Since I can't find an essentials list for such an epic system, I've decided to start one. (Unless there is already one, in which case moderators feel free to close this topic)
If there is a game already on the list that you think should not be there let me know and it'll have a point removed (so if there are more negative than positive votes then the game will be removed entirely off the list).
You may also recommend some more games in a future post but: (1) you must not repeat any game you have already mentioned and (2) you must make a new post, do NOT edit your previous post as it may not be seen.
Three categories: 10+ Essentials List, 5+ Recommended List, 3+Noteworthy and Others
Essentials, 10+
[10] Super Mario Bros
Recommended, 5+
[8] Ninja Gaiden
[8] Super Mario Bros. 3
[8] The Legend of Zelda
[6] Kirby's Adventure
[6] Megaman 2
[6] Megaman 3
[6] The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
[5] Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers
[5] Contra
[5] EarthBound 0/Mother
[5] Metroid
[5] Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
[5] Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos
[5] Super C
Noteworthy, 3+
[4] Bionic Commando
[4] Blaster Master
[4] Crystalis
[4] Little Nemo - The Dream Master
[4] Megaman
[4] Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
[4] R.C. Pro-Am
[4] River City Ransom
[3] Batman
[3] Battletoads
[3] Bubble Bobble
[3] Castlevania
[3] Castlevania III - Dracula's Curse
[3] Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers 2
[3] Duck Tales
[3] Gun.Smoke
[3] Life Force
[3] Megaman 6
[3] Metal Gear
[3] Super Mario Bros. 2
[3] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game
Others,
If there is a game already on the list that you think should not be there let me know and it'll have a point removed (so if there are more negative than positive votes then the game will be removed entirely off the list).
You may also recommend some more games in a future post but: (1) you must not repeat any game you have already mentioned and (2) you must make a new post, do NOT edit your previous post as it may not be seen.
Three categories: 10+ Essentials List, 5+ Recommended List, 3+Noteworthy and Others
Essentials, 10+

[10] Super Mario Bros
Recommended, 5+

[8] Ninja Gaiden
[8] Super Mario Bros. 3
[8] The Legend of Zelda
[6] Kirby's Adventure
[6] Megaman 2
[6] Megaman 3
[6] The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link
[5] Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers
[5] Contra
[5] EarthBound 0/Mother
[5] Metroid
[5] Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!
[5] Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos
[5] Super C
Noteworthy, 3+

[4] Bionic Commando
[4] Blaster Master
[4] Crystalis
[4] Little Nemo - The Dream Master
[4] Megaman
[4] Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom
[4] R.C. Pro-Am
[4] River City Ransom
[3] Batman
[3] Battletoads
[3] Bubble Bobble
[3] Castlevania
[3] Castlevania III - Dracula's Curse
[3] Chip 'N Dale: Rescue Rangers 2
[3] Duck Tales
[3] Gun.Smoke
[3] Life Force
[3] Megaman 6
[3] Metal Gear
[3] Super Mario Bros. 2
[3] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game
Others,