Top 10: 5 to stay away from, 5 to replace them with

Whether or not you like a game is completely up to you. However, there have been some games that have come out that were universally bad, or just bad ideas for that matter. So today's Top 10 is a combination of 5 games I think you should steer clear of at all costs, and some you may want to try instead. As always, comments and suggestions are welcome.


Don't play: The Adventures of Bayou Billy (NES). Being from Louisiana myself, this game actually offends me (kind of like the movie "The Waterboy" does). I don't know if it's the bad Cajun accents or the having to beat alligators with sticks or what. This game is just bad.

Instead, try: Double Dragon II (NES). This is, in my opinion, the best game in the NES DD series. If you like beating up bad dudes (Hey, that's a good game, too!), this is a great title to try.


Don't play: Sonic Spinball (Genesis). Sonic the Hedgehog is supposed to run really fast, go around loops and jump on and over enemies. He's not meant to be confined to a pinball machine.

Instead, try: Pokemon Pinball (Game Boy Color). At least there's an actual ball involved. Or if it's a taste of Sonic you're after, try any one of his side-scrolling adventures.


Don't play: Battletoads (NES). I give this game a lot of grief, but I feel it's justified. It's about as impossible to complete as Contra with just three lives. For more on my grief, click the link above.

Instead, try: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES). This is one of the best titles for the NES, and that's saying a lot considering the hundreds of games for the console. Gee, I wonder where the idea for a group crime-fighting toads came from?


Don't play: Pac-Man (Atari 2600). This port is bad - really, really bad. It's so bad in fact not a single one of the numerous other Pac-Man ports look even remotely close to this one. There is only one board to the entire game, and it repeats over and over again.

Instead, try: Ms. Pac-Man (Atari 7800). This is a right-on version of the arcade game, right down to the title screen and (cheesy) cut scenes in between. It's a much better option if you happen to own a 7800.


Don't play: Pro Wrestling (Sega Master System). This is not - I repeat not - the same as Pro Wrestling for the NES. This game features four tag teams who look like bobble head dolls. So don't make the mistake of buying this game thinking it's the same.

Instead, try: The other Pro Wrestling (NES). No, there still aren't any real wrestlers in this game, although I've read they're modeled after real ones (I heard King Slender is modeled after "Nature Boy" Ric Flair - Whoooo!). Anyways, this is a great title, even though it also has a limited number of wrestlers. Their bodies are proportional, and the in-match action also includes a referee and cameraman.