What EGM said: 'It’s 16 years old and nearly all of its sequels are better games, but the fact that the original Mario is so high on our list should shows you how great this series truly is. I would have picked a Metal Slug game over Gunstar Heroes, but it deserves a place on this list (just maybe not the 23rd spot). The game is fairly difficult, but it won’t make you scream obscenities like Contra.

The fact that Treasure was able to pack so many enemies on screen was impressive, and the variety of weapons will satisfy any appetite. What I have to say: Gunstar Heroes may feature goofy characters and a nonsensical plot, but the frantic action is a hardcore gamer’s wet dream. It’s a blast as a two player game–you can actually use your partner as a weapon by throwing him at enemies. It’s frantic, with combinable power-ups, unique levels and more things to shoot at than you can, well, shoot at. What EGM said: 'No game shows off the Genesis’ power like Treasure’s rookie effort. I never managed to beat it, but I’ve been itching to play it again, so perhaps I’ll download it on Wii Virtual Console. I remember renting it a few times as a kid, and everything from the music to the giant bosses was amazing. What I have to say: I missed out on the whip cracking action of the NES Castlevania games, but I was fortunate enough to play this early Super NES gem. Of course, the classic Drac gameplay that’s made this series a hardcore fave was as solid as ever.

What EGM said: 'Back before the Super NES was considered super-duper, this sucker put the new system through its paces with big sprites, rotating backgrounds and other nifty effects.

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