Play Shin Jinrui - The New Type (Japan) Online

Shin Jinrui - The New Type is one of those NES games that makes you go, "Wait, what?" within the first five minutes. You're this weirdly evolved human—picture a neon-drenched anime character with too much attitude—jumping through levels that feel like someone's fever dream. Sentient traffic cones try to flatten you, platforms phase in and out of existence, and the music sounds like a synthwave track from the future (or at least 1989's idea of it).

It's got that perfect mix of frustrating and fascinating—you'll die a lot figuring out how the rules work, but the sheer creativity keeps you pushing forward. The closest comparison I've got is if someone took Mega Man, stripped out all the logic, and replaced it with abstract art. Definitely not for everyone, but if you're into Japan-only oddities or games that feel like they escaped from an alternate universe, this one's a trip.

Just don't blame me when you start seeing the level designs in your sleep.