Retro Games From 1988

Kenseiden is a side-scrolling action game where players control a young samurai seeking revenge. Set in feudal Japan, the game combines sword combat with platforming across six challenging stages featuring mythological creatures and supernatural enemies.

The 8-bit Master System adaptation of Sega's legendary ninja action game. As Joe Musashi, players rescue kidnapped children from the criminal syndicate Zeed, utilizing shurikens, sword attacks, and ninjutsu magic across 5 distinct missions with varied gameplay styles.

The classic city-smashing arcade game comes to SMS! Play as George (gorilla), Lizzie (lizard), or Ralph (wolf) and destroy buildings while avoiding military forces. Features all the iconic destruction from the arcade with 2-player simultaneous action.

A time-traveling run-and-gun adventure where players battle through four historical eras (Prehistoric, Roman, Medieval, and Future). Features cooperative 2-player action, era-specific weapons, and branching paths with multiple endings.

Ys: The Vanished Omens is the groundbreaking first entry in Falcom's legendary Ys series, ported to Sega Master System in 1988. Players control red-haired swordsman Adol Christin as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of the six priests of Ys. Notable for its innovative 'bump combat' system and sweeping Yoshiki Kawai soundtrack, it set new standards for action RPGs on 8-bit consoles.

Aleste is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up and the second game in the Aleste series. Players control the Aleste fighter craft through six stages of intense bullet-dodging action, featuring power-up systems and massive screen-filling bosses.

Bomber Raid is a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up where players pilot an advanced bomber aircraft through six intense stages. Destroy enemy bases, tanks, and aircraft while avoiding anti-aircraft fire and collecting power-ups to enhance your weapons.

The Legendary Axe is a groundbreaking action-platformer for the PC Engine, renowned for its brutal difficulty and innovative charge-attack system. Set in a prehistoric fantasy world, players control the warrior Gogan to rescue his beloved from the demonic Garinoth in this early showcase of the console's graphical capabilities.

A pseudo-3D racing game developed by Nintendo for the Famicom Disk System. As the sequel to Famicom Grand Prix, it features a unique behind-the-car perspective with scaling sprites to simulate 3D effects. Players compete in rally races across varied terrain with realistic physics for its time.

The iconic puzzle game makes its MSX2 debut with this version featuring colorful graphics and the classic gameplay of rotating and arranging falling tetrominoes to clear lines.

The MSX2 adaptation of Konami's legendary run-and-gun shooter featuring redesigned levels and weapons. Battle through alien-infested jungles and military bases solo or with a friend.

The foundational entry in Compile's legendary shoot 'em up series. Players pilot the Aleste spacecraft through eight vertically-scrolling stages, battling the mecha forces of Gaina with an innovative power-up system.