The Nominees:

 1) Bionic Commando (NES) - Capcom's creative commando still haunts the gamers who enjoyed the fun of a bionic/grappling hook for an arm.  It was also pretty sweet to kill Robot Hitler to beat the game!  

2) Mega Man 2 (NES) - The definitive Mega Man adventure that spawned countless sequels.  Basically, it is as pure as any of the 2D shooters.  Interesting levels and weapons, great memorable music, and just plain fun.   This is the kind of game that could teach someone to have great hand-eye cordination and reflexes.  This game helped make me the gamer I am today.  And I'm not alone.

3) Faxanadu (NES) - A truly magical action/rpg that, like the other nominees this year, had a great soundtrack.  From its epic feel and classical fantasy motifs, it presents a emotional journey that you're unlikely to forget.  Not to mention the scariest elves you've ever seen!  

4) The Guardian Legend (NES) - Ahead of its time on many levels.  It is a two-sided coin and just as shiney on both sides.  Half of the game is a definitive space shooter that basically shows the entire genre (which was quite large in its day) how its done.  The second half of the game is an overworld map that plays like a Zelda.  It also has 'the' best music of any game ever!  

5) Zelda 2: Adventure of Link (NES) - How do you followup one of the greatest games of all time?  Well, Nintendo's approach was to make it completely different.  The end result is a great game in its own right.  Tremendous replay value and a stiff challenge to completionists.  

1988 Game of the Year - The Guardian Legend

 Just a superior product that beat the competition at their own game.  Frankly, it had no right to be this good.  From poweruping your vast array of awesome weapons, to putting them to good use against some great looking aliens.  This game is a monster.  It is very long, very satisfying and stays fresh throughout.   It even has a password to only play the spaceship levels if you so desire, and has a built in soundtest.  A masterpiece.