When most people think back to the Nintendo Entertainment System, they think of hit games like Super Mario Bros 3 on NES and The Legend of Zelda. Ironically, these popular titles barely scratch the surface of the system’s potential.
The hardworking folks at Nintendo wanted their first home console to offer an advanced, immersive, varied gameplay experience.
So they strove constantly to create exciting new accessories that would break through the console’s initial limitations.
The Table of Contents
🎮 KeyPoints – The Best 4-Player NES Games for the Four Score
- The NES Four Score is a 4-player multitap adapter for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
- Classic games like Gauntlet II, Super Off-Road, and Super Spike V'Ball fully support Four Score multiplayer.
- Titles span multiple genres including racing, sports, dungeon crawlers, and party games.
- Some NES games offer true four-player gameplay, while others use creative setups like dual controllers per player.
- ✅ Ideal for retro gaming nights, family get-togethers, or NES collectors looking for multiplayer fun.
What is the NES Four Score?
The NES Four Score is one of Nintendo’s most successful accessories for the original NES console. This multitap adapter allows up to four players to enjoy simultaneous multiplayer gameplay on compatible games.
In this article, we’ll review the 10 best NES 4-player games that work with the Four Score. Read on to discover which classic titles made the list!
The Top 10 NES Four Score Compatible Games
1. Bomberman II
Today, every Nintendo console library includes an excellent Bomberman game for at least 4 players. This grand tradition started with Bomberman II for the NES.
This was the first Bomberman to allow multiple players. Though, technically, the player count with the Four Score is limited to 3, not 4.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the series, each round is a competition to be the last bomber standing. Each player sets bombs that explode after a few seconds.
The explosion reaches up, down, left, and right (not diagonally in most games) from the origin point. Any bomber who touches the explosion, including the one who set the bomb, is out until the next round.
Each game has different power ups and variations. Bomberman II features several familiar power-ups: extra bombs, bigger explosions, speed boosts, etc.
This is an excellent party game and a chance to see the origin of this glorious multiplayer frenzy. Oh, and there’s probably a 1-player mode, too, we guess.
2. Gauntlet II
Gauntlet II is a well-known action-adventure game for four players. It offers exciting cooperative gameplay on the NES. Players can choose from four distinct characters—Warrior, Wizard,
Valkyrie, and Ghost. Each character has special abilities.
This allows players to use different strategies when fighting the many enemies found in the dungeons.
Gauntlet II is an exciting way to experience cooperative gameplay on the NES with the Four Score accessory. Players can team up, strategize, and tackle 100 challenging levels together.
Even with some graphics issues and occasional slowdowns, Gauntlet II is still a popular classic. As it is certainly one of the best four player nes games.
3. Super Off-Road
Super Off-Road is a top-down racing game, a unique sub-genre that was once widely popular in arcades and home consoles. While most racing games simulate actual driving, playing a top-
down racing game is like controlling a remote control car.
It’s a very different type of racing experience, but it’s still a lot of fun, especially with 4 players.
Super Off-Road spawned several sequels, though this one stands out for its large tracks and considerable difficulty.
The controls are decently responsive, with no major glitches to fret about. And this is one of the earliest racing titles that allows you to buy vehicle-enhancing upgrades with your winnings.
4. Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat
Danny Sullivan's Indy Heat is a top-down racing game for up to 4 players. It offers exciting, high-speed races. Players take on the role of IndyCar drivers, racing on different tracks that include
sharp turns and moving obstacles.
The game emphasizes arcade-style racing, giving players the thrill of competition.
One of the most exciting parts of Indy Heat is the chance to win money from races. You can use this money to upgrade your cars, improving their speed and handling.
This lets players personalize their racing, helping them adjust to different tracks and opponents. The game also has different modes that increase replayability, so there is always something new to try.
Whether you choose to collaborate with friends to outsmart your rivals or race head-to-head for victory, Indy Heat promises endless fun. Its blend of competition and companionship makes it a must-play for anyone looking to enjoy 4-player action on the NES.
5. Monster Truck Rally
Monster Truck Rally is a top-down racing game that allows you to play with up to 4 players using the nes multitap. Players take control of monster trucks and race on various tracks that feature
different terrain and obstacles. The game provides a unique experience compared to traditional racing titles.
The gameplay mechanics are simple, enabling players to quickly learn the controls. In races, players can pick up power-ups.
These power-ups help make their trucks perform better and give them an edge against other racers. With a variety of tracks and vehicles, each race offers a different experience.
Monster Truck Rally appeals to both casual and competitive gamers. The graphics and sound effects create an engaging racing environment. Whether racing against friends or AI opponents, Monster Truck Rally provides a fun and competitive experience for fans of 4-player NES games.
6. R.C. Pro-Am II
R.C. Pro Am II is another beloved top-down racer for the NES like Super Off-Road. This game also allows you to upgrade your car with your winnings. And both games seem to let the AI
opponents “cheat.”
But while these two games are similar in most respects, this one offers a lot more depth. For one thing, the tracks are more colorful and detailed. And there are numerous types of terrain that affect the gameplay.
Also, most players agree that the controls in this game are more responsive than those of Super Off-Road. Whether this game is “better” than Super Off-Road is a matter of opinion. Try them both and decide for yourself.
7. Caveman Games
Caveman Games, also known as Caveman Ugh-Lympics, is a par-for-the-course sports game for the NES. As in most multi-event sport games of the day, your success depends on properly timed
button tapping. That is, players must perform specific button combinations at the appropriate time to win each event.
What sets this game apart, other than 4-player compatibility, is that it focuses more on humor than on gameplay. You and 3 friends compete through 6 hilarious events to be the ultimate neanderthal athlete.
If nothing else, it’s a fun, goofy romp to enjoy with friends and family. For those 21 and older, it’s also a hilarious drinking game.
(Winner takes a drink. Play responsibly.)
8. Super Spike V’Ball
Simple, classic sports games are the most universally enjoyable video games there are. They’re easy to learn and easy to play. Gamers of all types, ages, and experience levels—and even non-
gamers—can join in the fun.
Unfortunately, most of these games allow only two players. And that’s why U.S. Championship V’Ball may be the best multiplayer NES sports game in existence.
It’s one of the few 8-bit sports titles that allows a 2-on-2, 4-player competition. And the controls are more responsive than other 4 player NES sports games, like Top Players’ Tennis.
Not only that, but it also allows a surprising amount of strategy for a 2-button game. Quick thinking, and precision timing are required to block a spike or perform a Super Spike. With enough practice, you can master the game, destroy your friends, and rub it in their faces.
9. M.U.L.E.
M.U.L.E. is a strategy game for the NES that immerses players in resource management and competitive gameplay. In this game, players become settlers on an alien planet. Their job is to
build and grow their own successful colonies. The game allows you to play with up to 4 players using the nes 4 score.
The gameplay is structured in turns, enabling players to manage their resources, such as farming, mining, and trading. Each turn has different phases.
During these phases, players can decide how to use their resources and grow their settlements. The trading phase includes more strategy. Players talk and exchange resources to get an edge.
Players need to change their strategies based on what their opponents do and how the game changes. M.U.L.E. offers a special gaming experience that helps players grow individually while also connecting with others.
It promotes smart thinking and teamwork. It remains a memorable title for fans of nes multiplayer games.
10. Smash T.V.
We didn’t want to end our list without mentioning Smash T.V. for NES. Although it’s only a 2 player game, it makes use of the Four Score.
Each player uses two controllers to control their character. This is meant to emulate the dual-joystick controls of the arcade version.
Specifically, one joystick/D-pad moves your character, the other aims your character’s gun. Thus, Smash T.V. is one of the earliest video games in which players can walk in one direction while shooting in another.
Add to that a second player and a bunch of baddies with guns of their own, and you get hours of explosive, adrenaline-fueled mayhem.
Final Thoughts on NES Multiplayer Fun
Want to experience 8-bit multiplayer gaming like never before? The Nintendo NES Four Score offers a fantastic way to enjoy classic multiplayer NES games. It’s perfect for friends and family looking to spend hours battling, racing, and strategizing together.
The games highlighted in this article showcase the wide variety of genres available on the NES—from fast-paced racing to thoughtful resource management. Each title offers a unique gameplay experience that captures the spirit of retro gaming.
If you’ve got old NES games or consoles collecting dust, why not sell your NES games and consoles for cash?
And for a fun look at one of the most popular retro gaming myths, check out our article: Does Blowing Into an NES Cartridge Actually Work?
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Are Some of the Best 2-Player NES Games?
- Some of the best 2-player NES games include Contra, Battletoads, Double Dragon II, Super Mario Bros 3, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II. These titles offer fast-paced action and are perfect for cooperative gameplay.
What Are the Best 2-Player NES Sports Games?
- Popular 2-player NES sports games include Blades of Steel, Tecmo Bowl, Super Tecmo Bowl, Baseball Stars, and Pro Wrestling.
What Other Four-Player NES Games Exist?
- Other 4-player NES games compatible with the NES Four Score include Championship Bowling, Greg Norman's Golf Power, Kings of the Beach, Magic Johnson's Fast Break, NES Play Action Football, Nintendo World Cup, Roundball: 2 on 2 Challenge, and Harlem Globetrotters.
- Please note that Harlem Globetrotters is often considered one of the worst NES games ever released.
