10 Greatest NES Video Games Of 1985

Wrecking Crew is the other early NES game where Mario stars, but doesn't get his name in the title (I don't count the fat guy from Golf).

In this puzzle arcade platformer, our mustachioed hero swaps his plumber's plunger for a demolition man's hammer, going from stage to stage smashing everything in sight.

Sly and Snipes are nowhere to be seen, however, instead Mario must avoid all manner of beasties including spanners, aubergines, fireballs and even a prototype Wario called Foreman Spike who does his best to cause chaos. Luigi's here too as Player 2, though lacking his usual height and green threads.

Wrecking Crew makes good use of the screen both vertically and horizontally, allowing players to pass from the left side to the right and vice-versa to troll the enemies who hunt them relentlessly. It's cute, quick action with a suitable learning curve to keep you entertained as well as a whopping 100 levels. The two player feature is welcome but unfortunately not simultaneous (that was only available to those lucky enough to play the arcade version).

Another major talking point is the level design feature which is both remarkable and commendable for 1985 even though you'll lose your work once you turn the system off. Wrecking Crew is an oddity of its time that will keep you entertained longer than many of its peers.

It has held it's own in history with several further and retro releases coming out over the years, most notably on the Wii and 3DS.