Number 12 [Most Memorable NES Games]

So I decided to do a Top 12 list.  I just couldn't do ten.  I tried.  I really tried.  Even with the honorable mentions.  But this is my blog, so I'll do as I please.  Besides, Top 10 lists are boring.  Top 12 lists are where it's at. 

12.  Batman

In case you forgot it was a video game, it even reminds you on the box.  Batman- The Video Game.  YEEEAAH!!

My brother and I actually created a savings account for this game.  We got an old, beat-up cracker tin and wrapped a sheet of paper from a spiral notebook around it.  We made sure the the frayed edges were down at the bottom and the Scotch tape was in the back.  We needed it to look classy.  I scrawled Justin and Joby's Video Game Fund on the front.  Joby drew the Bat-Symbol in the center.  It was hideous, but it represented a dream.

Anytime time we got spare change, it would go straight into the fund.  Every couple of days we would count it up and write the new running total on the back.  This was back when a new NES cart would run you $49.99.  Good night that's a lot when you're nine and seven-years-old.  Jeez, that's a lot when you're 31...

After what felt like six months, I think we got up to around $27 or so.  Needless to say, I didn't actually own this game until late in my teen years.

I first saw this game in action at my buddy, Mike Willis', house.  I've been a Batman fan since I was a little kid, and this game pushed my nine-year-old brain over the edge.  It was amazing.  The graphics and sound were beyond anything I can remember seeing up until that point.  I still jam to this soundtrack when I'm working on certain things.

The punishing difficulty level kept me from ever getting too far as a kid.  Our old neighbor, Damon, could beat the Joker.  He was a gaming legend around my old apartments.  We'd always say stuff like, "I bet Damon could get past this part with one hand" or "I heard Damon already beat this without looking at the screen."  We built him up to a Chuck Norris-esqe gaming prowess.  But don't tell Chuck Norris I said that.

Even now I can't get past level three.  But who cares?  It was Batman.  And it was is awesome.

Come back tomorrow for my next game.  And be sure to check out all the posts in my Most Memorable NES Games list.

[Screenshots courtesy of GameFAQs]