The Super Nintendo, more commonly known as the SNES, is undoubtedly one of the greatest videogame consoles in history. It has a massive library of games, and we have picked the 110 Best SNES Games for our list. The impact that SNES had on the gaming industry cannot be understated.
It is the console that existed before every other. Most of the long-running franchises you know and love originated on the SNES. If you are looking for some hidden SNES gems, then hopefully, by the end of the list, you will have found them.
- Nintendo completely changed the console gaming industry with its NES console and with that, they released its successor SNES console.
- SNES console released games from 1991 up to 1995 consisting of major games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.
- The games with the “Game of the Year” awards for SNES are:
- The Legend of Zelda A Link To The Past.
- Earthbound.
- Super Mario World.
- Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy Kong’s Quest.
- Super Mario All-Stars.
- Donkey Kong Country.
- Sim City.
- Earthworm Jim 2.
- Although most games consist of single-player modes such as Blackthrone, there are also games that offer Multiplayer such as:
- Killer Instinct.
- Mortal Kombat 2.
- Super Bomberman.
Here Are The Best SNES Games Of All Time:
Game | Award | Release Date | Developer |
---|---|---|---|
Clocktower | None | September 14, 1995 | Human Entertainment and Kage |
The Adventures of Batman & Robin | None | November 1994 | Appaloosa Interactive and Konami |
Tiny Toons Adventures Buster Busts Loose | None | December 18, 1992 | Konami |
Street Fighter Alpha 2 | Arcade Game of the Year | February 27, 1996 | Capcom |
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 | Best Tournament Fighting Game | October 6, 1995 | Midway Games |
Super Double Dragon | None | October 8, 1992 | Technos Japan |
Top Gear 2 | None | August 8, 1993 | Gremlin Interactive |
Super Turrican | None | 1993 | Factor 5 |
Super Turrican 2 | None | 1995 | Factor 5 |
Uniracers | Best Original gameplay and Graphics Writing | 1994 | DMA Design and Nintendo |
Final Fight | Best Action Game | November 25, 1989 | Capcom |
Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back | Best Overall Game | June 1, 1993 | LucasArts |
Star Wars A New Hope | None | 1992 | LucasArts |
Sunset Riders | Best Animation and Audio Design | 1991 | Konami |
Stunt Racer FX | None | May 27, 1994 | Argonaut Software and Nintendo |
Super Tennis | None | November 1991 | Tokyo Shoseki and Nintendo |
Sparkster | Best Sound Effects | September 15, 1994 | Konami |
Spider-Man & Venom Maximum Carnage | None | September 16, 1994 | Software Creations |
Blackthorne | None | September 23, 1994 | Blizzard |
Killer Instinct | Nominated for Most Innovative Technology | October 24, 1994 | Rare |
Pilotwings | None | December 21, 1990 | Nintendo |
The Death and Return of Superman | None | 1994 | Sunsoft |
ActRaiser | Best Music of 1993 | December 16, 1990 | Quintet |
Soul Blazer | Editor's Choice Gold Award | January 31, 1992 | Quintet |
ActRaiser 2 | None | October 29, 1993 | Quintet |
Mortal Kombat 2 | Best Genesis Fighting Game | June 25, 1993 | Midway Games |
Flashback The Quest For Identity | Best Action Adventure RGP Game of the Year | 1994 | Delphine Software |
Mortal Kombat | Best Fighting Game | June 25, 1993 | Midway Games |
Shadowrun | Best Roleplaying Roles and Best Graphic Presentation of a Roleplaying Game | May 1, 1993 | Beam Software |
Xmen Mutant Apocalypse | None | November 1994 | Capcom |
Illusion of Gaia | Action/RPG Game of the Year | November 27, 1993 | Quintet |
Pocky & Rocky | Best Game Duo of the year | September 18, 1986 | Natsume |
Rock n’ Roll Racing | Best Driving Game of 1993 | June 4, 1993 | Silicon and Synapse |
Populous | Best Military or Strategy Computer Game of 1990 | June 5, 1989 | Bullfrog Productions |
Pocky & Rocky 2 | Nominated for Best Adventure Game | July 17, 1994 | Natsume |
Out of this World | None | 1991 | Eric Chahi |
The Lion King | None | December 8, 1994 | Westwood Studios |
Super Bomberman | None | April 28, 1993 | Produce and Hudson Soft |
Kirby’s Avalanche | Best Puzzle Game | February 1, 1995 | Hal Laboratory |
International Superstar Soccer | Sports Game of the Year | November 11, 1994 | Konami |
Super Bomberman 2 | None | April 28, 1994 | Produce and Hudson Soft |
R-Type III The Third Lightning | Best Shooter Game | December 10, 1993 | Irem |
Fatal Fury | None | November 25, 1991 | SNK |
Kirby’s Dream Land 3 | None | November 27, 1997 | Hal Laboratory |
Fatal Fury 2 | Best Fighting Game of SNES | December 10, 1992 | SNK |
Mega Man X3 | None | December 1, 1995 | Capcom |
Aladdin | Best Genesis Game of 1993 | November 11, 1993 | Capcom |
Joe & Mac 2 Lost in the Tropics | None | February 18, 1994 | Data East |
Earthworm Jim | Best Genesis Game of 1994 | August 5, 1994 | Shiny Entertainment |
NHL ‘94 | Nominated for the magazine's Sports Game of the Year award | March 15, 1993 | EA Sports |
Donkey Kong Country 3 Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble | None | November 22, 1996 | Rare |
Puzzle Bobble | None | June 1994 | Taito |
Alien 3 | Best Action/Adventure game and nominated for Best Movie Game | May 22, 1992 | Acclaim Studios and Bit Studios |
Axelay | None | September 11, 1992 | Konami |
Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts | Nominated for the Best Port of a 16-Bit Classic award | October 4, 1991 | Capcom |
Breath of Fire II | Nominated for Best Role Playing Game | December 2, 1994 | Capcom |
Yoshi’s Cookie | None | November 21, 1992 | Tose |
Zombies Ate My Neighbors | None | July 19, 1993 | LucasArts |
Kirby Superstar | Won the Best Arrangement, Instrumental Or A Cappella Award | March 21, 1996 | Hal Laboratory |
Demon’s Crest | None | October 21, 1994 | Capcom |
Gradius III | None | December 11, 1989 | Konami |
Harvest Moon | None | August 9, 1996 | Amccus |
Evo Search For Eden | None | December 21, 1992 | Almanac Corporation |
Kirby’s Dream Course | None | September 21, 1994 | Hal Laboratory and Nintendo |
UN Squadron | None | August 1989 | Capcom |
Earthworm Jim 2 | Nominated for Game of the Year | November 15, 1995 | Doug TenNepal, David Perry, and Shiny Entertainment |
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Turtles in Time | None | March 1991 | Ubisoft |
Sim City | Game of the Year | February 2, 1989 | Will Wright |
Breath of Fire | Best Role Playing Game | 1993 | Capcom |
NBA Jam | None | 1993 | Midway Games |
Metal Warriors | None | April 1995 | LucasArts |
Wario’s Woods | None | February 19, 1994 | Intelligent Systems and Nintendo |
Mega Man X2 | None | December 16, 1994 | Capcom |
Lufia II Rise of the Sinistrals | None | February 24, 1994 | Neverland |
Donkey Kong Country | Game of the Year | November 1994 | Rare |
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja | None | July 19, 1991 | Konami |
The Lost Vikings | None | April 29, 1993 | Blizzard |
Tetris & Doctor Mario | None | December 30, 1994 | Intelligent Systems |
Star Wars Return of the Jedi | None | November 1, 1992 | LucasArts |
Mario Paint | Won the Player's Choice and Most Innovative Award | July 14, 1992 | Intelligent Systems and Nintendo |
Boogerman | None | November 18, 1994 | Interplay Entertainment |
Super Mario All-Stars | Game of the Year | July 14, 1993 | Nintendo |
Super Castlevania IV | None | October 31, 1991 | Konami |
Tetris Attack | None | October 27, 1995 | Intelligent Systems |
F-Zero | Nominated for several awards including Console Racing Game of the Year | November 21, 1990 | Nintendo |
Super Punch-Out | None | October 1994 | Nintendo |
Star Fox | None | February 21, 1993 | Nintendo |
Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Stars | Won the Award for Best Graphics | March 9, 1996 | Square |
Final Fantasy IV | Best RPG Game | July 19, 1991 | Square |
Goof Troop | None | July 11, 1993 | Capcom |
Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy Kong’s Quest | Game of the Year | November 21, 1995 | Rare |
Super Street Fighter II The New Challengers | None | September 10, 1993 | Capcom |
Terranigma | Won the award for Silver Hall of Fame from Famitsu | October 20, 1995 | Quintet |
Secret of Evermore | None | October 1, 1995 | Square |
Street Fighter II The World Warrior | Won multiple Awards including Game of the Year | February 1991 | Capcom |
Final Fantasy III | Nominated for Game of the Year Award | April 27, 1990 | Square |
Contra III The Alien Wars | Nominated for Game of the Year | February 28, 1992 | Konami |
Ogre Battle The March of The Black Queen | None | March 12, 1993 | Quest Corporation |
Secret of Mana | Best Role Playing Game of 1993 | August 6, 1993 | Square |
Super Mario World | Won the 1991 Game of the Year Award | November 21, 1990 | Nintendo |
The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse | None | November 20, 1992 | Capcom |
Mega Man X | None | December 17, 1993 | Capcom |
Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island | The Award for Best Graphics | August 5, 1995 | Nintendo |
Super Mario Kart | None | August 27, 1992 | Nintendo |
Earthbound | RPG Game of the Year | August 27, 1994 | Ape Inc. and Hal Laboratory |
Street Fighter II Turbo | None | December 1992 | Capcom |
Super Metroid | Best Action Game of 1994 | March 19, 1994 | Nintendo |
Final Fantasy VI | Won numerous awards including Best Role-playing Game of the Year | April 2, 1994 | Square |
The Legend of Zelda A Link To The Past | Game of the Year | November 21, 1991 | Nintendo |
Chrono Trigger | Best Role-playing Game | March 11, 1995 | Square |
110. Clocktower

- Developer: Human Entertainment and Kage
- Publisher: Human Entertainment, Sunsoft
- Release Date: September 14, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
We are starting off very strong. Clocktower is one of the original survival horror titles. It has a great atmosphere that keeps the player on edge all the time and awesome enemies that are terrifying no matter when they appear.
As far as gameplay is concerned Clocktower is a point & click game. That is very different from most games survival horror games which is what makes it stand out.
The game was a success and ended up getting many sequels but the first one is still considered the best one by many. If you love survival horror games then do play Clocktower it is one of the most essential titles in the genre’s history.
Pros:
- Every character in Clocktower is diverse and equipped with a unique set of abilities.
- All players can maneuver a character and take up good or evil roles, leading to more interactivity and overall enjoyment.
- The eerie environment adds to the horror element and allows for better immersion.
- Your deduction skills will be tested to the core as you will have to find the evil players that are shrouding themselves among the good players.
- Diverse game modes and a distinct level design offer intriguing gameplay content and increase the replay value.
- You can play with up to five or six squads and each squad typically has different good and evil players.
Cons:
- Clocktower is a very sophisticated game consisting of many rules and mechanics to learn which might not sit with casual players.
- The fixed camera can be an annoyance for many players and may result in instant death if you are not too careful.
- The controls are clunky which can take away from the immersion and result in ruining the majority of the gameplay experience.
109. The Adventures of Batman & Robin

- Developer: Appaloosa Interactive and Konami
- Publisher: Konami, Sega
- Release Date: November 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
There are plenty of Batman games on the system. The Adventures of Batman & Robin is, however, the most fun one by far. As the title suggests, the game lets you play as both Batman and Robin.
Most of the characters’ movesets are similar, but they are animated very differently, and their weapons look different, just like in the source material. It is the type of game that is mainly a lot of fun when you just play it to kill some time.
Its graphics made The Adventures of Batman & Robin stand out to gamers. The sprites are beautiful, and they look very similar to Batman: The Animated Series. It is absolutely one of the best-looking and most popular SNES games.
Pros:
- It does a fantastic job of adapting the original show’s great animations and effects.
- The game excels in the graphics department with a well-designed 3D gloomy environment and detail-oriented characters.
- The controls are fluid and prove useful in challenging segments.
- Some drastic changes were made to the soundtrack and they fit well with the theme of the game.
- The main plot is quite alluring and mysterious at the same time thanks to the addition of some new elements which is welcoming for fans of the original series.
- The transitions are clean and the pictures maintain the aesthetic of The Adventures of Batman & Robin.
Cons:
- Several levels take too long to complete and may overstay their welcome which can lead to a boring and mundane gameplay experience.
- The high difficulty might not be everyone’s cup of tea as you will be overpowered by hordes of enemies on some occasions.
- Some audio balancing issues make the overall soundtrack seem lackluster which is truly disappointing.
- The melee combat is not the best in The Adventures of Batman & Robin.
108. Tiny Toons Adventures Buster Busts Loose

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: December 18, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
We all loved Tiny Toons growing up. Some people got to know Tiny Toons due to games or other media besides cartoons. Tiny Toons Adventures Buster Busts Loose is one game people remember playing on the SNES as a child.
All the levels in the game are diverse. They are filled with the charm of the source material. You will undoubtedly have a blast if you love the cartoon.
Furthermore, the only bad thing about the game is that the platforming can sometimes get frustrating. Besides that, the sprites look beautiful, and it is one of the best-looking SNES games.
Pros:
- If you are a fan of the animated series, then you are in for a treat in Tiny Toons Adventures Buster Busts Loose.
- All of the levels are available in a huge variety and myriad which will keep the player regaled throughout the game.
- In terms of graphics, it is still one of the finest-looking games that you can play today on SNES. The high level of visual design never lets up and leaves a lasting impact on the player.
- The buster bunny has a distinctive set of moves that immerse the player in the game and fluid controls are a cherry on top.
- The music is greatly composed and enticing.
Cons:
- The lack of difficulty options is the major drawback of this game.
- Enemies do not provide enough challenge and are quite easy to deal with which can lead to a boring gameplay loop.
- The level design can be a bit problematic in some situations which can be a turnoff for some players.
107. Street Fighter Alpha 2

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: February 27, 1996
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Street Fighter Alpha 2 is one of the greatest fighting games of all time and one of the best games in general. It is easily one of the best-looking SNES games, but the visuals did impact the game’s performance on the console.
Street Fighter Alpha 2 has an excellent roster. All the characters play very differently and are all very fun to use. The game does, however, run very poorly on the system. Now with any other type of game, that would be no problem, but fighting games need to run perfectly.
Pros:
- The main plot is highly engrossing and well-written.
- Street Fighter Alpha 2 digs deep and demonstrates the backstories of different characters, giving you a unique insight into each character’s story.
- Street Fighter Alpha 2 has been completely reworked in terms of graphics which makes it one of the best-looking games on SNES.
- While some gameplay mechanics and concepts are still utilized from prior games, they have been improved in practically every manner which is quite impressive.
- A wide range of customization options and a highly fun combat system.
Cons:
- The improved graphics have their downsides on the game such as choppy frame rates and some other technical issues which can be frustrating.
- Street Fighter Alpha 2 has extremely poor optimization which can spoil the immersion of the player.
106. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3

- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway Games
- Release Date: October 6, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Here we have one of the greatest fighting games of all time. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is the superior and more refined version of Mortal Kombat 3. The game added a bunch of new characters and made some changes to the original.
The port of the game on SNES is a bit off, though. The other versions of the game are way superior, but that doesn’t mean that the Super Nintendo version isn’t worth checking out. This is a decent port if you don’t have access to other versions.
What sucks about the SNES version the most is the fact that they removed gore. Nintendo didn’t want such a violent game on their system. It is still one of the best SNES games, but other versions are certainly more extraordinary.
Pros:
- For an old arcade game, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 is truly spectacular and enthralling in terms of visuals.
- Highly crisp animations allow you to see blood dripping from a single punch which is quite an experience.
- All of the stages are high in detail and well-designed, matching well with the theme of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
- The gameplay mechanics are on top of the shelf as you can do some creative combos in a match and even execute the opponent with a finishing move known as fatality.
- The online play has a decent amount of depth and promotes a learning curve among players in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
Cons:
- The enemy AI can be a bit tricky to deal with sometimes which might get irritate some players in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
- You cannot purchase a physical copy of the game as it is not available in the market.
- The controls are cumbersome and terrible when compared to other games of this genre.
105. Super Double Dragon

- Developer: Technos Japan
- Publisher: Technos Japan
- Release Date: October 8, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Back in the day, during the SNES era, people loved playing beat ’em ups. Capcom kicked off the trend with their excellent Final Fight game. Super Double Dragon is another great addition to the genre that was released before Final Fight.
What made us put the game on our list is mainly the fact that it feels great to play even now. The gameplay is smooth, and aside from the visuals, it is enjoyable, just like almost every other game on our best SNES games list.
If you love, beat ‘em ups, then continue reading. We will have much more of them on our list. It was a genre that shined significantly brightly in the SNES era.
Pros:
- The gameplay mechanics are well-designed.
- The brand-new countering system makes the fighting aspect of the Super Double Dragon more fun and thrilling.
- Super Double Dragon has incredible music that goes well with every stage which will keep you immersed in every battle.
- The animations are well-done and add a pivotal layer to the overall gameplay which is a huge improvement compared to the original game.
- In terms of graphics, Super Double Dragon has highly detailed backgrounds which complement the decent visuals of the game in some ways.
Cons:
- The main narrative is almost nonexistent in Super Double Dragon which can be an annoyance for veteran players of the series.
- Platforming in Super Double Dragon is horrid which is underwhelming.
- In the last bits of the game, it gets really tiresome and the slow movement does not reap the full benefits of the interesting gameplay mechanics.
- Some of the characters from the classic game are missing from Super Double Dragon which can be a deal-breaker for many players.
104. Top Gear 2

- Developer: Gremlin Interactive
- Publisher: Kemco
- Release Date: August 8, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Our staff at eXputer still loves playing retro racing games. There is something so charming about the visuals and everything else present in them. Top Gear 2 is one of these games. Also, it is one of the most popular SNES games.
The visuals look good, and the driving feels smooth! We recommend you give Top Gear 2 a shot. It is one of the most excellent 16-bit racing games. If you love pixelated visuals, then you will love Top Gear 2.
If you want to play a charming fast game, then there is no reason why you should skip Top Gear 2. It is one of the unique SNES games.
Pros:
- The implementation of the upgrading/tuning system is inventive and quite engaging.
- You can modify your car to your liking in Top Gear 2.
- Top Gear 2 has some incredible soundtracks that enhance the racing element of the game and keep the player immersed.
- Some other great concepts were added which make Top Gear 2 a decent racing game, improving the driving experience.
Cons:
- Sometimes, the upgrading system gets a tad too restrictive and pesky.
- You cannot progress through the game if you are not spending a considerable amount of time on your car upgrades.
- The intro and menu music is awful and extremely lackluster in Top Gear 2.
- Visually, Top Gear 2 does not look any different or better than other racing games of that time.
- Gameplay mechanics limit you from making a comeback during intense races as the game brutally punishes you for making any mistakes throughout the race.
103. Super Turrican

- Developer: Factor 5
- Publisher: Factor 5
- Release Date: 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here we have one of the oldest run and gun shooting games. Super Turrican is pretty similar to the Metal Slug franchise as far as the gameplay is concerned. The shooting feels great thanks to great sound design and satisfying visual feedback.
It is a fun time every single run. Be aware though the game can get frustrating really fast. It is similar to Contra in that regard. Both games are enjoyable, but the difficulty can put some people off.
Pros:
- The gun mechanics are robust and quite immersive in Super Turrican which will allow the player to have a great shooting experience throughout the game.
- An enticing sound design and exceptional visuals add to the fun element of the game.
- The futuristic settings in Super Terrican are aesthetically pleasing and on par with other similar titles.
- You can blast through tons of enemies in the most chaotic ways thanks to the arsenal of weapons and robust explosives available at your disposal in Super Turrican.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty level in Super Turrican might not sit with some players especially, those who are just looking for a casual experience.
- Super Turrican does not have the most compelling level design which can be jarring for many players.
- You cannot fire in any direction with simple weapons, this can only be done with the lightning beam in Super Turrican which is extremely frustrating in some fights.
102. Super Turrican 2

- Developer: Factor 5
- Publisher: Factor 5
- Release Date: 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The sequel to the first Turrican improves on everything just like a great sequel should. What is extra awesome about Super Turrican 2 is the fact that it does not make the previous game terrible or unplayable.
In addition, it adds a lot of stuff to the formula and makes sure its predecessor doesn’t suffer because of it. Both games are great, but Super Turrican 2 is slightly better in our opinion because it has some excellent vehicle levels that are just super fun.
Super Turrican 1 and 2 are very similar games. We recommend you play both of them, but if you had to pick one, go for the sequel.
Pros:
- Super Turrican 2 has an intriguing storyline with some immersive cutscenes.
- The level design is unique and packed with frenetic sequences, adding to the replay value.
- Responsive and fluid controls make the combat more fun and exciting.
- The vehicle segments are a delight to complete and provide a remarkable experience.
- The game offers you ample gameplay variety to keep things fresh without overloading you with a large number of button options to learn.
- Formidable boss battles at every stage will test your abilities.
- Plenty of flashy mode-7 effects make the atmosphere captivating that complement the overall visuals.
Cons:
- Learning to utilize the grappling hook can be a pain and might frustrate a lot of players in Super Turrican 2.
- The music fails to match the heat of the battles, especially in tense situations which can take away the immersion of the player.
101. Uniracers

- Developer: DMA Design and Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Some of you reading the list might be so young that you don’t even know about unicycles. A unicycle is a wheel with paddles on it. Uniracers is a game based on that. Even after so many decades of gaming, Uniracers is probably the only game that is based on unicycles.
It is a fun game that one should play to kill some time. What makes Uniracers stand out is that it is pretty much a one-of-a-kind videogame. The game is still fun while being unique, which is why it has earned a spot on our best SNES games list.
Pros:
- The gameplay in Unicracers is extremely distinctive and offers loads of depth.
- Even though the soundtrack is quite simple, it fits really well with the theme of the game, providing you with an enticing experience throughout.
- The fast-paced racing is what sets Uniracers apart from other racing games of its time.
- You can challenge your friends in a one-on-one race or you can play solo where you will be racing against the AI clock, providing you with a stimulating experience.
- The customization options are available in great variety which lets you modify your Uniracer to your liking.
- In Uniracers, you can play with up to eight players in a group.
Cons:
- Uniracers has extremely poor visuals which is a major turnoff for many players.
- The gameplay can get repetitive as you have to compete in several tracks multiple times in order to progress through the game which eventually gets a tedious process.
- There is not much to do after you complete the main game mode which results in little to no replay value of the game.
- In some places, the difficulty spike is intolerable in Uniracers and might be the cause of frustration for many players.
100. Final Fight

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: November 25, 1989
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Capcom started the beat ‘em up trend back in the day with Final Fight. It was an evolutionary game with beautiful graphics and smooth gameplay. It introduced many of the genre’s core mechanics and is still incredibly fun to this day.
Final Fight had multiple playable characters, and all of them played very differently from one another. The SNES version is inferior because Guy, a ninja fighter who has made appearances in Street Fighter alongside his buddy Cody was removed from the game.
The removal of even a single character in Final Fight kills a lot of its replayability and variety. All of the playable characters are completely different and suit different playstyles. That is why the SNES version of Final Fight is very inferior when compared to the other ones.
Pros:
- In terms of visuals, Final Fight is quite spectacular for a 16-bit-era game.
- Final Fight features a lot of great and intriguing characters along with attractive surroundings and level designs which are the cherry on top.
- The combat system is greatly enhanced and pleasing because the animations are well-done.
- Final Fight does an amazing job in terms of the soundtrack which plays an important role in setting up the tone of the atmosphere.
- The playable characters have a decent amount of depth and are equipped with a wide array of powerful abilities, making the combat a more interesting and fun experience.
- Final Fight feels a lot like Street Fighter in terms of gameplay mechanics and enemy AI which is welcoming for veteran players of the series.
Cons:
- The lack of the classic two-player co-op mode is the major drawback of Final Fight and is very disappointing for many players.
- In some places, the audio design is barebones when compared to the arcade version which is not that big of an issue but still can be a prominent nuisance.
- The narrative is not engaging enough and is mediocre at best in Final Fight.
99. Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back

- Developer: LucasArts
- Publisher: LucasArts
- Release Date: June 1, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Based on one of the most revolutionary movies of all time. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is the second game based on the second Star Wars film(according to the release order). There is plenty to love in the beautiful pixelated recreation of the film.
The game plays like a normal side-scroller. You play as Luke Skywalker and fight off hordes of different enemies. As a cool and appreciated touch, you can ride around on top of some of the species in the Star Wars universe.
It is a charming recreation that is fun to play through from start to finish. If you are a Star Wars fan, we recommend you check the game out. It is one of the best-looking SNES games.
Pros:
- The implementation of the mind control mechanic is truly amazing as it lets you turn weakened enemies against their allies.
- It has an utterly gorgeous soundtrack with some incredible audio design which will keep the player absorbed throughout the game.
- If you are a fan of the original film, then you will fall in love with this game as it perfectly adapts the star wars formula and reinvents it in a pixel art style game.
- The controls are a huge improvement compared to the previous game as they feel more responsive and hybrid, providing an immersive gameplay experience.
- The vehicle sections are top-notch and fast-paced which adds another interesting layer to the overall unique gameplay.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty level in the opening segments can be a bit daunting as you will be surrounded by multiple enemies on several occasions.
- The gameplay mechanics can be a bit tricky to get used to especially, for new players who are not familiar with the previous titles.
98. Star Wars A New Hope

- Developer: LucasArts
- Publisher: LucasArts
- Release Date: 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The prequel to the previous entry on our list is another great Star Wars game. LucasArts was a great developer, and they cared deeply about their properties. That is clearly visible in these old SNES Star Wars games of theirs.
If you are going to play Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, you should definitely play Star Wars: A New Hope. Both games are similar, yet they offer very different gaming experiences. Also, it is the first game in the series so start with it if you plan to play the whole trilogy.
Pros:
- The implementation of the mind control mechanic is truly amazing as it lets you turn weakened enemies against their allies.
- It has an utterly gorgeous soundtrack with some incredible audio design which will keep the player absorbed throughout the game.
- If you are a fan of the original film, then you will fall in love with this game as it perfectly adapts the star wars formula and reinvents it in a pixel art style game.
- The controls are a huge improvement compared to the previous game as they feel more responsive and hybrid, providing an immersive gameplay experience.
- The vehicle sections are top-notch and fast-paced which adds another interesting layer to the overall unique gameplay.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty level in the opening segments can be a bit daunting as you will be surrounded by multiple enemies on several occasions.
- The gameplay mechanics can be a bit tricky to get used to especially, for new players who are not familiar with the previous titles.
97. Sunset Riders

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
If you love Contra and beat ‘em ups like the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games, then Sunset Riders will be your jam. It is a stellar game that is fun from start to finish. It also visually stands out because of its “Western” setting.
The similarities to Contra are because Konami developed both games. Nowadays, Konami has fallen low, but back in the day and through the entirety of the 2000s, they were one of the best developers in the industry, if not the very best.
Sunset Riders is another example of the censorship Nintendo enforced on violent games. Which, in our opinion, was reasonable since the Nintendo brand always has been family-friendly.
Pros:
- The 90s settings are a joy and the pixel art style does an amazing job of portraying the theme of Sunset Riders.
- Robust and fluid controls enhance the overall experience and are pretty easy to grasp as the game will provide you with a menu before you play the main campaign.
- The diversity in the level design is worth mentioning as you will be venturing through saloons in a city or defeating enemies on a train.
- Each level comes with a unique challenge that will test your awareness and observation skills.
- You can compete in special levels where you have to shoot as many enemies as you can for the sake of a high score.
- The main protagonist is quite engrossing and the boss battles give you a thrilling experience with a sense of accomplishment after you beat them in Sunset Riders.
- The co-op couch experience is exceptional in Sunset Riders.
Cons:
- The main campaign is extremely short and it will take you only a couple of hours to finish it which can be underwhelming in Sunset Riders.
- A bland and poor storyline can be a major turnoff for players who are looking for story-driven gameplay.
- The absence of an online multiplayer mode in Sunset Riders might not be to everyone’s liking.
- The caravan mode which is the final mode in the game is not intriguing and is rather tedious as you will have to make a high score within five minutes without any saves.
96. Stunt Race FX

- Developer: Argonaut Software and Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: May 27, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here we have one of the first SNES games that were insanely ahead in the visuals department. When it was released back in the day, it blew the minds of gamers to see a fully 3D vehicle in a racing game on a Super Nintendo.
Aside from the graphics, the game also had entertaining gameplay. The racing was fun, and the vehicles looked great. The sound design and visuals were the main things that sold the experience.
Impressive graphics don’t seem like much of a giant leap nowadays. Back then, when a game made a jump in the visuals department, it was very clearly visible.
Pros:
- There is a wide array of decent and well-designed tracks in Stunt Race FX.
- A huge variety of game modes can be found and each one is packed with enticing gameplay mechanics.
- The free Trax mode is one of the most engaging modes in the game as you will be hurling your vehicle all over the track without any interference from other vehicles.
- You have the option of storing the top three results in addition to viewing the three quickest times for every car, allowing you a plethora of milestones to aim to surpass.
- The music fits well with the racing tracks and the audio design is quite alluring from the revving sounds of engines to the screeching tires.
Cons:
- Graphically, Stunt Race FX is not the best which is sub-par compared to other racing games.
- The restrictive two-player option can be a deal-killer for many players in Stunt Race FX.
- The movement of various vehicles is quite glitchy which makes it extremely hard to maneuver them during fast-paced races.
- Some technical issues such as texture pop-ups can end up ruining the overall gameplay experience for the player which can be aggravating.
95. Super Tennis

- Developer: Tokyo Shoseki and Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Nintendo has always had great sports games. Super Tennis is one of the first sports games that were added to a Nintendo system. There are, of course, far better alternatives. Nintendo has made a lot of splendid sports games over the years.
Super Tennis is worth playing if you want to see how far sports games have come. Super Tennis is decent by today’s standards, but it was quite a blast when it came out.
Pros:
- The vibrant atmosphere complements the stunning visuals of Super Tennis which will allow for better immersion throughout the game.
- Super Tennis is flawless in terms of optimization which provides the players with smooth and stutter-free gameplay.
- The customization options have a decent amount of depth through which you can unlock different unique costumes and modify them to your liking as you progress.
Cons:
- The commentary is horrid during the matches which can irritate a lot of players as it gets quite repetitive and tedious over time.
- If you are looking for an authentic tennis gameplay experience, then this game might not fulfill your expectations and may prove to be a jarring experience.
- The core gameplay gets duplicative after some time which is underwhelming in Super Tennis.
94. Sparkster

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: September 15, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Konami gave Nintendo a fantastic humanoid animal protagonist game back in the day with Sparkster. It was something that would feel like Sonic on a Nintendo system. Sparkster is a classic. The game had its own identity and still has a lot of fans in the current day and age.
It is a fast-paced action platforming game where the player character uses a jetpack to get around fast. Sparkster is also the name of the protagonist, who, in our opinion, is an underrated cute character.
Sparkster has aged remarkably. We highly recommend you check it out. The game is undoubtedly a classic. Konami really knew what they were doing back then.
Pros:
- With the addition of new enemy types especially, the wolves offer an enthralling experience throughout the gameplay.
- The main protagonist Sparkster is well-written and quite immersive with a decent amount of depth which will keep the players engaged.
- Sparkster offers a new rocket mechanic that players can utilize in order to traverse between levels.
- The pyramid stage which is known for its alluring maze-like elements and the bird-riding sequences in Sparkster is intriguing.
Cons:
- The boss battles are not very memorable as some can be aggravating and may end up taking a lot of time and attempts which can hinder the pacing of the game.
- The implementation of the short-distance rolling dashes is pointless and does not help the player in any way.
- Sparkster has terrible controls that are not well-designed which can be frustrating.
- The expansive level design of Sparkster can get overwhelming and might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
93. Spider-Man & Venom Maximum Carnage

- Developer: Software Creations
- Publisher: Acclaim Entertainment
- Release Date: September 16, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Marvel fans became familiar with the symbiote Carnage with the recent Venom 2 film. Back in the day, the comics fans saw all their favorite Spidey characters in a videogame on the Super Nintendo.
Spider-Man & Venom Maximum Carnage doesn’t have much of a story. It makes up for it, though, with its simple but captivating gameplay. It is a great brawler that has aged better than expected. Give it a shot; it is certainly one of the most unique SNES games.
Pros:
- In terms of visuals, for a SNES game, Spider-Man & Venom Maximum Carnage has aged like fine wine over the years.
- It perfectly adapts the 90s comic book art style and brings it to life in a pixelated form which is quite riveting for many fans of the series.
- Controls are extremely solid and provide a pleasing experience throughout the game.
- All the main characters in the game are well-designed and have a decent amount of depth.
- Villains add another interesting layer to the overall gameplay and offer some stimulating sequences.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty level in Spider-Man & Venom Maximum Carnage might not sit with players who are just looking for a casual experience.
- You can not save your progress which is lackluster as it is already a very difficult game.
- You have to complete the full game in only one playthrough as there are limited continuing options available which is truly disappointing.
- If you are not a fan of the comic book series, then you will not find Spider-Man & Venom Maximum Carnage compelling enough and may get tired after some time.
92. Blackthorne

- Developer: Blizzard
- Publisher: Blizzard
- Release Date: September 23, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Blizzard is arguably the best PC game developer alongside Id Software and Valve. They are known for their incredible games on PC like Diablo, Starcraft, Overwatch, etc. Blackthorne is a forgotten gem of theirs that they made for the SNES.
The game is basically a modern futuristic version of the classic Prince of Persia game. The story is like some superhero film. You play as an alien commando who was raised by humans and is fighting to get back to his home planet.
In addition, the story is complex, considering that it is a SNES game. Most games on the system had a straightforward plot, and some had no plot whatsoever. Give Blackthorne a shot; it is undoubtedly one of the best SNES games.
Pros:
- The combat system is highly engaging as you will be blasting through your enemies with a robust shotgun.
- The enemies are available in great variety in Blackthorne.
- The level design is intricate and matches well with the gloomy atmosphere.
- There are enemies lurking in the shadows, and blasting them with a shotgun from time to time will definitely leave an impression on the player.
- Blackthorne offers some unique puzzles that require you to be creative and will test your puzzle-solving skills to the core.
- The progression system is well-balanced as Blackthorne uses an automatic save feature to register your progress throughout the game.
Cons:
- The gameplay mechanics are lacking originality and relies too much on other pointless facets.
- The soundtrack is not the best and does not fit well which can take away the immersion.
- The ramped-up colors make the game visual seem washed out and it can get dark in places.
- The narrative is barebones and the protagonist is not intriguing which is sub-par.
91. Killer Instinct

- Developer: Rare
- Publisher: Midway Games
- Release Date: October 24, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Over the years, many fighting games have tried to give Mortal Kombat a run for its money. Killer Instinct is the only one that was a proper rival to Mortal Kombat. Both games had similar visuals and similar finishing moves.
For Killer Instinct, developer Rare used the same tech for graphics they did for Donkey Kong Country. It turned out to be an excellent decision as Killer Instinct looked stellar for its time.
The game had excellent and engaging gameplay too. Nowadays, the Killer Instinct franchise is sadly forgotten, while their rival Mortal Kombat is just as successful as it was back then. Here is to hoping that we see a new Killer Instinct game soon.
Pros:
- The graphics are on top of the shelf and easily made Killer Instinct stand out from other fighting games of that era.
- Killer Instinct offers a rendered environment that pays attention to every detail and highly detailed animations.
- The characters have a decent amount of depth and make the game more interesting and fun.
- The combat system is quite immersive and highly in-depth.
- Some unique characters and each one has a set of different abilities along with ultra combos.
- The sound design is greatly composed and does an amazing job of setting a dark tone of the match which keeps the player immersed in the game.
- If you are a fan of gore and dark style and complex gameplay mechanics, you will have a great time playing Killer Instinct.
Cons:
- The fighting engine is not the best and heavily relies on its predecessors which makes Killer Instinct less authentic.
- Some technical issues do not provide an overall smooth gameplay experience which can be a deal-killer for some players.
90. Pilotwings

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: December 21, 1990
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Pilotwings was originally a launch title for the Super Nintendo. With Pilotwings, Nintendo wanted to show off the power of their brand new 16-bit system. Pilotwings is a fun flight game. It is also one of the first 3D games.
Nintendo used some tricks to make the visuals look even better than they originally were. These tricks are now quite easily recognizable, but back in the day, they weren’t, so people were extra impressed with the visuals of Pilotwings.
By today’s standard, the game will indeed feel bland and empty. Play it just to see how far we have come regarding videogame graphics.
Pros:
- For its era, the presentation of Pilotwings is on top of the shelf and the pixel art style is awe-inducing for a game of this age.
- There is a decent amount of variety when it comes to different activities that you can complete throughout the game.
- The controls in Pilotwings are extremely solid and simple to use which allow for better immersion.
- Excellent music design matches well with the vibrant atmosphere of the game which will keep the player absorbed in the game.
- Bonus game modes are a delight to complete and offer an enticing experience in Pilotwings.
Cons:
- Pilotwings is a very short game which is truly disappointing for many players.
- Gaining points through bonus games is pretty much useless in Pilotwings.
- The helicopter missions are a pain to complete in Pilotwings.
89. The Death and Return of Superman

- Developer: Sunsoft
- Publisher: Sunsoft
- Release Date: 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
It is still pretty unbelievable that Superman, who is, of course of the greatest and most well-known superheroes out there, hasn’t gotten any modern-day triple-A game. When SNES was a thing, many famous superheroes got games. Superman was one of them.
You play as Clark Kent for most of the game. Then, as the title suggests, he does die, and when he is gone, you play as other characters whose identities we won’t spoil.
The Death and Return of Superman is a great Superman game. It delivered well and gave us a great-looking, fun-to-play fun staring the Man of Steel.
Pros:
- Each and every superman is extremely unique and equipped with a diverse move set which will allure the player in The Death and Return of Superman.
- The animations are well-done which provides the player with some fast-paced action and frenetic skirmishes throughout the game.
- The Death and Return of Superman does an incredible job of adapting the original comic book story and recreating it in a pixelated form.
- The most interesting and enthralling aspect of the game is that you can fly at any time without any restriction which is quite impressive.
- The single-player experience is top-notch and extremely welcoming for the comic book die-hard fans of the series.
Cons:
- The repetitive enemy types can be a drag in The Death and Return of Superman.
- The boss AI can be a pain to deal with which can result in a frustrating experience for the player.
- Environments get duplicative and the soundtrack could have been better in The Death and Return of Superman.
- The absence of a playable mullet superman is truly disappointing.
88. ActRaiser

- Developer: Quintet
- Publisher: Enix
- Release Date: December 16, 1990
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
ActRaiser took the players on an epic journey. The main goal was to rid the world of demons and to make it whole again. It is a unique game and was a success due to its uniqueness. The gameplay is like your average side-scroller.
What made ActRaiser different from other side-scrollers was the fact that it had city-building mechanics. When we said that you need to make the world whole again, we meant that literally. The game has aged well and is worth giving a shot today.
There is a lot of stuff that the game does which seems unreal for a SNES game. It is undoubtedly one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The world is filled with easter eggs and secrets to unveil which makes the ActRaiser a highly immersive game.
- In terms of visuals, ActRaiser has one of the best if not the best graphics and presentation on SNES which will keep you absorbed throughout the game.
- The SIM mode is well-designed and a nice addition that will provide the player with a smooth gameplay experience.
- In addition to that, the action mode does not fall behind and offers the player some intense battles in ActRaiser.
- The RPG-lite elements of the game are quite immersive and engaging.
- It has tight and robust gameplay mechanics.
Cons:
- The main campaign of ActRaiser is very short which may not be satisfying enough for some players.
- The action mode is a bit too simplistic which can eventually lead to a bland gameplay experience.
- The main narrative is too ordinary and barebones which is sub-par in ActRaiser.
87. Soul Blazer

- Developer: Quintet
- Publisher: Enix
- Release Date: January 31, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Soul Blazer shares the same developers as ActRaiser. It also shares a very similar premise. You play as a warrior sent from Heaven to rid the world of evil. The rebuilding aspect is also here again. The player is tasked with restoring the world.
The gameplay was widely different, though. Now the game uses a top-down perspective instead of the side-scrolling one that ActRaiser has.
Soul Blazer is a game that we recommend as much as ActRaiser. It is a game that will be extra appealing to the fans of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda franchise. The game is mainly similar to The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past.
Pros:
- The vivid yet tasteful color scheme positively influences almost every aspect of Soul Blazer which makes it one of the best-looking retro games on SNES.
- The strong visual animation breathes life into the dungeons and environment of Soul Blazer which will keep the player immersed throughout the game.
- The characters and elements that constitute Soul Blazer’s world are full of detail which will do an amazing job of keeping you involved in the game.
- With plenty of enemies, varied landscapes, and incredible layering effects, Soul Blazer has aged like fine wine over the years for a 16-bit classic.
- The music is exceptional and matches well with the theme of Soul Blazer, providing you a resonant experience throughout the journey.
Cons:
- The major flaw of Soul Blazer is the steep difficulty in the opening stages which can be harsh and discouraging to novice players.
- The restrictive backtracking on several occasions can have a negative influence on the pace of Soul Blazer which is underwhelming.
- Poorly designed boss fight sequences especially, the final boss can be extremely easy to beat which can lead to a mundane and tedious gameplay experience.
- The main narrative is not the best in Soul Blazer which can be offputting to players who are looking for a story-driven experience.
86. ActRaiser 2

- Developer: Quintet
- Publisher: Enix
- Release Date: October 29, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The game does serve as a sequel to the origins ActRaiser, but the story isn’t directly connected. Most of the other elements are similar, but there are certainly some changes. These changes will please some fans while pissing off others.
The world-building aspects of the original ActRaiser are missing here. Now the game is just a platformer, and the building aspect is completely gone. It still offers up plenty of new things to justify a playthrough, and if you want more ActRaiser, this won’t disappoint.
Pros:
- There are a total of 14 stages that are vibrant and high in detail which makes the stage design remarkable in ActRaiser 2.
- In contrast to the previous game, ActRaiser 2 is utterly gorgeous and breathtaking for its age in terms of visuals and offers an incredible presentation.
- Some intriguing game mechanics add a pivotal layer to the overall gameplay and keep the player regaled throughout the game.
- The shield, gliding, and flying are some interesting mechanics that add loads of depth to the platforming of ActRaiser 2.
- The levels are beginner-friendly and give you the freedom of having infinite attempts which makes it very easy to progress through the game.
Cons:
- Although the mechanics are well-designed and a step up compared to the previous title, the controls are horrible and lackluster in ActRaiser 2.
- The main storyline is barebones in ActRaiser 2 which was not the case in the first game. This has upset many veteran players.
- Despite playing on the easy difficulty mode, ActRaiser 2 can be extremely unforgiving and daunting which can be an annoyance.
- The lack of a save option is underwhelming in ActRaiser 2.
85. Mortal Kombat 2

- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway Games
- Release Date: June 25, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Mortal Kombat 2 served as a great sequel to the original title. It was as incredible and mind-blowing as Street Fighter 2, but it did the job. There were plenty of new characters in the game who have now all become fan favorites.
The game has many new characters and improves on the already present ones. Legendary genre characters like Mileena and Kung Lao appeared for the first time in Mortal Kombat 2. They have now become easily recognizable even outside of the FGC.
Now, unlike almost every violent game back on the SNES Mortal Kombat 2 wasn’t censored. It is a nearly flawless port and is easily one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- In Mortal Kombat 2 you have access to a total of 12 diverse characters each with a unique set of moves and special abilities that you can utilize during frenetic skirmishes.
- The graphics of Mortal Kombat 2 are on top of the shelf and do an incredible job of setting up a dark fantasy tone for the atmosphere.
- Mortal Kombat 2 has extremely fast-paced gameplay along with a decent learning curve that promotes a sense of challenge among players.
- The soundtrack is right off the bat one of the best and a major improvement from the previous game.
- The gore aspect of the game is highly polished and ramped up.
Cons:
- The enemy AI can be a bit of a pain to deal with sometimes which can take away the fun element of Mortal Kombat 2.
- The basic audio design for some characters in Mortal Kombat 2 is underwhelming and a tad too irritating for many players.
- Mortal Kombat 2 has an unfairly balanced boss AI which makes your special moves seem useless and ineffective.
84. Flashback The Quest For Identity

- Developer: Delphine Software
- Publisher: Delphine Software
- Release Date: 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The original Prince of Persia started a trend back in the day. The trend is what made “cinematic” platformers so famous. These games had the basic mechanics of a platformer, but they made them in a cinematic movie-like fashion.
The main focus of these types of games is to make the game look extra beautiful and appealing; gameplay takes a second seat there. Flashback: The Quest For Identity is one of the best games of that kind.
Moreover, the game’s story follows a brainwashed agent who is trying to uncover the identities of some aliens disguised as human beings. The game is a blast from start to finish. The platforming and the cinematic aspect both go well together.
Pros:
- The strong and creative writing does an incredible job of giving you an insight into the main character’s life which complements the main plot.
- The exquisite movement mechanics will allow for better immersion throughout the game.
- The animated cutscenes in are quite remarkable and well-detailed, providing an in-depth experience for the player.
- There are a total of three difficulty options that you can choose from, each option will have a different effect on your gameplay experience.
- Both the level design and storytelling elements complement each other perfectly.
Cons:
- Stage two overstays its welcome which makes it a tedious level to experience in Flashback The Quest For Identity.
- The controls can get a little complex at the beginning of the game which can be problematic for many players.
83. Mortal Kombat

- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway Games
- Release Date: June 25, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
The original Mortal Kombat is what started it all. The most successful fighting game franchise and one of the most successful videogame franchises in general. When Mortal Kombat was released back in the day, it took the world by storm.
The game literally invented the mature rating warnings we see on adult games nowadays. Street Fighter 2 had taken over the entire gaming world, and Mortal Kombat is the only game that rivaled its success.
Of course, like the previous Mortal Kombat games on our best SNES games list, Mortal Kombat 1 is also censored. It is still worth visiting the glorious original Mortal Kombat today.
Pros:
- The violence and gore aspects of Mortal Kombat are top-notch.
- The character roster is quite interesting and consists of a total of six fighters that you can play with in Mortal Kombat.
- Players have the freedom to tailor the difficulty options that are extremely varied however, enemies can still prove to be a little challenging even on the easiest difficulty.
- The soundtracks are quite memorable and greatly composed that fit well with the detailed environment of Mortal Kombat.
Cons:
- The special moves are unoriginal and even the command list of all characters does not feel that interesting, making the overall gameplay experience bland.
- The fatality moves and other moves that contain blood and gore are censored on the SNES.
- Mortal Kombat has severe input lag during matches which ruins the fighting experience for the players and is one of the major drawbacks of the game.
82. Shadowrun

- Developer: Beam Software
- Publisher: Beam Software
- Release Date: May 1, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
People have always loved the cyberpunk aesthetic. Even today, it is widely liked; Cyberpunk 2077 is proof of that. Shadowrun is an RPG released back then, and it is one of the best-looking SNES games.
The game was groundbreaking on many fronts. People loved everything about it. Some had issues with the game’s stupidly unrealistic opening sequence, but everybody liked the stuff that followed.
It is absolutely still worth checking out today. It is one of the best Super Nintendo games of all time. Comparing Shadowrun to modern-day RPGs after playing it is a wild experience.
If you love to play games with the cyberpunk aesthetic or just a retro-futuristic setting then we recommend Cyberpunk 2077. Now before you jump into Cyberpunk 2077 we recommend the following guides.
Pros:
- There is a great variety of enemies, as well as non-hostile characters, who have different unique personalities that allow for better interaction and can even alter the main plot.
- The soundtrack is extremely diverse in Shadowrun as it constantly changes as you switch from one environment to another.
- When you engage in combat, a preset soundtrack plays which intensifies the tension. The sound effects of hit animations are incredibly composed as well.
- Shadowrun has an immersive and gripping narrative that will grab the player’s undivided attention.
- The game mechanics are well-designed and provide challenging gameplay.
Cons:
- In terms of visuals, Shadowrun is clearly lacking and has some polishing issues which can tarnish the overall experience of the player.
- The controls are very bad and sluggish which makes it really hard to play the game especially, the combat sequences.
- The ending bits of the game are not well-explained and have left the players with many unanswered questions.
81. Xmen Mutant Apocalypse

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: November 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Before Marvel vs. Capcom, we had Xmen Mutant Apocalypse and Xmen vs. Street Fighter. Capcom did an incredible job with the game. There are a lot of characters in the game and they were picked based on their popularity.
The visuals of the game look great. It is a delight controlling your favorite comic book character and doing crazy stuff with it. Capcom really knew how to nail beat ‘em up brawlers at the time. Xmen Mutant Apocalypse is great and you should definitely give it a shot.
Pros:
- In terms of visuals, Xmen Mutant Apocalypse is simply remarkable and the use of massive and highly detailed character sprites is a cherry on top.
- Each of the five characters has a distinctive set of abilities and outfits that are well-detailed.
- Gameplay-wise, you will be playing with five diverse characters in different stages which is essential for the progression of the game.
- The combat system is extremely enticing thanks to the character’s unique abilities and interesting enemies.
- The audio design and music in Xmen Mutant Apocalypse are excellent as for each character’s stage, the music is different.
- The majority of the industrial music is lively and well-done, which aids the pacing. Additionally, the sound effects are wonderfully done.
Cons:
- There is not enough variety in boss battles as most of them are just sentinels. Some additional supervillains would have been a better option.
- The character Gambit is just awful, lacks mobility, and simply not agile enough which can be a major turnoff for fans of this character.
- Some of the segments are extremely hard and the difficulty spike is just intolerable. Beast Cyclops level in particular is unduly daunting.
80. Illusion of Gaia

- Developer: Quintet
- Publisher: Enix
- Release Date: November 27, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Developed by the same people who made ActRaiser and Soul Blazer. Illusion of Gaia was meant to be a spiritual successor to Soul Blazer. The game did a great job at being similar while also building an identity for itself.
The player takes the role of Will who has the powers to morph into different individuals. That is what the gameplay revolves around. You will be switching between different forms throughout the game.
Nintendo liked the game a lot. They themselves promoted it as a Zelda-like title. It is truly one of the best SNES games due to its uniqueness.
Pros:
- The audio design and soundtrack are incredible and well-designed which will draw you into the game’s atmosphere in no time.
- In terms of graphics, Illusion of Gaia is top-notch with some vibrant colors for a 16-bit game.
- The astounding visuals complement the rich and highly detailed environment.
- As you progress through the game, Will can acquire the ability to transform into other powerful forms each one having its own advantages and disadvantages.
- You can also learn various abilities for all of your forms which Will can utilize during frantic skirmishes in Illusion of Gaia.
- Although the main plot is quite simple, it is well-written and provides the player with a riveting experience.
Cons:
- You can easily get stuck in several places throughout the journey as the world is expansive and the navigation system is barebones in Illusion of Gaia.
- The Japanese-to-English translation that you get is clumsy and sluggish which is lackluster in Illusion of Gaia.
79. Pocky & Rocky

- Developer: Natsume
- Publisher: Natsume
- Release Date: September 18, 1986
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here we have another run-and-gun shooter. Pocky & Rocky is a great game, it is fun and has some of the most charming visuals making it one of the best-looking SNES games. The game also offers a good amount of content.
What makes Pocky & Rocky stand out from other shooters in the genre are its characters. The game doesn’t have any super-human individual leads instead the player plays with cute characters and the entire game is child friendly.
Pros:
- The level design is a feast for the eyes as it is well-detailed and the visual refining is just mindblowing in Pocky & Rocky.
- Graphically, Natsume spared no effort and outdid themselves in the visuals department.
- The stages are brimming with exquisite features and beautiful landscapes, from the soothing forested areas to the sinister castle dungeons which will keep you immersed.
- The gameplay mechanics are challenging yet extremely fun at the same time, providing you with some engrossing battle sequences.
- The couch co-op mode is highly immersive as there are two characters available in the game that you can play with and both are very unique in their own ways.
Cons:
- The cutscenes are not the best and are poorly written in Pocky & Rocky.
- The main narrative is mediocre at best which can be a deal-breaker for many players.
- Pocky & Rocky is a very harsh game because of the extreme difficulty level.
- From time to time, you will be attacked by enemies in unpredictable ways and they come out from every corner of the screen which can be quite overwhelming for some players.
78. Rock n’ Roll Racing

- Developer: Silicon and Synapse
- Publisher: Interplay Productions
- Release Date: June 4, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Blizzard always has been one of the most creative developers. Rock n’ Roll Racing is another one of their gems from the Super Nintendo era. It is a one-of-a-kind game where you race and brawl with other competitors.
The gameplay revolves around racing and trying your best to hinder the progression of your opponents. It feels very much like Road Rash. You do all that while listening to some badass music. The game stood out to many young teenagers due to these aspects.
Pros:
- The controls in Rock n’ Roll Racing are extremely responsive and fluid which allows you to stay focused in the race rather than trying to figure out the commands.
- When it comes to race tracks, there is a sheer amount of variety available on each planet which will never make a race seem boring or underwhelming.
- The commentary during the races is top-notch and incredibly done, making the audio design simply one of the best out of all 16-bit racing games.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty level might not be everyone’s cup of tea in Rock n’ Roll Racing.
- The camera angle can be a bit problematic in the first few sections of the game which is lackluster.
77. Populous

- Developer: Bullfrog Productions
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: June 5, 1989
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Before SIMS we had Populous. The game gave the player so much freedom to whatever they wanted to do in their virtual world. You could change the terrain, cause natural disasters, build stuff, etc all of that in a SNES game.
The game was truly revolutionary as a lot of games on the Super Nintendo are. There is so much you can do. How much fun you have here all depends on how creative you can get. Populous was one of the first sandbox games.
Knowing how ahead of his time the creator of Populous Peter Molyneux is the new Fable game is certainly in good hands!
Pros:
- There is a total of three unique game modes available, each with its own mechanics.
- In the tutorial mode, you can practice and get a grasp of gameplay mechanics which is helpful for novice players.
- The single-player mode; conquest is extremely engaging and provides you with at least 500 worlds to conquer in Populous.
- You can even design your own world and the AI in the custom mode which you can later tweak to your liking.
Cons:
- The gameplay can get quite repetitive after a while as you will be fighting through the same levels which can be a turnoff for many players.
- Some of the stages are a bit too long and the difficulty spike might not sit with some players.
- The sound effects are sorely lacking and could have been better in Populous.
76. Pocky & Rocky 2

- Developer: Natsume
- Publisher: Natsume
- Release Date: July 17, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Pocky & Rocky 2 is a great sequel. It improves on everything and adds a lot to the already great Pocky & Rocky. The franchise originally started in Japan on arcades but then made its way overseas through the SNES versions.
If you enjoyed the first game then you will surely love Pocky & Rocky 2. There are much more characters and variety that make this game even more replayable than the original. The gameplay is great and it doesn’t feel repetitive at all due to the enemy variety.
Pros:
- Pocky & Rocky 2 does an incredible job of maintaining the core gameplay mechanics of the previous game while adding a ton of new things.
- The huge diversity of enemy types will never let the player get bored and the lower difficulty will be welcoming for many players.
- The action elements are refined and better than ever which will provide the player with some frenetic battle sequences.
- Even the NPCs have backstories in Pocky & Rocky 2 which will allow for better immersion and exploration is always beneficial, making the expansive world worth exploring.
Cons:
- The co-op experience is underwhelming in contrast to Pocky & Rocky which can be an annoyance for some players.
- The localization of Pocky & Rocky 2 is terrible, featuring poor dialogues and multiple cases of outright erased or altered references to Japanese literature and folklore.
75. Out of this World

- Developer: Eric Chahi
- Publisher: Delphine Software
- Release Date: 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here is a game we are nostalgic for. Some of us at eXputer grew up playing Out of this World. The game is very atmospheric and that is the main highlight of the game. It is such a beautifully crafted cinematic platformer that is almost unbelievable how it is running on a SNES.
We mentioned Flashback: The Quest For Identity a while back. It is one of the best cinematic platformers on the Super Nintendo but Out of this World is the best one period.
If you just want to play one cinematic platformer then you should go for Out of this World. It is an excellent game from start to finish and the atmosphere has a great horror vibe.
Pros:
- Out of this World is one of the best story-driven games on SNES and it is astounding how it manages to depict a compelling narrative without putting up flashing signs.
- The game offers a number of challenges that players will have to complete to progress through the main story.
- Scenery-wise, Out of this World is incredible, and the spooky environment is well-detailed which will keep the player absorbed.
- The puzzle-solving aspect is solid and provides you with some intricate puzzles that require you to be creative and attentive.
- A striking soundtrack and a greatly composed audio design not only match well with the eerie atmosphere but also adds another layer of depth to the main plot.
Cons:
- Some of the puzzles can be a pain to solve and end up ruining the overall puzzle-solving experience of Out of this World which is lackluster and disappointing.
- The platforming is not the best which can take away the immersion in Out of this World.
74. The Lion King

- Developer: Westwood Studios
- Publisher: Virgin Interactive
- Release Date: December 8, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Nowadays we don’t get any proper games based on Disney films. The Lion King is a great platformer game where you play as Simba. The animations are fluid and beautiful. The character controls well too.
The main problem with the game is its enemies and annoying level design. Some enemies feel overpowered. The levels, while faithful and beautiful, can get repetitive and boring at times. The game is still some of the best-looking Super Nintendo games
If you are a fan of Disney The Lion King is an excellent retro game that you should consider checking out. We have fond memories of playing the game and having fun just because we were controlling a character in a Disney world.
Pros:
- The game does an amazing job of making you feel attached to the main protagonist as you progress through the main storyline.
- It perfectly adapts the key features of the original film and brings them to life.
- The sheer amount of obstacles and a wide variety of enemy types add another interesting layer to the overall gameplay experience of The Lion King.
- There is plenty of secret rooms to find in the world of The Lion King and all of the levels are high in detail.
- The addition of two bonus games really paid off as both of these games are starring the intriguing duo of Timon and Pumbaa which will be welcoming for many diehard fans.
Cons:
- One of the bonus games is not intriguing enough which is sub-par in The Lion King.
- Some of the levels in The Lion King overstay their welcome and are a bit too prolonged which can lead to a tedious and duplicative gameplay loop.
- On some occasions, the enemies feel extremely overwhelming and can be a nuisance to deal with in The Lion King which can take away the fun element of combat.
73. Super Bomberman

- Developer: Produce and Hudson Soft
- Publisher: Produce and Hudson Soft
- Release Date: April 28, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Super Bomberman has always been a one-of-a-kind franchise just like Pacman. What they have done is unique to their franchise. The campaigns are fun, they have very varied bosses, enemies, and areas. You can feel the passion they poured into the game while playing.
The real fun of the game comes when you play with friends. It is extremely fun and exciting blasting through everything and then facing off with your buddy. The gameplay gets really good and that is where the insane replayability of this game comes from.
Trust us and give Super Bomberman a shot. It is effortlessly one of the best SNES games. Grab your friends and we promise you that you will have a blast.
Pros:
- The multiplayer mode in Super Bomberman is extremely engrossing as it offers a variety of options that will provide the player with some great online skirmishes.
- Super Bomberman offers a unique battle mode in which you can play with up to eight players, delivering an enticing experience.
- You can play solo in the story mode if you want to experience the main story alone.
- The players have the ability to tweak the AI difficulty options in the story mode.
- There is a plethora of items that you can unlock in Super Bomberman which will keep you immersed in the game.
Cons:
- In order to continue again after a death in the story mode, you have to spend in-game money which is underwhelming in Super Bomberman.
- You can not save your progress after completing a certain level in story mode which is a major deal-breaker for many players in Super Bomberman.
- Super Bomberman is quite pricey for a game that is severely lacking in the graphics department and single-player campaign.
72. Kirby’s Avalanche

- Developer: Hal Laboratory
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: February 1, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Here we have a Tetris clone but Kirby’s Avalanche does a lot of things really well. The game has plenty of uniqueness which is why it stands out as its own game.
Kirby’s Avalanche can be played with two players. The screen will be split vertically and both players will be on the sides. If you love Tetris and are looking for something more then consider giving Kirby’s Avalanche a shot.
Pros:
- In terms of visuals, Kirby’s Avalanche is a decent-looking game with some notable graphics.
- The puzzle-solving element of the game is quite strong and will test your observation skills.
- The soundtrack is incredible and goes well with the fast-paced and frantic sequences of Kirby’s Avalanche.
- The Puyo Puyo matches are extremely amusing in Kirby’s Avalanche.
- Instead of repetitive AI opponents, you will compete against human opponents where you both will be trading blob-based attacks.
Cons:
- You need to find another player in order to get the full experience out of Kirby’s Avalanche.
- The extreme difficulty in Kirby’s Avalanche might not be to everyone’s liking and the game just simply lacks freshness which is lackluster.
71. International Superstar Soccer

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: November 11, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Football or Soccer is extremely popular nowadays. People love to watch the sport and there have been multiple games based on it. The most popular of course is Electronic Art’s FIFA. Back in the SNES era though we had International Superstar Soccer.
It is a pretty simple sports game. It came out in the day in age when most people played fighting games or platformers. So it did get overshadowed but it is still a fun time. The gameplay is good enough and the game looks decent for its time.
Pros:
- More than 30 international teams from different countries are represented and they can all compete against one another in diverse modes.
- The most intriguing mode is the Scenario mode where you will compete against rival teams in a certain scenario in order to win the match.
- The controls can be easily mastered as they are highly responsive and fluid. You can also configure them according to your playstyle.
- The commentary and crowd comments are on point as they start to hype up the player as soon as the match is on 1v1 and if the player misses the shot, the crowd shows signs of dissatisfaction.
Cons:
- There is a steep learning curve in International Superstar Soccer which might not sit with players who are just looking for a casual gameplay experience.
- The matches only take around about seven minutes to complete, leaving the player somewhat dissatisfied.
- The lack of club teams or licenses is a major flaw of the game.
70. Super Bomberman 2

- Developer: Produce and Hudson Soft
- Publisher: Produce and Hudson Soft
- Release Date: April 28, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
The sequel to the original Super Bomberman is excellent. It is how a sequel should be; it improves everything and adds much more stuff to the known formula so that it doesn’t get stale. What makes Super Bomberman stand out is its expanded multiplayer co-op.
Now way more players could play the game due to it coming with an extension that increases the regular two controller ports for the Super Nintendo. Super Bomberman 2 also has a much more memorable campaign which is why we believe it is better than its predecessor.
The Super Bomberman games are some of the best SNES games of all time in our opinion. It is all due to how addictive, replayable, and fun they are.
Pros:
- Super Bomberman 2 is a sequel to an already incredible game but with much more stuff implemented and some refined elements that make the game feel more refreshing and fun.
- The battle mode is even more engrossing now as it gives you the choice to modify the duration of a particular match or to turn it off entirely.
- There is a total of two game modes along with a wide range of 16 stages available.
- The puzzle-solving aspect is polished compared to the previous game as it provides the player with some intricate sequences that require them to be innovative and patient.
Cons:
- The single-player mode is not the strongest facet of Super Bomberman 2 and is constantly overlooked in the series.
- Some stages are a little too far stretched and the objectives can take too long to accomplish which can have a negative effect on the pacing.
- The enemy AI can be harsh and unforgiving in some situations.
69. R-Type III The Third Lightning

- Developer: Irem
- Publisher: Irem
- Release Date: December 10, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
All the previous entries of the franchise never made it into any Nintendo system. R-Type III: The Third Lightning somehow not only made it onto the Super Nintendo but it was released as an exclusive. Meaning that you couldn’t play it on any other systems.
It is one of the best side-scrolling shooters of all time. The visuals are great and all the explosions and destruction carry impact as they should with any good game. The game is very replayable too. It is certainly one of the most fun games on the platform.
Pros:
- R-Type III The Third Lightning excels in the graphics department, providing a rich atmosphere that pays attention to every detail with some nice sprites.
- The sound effects are well-done and as far as the soundtrack goes, it is top-notch and fits well with the frenetic skirmishes throughout.
- The learning curve is more forgiving, providing a difficult but fair challenge that is welcoming for both casual and hardcore players.
- Boss fights are enhanced and even bigger compared to the early games.
- R-Type III The Third Lightning offers solid and responsive controls that give you a satisfying combat experience.
Cons:
- There are only six stages available in R-Type III The Third Lightning which leaves the player unsatisfied and can be a turnoff.
- R-Type III The Third Lightning does not have the most compelling storyline which is the case for most side-scrolling shooter games.
- Some controller issues can spoil the overall experience of the player.
68. Fatal Fury

- Developer: SNK
- Publisher: SNK
- Release Date: November 25, 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Terry Bogard made his way into Smash Bros. Ultimate recently. He is one of the most well-recognized characters in Fatal Fury. That is right Terry originated from Fatal Fury; which was a very popular franchise back in the day.
Fatal Fury is a fantastic fighting game filled with loads of charming characters and stages. It is a 2D fighter like Street Fighter. All the characters in the game are very different from one another and they all play faithfully according to their story and character development.
Fatal Fury is one of those games that haven’t aged aside from its graphics. It is easily one of the best-looking Super Nintendo games. Give it a shot it’s a timeless classic.
Pros:
- Fatal Fury has a vibrant cast of characters that do an amazing job of making you feel emotionally attached to the three main protagonists.
- All three playable fighters in Fatal Fury are well-written with engrossing backstories.
- A variety of moves makes it an amusing experience to play with the characters.
- The main narrative is well-thought-out and adds a striking layer to the overall experience.
- Boss battles are on top of the shelf and the villains have a decent amount of depth which makes them a joy to fight in Fatal Fury.
- The fighting engine is significantly improved and much better than other fighting games of Fatal Fury’s era.
Cons:
- There is no co-op mode available which is the major flaw of Fatal Fury as it has upset many fans of the series.
- The special moves in Fatal Fury require a bit of execution to perform and are relatively hard.
- Fatal Fury has bland and awful visuals compared which gives off the impression that this game was rushed.
- In the main story mode, the roster is lackluster and only consists of three playable characters.
67. Kirby’s Dream Land 3

- Developer: Hal Laboratory
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 27, 1997
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Kirby has been another one of Nintendo’s old characters who is still going strong. The little dude has gotten many games throughout the years. Kirby’s Dream Land 3 is in our opinion one of the more unique and better ones out of them all.
The game teams Kirby up with a bunch of other animals. One of these animals even becomes sort of a sidekick to our adorable little pink guy. There is a lot of charm in the game and the visuals are beautiful too. Give it a shot if you want more Kirby.
Pros:
- The visuals are quite immersive as the art style is hand-drawn and dazzling.
- There are a ton of incredible abilities that Kirby has such as merging with other animals and duplicating, making the game more fun and enticing.
- The music is greatly composed and compelling which will keep the player regaled completely.
- Kirby’s Dream Land 3 is quite a lengthy game consisting of many striking levels and minigames aside from the main story.
- The game has decent replay value.
Cons:
- The pacing is horrid and has taken a step back in contrast to previous games which is somewhat upsetting for the fans of the series.
- The difficulty spike on some levels is intolerable and quite frustrating compared to early titles.
- The majority of level objectives are ambiguous which can be an annoyance for many players in Kirby’s Dream Land 3.
66. Fatal Fury 2

- Developer: SNK
- Publisher: SNK
- Release Date: December 10, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
The sequel to the original Fatal Fury is great. It changed the gameplay enough so that it felt like a different game but with the familiar vibe intact. There were plenty of new characters introduced in Fatal Fury 2. Some of these new characters were bosses who became regular characters in future games.
Mai Shiranui and Kim are probably the most popular characters Fatal Fury 2 introduced. The former is one of the most popular female characters in the history of gaming. Mai Shiranui was the only female character who gave Chun Li some competition.
SNK nowadays doesn’t do that much. We hope they recover and start making even more awesome games soon. Back in the day, they were objectively one of the best videogame developers out there and they even rivaled industry giants like Capcom.
Pros:
- Fatal Fury 2 does a great job of improving the formula of the previous entry while also maintaining the core gameplay concepts.
- The storyline is engaging as the people at SNK offer the players an incredible sequel to the first game which adds a pivotal layer to Fatal Fury 2.
- The combat mechanics boast strategy-based gameplay introducing new knockdown moves.
- The stages are well-designed and more fluid compared to Fatal Fury which is a huge step up.
- Fatal Fury 2 also supports co-op mode in which you can play a one-on-one match against human opponents.
Cons:
- Fatal Fury 2 can prove to be a harsh experience for players who are unfamiliar with the series and it may take some time to get used to the gameplay mechanics.
- Even on the easiest difficulty, the enemy AI can be a pain to deal with in Fatal Fury 2.
- In terms of visuals, Fatal Fury 2 is not the most appealing when compared to other titles of this genre.
65. Mega Man X3

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: December 1, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
As the name suggests Mega Man X3 is the third entry in the Mega Man X series. It is an even more futuristic version of the original Mega Man. Throughout the years Capcom has made several different versions of Mega Man and the Mega Man X series is one of these.
Mega Man X3 is considered by many to be the best entry in the Mega Man X series. It is mainly because it introduced Zero as a playable character. He was very fun to play and widely different from X.
Moreover, other reasons for its popularity are the great exploration it offers alongside the variety and smooth fast-paced movement. Check it out it’s one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The controls are robust and accurate in Mega Man X3, providing an enthralling combat experience that will be eye candy for seasoned players of the series.
- The vibrant colors add another layer of depth to the amazing environment of Mega Man X3 which is a feast for the eyes.
- Mega Man X3 offers an engrossing playable character Zero who has a set of diverse moves and a unique toolkit that makes the overall experience amusing.
Cons:
- You can not utilize Zero in the sub-boss battles which is extremely annoying.
- The extreme difficulty is unbearable mainly because of the lackluster armor of X in the opening segment of the game.
64. Aladdin

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: November 11, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Capcom has always been the best when it comes to handling games based on films or comics. Aladdin is another proof of that. It is an excellent 2D platformer that came out way back in the day and was widely loved by fans of the film.
The gameplay was your standard platformer gameplay but it was filled with the charm of the film. Capcom used things from the films for platforms and other stuff to be extra faithful. Aladdin is a hidden gem in the SNES era in our opinion.
The thing that has aged extra well about Aladdin is its graphics. The game looks very beautiful. Capcom did such a phenomenal job with them and gave us the best videogame adaptation of a film at that time. It is certainly one of the best-looking SNES games.
Pros:
- Aladdin is one of the best platforming games and has aged like fine wine in terms of visuals.
- Capcom did an exceptional job of adapting the classic film while adding a plethora of new features.
- The cutscenes are well-done and smooth along with the striking animations.
- The gameplay dynamics feel authentic and are quite engaging in Aladdin.
- The level design of Aladdin is top-notch as Virgin has constantly demonstrated creativity on every level and each one of them feels fairly unique to sustain attention.
Cons:
- The bonus stages seem barebones in Aladdin which can tarnish the overall experience.
- Enemy types are lacking in variety on several stages which can lead to a repetitive gameplay loop in Aladdin.
- The game can get very challenging even on the practice difficulty setting which can be irritating for novice players.
63. Joe & Mac 2 Lost in the Tropics

- Developer: Data East
- Publisher: Data East
- Release Date: February 18, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Here we have another one of the games that are rarely present on the Super Nintendo. Joe & Mac 2: Lost in the Tropics is a game that got popular mainly due to the fact that it had a couch co-op.
It is a great game filled with diverse levels. The co-op is still fun in our time it has aged that well. Do give it a shot its one of the best Super Nintendo games out there.
Now we all love couch co-op or just co-op games. They allow us to have fun with our friends or family mostly in a non-competitive PvE mode. We recommend the following recently released co-op games if you are looking for more.
Pros:
- You can traverse through detail-oriented stages and beat up pre-historic enemies which offers a unique experience.
- In terms of graphics, Joe & Mac 2 Lost in the Tropics is a phenomenal-looking game with a vibrant atmosphere and highly detailed characters that use all resources of SNES.
- Joe & Mac 2 Lost in the Tropics offers masses of replay value to the player as it is a very long game with plenty of stuff to experiment with.
- It supports couch co-op in case you want to play with a friend.
Cons:
- The gameplay can get extremely duplicative as you progress which is lackluster.
- The steep difficulty in Joe & Mac 2 Lost in the Tropics might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
62. Earthworm Jim

- Developer: Shiny Entertainment
- Publisher: Interplay Entertainment
- Release Date: August 5, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Earthworms are fragile slugs. They can be crushed easily and live under the ground. Earthworm Jim made them exact opposites of what they are. Earthworm Jim is an earthworm in a muscular powerful suit.
The game is of course tilted after his name. Earthworm Jim is one of the best SNES games. A lot of people have very fond memories of it.
What made the game stand out is how weird and unique it was. No other game had a strong worm in a super suit as a protagonist. It’s one of the classics that are still great to this day. The controls can get frustrating but once you get used to them the game is great.
Pros:
- Visually, Earthworm Jim has aged like fine wine over the years.
- The atmosphere is colorful and highly detailed which is extremely pleasing to the eyes.
- The level design is extremely good and allows for better immersion, making the simple platforming a delightful experience.
- The witty humor does a phenomenal job of keeping the player entertained in Earthworm Jim.
- Earthworm Jim has a wonderful soundtrack that fits well with the theme of the game.
Cons:
- At some point, the unstable difficulty can take away the fun element of Earthworm Jim.
- Navigating across levels in Earthworm Jim can occasionally be challenging which might not be to everyone’s liking.
61. NHL ‘94

- Developer: EA Sports
- Publisher: EA Sports
- Release Date: March 15, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
As we mentioned before sports games were a big deal back in the day. There were so many of these on the Super Nintendo. NHL ‘94 is one of these titles. Most of the games were based on football but NHL ‘94 was a hockey sports videogame.
The main appeal of the game was its 4 player multiplayer. Now you could play with more than one of your friends. Pick any team you like and have a blast. In real life, the strongest hockey teams are Pakistan and Germany.
Pros:
- The simple gameplay mechanics are extremely engaging and well-designed.
- Plenty of game modes add to the replay potential of the game which is impressive.
- The biggest positive factor of the game is its four-player multiplayer mode which allows you to play with your friends.
- You can play with your favorite team and have a blast thanks to the in-depth settings.
- Collision detection is on point and the feedback on your controller after landing a smash on the rival player feels incredible.
- NHL ’94 has loads of replay potential.
Cons:
- Barebones visuals and awful sound design can be a major turnoff for many players.
- The crowd sounds are horrible and should not have been added to the game.
- On some occasions, it also gets impossible to win a match no matter how good you are because of the unforgiving AI.
60. Donkey Kong Country 3 Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble

- Developer: Rare
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 22, 1996
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Donkey Kong has been one of the most iconic characters in gaming ever since he was introduced. He first appeared as a villain but now he has turned into a good guy and protects his friends, turf, and especially the bananas.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble is the third game in the Donkey Kong series. Most people missed out on it and if you are one of those then give it a shot. It is a perfect conclusion to the series in our opinion.
Rare did a great job with it. The game runs great while looking extra beautiful. We wholeheartedly recommend the game. It’s one of the best SNES games.
Pros:
- Donkey Kong Country 3 has the best game mechanics out of the previous games which seem to be highly refined.
- The game provides the player with plenty of new environments that have a decent amount of depth which makes the world worth exploring.
- The main protagonist is equipped with diverse abilities just like Donkey Kong from the early games.
- Kiddy Kong some new moves of his own including the skill to swim through water.
- The inclusion of mini-games is also a nice add-on where players can throw balls at background objects and a lot of other stuff.
Cons:
- The enemy design is terrible and bland which can take away the immersion.
- There is no Donkey Kong in the game which is ridiculous, instead, you are playing with another character who plays like him in some ways but does not feel the same.
- The first boss battle in Donkey Kong Country 3 can be a drag because of the sluggish design.
59. Puzzle Bobble

- Developer: Taito
- Publisher: Taito
- Release Date: June 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Puzzle Bobble is also known as Bust-a-Move. The franchise was originally called Bubble Bobble and it played very differently. With Puzzle Bobble they completely abandoned the old style in favor of the new satisfying puzzle-bopping gameplay.
The game can be played solo or you can also play with a friend. It puts you against many different creatures as you adventure through the land to fulfill your goal. The sprites are beautiful and everything is animated very well. All the characters are really cute too.
It is one of the most memorable games of the era. Puzzle Bobble is easily one of the best SNES games in our opinion. It has great replayability and gameplay variety. Things can get tense when you least expect them to.
Pros:
- The presentation is extremely well-done and the music is quite engrossing in Puzzle Bobble.
- Puzzle Bobble offers iconic Bust-A-Move gameplay which will never let the player get bored.
- The characters are charming and the sprites are well-done.
- The captivating animations are the cherry on top.
- The stages are in high variety and extremely colorful which complements the visual fidelity.
- The game has a solid multiplayer mode mainly, because of the addition of the ability to send bubbles to your enemy’s side which allows for an incredibly challenging puzzle design.
Cons:
- The overall game feels very basic compared to later entries in the series which is sub-par.
- The options and in-game modes feel lackluster in Puzzle Bobble.
- Puzzle Bobble has a plain and linear single-player mode which might not sit with players who are looking for a decent solo experience.
58. Alien 3

- Developer: Acclaim Studios and Bit Studios
- Publisher: Arena Entertainment
- Release Date: May 22, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The Alien franchise has always been one of the most iconic film franchises. The first two films are considered some of the best films period. Over the years the franchise has become very stale and disappointing but there have been plenty of good games.
Furthermore, Alien 3 is one of these games. It has a dark atmosphere and the whole art direction is horror focused. The game does a great job at being fun while also being faithful to the source material. It is great, do check it out.
Pros:
- In terms of graphics, Alien 3 is remarkable and notable when compared to the previous titles.
- The spooky and dark-themed environment is filled with hostile monsters that are hiding in the shadows which adds to the horror element.
- From the alien screeches to the sound of your weapon blasting through monsters, everything is greatly composed thanks to the incredible audio design.
- Alien 3 perfectly recreates the formula of the classic film which will allure diehard fans.
- The main plot is quite gripping and manages to explain the critical facets of the original film in a decent manner.
- Alien 3 has a ton of diversity when it comes to stages and missions which allows for better immersion.
Cons:
- The gameplay will eventually get repetitive which can be a major turnoff for many players in Alien 3.
- Dubious pacing ends up having a negative effect on the main plot which is underwhelming.
- Boss battles can get irritating in some situations because of the small variety of weapons available in Alien 3.
57. Axelay

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: September 11, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Axelay is one of the coolest and most fun flight games on the SNES. What makes it stand out is the fact that it plays out in two completely different styles. It feels like you are playing two completely separate games.
The first half of the game is experienced in a view where the player is fighting the enemies at a vertical angle. Once you completed half of the game it shifts the view completely. Now the action has shifted to the side and the game plays out horizontally.
Konami did a phenomenal job with Axelay. It gives you the best of both worlds. You can experience the vertical and horizontal arcade-like flight shooters in a single game now. It is one of the best-looking SNES games.
Pros:
- The polishing and detail style of Axelay is mind-blowing for a game of this age which grabs the player’s undivided attention.
- The levels are challenging yet fun and the later stages are quite demanding and will test your skills to the core in Axelay.
- Axelay has top-notch gameplay mechanics with a huge arsenal of weapons.
- The well-composed sound effects are vibrant and add a striking layer to the overall experience in Axelay.
- The game swaps between the vertical and horizontal perspective as you progress through the stages which is a refreshing touch.
Cons:
- The lack of a two-player co-op mode will frustrate some veteran players in Axelay.
- The power-up system is barebones compared to Life Force which can mar the overall gameplay experience of the player.
- Axelay falls short of the standards set by its spiritual predecessor games.
56. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: October 4, 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Capcom has always been one of the best and most competent videogame creators ever. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is another proof of that. Back in the SNES days, Capcom released the game it served as a sequel to the NES games Ghosts ‘n Goblins.
The sequel was great, the original game was insanely hard and frustrating. It is regarded by many to be one of the hardest games of all time. Capcom didn’t turn down the difficulty for the second game and we are very thankful for that.
You will still be throwing stuff around in frustration when you suddenly get killed out of nowhere. The main improvement in the game was with the visuals. Give it a shot it is one of the best Super Nintendo games.
Pros:
- The tight gameplay mechanics will pull you right into the game.
- The visuals are one of the main features that set Super Ghoul ‘n Ghosts apart from other games of its time.
- The sprites are highly distinguishing and keep the player absorbed.
- The music is striking and matches well with the game’s eerie theme, which enhances the horror factor.
- Each and every level is complex and varied.
Cons:
- Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is an unduly challenging game.
- Several boss battles can be a nuisance in Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts.
- Some technical hiccups such as minor frame rate drops in some areas can take away the immersion of the player.
55. Breath of Fire II

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: December 2, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
So many incredible RPGs released in the SNES era and Breath of Fire II is one of them. Capcom made awesome RPGs back then and what we have here is one of their best works. Square and Capcom carried the genre.
Breath of Fire II puts the player in the shoes of a young blue-haired boy named Ryu. Capcom has plenty of Ryus so don’t confuse him with Ryu from Street Fighter, Ryunosuke, or Ryuichi from Ace Attorney
The story is filled with many charming and unique characters. You go on an epic adventure where you will also discover Ryu’s dragon-born ancestry. Breath of Fire II is easily one of the most underrated videogames ever made.
Pros:
- The main positive factor of Breathe of Fire II is its gripping narrative which is packed with a ton of anticlimactic and sorrowful events.
- The characters are well written and intriguing.
- Breath of Fire II features a turn-based combat system along with the unique ability to merge with shaman types which allows your character to utilize more abilities in skirmishes.
- The RPG element of Breath of Fire II is robust and provides a decent experience.
Cons:
- The lackluster audio design in Breath of Fire II can be offputting to many players.
- Breath of Fire II is sorely lacking in the graphics department.
- The extreme difficulty curve can be irritating as you will have to spend a large number of hours in level-grinding in order to make your fighters stronger which can be a tedious process.
54. Yoshi’s Cookie

- Developer: Tose
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 21, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Now we are going to take a look at one of Nintendo’s original party games. Yoshi’s Cookie was a wholesome fun game you could enjoy with your friends or family. Mario also made an appearance in the game and it is very fitting that he did.
The gameplay is similar to Tetris but still has its own identity. It is a fun little game that is fairly replayable too. Yoshi’s Cookie also looks adorable. All the puzzle objects are cute little bakery treats and Yoshi and Mario are also animated well.
Pros:
- In terms of visuals, Yoshi’s Cookie looks amazing on SNES with colorful backgrounds.
- The gameplay mechanics are pretty simple and do not require a lot of time to master and are instantly accessible.
- Puzzle levels offer a fair challenge where you can put your puzzle-solving skills to use.
- The SNES version of Yoshi’s Cookie is top-notch and delivers an enticing experience.
- Yoshi’s Cookie has a two-player mode where you can play against your friends in a one-on-one match, providing you with countless hours of sheer enjoyment.
Cons:
- Yoshi’s Cookie does not feel compelling and lacks variety.
- You could be jammed for some time trying to swap the remaining few cookies in order to finish the level.
- Yoshi’s Cookie is a relatively brutal and demanding game.
- Some of the levels are quite challenging and can usually take quite some time to finish.
53. Zombies Ate My Neighbors

- Developer: LucasArts
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: July 19, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here is another title from LucasArts that was very pretty and stood out. Zombies Ate My Neighbors has beautiful gore-filled sprite work. It looks beautiful in a gross way. There are many special animations that add extra charm to the visuals.
You can play as one of two characters. A girl and a boy. Both of these characters were designed in a way to appeal to young audiences of that time. We would say it succeeded as both of them had charming animations and personalities thanks to their beautiful sprite work.
Through the game, you go through various locations. All of these are grounded in reality, you are pretty much going through the locations in your neighborhood. There are multiple zombie types that the player will encounter and the shooting feels impactful and satisfying.
Pros:
- The gameplay is outright simple and can hook players up from the get-go.
- Taking into consideration the platform, the game feels quite vibrant and pleasant.
- The characters are well-lit and uniquely designed.
- The Zombies Ate My Neighbours offers a distinctive co-op mode which can be quite entertaining.
- The controls feel quite reactive and fluid.
Cons:
- The game becomes somewhat boring and repetitive after some time.
- The Zombies Ate My Neighbours gets rather challenging relatively quickly which can be annoying for casual players.
- The lack of an online co-op can be a massive turnoff for some players.
52. Kirby Superstar

- Developer: Hal Laboratory
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: March 21, 1996
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Kirby Superstar was a buffet of games for fans of the little pink guy. It isn’t a single game instead it is a compilation/collection of multiple Kirby games in a single package. There is a lot of variety here and they added many of the best Kirby games here.
What is extra cool was that they also had a remake here. Spring Breeze is a remake of Kirby’s Dream Land. Gourmet Race is another game on the collection it is a racing platformer. There are many other games present in Kirby Superstar and it is definitely worth your buck.
Pros:
- The Kirby Superstar offers immersive mechanics such as ice, fire, lightning, and fighting powers.
- Kirby Superstar presents players with the opportunity to experience a total number of eight games which gets harder in difficulty as you progress.
- In terms of visuals, the Kirby Superstar is quite spectacular.
- It offers one of the most appealing bosses along with the finest character and monster animations.
- The Kirby Superstar supplies an enormous amount of music tracks and sound effects.
- The multiplayer mode is extremely fun and intriguing.
Cons:
- Like other Kirby games, the Kirby Superstar is not too high on the difficulty side.
- The bosses found in Kirby Superstar do not offer great variety.
- In Kirby Superstar, you lose access to the owned abilities when you get hit by an attack which can be an unenjoyable experience.
- The Kirby Superstar sometimes glitches and freezes during the gameplay which can be an unpleasant experience.
51. Demon’s Crest

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: October 21, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
What we have here is a charming spin-off title to Capcom’s Ghost ‘n Goblins franchise. The series is based on Firebrand who is one of the most memorable enemies of the original Ghosts ‘n Goblins.
Firebrand is a cool-looking demon that veterans of the franchise love and hate simultaneously. Capcom never gave up on him. He got plenty of other games later on too. Out of all the crazy and weird foes that Arthur faces Firebrand stands out greatly.
For whatever reason Demon’s Crest was not a success in the sales department. The game is good but it did not sell well. Maybe the cover art threw parents off. Who knows but we are glad that Capcom didn’t give up on Firebrand.
Pros:
- The controls are simply amazing and fluid
- The gameplay mechanics are well-designed and offer a decent amount of depth.
- The spooky environments are rich in detail and make Demon’s Crest distinctive.
- Demon’s Crest has some challenging boss battles which will provide you with some intense action.
Cons:
- If you are just looking for a casual experience, then Demon’s Crest is not the game for you as the difficulty is extremely high and can be irritating in some situations.
- Animations of several bosses feel lackluster which can take away the fun element.
50. Gradius III

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: December 11, 1989
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Konami was the best shooter videogame developer when in the 8-bit era in our opinion. Gradius III is another proof of that. They made so many spectacularly and unique shooters back then. All of these were fun and challenging.
Konami released Gradius III when the SNES came out. It was a success in every way. The awesome graphics and scope of the game really set it apart from other SNES titles.
Nowadays completing hard games is considered a big achievement for hardcore gamers. Dark Souls is a standout example of this. Back then completely Gradius III was also a huge achievement for SNES gamers.
Pros:
- You can power up by collecting shiny orbs that your enemies drop once you have killed them.
- The iconic gameplay of Gradius III is quite engrossing and provides a nice shooter experience.
- After you have reached the end of each level, a unique boss will appear that you have to defeat in order to get to the next stage.
- The bosses are extremely challenging yet fun to fight in Gradius III.
- The progression system is quite incredible and well-designed.
Cons:
- Gradius III can prove to be quite a harsh and unforgiving experience for new players who are not familiar with the early titles.
- The sound design is sub-par and extremely lacking which can take away the immersion.
- The game is a tad too high on the difficulty side, leading to a frustrating experience.
49. Harvest Moon

- Developer: Amccus
- Publisher: Amccus
- Release Date: August 9, 1996
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singeplayer
Farming games are something that started trending a lot in the 2000s. Harvest Moon is one of the coolest farming games from the SNES era. It is proof that people loved farming games from the start. They are very relaxing and beautiful experiences.
They don’t sound like they would be fun but they are very fun and addicting. Harvest Moon is very similar visually to the awesome indie game Stardew Valley. You wake up early and then go take care of your farm. You plant crops or trees, harvest your crops, and then go back to bed.
Harvest Moon is one of the very first enjoyable farming games. People loved it and it was such a success that it spawned a franchise. It is easily one of the best-looking SNES games.
Pros:
- The gameplay is relaxing and offers you a simulation farm where you can do a ton of stuff related to farming.
- Harvest Moon provides a vast world where you can accomplish plenty of activities.
- The main protagonist Jack is a well-written character with loads of depth.
- Harvest Moon offers masses of replayability and money value because of its simplicity and addictive core gameplay.
- Depending on how you play through the story, the ending will alter in Harvest Moon.
Cons:
- Jack can get tired pretty easily when doing some farm work such as chopping up a massive tree or other stuff.
- The gameplay mechanics in Harvest Moon might not be to everyone’s liking.
- Doing farm work on a daily basis can be a tedious process for some players.
48. Evo Search For Eden

- Developer: Almanac Corporation
- Publisher: Enix
- Release Date: December 21, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singeplayer
Gaming feels pretty stale these days. There are almost no new ideas and pretty much every developer keeps doing similar things. SNES era was a time when crazy and very unique ideas were given a proper chance. One of these ideas resulted in Evo: Search For Search.
The game drops you as the lowest life form and you can then turn into anything. By that we mean anything, you can be a fish with bat wings attached to you the combinations are almost limited.
Even 20 years after its release Evo: Search For Eden remains one of the most original games ever made. Give it a shot it is one of the best SNES games simply because it is one of a kind.
Pros:
- Evo Search For Eden shines in the graphics department.
- The background of each level is highly detailed along with the implementation of numerous effects and color layering.
- The main narrative is well-written and highly memorable.
- The gameplay mechanics are incredibly-done and has an RPG-like feel to them.
Cons:
- The repetitive music on almost every stage can be an annoyance in Evo Search For Eden.
- Evo Search For Eden does not provide enough challenge and may feel a bit too easy on some occasions.
47. Kirby’s Dream Course

- Developer: Hal Laboratory and Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: September 21, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Kirby has appeared on our list a lot. That is because in the SNES era he was Nintendo’s most used mascot; he appeared in most games. What we have here is another crazy Kirby game that Nintendo came up with to keep the fans entertained.
Kirby’s Dream Course is a hard-to-master golf game. Yep, you heard that right it’s a golf game with Kirby himself as the ball. It is fitting if you ask us. The little pink guy always did look like a ball and now he gets to be a part of a very fun and challenging golf game.
Pros:
- The multiplayer mode is well-balanced and extremely engaging which will enhance the online experience of the player.
- The addition of an isometric perspective looks better than ever.
- The presentation is intriguing as it features the cast of characters from previous games.
- The two-player mode is quite competitive and a delightful experience that promotes a sense of learning curve among players.
- The core game mechanics offer strategy-based gameplay which will keep the player enrolled.
Cons:
- Playing golf in a Kirby game might not be compelling enough for veteran players of the series.
- The steep difficulty and challenging course designs of Kirby’s Dream Course might not sit with players who are just looking for a casual experience.
46. UN Squadron

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: August 1989
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The only competition that Konami got back in the day for shooters was from Capcom. UN Squadron is an awesome jet fighter side-scroller game. Unlike most similar games UN Squadron uses real-life jets and all of them are still fun to play.
The game allows players to customize things to a very good extent. You can buy jets with money or simply upgrade them. All of that adds a lot to the game’s replayability.
Capcom did something unheard of when they ported UN Squadron to the SNES. They added more cool content while in most cases content is removed because of the memory shortage. It is another reason why UN Squadron is one of the best SNES games.
Pros:
- The control system is beginner-friendly and intriguing meaning, it will not take you enough time to get a grasp of flight controls.
- In terms of visuals, UN Squadron is aesthetically pleasing with some stunning color palettes.
- The soundtrack is greatly composed and ramps up the tension of the atmosphere.
- UN Squadron has an enthralling storyline that offers plenty of depth as you progress through the main plot.
- There are also multiple endings depending on what character you play in the game.
Cons:
- In some sections, the music and the sound effects can get extremely duplicative which can lead to a bland experience.
- Boss battles are quite a challenge especially, the last boss can be a bit too daunting.
- There is not much to do after you complete the main story of the UN Squadron.
45. Earthworm Jim 2

- Developer: Doug TenNepal, David Perry, and Shiny Entertainment
- Publisher: Playmates Interactive
- Release Date: November 15, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The sequel to the original Earthworm Jim is just as good if not better. It looked better due to the upgraded 16-bit visuals. Earthworm Jim 2 also had new levels that felt similar but played very differently.
The biggest addition to the sequel was Snott. Who was the sidekick of Earthworm Jim and as the name suggests he was indeed just a booger. It turns into a parachute when the player jumps from heights and also sticks to services and swings from others.
While we agree that all of it sounds gross the little fella added a lot to the formula. It made the game better-paced and more fun than the original in our opinion.
Pros:
- Earthworm Jim 2 offers a compelling storyline that will be eye candy for seasoned players of the series.
- Earthworm Jim 2 does a phenomenal job of making all the levels feel familiar while also adding a ton of new stuff to the formula.
- Visually, Earthworm Jim 2 is a step up compared to the first game mainly, because of the jump from 8-bit to 16-bit, and the sprites are well done which is a cherry on top.
- The pacing of the main story is incredible and provides a smooth and intriguing experience throughout the game.
Cons:
- The animations of sprites are horribly done in Earthworm Jim 2 compared to the previous game which can be unsettling for many players.
- Earthworm Jim 2 is riddled with glitches and buggy character animations.
- The overall setting of the game feels underwhelming which can be a major turnoff for some.
44. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Turtles in Time

- Developer: Konami and Ubisoft
- Publisher: Konami and Ubisoft
- Release Date: March 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
What we have here is one of the most awesome and ambitious brawlers/beat ‘em ups of all time. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time was a fantastic game filled with content. All of the 4 brothers were playable in the game and they all played very differently from each other.
In addition, similar to how they all have different weapons, styles, and, techniques they also did in the game. Donatello has great range, Ralph has the best damage, Michelangelo has the speed, and Leonardo who is the leader of the bunch is a perfect mix of all of them.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time takes you through an epic journey. You will be going to different time periods and it is all very fun. It is undoubtedly one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- In terms of graphics, the game has high-quality visuals and well-detailed animations.
- You can play with all four main characters and each one of them is equipped with a unique set of abilities.
- Extremely diverse gameplay.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Time offers numerous difficulty options.
- The game mechanics are top-notch and provide the players with some fast-paced and frenetic action.
- The music is highly immersive and if you are a fan of the cartoon series, then you will definitely like the remarkable soundtrack.
Cons:
- There is not enough variety in gameplay modes.
- The level design fails to provide you with a challenge that might bore some players.
- Almost all of the battles feel repetitive.
- On some occasions, the difficulty spike is intolerable as the overall game is pretty easy which can be a cause of frustration for many players.
43. Sim City

- Developer: Will Wright
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: February 2, 1989
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Sim City is the first game that launched the simulation genre into mainstream gaming. It is an insanely successful title and it sold extremely well when it came out. Sim City is also what made Will Wright a household name back in the day.
The game of course has great city-building mechanics. That is what the genre is made up of. There is also some wholesome Nintendo charm present. Bowser can come and wreak havoc in your city and you can place a statue of Mario anywhere you want.
If you are a fan of the genre then give Sim City a shot. It is truly one of the best SNES games of all time mainly due to how influential it was.
Pros:
- The gameplay mechanics are fluid and offer the classic simulation experience.
- The open world is vast and brimming with a plethora of content.
- The top-notch city-building dynamics are the cherry on top.
- There are a decent amount of options available when it comes to game modes.
- You can join multiple scenarios, play in the existing cities or build a city from scratch.
Cons:
- The restrictions on city size can be a nuisance for many players in Sim City.
- Sometimes Bowser can cause a bit too much mayhem which ends up ruining all your progress in Sim City.
- The graphics of Sim City can feel outdated compared to today’s standards.
42. Breath of Fire

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Breath of Fire gave birth to Capcom’s most well-known RPG franchise back in the day. It is an excellent title through and through. When it came out it easily stood out against the competition. There were so many awesome RPGs back then continue reading to find out about all of them.
Breath of Fire was such a successful game that it resulted in 4 sequels. We talked about one of these earlier. As to which one of these is better than that depends on you as the player.
There are so many similarities between the first two titles but they still feel like completely different experiences. Give Breath of Fire a shot and witness Capcom’s RPG making history.
Pros:
- The action is fast-paced and extremely enticing which will never let the player get bored throughout Breath of Fire.
- Breath of Fire has a robust combat system that offers a great blend of classic RPG mechanics and fast-paced movement.
- In terms of visuals, Breath of Fire has graphics that are still easy on the eyes today.
- All the stages available in Breathe of Fire are great in variety and immersive, keeping the player regaled throughout the game.
- Breath of Fire is welcoming for new players as the difficulty curve is very gentle and provides a fair challenge along with various RPG features which are intriguing.
Cons:
- The main plot is poorly-written and quite predictable in Breath of Fire which can be a disappointment for players who are looking to have an optimal story experience.
- The easy difficulty in Breath of Fire might not be appealing to players who are looking for a challenge.
41. NBA Jam

- Developer: Midway Games
- Publisher: Midway Games, Aklaim
- Release Date: 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
We rarely see any NBA games these days. In the SNES era, there were plenty of them and we have picked one of the best for our list. NBA Jam is one of the coolest and most fun NBA games to this day.
The visuals are great. The court is designed beautifully, you really appreciate the small details that they put in once you start playing. Sprite models in the game also look very charming and they are designed in a way that they don’t feel small or off.
Pros:
- The graphics are quite immersive and bring realism to the in-game characters along with detail-oriented courts.
- The commentators do an incredible job of hyping up the players during intense matches.
- NBA Jam offers extremely fast-paced and enthralling gameplay.
- The music is memorable and energetic which ramps up the tension during matches.
Cons:
- Albeit the gameplay is fun at first, it can eventually get repetitive in NBA Jam which is lackluster.
- Many famous players are missing from the game especially, Micheal Jordan and Charles Barkley which can be unsettling for many basketball enthusiasts.
40. Metal Warriors

- Developer: LucasArts
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: April 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here we have another one of LucasArts’ games. They always encouraged creativity and that is why so many of their games look very different from one another. Metal Warriors is something you would expect a Japanese developer to create because of how unique and wacky it is.
Aside from the goofy stuff with Metal Warriors LucasArts took a break from their regular story-based interactive games. They did an excellent job as Metal Warriors is a very fun action platformer title.
Gundams were a very appealing thing to people back then. So Metal Warriors was released just at the right time and due to that, it garnered a lot of success.
Pros:
- The gameplay is quite intriguing and well-designed in Metal Warriors.
- As you progress, you can pick up items and various weapons that you can utilize against formidable enemies.
- Metal Warriors has responsive controls that are beginner-friendly and easy to grasp.
- The soundtrack is nicely composed and matches well with the theme of each stage which will keep the player immersed.
- The multiplayer mode is over the top where you can duke out with a friend or other player in a one-on-one match.
- It has a split-screen mode.
Cons:
- Several stages are far too stretched and can be a pain to complete in Metal Warriors.
- In terms of difficulty, Metal Warriors is a very challenging game that might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- The graphics are not the best and are rather underwhelming in Metal Warriors.
- The storyline is barebones which can ruin the overall gameplay experience of the player.
39. Wario’s Woods

- Developer: Intelligent Systems and Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: February 19, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Waluigi is somebody who gets a lot of love and attention these days. He has become the somewhat niche Mario character that people want to see more of. Before Waluigi people really wanted to see more of Wario. The gameplay is similar to Tetris but it stands out because of the Wario theme.
They got their wishes fulfilled when Wario was given a huge role in a game called Wario’s Woods. It is a puzzle game with multiple modes. The variety keeps it fresh and replayable. Here’s to hoping we see more of our favorite chubby yellow guy.
Pros:
- The puzzle mode is extremely well structured and requires you to be creative which makes Wario’s Woods stand out from other color-matching puzzle games.
- When it comes to multiplayer, you can play in a VS competitive mode against other players in a one-on-one match.
- It has plenty of game modes where you can compete against human players or AI enemies.
- The variety in gameplay dynamics and the addition of new enemy types add to the replay value of Wario’s Woods.
Cons:
- Boss battles can be a pain as they are highly challenging.
- You may encounter cluttered game screens or even stages which can end up ruining the immersion of the player.
- The restrictive movement of the character can sometimes negatively influence the pacing of Wario’s Woods which can be irritating.
38. Mega Man X2

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: December 16, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Capcom’s iconic blue robot returns with Mega Man X2. The original Mega Man X was a great success. People loved the new spin on Mega Man so Capcom continued the franchise and fans were very grateful.
Following up on the amazing debut of the franchise was a challenging task. Capcom is an incredible developer and they doubled down and created an awesome sequel. X’s best friend Zero was also brought back because he instantly became a fan favorite.
There is so much new content here. All of the enemies X faces are creative and unique. The first three games truly were an incredible trilogy.
Pros:
- Mega Man X2 does an exceptional job of adding plenty of new things to the formula while retaining the core gameplay.
- The intricate level design is incredible and offers a ton of secrets to unveil which makes the world worth exploring.
- Mega Man X2 has solid controls, making the overall combat experience intriguing.
- Visually, Mega Man X2 is ageless, providing the players with charming and colorful sprites.
- Mega Man X2 stays true to its source material and provides you with classic gameplay dynamics.
Cons:
- The sub-weapons are sorely lacking as they can only be used during boss fights which makes them seem pointless throughout the game.
- The last segments of Mega Man X2 are unduly tiresome which can impact the pacing of the game.
37. Lufia II Rise of the Sinistrals

- Developer: Neverland
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: February 24, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 despite the title Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals is a prequel to the first game. It sets up the original very nicely and is an excellent game. It is set about 100 years before the events of the first game take place.
As the title suggests the story follows the rise of the sinistral. It is an epic tale through and through and tells the backstory of the original game masterfully. When the game was first released it didn’t get the praise or sales it deserved. It was fairly unpopular
In addition, it is a hidden gem. If you want to play a more modern version then there is a remake of the game on the Nintendo DS titled “Lufia: Curse of the Sinitrals”. Give it a shot it’s one of the best-looking SNES games.
Pros:
- The dungeons have a decent amount of depth and offer some complex puzzles that will test your abilities to the core but are fun and satisfying to solve.
- Lufia II Rise of the Sinistrals provides an intricate world with a ton of stuff to experiment with which will allow for better immersion.
- There are seven monsters hidden throughout the game, once you find them, you can add them to your party and even upgrade their abilities.
- The turn-based combat is fast-paced.
- The utterly beautiful soundtrack is highly immersive and matches well with the theme of Lufia II Rise of the Sinistrals.
Cons:
- The lack of animations when fighting enemies is underwhelming in Lufia II Rise of the Sinistrals as it is an 8-bit game so that is to be expected.
- After some time, the gameplay can get repetitive which can lead to a dull experience.
- Lufia II Rise of the Sinistrals feels a bit too linear and predictable at times which can take away the immersion.
36. Donkey Kong Country

- Developer: Rare
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Donkey Kong Country is another one of the many games starring everyone’s favorite big monkey. It is an incredible game from start to finish. Donkey Kong Country is considered by many to be one of the best Donkey Kong games if not the very best.
There is a lot of variety in its levels. They are all varied and diverse. Some levels can even be completed by taking different paths. There is just so much content on offer here and all of it is fun. The game can get difficult at times but overall it is a very balanced and fast-paced one.
Donkey Kong Country was masterfully remastered for the Nintendo 3DS. So if you want you can play that version instead both are stellar. Donkey Kong Country is for sure one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The music is highly remarkable which will keep you entertained throughout the journey.
- Donkey Kong Country offers a great variety when it comes to level design.
- You have the freedom to either take your time or blitz through stages given you have the appropriate skills required to do so.
- Both the two main characters are well-written and equipped with a unique set of abilities that add a pivotal layer to the overall gameplay experience.
- When it comes to graphics, Donkey Kong Country is one of the finest games available on SNES despite its age mainly, because of the pre-rendered 3D visuals and well-detailed sprites.
- You can explore a variety of landscapes in Donkey Kong Country.
- Donkey Kong Country has plenty of replay value.
- It offers several secrets and bonus stages throughout the game which grab the player’s complete attention.
Cons:
- On some levels, the gameplay can get extremely slow which can end up hindering the pacing.
- Donkey Kong Country does not have the best presentation when compared to other renowned titles and the graphics seem outdated now.
- The boss battles in Donkey Kong Country are overly simplistic and predictable.
- The barrel-shooting levels are terrible and pointless. It is simply a little trial-and-error minigame and feels like the barrels are only there to over-stretch the length of the game.
35. The Legend of the Mystical Ninja

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: July 19, 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Sadly The Legend of the Mystical Ninja is one of the very few games from the franchise that were released outside of Japan. It provides a very bizarre adventure story for gamers to enjoy. Kids loved the game due to its lighthearted characters and theme.
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja takes place in a wacky version of Feudal Japan. You fight enemies that are suitable for the time period and they are designed with the bizarreness of the game in mind.
It is another one of the games on our list that hasn’t aged much. It is still really fun to play due to its beat ‘em up like gameplay and there is plenty of replayability.
Pros:
- The characters distinct from one another and well-written which complements the intriguing plot of the game.
- The Legend of the Mystical Ninja has nine stages and each one has a decent amount of depth and detail which gives all of them a distinct style.
- You will encounter several mini-games that can be extremely fun and addictive to play. These mini-games consist of multiple classic titles which can provide a nice diversion from the main story.
- The Legend of the Mystical Ninja has incredibly vibrant and innovative visuals.
- The soundtrack is greatly composed and quite memorable which will keep you immersed.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty might not be to everyone’s taste.
- Whilst The Legend of the Mystical Ninja seems like a simple game, the later stages can prove to be extremely daunting which can be problematic for many players.
34. The Lost Vikings

- Developer: Blizzard
- Publisher: Blizzard
- Release Date: April 29, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Vikings are arguably more popular now than they ever have been. That is thanks to shows like The Vikings and films like The Northman. The Lost Vikings is a more lighthearted take on the brutal and proud warriors.
Created by Blizzard. You can see some of the charm here that they put in their Warcraft games. The game revolves around a trio of Vikings namely, Erik, Olaf, and Baleog. These are brave warriors who have been kidnapped by aliens and now must find their way back home.
It is a puzzle game and an excellent one at that. Each of the puzzles requires critical thinking and focus. The game is weird and unique which is why it is on our best SNES games list.
Pros:
- The main three robust Vikings have a set of distinctive abilities that you can perfectly utilize during frenetic skirmishes.
- When you swap between the characters, the other one will stay right there in its occupied space, making the whole trio more efficient.
- Enemies are fierce and extremely myriad in terms of variety.
- The in-game tutorials are particularly good and give you an idea of the gameplay mechanics.
- The multiplayer mode is there just in case you are planning to play The Lost Vikings with a friend.
- Extremely unique stages offer an immersive experience as you will be traveling through different worlds that are flawlessly illustrated and a feast to the eyes.
Cons:
- The game’s extreme difficulty can be harsh on some occasions which can be a deal-breaker for many casual players who are just looking for an optimal experience.
- You will have to spend a decent amount of time in the game in order to progress through stages as the consequences for even one Viking’s death can lead to Game Over.
33. Tetris & Doctor Mario

- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: December 30, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Doctor Mario is a game developed by Nintendo that was heavily inspired by Tetris. As for Tetris, we all know what that is. It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment ever. Tetris & Doctor Mario is a collection of sorts that merged these games into a single package.
The collection is a great deal for people who love puzzle games. Both of these while using similar designs are fairly different games.
What makes the bundle unique is that it allows players to play both titles simultaneously. That means you can complete a level in Tetris and then switch to Dr. Mario.
Pros:
- You can play both games at the same time as you can finish a level in Doctor Mario and then switch to Tetris.
- The inclusion of the mixed-match mode is extremely gripping and ramps up the multiplayer aspect of the game as it puts two players against one other in a game that switches between Tetris and Doctor Mario.
- Tetris offers some of the most intricate puzzles which will test your puzzle-solving skills to the fullest.
- Both Tetris & Doctor Mario offer straightforward and accurate control systems which make the controls extremely easy for almost everyone to learn.
Cons:
- In terms of presentation, Tetris & Doctor Mario are quite bland and hardly satisfy the basic standards for SNES games.
- Although the audio design is strong in Tetris & Doctor Mario, it does get a bit duplicative after some time.
- There is not much to do outside of single-player mode and the mixed-match mode in Tetris & Doctor Mario.
32. Star Wars Return of the Jedi

- Developer: LucasArts
- Publisher: LucasArts
- Release Date: November 1, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The final Star Wars game released for the SNES is called Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Just like the film it concludes the story of the trilogy. In our opinion, it is easily the best game out of the trio, there is just so much it does phenomenally.
To start it off first of all you have multiple playable characters. All of these have their own charming sprites that you can tell were made passionately with how much accurate detail is on them.
In addition, these playable characters are Luke, Han, Chewie, Leia, and an Ewok named Wicket who wields a bow. It is a very playable title and an extremely memorable one too that is why it is, in our opinion, one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- You can select from a variety of characters as you progress through levels.
- The difficulty has been scaled down, providing a fair challenge for all players.
- Star Wars Return of the Jedi features three characters and all of them come with their own strengths and weaknesses.
- The power system is a nice addition and complements the difficulty level
- In terms of graphics, the game is refined and delivers bright terrains and captivating sprites.
Cons:
- Star Wars Return of the Jedi is sorely lacking when it comes to the storyline as it does not adapt to the main film and has some of its own added scenes that are not compelling in any way.
- Even the bosses are not based on the classic film which might not sit with diehard fans of the series.
- The mode 7 levels are not the best and rather feel underwhelming in Star Wars Return of the Jedi.
31. Mario Paint

- Developer: Intelligent Systems and Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: July 14, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The SNES mouse wasn’t of much use unless you had Mario Paint. It was a great Mario spin-off that allowed fans to draw landscapes from different Mario games. There are a lot of options available to the player so that they can be as creative as they want.
Mario Paint is remembered fondly by many SNES games mainly thanks to its awesome music inclusion. It is weird how it hasn’t gotten a sequel yet fans have been asking Nintendo for it relentlessly. Here’s to hoping we get that in the near future.
Pros:
- As the game is based on painting so everything is highly detailed and looks great.
- The gameplay is extremely diverse and offers a number of activities throughout the game.
- You can build your own sprites and even add animations to them.
- There is even a mini-game which is a nice diversion from the main game and a joy to play.
- The classic soundtrack is immersive as it is greatly composed.
- You can select from three themes whenever in the main program which is incredible for a game of this age.
Cons:
- Many fans of Mario Paint were disappointed because the game did not get a sequel.
- The graphics of Mario Paint may seem dated by today’s standards.
30. Boogerman

- Developer: Interplay Entertainment
- Publisher: Interplay Entertainment
- Release Date: November 18, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Now this game might not be for everyone. It is a disgusting mess but in the best way possible. You play as a dude who calls himself the Boogerman. That is because his superpowers include him using boogers to fight off monsters.
It is as gross as it sounds. You even swing using that similar to Earthworm Jim 2. There is booger everywhere. The thing is it is one of the best-looking SNES games. No matter how disgusting it looks the pixels are highly detailed and charming in their own way.
The gameplay is fun. Once you learn it and get an understanding of where to go the game is pretty much on its own. It is one of those good weird wacky SNES titles.
Pros:
- Boogerman looks incredible with detail-oriented landscapes and well-designed sprites.
- The disgusting levels are extremely myriad and it takes a bit of creativity to complete them.
- When it comes to combat, Boogerman stands out from other games and carves its own identity.
- The main protagonist can use his booger as an attack against enemies. Moreover, he can even use his burp or fart as an attack which many players will find hilarious and weird.
- The sound effects are well-done and fit well with the theme of Boogerman.
Cons:
- Boogerman is not for everyone as the game features gross environments.
- The overall gameplay mechanics are not that compelling which can be a turnoff.
- The stages can get a bit repetitive after a while because of the bland level design.
29. Super Mario All-Stars

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: July 14, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
There is nothing much to see about Super Mario All-Stars. It is a collection of some of the best ports of Mario games for the SNES. Nintendo did not create that many Mario games for the platform but they did port a lot of them.
The best thing about Super Mario All-Stars is the upgrade to visuals. The SNES boosted the graphics of all the games and most of them look significantly better. If you love Mario then there is no reason not to play the collection.
Pros:
- Super Mario All-Stars contains all three renowned Mario games in one package.
- In terms of graphics, it is exceptional and highly refined on SNES.
- The terrains and animations look better than ever along with the rich sprites.
- Some major changes were made to Super Mario bros. 2 which made it the best game to play among the other three games.
- The excitement of exploration and adventure is still there and distinguishes it from other Mario games.
- It is an iconic platformer game with enhanced visuals and classic gameplay mechanics.
Cons:
- The first game is sorely lacking in some features which can be underwhelming.
- The SNES version of Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is a bit clumsy and the difficulty spike on several stages makes no sense at all as many players were overwhelmed by it.
- Visually, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a mixed bag as some of the drastic changes to stages took away the fun factor of the game which was aggravating for veteran players of the series.
28. Super Castlevania IV

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: October 31, 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here we have one of the best entries in the legendary Castlevania franchise. Super Castlevania IV is arguably the best old-school Castlevania title. It has everything that one can ask as a fan of the franchise.
Super Castlevania IV added so much to the old formula. These include multiple new levels and significant refinements to the gameplay.
The story puts you in the shoes of Simon Belmont, the legendary vampire hunter. He also recently appeared in Super Smash Brothers. He and his iconic whip are ready to put an end to Dracula’s scheme once again.
Pros:
- A great orchestrated soundtrack that still holds up and keeps the player immersed throughout.
- The SNES version is extremely gripping in terms of visuals.
- Every level is brilliantly designed and has some clever Mode 7 utilization that makes the game world much more vibrant.
- The gameplay mechanics stay faithful to the source material and offer some new features.
- All the enemies are extremely diverse and provide the player with some frenetic sequences.
- When it comes to level design, Super Castlevania IV really shines and tests your platforming skills to the core.
- The sprites and bosses have a decent amount of depth and the boss battles are a thrill to complete which adds a striking layer to the overall gameplay experience.
Cons:
- Super Castlevania IV is a relatively short game which is the case for most action games of its era which leaves the player somewhat unsatisfied.
- The steep difficulty of Super Castlevania IV can frustrate on several occasions which might not sit with players who are just looking for a casual experience.
- If you are looking for RPG elements in Super Castlevania IV, then you are in the wrong place.
27. Tetris Attack

- Developer: Intelligent Systems
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: October 27, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Tetris Attack is one of the best Tetris games. It was localized by adding Yoshi to the game and then was later remade for the Nintendo 64 by adding a Pokemon-inspired setting. It is a very addicting game that players loved.
The genius panel-switching mechanic is what really makes the game. It is what puts its multiplayer mode apart from other titles. You can do some awesome stuff and then it will add extra blocks to your opponent’s side which was very rage infuriating for the opposition.
Pros:
- A total of six game modes are extremely distinctive in terms of gameplay.
- The puzzle-solving factor is top-notch and highly immersive and provides a fair challenge.
- A multiplayer mode and a co-op mode where you can play against a human opponent.
- The soundtrack is greatly composed which enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- The brilliant panel-switching feature distinguishes Tetris Attack’s multiplayer mode from other games.
Cons:
- On multiple occasions, the game can get overwhelmingly unforgiving because of the harsh difficulty which can be a cause of frustration for many players.
- The scrolling on higher difficulties can be a major turnoff for many players and if you play Tetris Attack on easy mode, you get a very poor ending which is lackluster.
26. F-Zero

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 21, 1990
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
F-Zero is one of the most influential racing games of all time. Back when it came out the racing game genre was still pretty much in its very early stages. F-Zero set a lot of the groundwork for the genre that so many titles after its release followed.
What also set F-Zero apart was its futuristic setting. It felt really cool driving a cyberpunk car. The gameplay is smooth and the game visually looks stellar. It is one of the best-looking SNES games.
There are many stages to pick from. All of these look beautiful and are memorable in their own ways. Captain Falcon was also first introduced in F-Zero. Nowadays he is very well known due to his appearance in Smash Bros. games.
Pros:
- F-Zero features futuristic dynamics that give a cyberpunk feel to the overall gameplay.
- The utilization of Mode 7 paid off as it instantly draws you into the game.
- Despite the game’s age, all of the tracks look colorful and extremely detailed.
- The stylish settings of F-Zero are a cherry on top.
- The sound effects are excellent as they match well with the futuristic environment.
- The music constantly keeps changing as you traverse through different tracks which will keep your nostalgia flowing.
- The controls are tight and responsive which provides a smooth driving experience.
Cons:
- The competitive play of F-Zero is nonexistent as the game only has a single-player mode.
- Albeit the track courses are well-done, the fire field course that comes in the final segments of the game feels extremely challenging because of the sudden difficulty spike.
- The opponent AI can be a pain to deal with on higher difficulties in F-Zero which is lackluster.
25. Super Punch-Out

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: October 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Super Punch-Out is a charming boxing game. You can even fight Mike Tyson in it. There are so many other awesome-looking characters in the game too that you will be engaging. These characters and their facial animations are what sold Super Punch-Out.
All matches feel different due to the precision that is required from the player. What adds to the gameplay is the instant K.O mechanic. All the fighters have an instant K.O area and when you hit that you win. Super Punch-Out is still a blast so many years later.
Pros:
- The music is highly immersive as there is a dedicated track for each of the four circuits.
- In terms of visuals, Super Punch-Out still holds out as the characters are well-detailed and offer a lot of animations and the overall tone of the atmosphere is highly captivating.
- You will be fighting a total of 16 challengers and all of them have a distinctive set of abilities.
- If you are struggling fighting with the boxers, there is a time attack mode, where you can polish your boxing skills and even fight against any of the 16 fighters in order to get a grasp of their fighting styles.
- The third-person view will give a much more engaged feel because your sprite is transparent which allows you to plainly spot your foe’s attacks.
- By utilizing the brand-new charging system, you will be able to deliver extremely powerful punches and left hooks.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty curve might not be everyone’s cup of tea as you will have to learn the distinct fighting patterns of each opponent in order to defeat them in Super Punch-Out.
- Super Punch-Out is not as intriguing as its predecessor game was which might be a turnoff for veteran players of the series.
24. Star Fox

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: Spring 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Star Fox is an awesome space flight game. It is a fast-paced action-filled adventure and also introduced us to some characters who we now treat like Nintendo legends. Space travel games were very rare back then which made Star Fox feel even more fresh and unique. There is a lot to enjoy in this old gem.
Fox McCloud is the face of the franchise. He gained massive popularity thanks to Smash Bros. as he was one of the strongest characters in Smash Bros. Melee which many consider being the best game of the series.
Pros:
- The presentation is phenomenal thanks to the alluring visuals and decent character design.
- The sprites are rich in detail along with explosions and cloud effects which instantly draw you into the 16-bit glory of Star Fox.
- Star Fox offers a great blend of iconic flight mechanics and fast-paced action that is packed with tons of sequences where you blast through enemy forces.
- The UI menu is well-designed and highly interactive which makes the navigation easier.
- The stages are extremely myriad which provides the player with some frenetic action.
Cons:
- Several technical issues such as frame rate drops and the lack of crosshairs can spoil the immersion and may result in needless deaths.
- The extreme difficulty curve can be a deal-breaker for players who are just looking to have a casual and fun experience in Star Fox.
23. Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Stars

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: March 9, 1996
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Back in the day, Nintendo teamed up with Square who were easily the best RPG developers, and created Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. It is literally something that is one of a kind. You won’t find a game like it anywhere back then.
The game’s excellent RPG mechanics and how they are all mashed with the Mario gameplay intelligently is what makes the game. What also took fans off-guard was how the game allowed Mario to work alongside Bowser.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars also introduced some great new things to the JRPG formulae. It is regarded by many to be one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The fascinating turn-based combat adds a layer of strategy to the overall gameplay.
- Mario can utilize multiple attacks and a brand-new timed-attacked mechanic through which you can deal more damage if executed correctly.
- The controls are robust and accurate which makes the platforming sequences as well as the combat a delightful experience.
- The main character is well-written and has a decent amount of depth.
- Solid and tight puzzles will keep you engaged throughout the game.
- The platforming is still there which will be welcoming for seasoned players of the Super Mario games.
- The catchy soundtrack brings back some memories from the Classic Super Mario games.
Cons:
- The length of the game is very short as players have reported that it took them around six hours to finish the game which might be dissatisfying for some people.
- After some time, the gameplay can get repetitive which is lackluster in Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven.
- The gameplay mechanics feel broken on some occasions which can mar the overall experience of the player.
22. Final Fantasy IV

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square
- Release Date: July 19, 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
What might be surprising to some people was that Final Fantasy IV on the SNES had little resemblance to its predecessor if any at all. What makes the game shine isn’t the RPG gameplay it is the brilliant character development that it does.
It does not focus on the RPG gameplay and instead focuses on the role-playing part. You will feel very immersed throughout the story. All of the companions feel extra connected to you due to their backstories being fleshed out.
Final Fantasy games have always been known for their awesome story and adventure. All of that started with Final Fantasy IV. It is one of the best Super Nintendo games because of its influence.
Pros:
- The visuals are top-notch in Final Fantasy IV.
- The 3D-rendered landscapes along with vibrant sprites make the overall gameplay an amusing experience.
- The main narrative is extremely intriguing and the additional story facets give you an insight into the backstories of several in-game characters that complements the central plot.
- The voice acting is exceptional and does an incredible job of breathing life into the characters.
- Final Fantasy IV offers progressively high difficulty which inspires players to find out and make use of the enemy’s weaknesses and status effects to deal more damage effectively.
Cons:
- Final Fantasy IV requires you to do quite a bit of digging around to find the best augments which can occasionally take an abundance of time.
- Final Fantasy IV uses a weird font which makes the in-game text harder to look at.
- The classes are highly imbalanced. Some of them are quite broken and can breeze through the content while the rest struggles to keep up.
21. Goof Troop

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: July 11, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
You would never guess who made Goof Troop. Industry legend Shinji Mikami is the one who made Goof Troop for Disney. Yes, you heard that right the creator of Resident Evil was making Goof Troop at Capcom when he first arrived there.
Now jokes aside Goof Troop is a very good game. It is a puzzle game that you can play with your friends or family. All the puzzles are very creative and require thinking. Grab somebody and give Goof Troop a shot you won’t regret it.
Pros:
- Combat in Goof Troop is exceptional and adds a strategic component to the game.
- The controls are highly accessible and customizable.
- Goof Troop offers extraordinary puzzles which you must complete in order to get to the next stage.
- In terms of graphics, Goof Troop looks absolutely stunning.
- Capcom went above and beyond in terms of adding acoustic music and catchy sound effects in Goofy Troop.
- Goofy Troop has a multiplayer option that completely solidifies the player’s experience.
Cons:
- The single-player mode of Goof Troop can be cumbersome and unwieldy at times.
- The puzzles are made with the multiplayer mode in mind and can sometimes prove to be frustrating if you are playing solo.
- In terms of length, Goof Troop is short and can be finished in just a few hours which can be an annoyance for some players.
- The puzzles in Goof Troop can get pretty complex and challenging from time to time, overwhelming the majority of the players.
20. Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy Kong’s Quest

- Developer: Rare
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 21, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
The sequel to the original Donkey Kong is just as awesome as the original. In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest you play as Diddy Kong. On your journey, you will encounter a lot of cool stuff that you can do which also includes riding animals.
In the story, Donkey Kong has been kidnapped, and now it is up to Diddy Kong and a new character called Dixie Kong to rescue him by traversing through the beautiful and diverse jungles of the game.
It is an excellent sequel and we cannot recommend it enough. Play Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest as soon as you can. It is one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- It offers a great story where Diddy Kong has to go and rescue Donkey Kong who has been stolen.
- The levels are more iconic and fun to engage in which can greatly enhance one’s experience.
- The game includes plenty of fun and enticing challenges to undertake on your adventure.
- The music is well thought out and substantially intensifies the experience of the players.
- Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy Kong’s Quest gives you access to additional content which you can unlock by collecting 15 Krem coins to unlock new dungeons.
Cons:
- Some of the levels are extremely challenging which can be irritating.
- Saving your progress requires two gold coins which can get very frustrating as you can lose a lot of progress if you run out of gold.
- You will lose access to all your coins upon starting a new session.
19. Super Street Fighter II The New Challengers

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: September 10, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
What we have here is the fourth arcade version of Street Fighter II ported to the Super Nintendo. The game changed a bunch of stuff but the most appealing thing it did was that it added new characters to the already incredible roster.
Four new characters were added to the game. Cammy White was the one who instantly became a fan favorite. She is now considered one of the best female videogame characters. People like her a lot and she was the most popular female character only behind Chun Li.
If you loved the previous versions of Street Fighter II or if you like any other Street Fighter games then you will have fun here.
Pros:
- The addition of four new characters grabbed everyone’s attention especially, Cammy as she is one of the most renowned characters made by Capcom.
- In terms of graphics, some significant changes were made such as character animations being more detailed and the addition of new backgrounds which complement the overall visuals.
- There are a ton of multiplayer modes where you will be competing against other players.
- The inclusion of an elimination tournament is intriguing and provides you with some tense battles throughout the game.
Cons:
- The gameplay is a bit slower compared to Street Fighter Turbo so, it will take some time to get used to.
- The main downfall of the game is how soon the sequel, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, outperformed it as the gameplay in the turbo version was much faster..
18. Terranigma

- Developer: Quintet
- Publisher: Quintet
- Release Date: October 20, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Terranigma is another action RPG. Back then almost every RPG that came out was incredible. The game follows the story of Ark who is just a mischievous kid who gets transported to an evil world due to unforeseen consequences.
The game has a top-down perspective which was the norm for most RPGs of the SNES era. Terranigma is another classic game where the combat is fun and the epic adventure you go on is the highlight of the game. You will experience so many awesome things by the end of Terranigma.
Pros:
- In Terranigma, Ark, the main character will utilize a spear to deliver deadly attacks.
- The controls are extremely intuitive and easy to grasp.
- The UI menus are well-designed and accessible.
- The progression system is well-balanced as you will be leveling up your character throughout the journey, just like any other RPG game.
- Visually, Terranigma is top-notch as it makes good use of Mode 7.
- Every stage is diverse and offers a distinct color palette.
- The storyline is memorable and highly immersive.
Cons:
- The soundtrack feels a bit similar to Illusion of Gaia which is underwhelming in Terranigma.
- The sudden difficulty bursts in various stages and some daunting boss battles might not sit with players who are just looking for a casual experience.
- The gameplay can get repetitive after a while in Terranigma which can be a nuisance to many players.
17. Secret of Evermore

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square
- Release Date: October 1, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Here is the spiritual successor of the Secret of Mana series. Secret of Evermore has a lot of resemblance with the other series but it is a completely different game. The entire theme and setting are a lot different and feel grimmer.
The story puts you in the shoes of a boy who alongside his dog gets transported to the world of Evermore. Through your adventure, you will visit many visually pleasing areas and encounter many charming creatures.
Secret of Evermore is a great game that a lot of people have missed out on. We recommend you check it out. If you loved Secret of Mana then this game will be your jam.
Pros:
- The soundtrack is greatly composed and does an amazing job of merging with the backgrounds.
- The rendered graphics offer an aesthetic and refreshing change compared to the colorful visuals of the previous game.
- A wide array of stages are available and all of them are high in detail.
- The controls are extremely fluid and responsive.
- The combat mechanics heavily boasts strategy-based gameplay.
- The utilization of the new Alchemy element is encouraged as it will prove to be useful during frenetic boss battles.
Cons:
- Secret of Evermore is an extremely challenging game to the point where it might not be to everyone’s taste.
- The difficulty spike on several bosses makes it a pain to deal with them which can be an annoyance for many players.
- While it offers a couple of new features of its own, Secret of Evermore relies too much on its predecessor and fails to carve its own identity.
16. Street Fighter II The World Warrior

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: February 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior is a direct port of the arcade version which was a masterpiece, one of the most important games in history. Street Fighter II did so much to the franchise that it is insane.
The original Street Fighter was very barebones and mediocre. It didn’t even have any characters that stood out. Street Fighter II changed all of that with its brilliant gameplay and roster.
Some of the characters that were introduced in Street Fighter II: The World Warrior have now become gaming legends. Chun Li became the most iconic fighting game female character period. The game truly is an unforgettable experience.
Pros:
- There is a total of eight characters and each one has a unique move set along with special moves.
- Street Fighter II The World Warrior has iconic fighting gameplay that offers a timeless experience.
- The controls are on point and highly immersive in Street Fighter II The World Warrior.
- The experience can be substantially enhanced when playing on a controller.
- Street Fighter II The World Warrior has some well-detailed characters and animations that complement the overall visuals of the game.
- The incredible sound effects on each move make you feel the weight behind the hit.
- The voice acting on several characters is top-notch which adds another striking layer to the gameplay experience.
Cons:
- The gameplay feels outdated mainly because of the slow pacing which can be a major drawback of Street Fighter II The World Warrior.
- The soundtrack is sorely lacking and weird in Street Fighter II The World Warrior and does not fit well with the stages which can be frustrating for many players.
- Not the best version of Street Fighter II as there are much more improved Street Fighter games that were released after it.
15. Final Fantasy III

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square
- Release Date: April 27, 1990
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
While not as iconic as its forerunners Final Fantasy III is still a great game. The gameplay is very fun and that is what carries the game. You can also see a hint of the storytelling focus that the series will completely adapt from Final Fantasy IV onward.
The game features many fully fledged characters who serve as your party members or people you will encounter during your adventures. If you love the previous final fantasy games then you will surely love Final Fantasy III. It is very intriguing to see how far the franchise has come after playing these old titles.
Pros:
- The plot is full of twists that will keep you desiring more as you progress through the game.
- The open world in Final Fantasy III is vast and packed with many mysteries to uncover.
- Final Fantasy III stays faithful to the classic gameplay while also adding some new things to the bucket list.
- The turn-based combat system is a significant improvement from the second game.
- The ATB system is still there which many old players will like in Final Fantasy III.
- In terms of presentation and design, Final Fantasy III really shines and has some enticing bosses that are detail-oriented.
Cons:
- There is little to no animation on enemies in Final Fantasy III which can be a bit irritating for some players.
- The Mode-7 world map used for vehicle navigation seems erratic which makes it really hard to spot certain areas.
14. Contra III The Alien Wars

- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: February 28, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Konami utilized the Super Nintendo to its full potential while making Contra III: The Alien Wars. It is an incredible action game that is very hard and rewarding. Just like the previous Contra games it also has a great replayability.
Contra III: The Alien Wars feels like a mashup of Rambo and the Alien films. Those two were also what Konami took inspiration from while developing the game. There is just so much Hollywood action film charm here.
The game is a blast and we wholeheartedly recommend it. The action never lets up and the graphics are just stunning. It was the most “violent” game on the SNES when it came out.
Pros:
- The gameplay stays true to the Contra formula and is challenging but rewarding as it gives you a sense of accomplishment after each battle.
- The soundtrack is incredible and matches well with the theme of Contra III The Alien Wars.
- The character animations are extremely well-done and solid compared to previous games in the series.
- A plethora of frantic boss battles will test your skills to the core and keep you absorbed throughout the game.
- Graphically, Contra III The Alien Wars has a great presentation and detailed sprites.
Cons:
- Contra III The Alien Wars is perhaps a bit too high on the difficulty side.
- The Japanese version of Contra III The Alien Wars is still better.
- It is a relatively short game.
13. Ogre Battle The March of The Black Queen

- Developer: Quest Corporation
- Publisher: Quest Corporation and Enix America
- Release Date: March 12, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Now we are going to take a look at one of the best strategy games ever made. Ogre Battle: The March of The Black Queen is a game filled with so much depth. The character combinations that you will be taking into battle are almost limitless.
It even features a sort of tarot card system that many games use these days which can literally change the tide of the battle just like every other thing in the game. Ogre Battle: The March of The Black Queen is a proper hardcore strategy game if you love to strategize and think about your approach then you will have blast.
Pros:
- Purely strategy-based gameplay mechanics are on top of the shelf and well-designed.
- Your decision-making is extremely critical due to the real-time pacing of the game.
- The well-mapped controls make it easy to navigate the menu and you will have more time to concentrate on your tactics rather than grasping the game commands thanks to the simple and effective control structure.
- The soundtrack is immersive and goes well with the battle sequences.
- In terms of visuals, it is a decent-looking game for its age.
Cons:
- Almost all the battle animations tend to be somewhat simplistic which is underwhelming.
- The music tracks can get repetitive on different levels which might bug some players.
- Extra color variety and depth would have been great for the maps.
12. Secret of Mana

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square
- Release Date: August 6, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
What we have here is one of the most fun and enjoyable RPGs on the Super Nintendo. Secret of Mana became very popular due to its engaging storytelling and dedication to character development.
Visually it feels very similar to RPGs that were made by Square. It’s aesthetic looks very similar to some Final Fantasy titles and mainly to Chrono Trigger. Speaking of Chrono Trigger the protagonist of Secret of Mana looks like he is the twin of Crono.
Secret of Mana stands out as its own game despite all the similarities. If you are looking for an epic adventure then look no further and play the game now.
Pros:
- The protagonists are quite charming and well-written.
- One of the positive factors of Secret of Mana is its striking RPG elements.
- The boss battles are well-done and intense, providing you with iconic moments.
- Extremely varied combat mechanics promote strategy-based gameplay and gives the player frenetic battle sequences in Secret of Mana.
- The narrative in Secret of Mana is well-written and highly captivating which will grab the player’s undivided attention.
- There is a vast variety of music available in Secret of Mana that consistently appears to be just right for the occasion which will keep you immersed.
Cons:
- The unforgiving difficulty of Secret of Mana can be a major turnoff to many players.
- The menus are extremely confusing which can be an annoyance in Secret of Mana.
- Minor bugs and glitches surface on various occasions in Secret of Mana which can spoil the overall experience of the player.
11. Super Mario World

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 21, 1990
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Surpassing Super Mario Bros. 3 was going to be hard but Nintendo did it with flying colors. There was so much that Super Mario World needed to do. The expectation was very high and the hype was through the roof.
Nintendo delivered in every front. Super Mario World is a lot of gamers’ favorite Mario game of all time. That is why it is so highly placed on our list. It is one of the best Super Nintendo games of all time.
Everyone loves games made by Nintendo and their partners. They are some of the very best stuff in the gaming industry.
Pros:
- The musical score for Super Mario World is on top of the shelf as the music track for each level is extremely distinct and absorbing.
- The controls are robust and provide the perfect level of responsiveness which makes the platforming aspect intriguing.
- There are a total of 72 levels available and all of them are extremely diverse with plenty of depth.
- Players have access to an optional world known as the Star Road.
- The visuals are immersive and vivid along with the detailed sprites which add another layer of depth to the overall experience.
Cons:
- If you are looking for a challenging experience, then Super Mario World might end up disappointing you as it is an easy game compared to the previous titles in the series.
- Aside from the boss battle with Bowser, almost all bosses feel underwhelming and bland to fight in Super Mario World.
10. The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: November 20, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Back in the SNES era, Capcom made some of the best action-adventure games. They even gave Nintendo a run for their money with some titles and The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse is one of these.
The game is also proof that nobody does Disney or Marvel games better than Capcom. So many years have passed and nothing matches what they did for Disney and the glorious Marvel vs. Capcom series.
The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse has beautiful animations and it masterfully mixes platforming with action. Many people including us consider the game to be one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- Bosses are a thrill to fight and offer some epic moments in The Magical Quest Starring Mick Mouse.
- The sprites are well done along with animations that are high in detail which complements the overall graphics.
- The soundtrack is exceptional and fits really well with the theme of The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse.
- The gameplay mechanics are innovative and highly intriguing which ramps up the overall replay value of the game.
Cons:
- The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse is relatively a tad too short game which might leave the players dissatisfied.
- The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse is perhaps a bit too easy on the difficulty side which can lead to a bland experience for many players.
9. Mega Man X

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: December 17, 1993
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Back when people started getting a bit bored of the original Mega Man formula Capcom gave them Mega Man X. We have discussed its sequels earlier on our list but we do think Mega Max X deserves a special spot because of how awesome and influential it was.
It changed almost everything about the original. New fast-paced action gameplay was introduced and the game heavily encouraged exploration. The new protagonist X was also very likable. To top it all off the game had some of the best bosses in platformer history.
Mega Man X is an excellent through and through. The moment you boot it up you are captivated by everything. Play it as soon as you can it is one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The controls are on point and extremely responsive.
- The boss fights offer incredible movement and attack techniques that allure you into the action. Your reflexes and abilities will be pushed to their limits.
- The way you defeat a boss at the end of each level will have an impact on certain things in the next level.
- All the sprites are well-detailed including characters, enemies, and bosses.
- Mega Man X is aesthetically pleasing in terms of visuals.
- The musical score and sound effects of Mega Man X are quite immersive.
Cons:
- The steep difficulty curve might not be everyone’s cup of tea in Mega Man X.
- Several bosses have erratic attack patterns which make it a bit challenging to deal with them in Mega Man X.
8. Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: August 5, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island came out very late in the SNES era. That is why it is one of the best-looking SNES games. The pixels are vibrant and stunning and the stages look extremely good as well.
The gameplay is the normal Mario platforming stuff but significantly improved. In the game, Mario is a kid and he is riding on the back of Yoshi so the play controls Yoshi and you transverse some great levels with great pacing.
The game is very memorable and it pushed the SNES to its limits. It has aged gracefully so you can jump right in and have blast.
Pros:
- In terms of visuals, Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island is fascinating a feast for the eyes.
- It has a great presentation thanks to the incredible sprites and in-depth backgrounds.
- All the levels are detail-oriented and highly immersive, adding a layer of depth.
- In each world, you will be fighting two bosses that are extremely unique and varied.
- Sharp and fluid controls enhance the overall gameplay and make platforming a delightful experience, adding to the replay value.
- As music has always been the strong suit of Mario games and it is one of the highlights of the game. The vibrant soundtrack is memorable and matches well with the atmosphere.
Cons:
- The storyline is not intriguing which might disappoint players who are looking for a story experience in Super Mario World 2 Yoshi’s Island.
- Some of the bosses are a bit too tricky to deal with which can be unsettling for some players.
- Players may not like the idea of Yoshi turning into vehicles or helicopters through bubbles.
7. Super Mario Kart

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: August 27, 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
Mario has been part of many genres. Nintendo was to try out their mascot in multiple other weird settings. Some of these worked and some didn’t. Super Mario Kart is a game that almost everybody loved. Even if you weren’t a racing game fan it was still super appealing.
The game has a spectacular multiplayer mode that gamers have spent countless hours in. There is just so much to love about Super Mario Kart. From its roster to its great level-design, replayability, and intensity of every race.
We are glad to see that after so many years the Mario Kart franchise is going strong. Super Mario Kart started it all and turned everyone into fans. It is one of the best SNES games of all time according to many gamers.
Pros:
- One of the remarkable aspects of Super Mario Kart is its astounding Battle Mode where you can play against a friend.
- The inclusion of the Time Trial mode helps you to polish your skills by completing a lap as fast as possible.
- Your records are saved and you can even race ghosts of your best performances to challenge yourself to set faster lap times.
- The tracks are highly detailed and have a decent amount of depth.
- There are a total of four cups in which you can compete.
- You can use different weapons that you obtain throughout the race which can sometimes cause mayhem on the track.
Cons:
- As Super Mario Kart heavily focuses on the co-op element, the single-player mode is ignored a bit too much and is sorely lacking.
- The visuals and audio of Super Mario Kart may seem outdated by today’s standards.
- The controls are not the best which can end up ruining the overall gameplay experience.
6. Earthbound

- Developer: Ape Inc. and Hal Laboratory
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: August 27, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Earthbound is the only entry in its franchise that saw a worldwide release. Sadly it did not sell well when it first came out. Nowadays so many people fondly remember how hilarious and charming the game was.
The story follows a boy named Ness. If his name sound familiar then that may be because you saw him in Super Smash Bros. Now an alien bee who is called Buzz Buzz changes his life and sets off on an awesome adventure.
It sounds weird and unique because it is that in the best way possible. Many who have experienced it call it THE best Super Nintendo game it is that memorable and awesome.
Pros:
- The well-written narrative of Earthbound is extremely stirring and will make you emotionally attached to the characters.
- The 90s settings are on top of the shelf which quickly draws you into the game.
- The sound design is greatly composed and quite sublime, fitting well with the environment.
- Visually, Earthbound may look uninteresting at first but as you progress through the game, the artwork has a clear and uncomplicated appearance.
- The funny plot is well-suited by a delightful simplicity that will keep you involved.
- To complement the soundtrack during combat, there are great background effects.
Cons:
- The pacing is terrible in Earthbound which can have a negative effect on the gameplay experience of the player.
- The combat is not varied which can be a major turnoff for many players in Earthbound.
- The inventory system is horrible which makes it hard to store various things in the game.
- Level-based stat rewards are lackluster unless you grind and acquire much-improved gear.
5. Street Fighter II Turbo

- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release Date: December 1992
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Both
When Capcom released Street Fighter II back in the day it took the world by storm. Street Fighter II Turbo is the first home console release for the genre-defining masterpiece. At the time it was easily the best fighting game you can get for a home console.
The game has a brilliant roster. Fan favorites like Ryu, Ken, and Chun Li are of course present. There is just so much to love about Street Fighter II Turbo. It is a brilliant game and deserves all the praise and it’s undoubtedly one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The musical score and sound effects are memorable and keep the nostalgia flowing.
- The turbo mode is the most engrossing and offers some frenetic action.
- The normal mode also known as championship mode offers slow but more demanding gameplay with a few varied moves for several characters.
- You will also get alternate endings for each character in the normal mode.
- Street Fighter II Turbo has tight and responsive controls.
- All of the characters are playable and extremely diverse which is eye candy for veteran players of the series.
- Despite its age, the visuals still hold up and are top-notch in Street Fighter II Turbo.
Cons:
- The lack of extra content can be unsettling for many seasoned players and leads to Street Fighter II Turbo having little to no replay value.
- No online play can be a deal-breaker for many players in Street Fighter II Turbo.
- The gameplay can get quickly dull in Street Fighter II Turbo which is lackluster.
4. Super Metroid

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: March 19, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Metroid is another one of Nintendo’s iconic franchises. These games have great exploration alongside good platforming and enjoyable combat. The protagonist of the series, Samus is also very memorable because she was the first female protagonist to be featured in a game like it.
Super Metroid is by far the best in the series as far as we are concerned. It has an incredible atmosphere bundled with great action and some of the best level-design the industry has ever seen.
The game offers too much to explore. It is a perfect Metroid game through and through. If you love the series and have somehow missed out on Super Metroid then give it a shot. It is easily one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- In terms of presentation, Super Metroid has striking visuals and a well-detailed atmosphere along with sprites that will keep the player immersed.
- The soundtrack is exceptional and well done. It constantly changes as you keep on progressing.
- The world of Super Metroid is brimming with secrets to unveil as the areas are extremely myriad which makes the world worth exploring.
- Super Metroid offers smooth and fluid gameplay mechanics.
- The main plot is full of surprises and highly intriguing which ramps up the replay value.
- Bosses are intimidating and enemies are cleverly designed.
Cons:
- Some skills can be a bit tricky to utilize in Super Metroid which may not sit with some players.
- The navigation system in Super Metroid is sorely lacking which increases the chances of getting stuck in several areas.
3. Final Fantasy VI

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square
- Release Date: April 2, 1994
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
When it came out Final Fantasy VI destroyed the competition. It was irrefutably the best RPG at the time. The game even left its legendary predecessors in the dust. It revolutionized the genre in every way.
The gameplay is great, the item customization was enjoyable and the combat is always fun. Where Final Fantasy VI shines though is in its masterful storytelling. The game is extremely memorable due to its awesome characters and the adventure that they go on.
Final Fantasy VI also has one of the best protagonists in the series. What made the characters more likable was how relatable they were. Final Fantasy VI is undoubtedly one of the best Super Nintendo games of all time. The game had a great port on Steam that you can also get if you want to play the game on modern hardware.
Pros:
- Final Fantasy VI offers stunning visuals, polished character design, and detailed skill animations.
- The soundtrack is very well composed and works well with the mood of the game.
- The battle system in Final Fantasy VI is quite fun and encourages you to explore and experiment.
- The skirmishes are challenging enough to make Final Fantasy intriguing and not over-the-top sophisticated.
- The opera scene is easily the most unforgettable scene in the whole story of Final Fantasy VI.
- Final Fantasy VI offers one of the best writing in the series which is a nice addition and adds a layer of delightfulness to the overall experience.
Cons:
- Some characters in Final Fantasy VI do not get as much attention and insight.
- The font used in Final Fantasy VI is horrible and makes it hard to read the in-game text which can be a rather unpleasant experience.
- Final Fantasy VI has some minor bugs here and there which is can be a deal breaker for some.
2. The Legend of Zelda A Link To The Past

- Developer: Nintendo
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release Date: November 21, 1991
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Most of the things that The Legend of Zelda franchise has been following forever were first introduced in The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past. It was the first The Legend of Zelda title released for the SNES and Nintendo gave it their all.
There is so much to love about the game. It has a spectacular soundtrack, memorable bosses, and great combat. Even the swinging of your sword feels extra satisfying. The player is set loose the moment you get into the game; it doesn’t waste your time.
If you became a fan of The Legend of Zelda franchise because of any recent games then give The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past a shot. It is some of the best the franchise has to offer and it is easily one of the best SNES games of all time.
Pros:
- The dungeon design is top-notch and has a decent amount of depth.
- The game offers some intricate puzzles that are fun to solve which makes the game fun.
- It has possibly one of the best opening segments out of all Zelda games in the series.
- The audio design is highly immersive and goes well with what the game is trying to illustrate which will keep the player regaled throughout the journey.
- The Legend of Zelda A Link To The Past has an engrossing narrative.
- The well-written characters are brimming with warmth and charisma which will instantly allure you into the game.
Cons:
- It is a very short game that may leave some players unsatisfied.
- At some point, the gameplay can get bland for some players as The Legend of Zelda A Link To The Past is not as difficult as other Zelda games.
1. Chrono Trigger

- Developer: Square
- Publisher: Square
- Release Date: March 11, 1995
- Singleplayer or Multiplayer: Singleplayer
Chrono Trigger was a dream game. Three legends of the entertainment industry worked on it together. Akira Toriyama is known for the legendary Dragon Ball series, Hironobu Sakaguchi who made Final Fantasy, and lastly Dragon Quest’s Yuji Horii.
The hype was through the roof due to three legends working on it and Chrono Trigger delivered. The game is a masterpiece. It is a time travel story and it is so masterfully told with excellent world-building.
You can see Akira Toriyama’s charming and legendary art style all over the title alongside Yuji Horii’s world-building and Hironobu Sakaguchi’s excellent storytelling. These three created the best SNES game of all time. You can play this legendary game on any platform nowadays still, we recommend the Chrono Trigger Steam version.
Pros:
- The story of Chrono Trigger is one of the best aspects of the game and is very well presented and contains a fair amount of depth.
- Chrono Trigger does an excellent job of developing all the main characters of the game.
- The combat of Chrono trigger has a short learning curve and is fairly easy to pick up.
- One of the best aspects of combat is the element of positioning which substantially enhances the combat experience.
- The soundtracks in Chrono Trigger are memorable, well composed, and will keep you immersed throughout the game.
- In terms of visuals, Chrono Trigger is exceptionally gripping.
Cons:
- Some of the cutscenes do not contribute much to the user’s experience in Chrono Trigger which can be quite disappointing for some players.
- The controls on the DS stylus pen are not as smooth compared to using buttons which can be underwhelming in Chrono Trigger.
Verdict
That brings our list to an end. Super Nintendo is absolutely one of the most influential and greatest consoles in gaming history. So many of the franchises we love originated here. Aside from the visuals, which some people still love as they find the pixels appealing, these spectacular games have aged gracefully.
All of these games are awesome, creative, and unique. We hope your favorite title made it to the list. So what do you feel about the SNES? Did you grow up with it or are you now getting into these games? What is your personal favorite SNES game? Let us know all about it in the comments section below.
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