Our auctions are frequently populated with iconic video games that everyone has heard of, including such landmark titles as Super Mario Bros. for the NES, Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis, and Tomb Raider for the PlayStation.
But what about less commonly known games that are excellent but largely unheralded by the general public? Thanks to our wonderful consignors, there is no shortage of hidden gems in our sales.
AUCTION PREVIEW: Browse the featured video games for sale, register to bid, and join us for the live auction April 22-23.
For our upcoming Video Games Signature Auction, which is April 22-23 (internet bidding opens approximately April 1), we’ve spotlighted nine titles that definitely qualify as great games that need more love. These are fantastic, highly collectible games that deserve more recognition.
Bucky O’Hare (1992)
- NES
- Wata 8.0 A+
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, this game is based on the 1991 animated series, Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Wars. Gamers guide the title character through eight challenging levels, rescuing his buddies (who become playable) and battling baddies from the Toad Empire. The platforming action is excellent, the graphics are terrific, and it is a very hard game to find, especially factory sealed. Some collectors have even told us they prefer this title to the mighty Mega Man and its sequels. Cover art by comic book legend Neal Adams is icing on the cake.
Cowboy Kid (1992)
- NES
- Wata 8.5 B+
Long before Red Dead Redemption, gamers wanting their Old West fix played Cowboy Kid for the NES. Well, some of them did, anyway–this is one obscure, hard-to-find title. Luckily, there are a few factory-sealed copies floating around, and we consider ourselves lucky to be able to offer this one. For a title from the 8-bit era, the gameplay is incredibly deep as players can battle bad guys, ride a horse and a minecart, use keys to open doors, grab food to increase hit points, play blackjack, enter a shooting gallery, and much more.
E.V.O.: Search for Eden (1993)
- Super Nintendo
- Wata 9.2 A+
This unusual side-scrolling RPG is essentially a life development simulator, with players evolving their character through five stages: The World Before Land, Early Creatures of Land, Age of Dinosaurs, Ice Age, and Early Man. The player begins as a prehistoric, fish-like creature and, if they are patient and skillful enough, eventually evolves into a full-fledged land mammal. Yes, this is a strange and unusual game. Hardcore collectors tend to love RPGs, and we’re proud to finally offer this rare title for sale.
Kid Icarus: Of Myth and Monsters (1991)
- Game Boy
- Wata 9.8 A+
Most old-school Nintendo fans are familiar with Kid Icarus for the NES. That difficult but enjoyable game was an 8-bit classic (or at least semi-classic), and along with Metroid it was the first game to include passwords for saving progress. Many gamers don’t realize it had a sequel called Kid Icarus: Of Myth and Monsters for the original Game Boy. The sequel was similar, but it was easier and used a battery for saving progress. We are delighted to offer such a gorgeous copy of the game.
Ninja Five-O (2003)
- Game Boy Advance
- Wata 9.6 A++
We learned from Tony Mott’s 2010 book, 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die, that Ninja Five-O is an essential title for the Game Boy Advance. In the game, you do indeed play as a ninja, which is always (or at least usually) a plus. Unfortunately, the game wasn’t widely distributed, making it highly sought-after in today’s collector’s market. We say “unfortunately,” but whoever wins this lot will be fortunate indeed, and we certainly feel fortunate to offer it for sale.
North and South
- NES
- Wata 9.6 A+
A video game set during the Civil War where you get to play as the Union or the Confederacy? A strategy game for one or two players where you can rewrite the course of history? Sign us up! North and South doesn’t typically show up near the top of lists of rarest NES titles, but it is certainly hard to find, especially factory sealed and graded. And especially in this nice of condition! There will surely be a bidding war—hopefully a civil one—for this hidden gem!
Stinger (1987)
- NES
- Wata 7.5 A
When it comes to the NES, Konami is synonymous with quality. Stinger doesn’t carry the cachet of such widely acknowledged Konami classics as Castlevania, Contra, or Gradius, but it’s a terrific game that deserves a larger fan base. As with Life Force, Stinger is a shooter with horizontal and vertical scrolling levels and a robust two-player co-op mode. However, Stinger is harder to find and generally less well-known among gamers. Collectors should definitely keep an eye on this one.
Sparkster (1994)
- Super Nintendo
- Wata 9.4 A+
The cute, colorful platformer Sparkster has appeared on various Sega Genesis compilations for modern consoles, making it somewhat well-known among gamers, but the SNES version of the game is much more obscure. Further, the cartridge is harder to find, especially factory sealed and in excellent condition like the copy we’re offering. One thing most gamers probably don’t know is that this version of Sparkster, though a side-scrolling platformer like its Genesis counterpart, has different levels, different enemies, and different gameplay mechanics.
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
- NES
- Wata 9.2 A
There are two different games on the NES called “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” based on the 1989 film, but this is the only game for the console based on George Lucas’ Young Indiana Jones Chronicles television series from the 1990s. It’s also one of the best-licensed games of the era. As the title character, the player can throw punches, use weapons (including his patented whip), and run, jump, and climb, but he can also ride a motorcycle, pilot a plane, and commandeer a tank. We’ve never offered this title before and have no idea when we’ll see another copy, so bidding should be robust.
