R.B.I. Baseball on NES was one of those games that just felt right when you picked up the controller. It started as a Japanese arcade hit (Family Stadium) before getting an MLB makeover—real teams, real players, which was a big deal back in '88. The pitching is simple but sneaky, and good luck hitting a homer unless you time that swing just right.

What I love is how quick it plays—no endless menus, just pick your team (I always went with the Cardinals) and get straight to the action. The fielding’s a little janky by today’s standards, but back then? Pure magic. Also, that crowd noise when you score? Chef’s kiss.

Fun fact: The guy who coded the arcade version helped port it to NES, and you can tell—it’s got that arcade energy crammed into a little gray cartridge. Still holds up if you’re into retro sports games.