Joust is one of those weird, wonderful arcade classics that somehow works way better than it should. You're a knight riding a giant ostrich—yeah, really—flapping around this jagged landscape trying to knock other bird-riding jerks off their mounts. The physics feel janky at first (why does flapping up take so much effort?), but once you get the rhythm, it’s oddly satisfying to dive-bomb enemies mid-air.

The NES port’s a bit clunkier than the arcade original, but it keeps that same chaotic energy—especially when the lava starts rising and those pterodactyls show up to ruin your day. Pro tip: land on platforms cleanly or you’ll bounce like a ragdoll. Still holds up if you’re into old-school, no-frills competition.