Voted wrong in accident, Sunsoft definitely. Batman, Return of the Joker, Mr. Gimmick, Blaster Master, Gremlins2, Journey to Silius, Lemmings and Ufouria. Excellent games.
I voted Taito since that was the first one that game to mind. Totally forgot about Sunsoft until reading the thread, but really both are great choices I think.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
Another good point. Let's continue to leave current devs on the boards out of it. That'd be like having a "favorite mod" poll. (You better F'ing pick me!)
Voted Hudson but good arguments for Sunsoft, Tecmo, Taito, Natsume, HAL. I also have to put a word in for Broderbund for having published my favorite NES game outside of Konami/Capcom (yes, ahead of any published by Nintendo) - Battle of Olympus.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
There is nothing to "fix" there is a list to choose from so choose from the list...
Omitting homebrew and Japanese companies from the list was on purpose.
An ode to the original publishers for NTSC Nes games. Not the delevopers. The developers would be a different question.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
There is nothing to "fix" there is a list to choose from so choose from the list...
Omitting homebrew and Japanese companies from the list was on purpose.
An ode to the original publishers for NTSC Nes games. Not the delevopers. The developers would be a different question.
It's about clarification so that it's clear why "the list" is the list.
If you want to completely generically say "which NES publisher is your favorite, besides the big 3" and then offer an incomplete list, there is something "to fix", because the list is incomplete and it probably doesn't include the option that some people would pick.
So if you simply correct the title of the thread to frame what the list ACTUALLY represents (major NTSC publishers of the NES-era), then there wouldn't be any confusion or complaint.
It's not an insult or affront to your topic to point this out. (especially when a big chunk of posts were devoted to people pointing out the missing publishers)
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
There is nothing to "fix" there is a list to choose from so choose from the list...
Omitting homebrew and Japanese companies from the list was on purpose.
An ode to the original publishers for NTSC Nes games. Not the delevopers. The developers would be a different question.
It's about clarification so that it's clear why "the list" is the list.
If you want to completely generically say "which NES publisher is your favorite, besides the big 3" and then offer an incomplete list, there is something "to fix", because the list is incomplete and it probably doesn't include the option that some people would pick.
So if you simply correct the title of the thread to frame what the list ACTUALLY represents (major NTSC publishers of the NES-era), then there wouldn't be any confusion or complaint.
It's not an insult or affront to your topic to point this out. (especially when a big chunk of posts were devoted to people pointing out the missing publishers)
No matter how I worded it or presented it, there would have been some flaw to pick apart to death....there always is....
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Not really, I beg to differ. The day homebrew developers take things to the next level and design a special peripheral to be used with their game, or something like that, then we can talk. But regarding innovative and also better games? That sounds a bit arrogant to me, and contradictory compared to what I have seen thus far. I guess the most innovative games must have been numbered limited editions of 3 pieces each, or something like that, lol.
I would give my vote to Sachen, but they aren't on the list either. Their lifespan is something to respect, as well as the sheer number of games released, and the number of markets tapped. Amazing stuff.
With that said, I guess I vote Caltron. Those guys were willing to take the bullet (well go to jail) over some of their games
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Not really, I beg to differ. The day homebrew developers take things to the next level and design a special peripheral to be used with their game, or something like that, then we can talk. But regarding innovative and also better games? That sounds a bit arrogant to me, and contradictory compared to what I have seen thus far. I guess the most innovative games must have been numbered limited editions of 3 pieces each, or something like that, lol.
You must have missed the thread about the game KHan and MTee are collaborating on that uses the SNES mouse on the NES for a point-and-click adventure.
Sunsoft, no doubt. I was really strongly considering HAL since Lolo, Air Fortress, and especially Kirby's Adventure are all pretty goddamn great, but I think Sunsoft just beats them on quantity of good stuff. Their Batman stuff is fantastic, Journey to Silius used to be super underrated and now has the reputation it deserves, and Mr. Gimmick is my all-time favorite NES game that doesn't say "Super Mario Bros 3" on the box. It's a shame what happened to them through the 16- and 32-bit eras, but Sunsoft in their prime was almost untouchable, or at least is once you filter out the bigger names in NES development.
Sunsoft would have had a lock on it, if they'd had a better implementation of the weapon powerups in Blaster Master and Fester's Quest.
Both games are fun if you stay powered up, but the weaker weapon power levels are miserable and frustrating, by comparison.
(I mean, they both have a mid-level power setting that is 100% useless because every shot gets absorbed by the wall and your range becomes totally pathetic as a result)
As much as I enjoy Blaster Master as an overall gaming experience, the severity of their game design sin, with respect to those weapon powerups means they can't be "the best".
(and yes, that is a gripe on publisher vs developer -- but they developed those games, as well as published them)
The question is quite complicated to answer accurately without separate lists of who developed and who published since the roles frequently go both ways. For instance, SOFEL published Dragon Fighter in North America, but Natsume actually developed the game.
While I do loves me some Taito/Sunsoft/HAL, I'm a real sucker for Natsume.
Edit: well shit I didn't read OP's post far enough to catch the NESGuide link
Triffix only made Castelian, Titus only made the Blues Brothers, Infocom only made Tombs and Treasure, INTV only made Monster Truck Rally and Meldac only made Zombie Nation. Aside from my lovely pick, I doubt any of those publishers will get any love. I know Ubisoft made 2 and a few developers made less than 5.
Comments
Who the hell said LJN!?!?!
LJN was the first vote after mine... So whoever voted for them must have really loved LJN. Like really really loved them.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Sunsoft for sure. Or taito in second
Same here
(Lolo series, Kirby's Adventure, Air Fortress)
Hudson, Sunsoft, or Taito, are also all contenders for total volume of good stuff.
SNK was no slouch, either.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
I think it's unfair to include homebrew publishers here because they would probably dominate the poll.
Waiting for KHAN Games, Sole Goose Productions, and Sly Dog Studios to be added to the poll.
Sort of ommitting the largest homebrew publisher, as well, aren't you?
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
Waiting for KHAN Games, Sole Goose Productions, and Sly Dog Studios to be added to the poll.
Sort of ommitting the largest homebrew publisher, as well, aren't you?
Good point. My brain processed "developer" and not "publisher".
RetroUSB wins by a landslide.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
Another good point. Let's continue to leave current devs on the boards out of it. That'd be like having a "favorite mod" poll. (You better F'ing pick me!)
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
There is nothing to "fix" there is a list to choose from so choose from the list...
Omitting homebrew and Japanese companies from the list was on purpose.
An ode to the original publishers for NTSC Nes games. Not the delevopers. The developers would be a different question.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
There is nothing to "fix" there is a list to choose from so choose from the list...
Omitting homebrew and Japanese companies from the list was on purpose.
An ode to the original publishers for NTSC Nes games. Not the delevopers. The developers would be a different question.
It's about clarification so that it's clear why "the list" is the list.
If you want to completely generically say "which NES publisher is your favorite, besides the big 3" and then offer an incomplete list, there is something "to fix", because the list is incomplete and it probably doesn't include the option that some people would pick.
So if you simply correct the title of the thread to frame what the list ACTUALLY represents (major NTSC publishers of the NES-era), then there wouldn't be any confusion or complaint.
It's not an insult or affront to your topic to point this out. (especially when a big chunk of posts were devoted to people pointing out the missing publishers)
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Also, where's Falcom? If you're going for developer over publisher, I'd vote Falcom before Broderbund any day (Legacy of the Wizard, for instance).
Well, the better "fix" is to reform the original question to specifically state we're talking about "original era" publishers.
The last time somebody posted a poll that ranked current production homebrew developers and publishers, feelings got hurt and it was a bit of a shit-storm.
There is nothing to "fix" there is a list to choose from so choose from the list...
Omitting homebrew and Japanese companies from the list was on purpose.
An ode to the original publishers for NTSC Nes games. Not the delevopers. The developers would be a different question.
It's about clarification so that it's clear why "the list" is the list.
If you want to completely generically say "which NES publisher is your favorite, besides the big 3" and then offer an incomplete list, there is something "to fix", because the list is incomplete and it probably doesn't include the option that some people would pick.
So if you simply correct the title of the thread to frame what the list ACTUALLY represents (major NTSC publishers of the NES-era), then there wouldn't be any confusion or complaint.
It's not an insult or affront to your topic to point this out. (especially when a big chunk of posts were devoted to people pointing out the missing publishers)
No matter how I worded it or presented it, there would have been some flaw to pick apart to death....there always is....
It'd also be fun for someone to start the opposite of this thread- Which is the worst NES publisher? THQ would be my vote too Tulpa!
If unlicensed is included, I think it would be hard to top Active Enterprises.
Going to have to go with Taito. Sunsoft would be my second choice, with Hudson Soft/Temco in third.
Who do you think you are? I am!
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Not really, I beg to differ. The day homebrew developers take things to the next level and design a special peripheral to be used with their game, or something like that, then we can talk. But regarding innovative and also better games? That sounds a bit arrogant to me, and contradictory compared to what I have seen thus far. I guess the most innovative games must have been numbered limited editions of 3 pieces each, or something like that, lol.
I would give my vote to Sachen, but they aren't on the list either. Their lifespan is something to respect, as well as the sheer number of games released, and the number of markets tapped. Amazing stuff.
With that said, I guess I vote Caltron. Those guys were willing to take the bullet (well go to jail) over some of their games
Color Dreams, Irem, Natsume
Irem now has a vote.
Sqoon, image fight and the guardian legend (I don't like as much but I'm trying to), are some of the best shooters on the console.
Kickle, Then add metal storm. And they dipped there noodle in Kung-fu too.
No homebrew publishers? Seems like we're making better and more innovative games than a lot of the ones in the poll.
Not really, I beg to differ. The day homebrew developers take things to the next level and design a special peripheral to be used with their game, or something like that, then we can talk. But regarding innovative and also better games? That sounds a bit arrogant to me, and contradictory compared to what I have seen thus far. I guess the most innovative games must have been numbered limited editions of 3 pieces each, or something like that, lol.
You must have missed the thread about the game KHan and MTee are collaborating on that uses the SNES mouse on the NES for a point-and-click adventure.
Sunsoft, no doubt.
Sunsoft would have had a lock on it, if they'd had a better implementation of the weapon powerups in Blaster Master and Fester's Quest.
Both games are fun if you stay powered up, but the weaker weapon power levels are miserable and frustrating, by comparison.
(I mean, they both have a mid-level power setting that is 100% useless because every shot gets absorbed by the wall and your range becomes totally pathetic as a result)
As much as I enjoy Blaster Master as an overall gaming experience, the severity of their game design sin, with respect to those weapon powerups means they can't be "the best".
(and yes, that is a gripe on publisher vs developer -- but they developed those games, as well as published them)
Color Dreams, Irem, Natsume
Irem now has a vote.
Sqoon, image fight and the guardian legend (I don't like as much but I'm trying to), are some of the best shooters on the console.
Kickle, Then add metal storm. And they dipped there noodle in Kung-fu too.
I had Irem high on my list. This decal hangs with pride over my NES
While I do loves me some Taito/Sunsoft/HAL, I'm a real sucker for Natsume.
Edit: well shit I didn't read OP's post far enough to catch the NESGuide link