Run 'n gun/slash games with amazing level design?

[Nintegageo | 583]

So last night was the 1st time I beat Contra. I think it is one those rare games that is enjoyable to replay the starting levels each time because it's action-oriented, super well-designed and you legitimately improve as you play. Ninja Gaiden was another game like that, although obviously sword rather than gun. Other than those two series', which games or series would you recommend on the NES that have the same play design and style as them?

[Tulpa | 3,771]

Batman! He does have a spear gun for one of his weapons.

 

I really like the varied level design in the Famicom Wai Wai World games, though I haven't played much of the second one, where it auto scrolls. The first one was inventive where the Konami characters you rescue prove useful for certain areas.

[cj_robot | 559]

Kabuki: Quantum Fighter is a game pretty similar to the style of Ninja Gaiden, though certainly not as well known.

It's been a long time since I've played it, but I remember it being a pretty solid action game, and challenging but beatable.

[Californication | 1,491]

Shadow of the Ninja

[phart010 | 1,809]

3 hours ago, Nintegageo said:

So last night was the 1st time I beat Contra. I think it is one those rare games that is enjoyable to replay the starting levels each time because it's action-oriented, super well-designed and you legitimately improve as you play. Ninja Gaiden was another game like that, although obviously sword rather than gun. Other than those two series', which games or series would you recommend on the NES that have the same play design and style as them?

Someone should hack ninja gaiden to have guns and controls like Contra. Then I’d play it

[Tanooki | 5,267]

I'm sure it is a little of a stretch on a run and gun, but Red Alert for the PCE CD is pretty fantastic run and gun overhead type, kind of like an SNK mixed with Commando style pop gun runner with some good variances between the levels, and a neat mini-rpg like leveling system that makes you as you go along more capable of using better firepower.

[mbd39 | 2,147]

4 hours ago, phart010 said:

Someone should hack ninja gaiden to have guns and controls like Contra. Then I’d play it

Just play the Shinobi series if you want Ninja Gaiden as a run n gun.

 

[fox | 1,858]

Gunstar Heroes on genesis.  Levels like the Dice Place Maze make it more than just a Contra clone.

[Sumez | 3,218]

Castlevania 1 and 3 obviously.
Shatterhand
Sunsoft's first Batman
Metal Storm
Vice: Project Doom
Akumajou Special: Boku Dracula Kun

[SpoonMan Abrams X | 699]

Enter the Gungeon for Shmups and Rogue Legacy for Hack n Slash come to mind. Rogue Likes always are great and never ending fun.

Shoutouts to one of my top ten favorite games; Castle Crashers maybe for not mechanical reasons, but just good stuff.

[LastCat | 246]

Sin and Punishment and it's sequel Star Successor are very good games.

[DoctorEncore | 3,693]

I know you're asking for NES games, but Contra 4 (DS) is a criminally underappreciated gem. It utilizes both screens for some innovative level design and the feel of the action is on par with the original.