Joe:
An interesting selection. I'll provide feedback where I can.
StarTropics & StarTropics II:
The original StarTropics is one of my favorite games for the NES. The sequel, unfortunately, I found to be a bit lackluster. It's hard to pinpoint where exactly the second game fails. While the original wasn't nonlinear, it certainly did a better job of conveying a feeling of openness. The second game feels more confined and less difficult. Also, I think some were disappointed with the story arc of the sequel, which is radically different from the original, although I'll always a hold a fond place in my heart for the Oxford Wonder World.
Faxanadu & Legacy of the Wizard:
Both of these games were developed by Falcom. The former was brought to the U.S. by Hudson, the latter by Broderbund. Both are sidescrolling adventures with a focus on fantasy, but that's where the similarities end. Faxanadu has better graphics and is more tightly constructed.
The best way to describe Legacy of the Wizard is as a sidescrolling version of the original Zelda. The game is disturbingly nonlinear and gives absolutely no hints on how to progress. There are five playable characters (father, mother, son, daughter, and dog) each with unique abilities, which seems pretty cool at first . . . until you've progressed one way in the dungeon for thirty minutes and find that the particular character that you've selected can go no further.
The game is incredibily difficult and despite spending 100 - 150 hours of my youth on the game, the farthest I ever got was defeating the first of five bosses. Unless you use a FAQ, be prepared to make a detailed map of the dungeon and suffer plenty of headaches.
Hydlide:
I hope this game is rare, if only for the fact that it would warm my heart that most of the videogaming populace was spared this atrocity. From the Gamecube to the NES, I own 150+ games and this is certainly the worst of the bunch. I can't believe this game was released at the same time as Dragon Warrior and the Legend of Zelda. To peruse Hydlide's crimes against humanity, view the following document:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/nes/review/R10898.html