Nintendo has delivered great games for decades. However, their 16-bit SNES console brought a revolution in the gaming industry. Since then, we have witnessed multiple releases from big gaming studios on Nintendo’s 16-bit platform.
Despite present-day games being full of detail-oriented graphics, story-based gameplay, and close-to-reality experience, some SNES games bind us to the old times. Here, we will look at the best SNES games of all time.
Also Read: 10 All-Time Favorite Arcade Games You Can Play
Best SNES Games
1. Super Metroid (Nintendo, 1994)
Super Metroid was a game way ahead of its time. Its engaging sci-fi theme coupled with a fascinating soundtrack was a complete package. Despite being a 90s game, it can still compete with some new games in graphics and character design. The central character, Samus’s journey, has been executed perfectly in the gameplay.
Everyone should try this SNES game at least once to understand what we are talking about clearly.
2. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (Nintendo, 1995)
A continuation of Super Mario World, Yoshi’s Island had almost the same feature as its predecessor. However, Nintendo focused on Mario’s dinosaur companion, Yoshi, and showed his island and various adventure of it. Moreover, to add to the excitement, it showed the power of Yoshi too. Overall, this was a treat for the arcade lovers.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Nintendo, 1991)
After its first iteration’s enormous success, A Link to the Past is the third and the best SNES game in the Legend of Zelda series. Apart from standard missions, there are added puzzles in the Dark section of the map.
On top of that, A link to the Past switched to a top-down view that most gamers adored. This arcade game is still one of the most challenging SNES games.
4. Super Mario World (Nintendo, 1991)
Continuing Super Mario’s legacy, Nintendo released Super Mario World. It contained attractive features that got gamers all excited. This SNES game provided exciting interconnected maps and several discoveries that came along with it. Moreover, Super Mario World’s sound and graphics are praiseworthy that amplify the experience.
5. Chrono Trigger (Square, 1995)
Chrono Trigger is one of the most exciting and probably the best RPG games on Nintendo’s 16-bit SNES platform. A deep combat battle system, multiple periods, and several ending scenarios make this game stand out.
Square studios also made other games for modern consoles imitating Chrono Trigger’s idea, but none could match the original’s popularity.
6. Super Mario RPG (Square, 1996)
Square studios was a leading force in RPG games in the 90s. Influenced by its popularity, Nintendo tied up with them to make one of the SNES platform’s cool-looking and fun RPG games.
Among the several Mario games, Super Mario RPG is undoubtedly the one to try on our list of best SNES games.
7. Final Fantasy II (Square, 1991)
An ideal combination of sound and graphics, Final Fantasy II is undoubtedly one of the most exciting SNES games. The game based on SNES’s platform has a cinematic storyline that will readily excite you. Moreover, it functions on the Active Time Battle System, a significant feature of the franchise.
8. Tetris Attack (Nintendo, 1995)
Unlike the classic Tetris game, you have to match the block in groups of three or four appearing from under the screen. It features popular characters from Yoshi’s Island, making it even more exciting. The game is still fun to play.
However, the multiplayer mode is far more interesting than the single-player mode. Tetris Attack, developed by Nintendo, is easily one of the best SNES games.
9. NBA Jam (Midway, 1994)
NBA Jam is for those who don’t want to remain bound by game rules and want to have a good time. Early sports games did not focus on the ruling front, and Reversely, the focus was on the overall experience.
NBA Jam mixed fantasy and sports into one. It had tall fantasy players who could leap extraordinarily and at the same time score in the opponent’s basket. It did not care about rules and allowed players to have fun.
10. Donkey Kong Country (Rare, 1994)
Coming from Rare studious, Donkey Kong Country is another exciting title on the SNES games list. This SNES arcade game had an appealing 3D rendering that pleased a majority of the gamers.
Although Nintendo developed its earlier version, the new version became more popular due to the level of detail in the game. When it comes to gameplay, the Donkey Kong Country lags, but it is still playable once in a while.
11. Street Fighter II Turbo (Capcom, 1993)
Street Fighter has been the standout among the several fighting games introduced in the SNES era. We are all familiar with this title and a classic fighting game that has kept us hooked for long hours. Capcom doubled the excitement from Street Fighter, adding luring soundtracks and infusing more detailed graphics.
It introduced exciting background music coupled with compelling characters in the fighting genre. Nonetheless, it lets players strategize a battle and come out victorious from difficult positions. All in all, it was quickly one of the best SNES games of all time.
12. Super Punch-Out!! (Nintendo, 1994)
Super Punch-Out is the sequel to the original Punch-Out. Primarily, it is a boxing game. However, given the tremendous scope of exploration using the SNES, Nintendo has cleverly mixed it with wrestling.
It features several characters with massive build and powers. There isn’t any arcade-based boxing game that matches its predecessor’s level, and you can enjoy this best SNES game.
13. Super Mario Kart (Nintendo, 1992)
F-Zero only offered a single-player mode. Upon realizing that racing games are more fun when played with friends, Nintendo released Super Mario Kart with the missing multiplayer mode.
However, they didn’t initially consider including our favorite Mario and gang in this one. But as the game developed, the battle and racing scenarios demanded their inclusion. Its gameplay may seem back-dated, and instead, it takes us on a nostalgic journey.
14. F-Zero (Nintendo, 1991)
Racing games have a special place in our hearts-whenever we think of computer, console, or mobile games. Upon the Nintendo SNES console launch, Big N studios released a futuristic racing game, F-Zero, and it was a pioneering release that is still challenging for gamers.
Although the game’s graphics are outdated, modern game developers still follow the racing fundamentals of this game.
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Wrapping Up: Best SNES Games
Other notable titles can find their place in our list of best SNES games. Nonetheless, we have chosen the best of the best for your convenience. Have you played any of them? Or all of them? Let us know.
