This is not a “best graphics on the NES” list. Just some games that I think are very good. I was going to point out some of the weaker artwork, but that seemed a little hypocritical, since I have a tough time making good looking pixel art myself. So, none of “they should have done this different”. Just good art pictures.
Starting with my favorites. I really like the graphics team over at Technos. The people who did River City Ransom, also made some similar looking games, like…
Super Dodge Ball
Crash N The Boys: Street Challenge
.
Here’s some other games in no particular order.
Kick Master
Joe & Mac
Ninja Gaiden III
Shadow of the Ninja
Batman – Return of the Joker
Chuka Taisen
Felix the Cat
Kirby’s Adventure
Fire ‘N Ice
Gimmick!
Ufouria (Hebereke)
Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers 2
Stanley: The Search for Dr. Livingston
Little Samson (2 images)
Bucky O’Hare
Vice: Project Doom
Moon Crystal
Conquest of the Crystal Palace
Shatterhand
Gun Nac
Little Nemo: The Dream Master
Gargoyle’s Quest II
Megaman 2
Megaman 6
Castlevania III
Double Dragon III: The Sacred Scrolls
Gradius II
Radia Senki: Reimmeihen. This is probably the best looking RPG produced on the NES… well, Famicom anyway. Good work, Tecmo.
Sorry about the quality of some of these pictures. They are screencaps of videos. It would have taken me forever to play all these games to the right point to get better pictures.
I’m sure I left some games out. Lot’s of Disney games look very good. If you feel like a game is missing, and definitely should be in this list, feel free to leave a comment.