Liberty City, ensuring that the action never felt bogged down by unnecessary rules. Instead, the game focused on rewarding player agency—whether that meant evading the cops after a major heist or simply cruising through the streets without fear of petty violations.
This anecdote serves as an interesting look at the design choices that shaped one of gaming’s most influential titles. While the GTA series has since evolved with more immersive mechanics, it continues to prioritize open-ended gameplay over rigid realism. And given the franchise’s massive success, it’s clear that the developers made the right call.
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We have talked about Cronela’s Mansion before, and we are pleased to say that it is now live on Kickstarter, bringing a fresh yet nostalgic take on the genre. Developed by Straynus, this new title pays tribute to classics like Maniac Mansion and Monkey Island, promising a blend of humour, mystery, and intricate puzzles.
Credit: Kickstarter
What makes Cronela’s Mansion stand out is its dedication to retro gaming. Unlike most modern indie projects, this game is designed for multiple classic platforms, including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, and even PC and Nintendo Switch. The developer has gone the extra mile, ensuring each version is optimized for its respective system, with unique sprite work and adaptations.
Credit: Kickstarter
Set in a mysterious mansion filled with odd characters, supernatural occurrences, and plenty of puzzles, Cronela’s Mansion embraces the quirky, narrative-driven spirit of its inspirations. The game has already been showcased at MAGFest 2025, where it won Best Sound Design, further cementing its potential.
Credit: Kickstarter
The Kickstarter campaign is ambitious, with a funding goal of £103,966. As of now, the project has raised over £46,000 with 27 days remaining. Backers can choose from various editions, including digital copies, physical cartridges, collector’s items, and even a behind-the-scenes art book. Demos for multiple platforms are available, allowing players to get an early taste of what’s in store.
If you’re a fan of classic LucasArts-style adventure games or just love the idea of a new title built for retro hardware, Cronela’s Mansion is a campaign worth backing. The project will only be funded if it reaches its goal by March 6, 2025. You can check it out and support the game on Kickstarter.
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Who did not love gaming magazines? Something was amazing about going to your local shop or having your favourite publication delivered to your home. The smell of the pages, the excitement of what might be coming and the promise of hints, tips and cheats for games that you might own. There was no internet for most of the retro gaming era, so magazines were all we had.
One of the most famous of these magazines was Nintendo Power. Nintendo Power was the official magazine of Nintendo and it ran from July 1988 until December 2012 (Future Publishing took over from 2007). Naturally, there was going to be a bit of bias towards their 1p games that they made themselves, and the NES had a catalogue of games that went back before the magazine started being published – but Nintendo Power did release a special supplement in issue 11 which contained the “Pak Source” which contained a review of most of the NES games.
The scores are broken down into 4 categories, and I have used the average to get the overall score. • Graphics & Sound — Character and background graphics and background and special effects sounds. • Play Control — Initial feel and overall play control. • Challenge — Lasting interest and difficulty of play. • Theme, Fun — Storyline, thrill, excitement, overall enjoyment.
I have taken a look back and aggregated these scores so you don’t have to, and without further ado, here are the top 10 best NES games, as per Nintendo Power.
10. Blades of Steel
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.0
• Play Control: 4.0
• Challenge: 4.0
• Theme & Fun: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.1
An arcade-style ice hockey game that brought fast-paced gameplay to the NES. Did you know Blades of Steel included a voice sample that said “Blades of Steel” at the title screen? This was a rare and impressive feature for the time.
Blades of Steel stood out for its unique fighting mechanic, which allowed players to duke it out mid-game, a feature that became a fan favourite. The game’s blend of sportsmanship and roughhousing made it a thrilling pick for multiplayer sessions.
9. Ninja Gaiden
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.5
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 4.0
Overall Score: 4.4
Known for its cinematic cutscenes and high difficulty, Ninja Gaiden pushed storytelling in games to new heights. Fun fact: the North American version is far harder than its Japanese counterpart due to enemy placement changes.
The game’s fast-paced action and fluid animation were groundbreaking for its time. With its intense boss battles and gripping narrative, Ninja Gaiden became a cult favourite and a benchmark for challenging gameplay.
8. Super Mario Bros. 3
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.5
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
Widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time, this classic introduced the overworld map and the legendary Tanooki Suit. An interesting fact: its launch was teased in the movie The Wizard before the game was released.
Super Mario Bros. 3 also introduced varied worlds, each with unique enemies, themes, and mechanics. The addition of secret areas and warp whistles added layers of depth, encouraging exploration and replayability.
7. Super Mario Bros.
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.5
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
The game that started it all for Mario and Luigi. This legendary title was bundled with the NES and sold millions, revolutionising platformers. Did you know the clouds and bushes in the game share the same sprite, just recoloured?
Its tight controls, iconic power-ups, and memorable music created a formula that inspired countless platformers. Super Mario Bros. remains a masterpiece, often replayed by retro enthusiasts and speedrunners alike.
6. Bases Loaded
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 5.0
• Play Control: 4.0
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
This baseball simulation was a home run for sports fans, featuring detailed animations and player stats. It was one of the first games to include an over-the-pitcher’s-shoulder perspective, adding to its realism.
Bases Loaded also introduced voice commentary, an impressive feature for an NES game. The realistic depiction of the game brought players closer to the ballpark, setting a new standard for sports simulations.
5. Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.5
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
Step into the ring with Little Mac and face off against the charismatic Mike Tyson. Did you know this game was originally called Punch-Out!! but was rebranded with Tyson after his rise to fame?
The unique boxing mechanics and quirky opponents, like King Hippo and Glass Joe, made each fight feel fresh. The game’s charming graphics and subtle humour turned it into one of the most beloved NES titles.
4. Double Dragon
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.5
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 4.5
Overall Score: 4.5
This co-op brawler let players take on gangs to rescue Marian, a classic damsel-in-distress story. Despite being a port of the 2 player arcade game, due to the NES limitations, the console version is only a one player game.
Its gripping combat system and variety of moves, including grabbing weapons, made it endlessly replayable. The game’s urban setting and engaging level design kept players coming back for more.
3. Mega Man 2
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 5.0
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 4.5
• Theme & Fun: 5.0
Overall Score: 4.6
Capcom’s blue bomber hit his peak in this sequel, delivering tight controls and memorable boss fights. Fun fact: the developers worked on the game in their spare time after Capcom initially refused to fund a sequel!
The ability to choose stages in any order, coupled with the introduction of the iconic Robot Masters, made Mega Man 2 a trailblazer in its genre. The unforgettable soundtrack is still celebrated by fans.
2. Super Mario Bros. 2
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 4.5
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 5.0
• Theme & Fun: 5.0
Overall Score: 4.8
This sequel took Mario and friends in a new direction with unique character abilities and mechanics. Did you know that this game was originally a reskin of Doki Doki Panic for the Western market?
The game introduced vertical scrolling and a vegetable-throwing mechanic, adding variety to its gameplay. Its dreamlike world and vibrant characters made it a memorable entry in the Mario series.
1. Metroid
Scores:
• Graphics & Sound: 5.0
• Play Control: 4.5
• Challenge: 5.0
• Theme & Fun: 5.0
Overall Score: 4.9
The crown jewel of the NES library, Metroid introduced players to the mysterious world of Zebes and its haunting soundtrack. Interesting fact: Samus Aran’s identity as a woman was a major twist, shattering stereotypes in gaming.
Metroid’s non-linear exploration, combined with its foreboding atmosphere, set a new standard for adventure games. Its influence is seen today in the “Metroidvania” genre, a testament to its groundbreaking design.
So, there you have it, from Nintendo themselves – what do you think? Any glaring omissions that should be on the list?
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