Top 10: Classic video game dynasties

The Donkey Kong series represents the best in never getting old.

No matter how many sequels some video game companies come out with, many never get old (while some do, but that's another topic for another time). One of the best things about long-running series is being able to see new innovations that show up with each new release. Many famous series are among gaming's biggest sellers and have been around since video games were first made readily aavilable for the home.

Here are my top 10 video game dynasties from the 16-bit era and back. While some of these franchises have newer installments, I'm only listing some of the 16-bit and lower titles. By the way, I'm not listing every title for every franchise, because for some I might be typing all day! And as always, your comments are welcome.

10: Bases Loaded

Includes: Bases Loaded 1, 2, 3, 4; Super Bases Loaded 1, 2, 3

The Bases Loaded series was the best set of baseball games for the NES, and only World Series Baseball for the Sega Genesis rivaled it during the 16-bit age. And some titles features Ryne Sandberg on the cover, which was pretty cool in the late 1980s.

9: Street Fighter II

Includes: The World Warrior, Turbo, Champion Edition, Special Champion Edition, Super SF II, SF II Turbo: Hyper Fighting

The classic 2D fighting game was champion of the 16-bit era. The Genesis version was ideal if you had the 6-button controller, which was set up just like the arcade configuration.

8: Contra

Includes: Contra, Super C, Contra III: The Alien Wars, Super Contra, Contra Force

Contra was "run and gun" gameplay at its best, as stopping for too long would get you killed. The "Konami Code" was a necessity when playing the ultra-difficult first game in the series.

7: Ninja Gaiden

Includes: Ninja Gaiden, NG II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, NG III: The Ancient Ship of Doom

What made Ninja Gaiden games, especially the first one, so great was the level of difficulty. Ryu's adventures were anything but a cakewalk, and the original could be downright frustrating at times.

6: John Madden Football/Madden NFL xx

Includes: Any Madden game up to the end of the 16-bit era

John Madden Football, in its infancy, was actually more fun than it is today. From the obscure team names (New Jersey, anyone?), to the ambulance crushing anyone in its path to rescue the injured player, to Barry Sanders destroying defenses, these were the franchises glory years.

5: Mega Man

Includes: Mega Man 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Xtreme, X, X2, X3, The Wily Wars

I wish I could rank Mega Man higher. I wish it because of how MM always felt so familiar, yet so different. The first installment was punishing (the "pause" trick definitely helps), but doesn't lose points for that. What it does lose points for, however, is the downright awful North American covers for Mega Man 1 and 2. Note to artists: Mega Man doesn't carry a cap gun!

4: The Legend of Zelda

Includes: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages/Seasons

The original is a classic, the second not so much, the SNES title is best in the series (Sorry Ocarina fans, your game is overrated) and the Game Boy editions are solid. In fact, if you've never played Link's Awakening and are tired of fighting Ganon every time, I highly suggest trying it.

3: Super Mario Bros.

Includes: Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, 3; Super Mario World 1, 2; Super Mario Land 1, 2, 3; The Lost Levels; Super Mario RPG

Super Mario Bros. 3 is, hands-down, the best overall game for the NES. The gameplay, graphics and music can't be beat. The original SMB was groundbreaking, and SMB 2 in North America was like an acid trip, while SMB 2 in Japan (Lost Levels) made you pull your hair out. All of the SNES Mario titles were solid, too, but couldn't stack up to SMB 3.

2: Sonic the Hedgehog

Includes: Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2, 3; Sonic and Knuckles; Sonic CD; Sonic Spinball

The anti-Mario gets the nod over SMB for its display of raw 16-bit power. Its music, speed and graphics trumped Mario, even when the plumber entered the 16-bit arena. Spinball was horrible and took away what made Sonic fun, but the other titiles provided gamers with hours of it. A fresh storyline that didn't include Bowser made the original Sonic the preferred choice for me.

1: Donkey Kong

Included: Donkey Kong; Donkey Kong Jr.; Donkey Kong 3; Donkey Kong Country 1, 2, 3; Donkey Kong Land 1, 2, 3

Where to begin? How about with a little carpenter named Jumpman, er, Mario. That's right, Mario used to be a carpenter but changed his trade. Speaking of which, major points have to go out for making Mario the bad guy (Jr.). The original DK and Jr. have been ported an insane number of times, and Mario is in, what, like a bazillion games now. Then there's Donkey Kong Country. DKC made a 16-bit system look like a PlayStation on your TV, made the gorilla the hero and made a giant wad of cash off it. Plus, since Mario wasn't officially "Mario" yet, DK has been around longer than anyone on this list. Shigeru Miyamoto, please step up and accept your crown!