Famicom

Moero TwinBee: Cinnamon-hakase o Sukue!

• Moero TwinBee: Cinnamon-hakase o Sukue!
Release Date: 1993 (1986 for FDS version)
Genre: Shoot ’em up
Players: 1–3

• Description - Moero TwinBee is a hybrid vertical and side-scrolling shoot ’em up where players pilot colorful ships through seven stages filled with enemies, hazards, and power-ups. Gameplay revolves around shooting enemies and uncovering bells hidden in clouds, which provide various upgrades like speed boosts, lasers, and shields. The game mixes traditional vertical shooter stages with side-scrolling sections, adding variety and unique mechanics between levels.

• Co-op Experience - Up to three players can play simultaneously. Two players use standard controllers, while a third player can join using the Famicom expansion port. Players can combine their ships to create stronger attacks, encouraging teamwork and positioning.

Mottomo Abunai Deka

• Mottomo Abunai Deka
Release Date: 1989
Genre: Action
Players: 1–2

• Description - Mottomo Abunai Deka is a side-scrolling action game based on the Japanese detective drama. You play as two cops fighting through waves of enemies using handguns and occasional weapon pickups. The game is known for its clunky controls, heavy slowdown, and rough overall design, with awkward jumping and enemy placement that make progression difficult.

• Co-op Experience - Two players play simultaneously, each controlling one of the detectives. While it technically supports co-op, the slowdown and controls make it feel chaotic and unpolished, often working against the experience rather than enhancing it.

Wit's

• Wit’s
Release Date: 1989
Genre: Action
Players: 1–4

• Description - Wit’s is a competitive arena action game similar to the light cycle segments from Tron or Snake. Players move around a rectangular playfield, leaving a trail behind them that becomes a hazard. The goal is to outlast opponents by avoiding collisions while forcing them into your path. Players can speed up and have a limited jump ability to escape tight situations.

• Co-op Experience - This is primarily a competitive multiplayer game rather than traditional co-op, but there is a mode that allows two players to team up against the computer. Also, up to four players can play simultaneously, competing to survive the longest or score the most points across rounds.

Astro Robo Sasa

• Astro Robo Sasa
Release Date: 1985
Genre: Action Shooter
Players: 1–2

• Description - Astro Robo Sasa is a single-screen action shooter built around a pretty unique mechanic. Instead of just using your gun to attack, every shot also pushes your character in the opposite direction, so movement and combat are tied together. Each stage is about collecting energy while avoiding enemies, and because your ammo and health come from the same meter, every shot matters. The game moves through different gravity-based environments including indoor stages, underwater areas, and outer space.

• Co-op Experience - Two players play simultaneously, with Player 2 controlling Nana. Both characters have their own energy meter and work through the same single-screen stages together, but there’s a catch: players can accidentally shoot and damage each other. It makes co-op feel more chaotic and a lot less forgiving.

Keroppi to Kerolinu no Splash Bomb!

• Keroppi to Keroriinu no Splash Bomb!
Release Date: 1993
Genre: Action Puzzle
Players: 1–2

• Description - Keroppi to Keroriinu no Splash Bomb! is a maze-based action puzzle game similar to Bomberman, where you use water balloon explosions to clear obstacles and navigate through multi-room stages. Instead of traditional bombs, the focus is on using blasts to interact with the environment and solve simple puzzles. The game leans into its Sanrio theme with a lighter, more accessible design aimed at younger players.

• Co-op Experience - Two players play simultaneously, working through maze-like stages together. Both players can place water balloons and help clear paths, making it a more relaxed, cooperative version of the Bomberman-style formula.

Warpman

• Warpman
Release Date: 1985
Genre: Action Shooter
Players: 1–2

• Description - Warpman is a single screen action shooter where you control an astronaut fighting off waves of aliens across alternating stage types. Some levels are open “space” arenas with standard shooting, while others are maze-based and replace your weapon with timed bombs. The gameplay is simple but addictive, focused on movement, enemy patterns, and chasing high scores.

• Co-op Experience - Two players play simultaneously, each controlling their own astronaut on the same screen. Both players work together to clear enemies and survive waves.

Erika to Satoru no Yume Bouken

• Erika to Satoru no Yume Bouken
Release Date: 1988
Genre: Adventure
Players: 1–2

• Description - Erika to Satoru no Yume Bouken is a story-driven adventure game with exploration and dialogue-heavy progression.

• Co-op Experience - Two players can explore independently, but most scenes require both characters to be present at the same location to interact with NPCs or progress.

Daiva Story 6

• Daiva Story 6
Release Date: 1987
Genre: Action / Strategy
Players: 1–2

• Description - Daiva Story 6 blends space combat, strategic elements, and exploration in a unique sci-fi structure. It also has autoscrolling shooter sections as well.

• Co-op Experience - Two players control their own ship in splitscreen and work together. Then in the autoscrolling sections, each player takes control of their own character.

Parallel World

• Parallel World
Release Date: 1990
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1–2

• Description - Parallel World is a top-down puzzle game where a boy and girl must escape an alternate universe by clearing stages inside a massive castle made up of 25 different worlds. Each level has enemies, hazards, and a strict 100-second time limit, giving the game a fast-paced arcade feel despite its puzzle focus.

• Co-op Experience - Two players play simultaneously, with one controlling the male character and the other controlling the female. Both players work together to survive enemies and solve each stage before time runs out.

Crisis Force

  • • Crisis Force
    Release Date: 1991
    Genre: Shoot ’em Up
    Players: 1–2

    • Description - Crisis Force is a late-era Famicom shoot ’em up with strong visuals, smooth gameplay, and a weapon system that lets players adapt to different situations.

    • Co-op Experience - Two players play simultaneously, each controlling their own ship and fighting through stages together.