Retro Games From 1991

The first Goemon game localized for Western audiences, blending action-platforming with RPG elements across feudal Japan. Play as Goemon or Ebisumaru to save villages from the Peach Mountain Shoguns.

The SNES port of Konami's seminal shoot-'em-up arcade game, featuring enhanced graphics and new stages exclusive to this version. Players control the Vic Viper spacecraft through horizontally-scrolling levels filled with the series' signature power-up system and challenging enemy patterns.

The SNES adaptation of Irem's classic arcade shooter featuring enhanced graphics, new stages, and the iconic Force pod system. Battle through waves of biomechanical aliens in this side-scrolling space epic.

Sonic the Hedgehog is a 8-bit portable adaptation of Sega's iconic platformer for the Game Gear. While sharing the same title as the Genesis version, this game features completely original levels designed for handheld play. Players control Sonic as he speeds through zones to stop Dr. Robotnik's evil plans.

The Game Gear adaptation of the arcade classic brings intense ninja action to handhelds with redesigned levels and new mechanics. As master ninja Joe Musashi, players battle through side-scrolling stages using shurikens, sword attacks, and ninjutsu magic.

A vertically scrolling shooter featuring the experimental X-002 fighter jet battling alien forces across 8 intense stages. Notable for its power-up system and being one of the few Game Gear titles supporting the Sega Master System converter.

A Game Gear spin-off of the Golden Axe series featuring RPG elements, following the barbarian Ax Battler through an overworld adventure with turn-based combat.

This 1991 Game Gear adaptation of Tecmo's arcade classic transforms the original beat-'em-up into a side-scrolling action-platformer. Players control Ryu Hayabusa through 6 stages of ninja combat, featuring shuriken throws, wall jumps, and brutal difficulty.

Metroid II: Return of Samus is a groundbreaking action-adventure game that pushed the Game Boy's capabilities to their limits. As bounty hunter Samus Aran, players travel to planet SR388 to exterminate the Metroid species in this direct sequel to the NES classic.

Yoshi's first starring role in this egg-matching puzzle game. Arrange falling eggs to create vertical or horizontal lines of the same color. Features Mario's dinosaur companion in his debut solo adventure with special bonus games.

A puzzle game where players must guide falling eggs to match colors with Yoshi characters at the bottom of the screen. Strategic planning is required to prevent the stack from reaching the top.

Christopher Belmont's quest to rescue his son Soleiyu from Dracula in this non-linear Game Boy sequel. Features four explorable castles with unique themes and the debut of the magical Belmont weapon system.

The first Contra game for Game Boy featuring solo missions as Bill Rizer or Lance Bean against alien forces. Introduces the weapon storage system letting players switch between collected guns.

Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge is the first Game Boy installment in the Mega Man series. Released in 1991, this portable adaptation combines elements from Mega Man 1-3 with original content, featuring 4 Robot Masters from NES titles and 4 new ones. The game introduced the 'Robot Master Rematch' concept later used in Mega Man 9 and 10.

An original Game Boy entry in the Ninja Gaiden series featuring Ryu Hayabusa's apprentice on a mission to recover stolen ancient scrolls. This portable ninja adventure introduces new mechanics like wall-grabbing and a unique 'Shadow Mode' power-up system.

Final Fantasy Adventure is a 1991 action RPG developed and published by Square for the Game Boy. Despite its name, it's the first game in the Mana series (Seiken Densetsu in Japan). Players control a gladiator slave who escapes to prevent the dark lord Vandole from obtaining the power of Mana and destroying the world.

The climactic 1991 finale to the Game Boy SaGa trilogy introduces time travel mechanics and class-changing airships. Battle across past, present, and future timelines to prevent a watery apocalypse in Square's most technically advanced GB RPG.

Gradius: The Interstellar Assault is a portable installment in Konami's legendary shooter series, designed specifically for the Game Boy. Players pilot the Vic Viper through six challenging stages featuring both horizontal and vertical scrolling segments.