Just made all retroachievemens in this game in hardcode mode (without save states). Probably the easiest NES game with the easiest achievement set.
If you have never played, I recommend giving it a try. The gameplay is great, nice soundtrack.
What is the easiest game for NES in your opinion?
Second that. They don't call 'em Nintendo Hard for nothing.
Hell, I've been playing Super Ghouls N' Ghosts for damn near 25 years now off and on, and I still can't beat that mfer without save states. And that's a whole gaming generation ahead of this one, where the console actually supported saves, and games didn't really have to be as hard anymore to make back their money.