Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Nebulus
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1991 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Bits Studios |
| Publisher | Storm |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Nebulus |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 5 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991, Nebulus is a platformer developed by Bits Studios and published by Storm. Depending on the region, you may also know it as Castelian. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.
It landed about 6 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1991 include Pac-Man, Battletoads and Yoshi.
It is part of the Nebulus series. The series also appears on other systems with Nebulus (7800) and Nebulus (C64).
Nebulus is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Nebulus is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Nebulus cheats & codes
22 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Start With 1 Life | PEVGYPLA |
|---|---|
| Start With 6 Lives | TEVGYPLA |
| Start With 9 Lives | PEVGYPLE |
| Infinite Lives | SLOKZLVI |
| 5 Continues | IAOGTZZA |
| 8 Continues | AAOGTZZE |
Nebulus walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Nebulus.
If you like Nebulus, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Kirby's Adventure Classic
Super Mario Bros. Classic
Battletoads Classic Co-op
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse Classic
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Classic Co-op
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Nebulus FAQ
When did Nebulus come out on the NES?
Nebulus was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made Nebulus?
It was developed by Bits Studios and published by Storm.
Is Nebulus multiplayer?
No. Nebulus is a single-player game.
How long does Nebulus take to play?
As a platformer, Nebulus typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Nebulus on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.