The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a popular video game console that was released in the 1990s. Here is our list of our top 20 favorite SNES games of all time.
1. Super Mario World
“Super Mario World” is a classic and timeless game that has remained popular and highly regarded over the years. One of the main reasons for its enduring appeal is its solid gameplay, which features tight controls and challenging but fair level design. The game also introduces a new character, Yoshi, who adds an extra layer of gameplay and strategy.
Another reason “Super Mario World” has aged well is its visually impressive graphics. The game’s colorful and detailed sprites and environments were impressive when the game was released, and they have aged well. The game’s memorable and catchy soundtrack is also a factor in its lasting appeal. Many of the game’s tracks have become fan favorites and are still remembered and loved by players today.
The game’s large and interconnected world, as well as its many secrets and hidden areas, provide plenty of replay value. Players can revisit the game multiple times and still discover new things. “Super Mario World” is a classic platformer that is still enjoyed by players of all ages. Its simple but enjoyable gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic settings have helped it remain popular even in today’s gaming landscape.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The first “Legend of Zelda” game on the NES was praised as a classic, but the second game in the series, a 2D platformer, was confusing to fans and deviated from the formula of the first game.
The third game in the series, “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,” returned to the top-down view and dungeon crawling elements that were present in the first game and are now associated with the series. The overworld in “A Link to the Past” is immersive, but the game’s second Dark World map, which is used to solve many of the game’s puzzles, is particularly memorable and has contributed to the game’s lasting appeal. Despite the series expanding in scope in subsequent games, “A Link to the Past” remains a game that can easily captivate players for dozens of hours.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by players today. Its innovative gameplay, engaging story, beautiful graphics, and excellent level design have helped it stand the test of time.
3. Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing game (RPG) that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995. The game has received widespread acclaim and is considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
One of the main reasons “Chrono Trigger” is considered a classic is its innovative gameplay. The game introduced a number of gameplay mechanics that were innovative for its time, such as the Active Time Battle system, which added a sense of urgency to combat, and the ability to use time travel to explore different eras. The game also has a branching plot that allows players to make choices that affect the story.
Another reason “Chrono Trigger” is highly regarded is its cast of memorable and well-developed characters. Each character has their own motivations and personalities, and the relationships between them are well-written and add depth to the story. The game’s graphics are also a highlight, with a colorful and vibrant art style and memorable character designs. The game’s cutscenes, which were impressive for their time, are still well-regarded today.
4. Super Metroid
Super Metroid is a highly regarded game that is considered nearly perfect by many players. One of the main reasons for its enduring appeal is its atmosphere, which is influenced by sci-fi movies such as “Aliens” and is enhanced by its foreboding soundtrack. The game’s graphics and character designs are considered some of the best in gaming, and the pacing of the player character Samus’s journey through the planet Zebes to find power-ups is expertly done. Super Metroid has influenced many Metroidvania games that were released after it.
Although the Metroid series has had its ups and downs, Super Metroid is a game that can be recommended to all types of gamers. It is considered such an incredible achievement in the medium that playing through it is seen as a requirement for aspiring game developers.
5. EarthBound
EarthBound, also known as “Mother 2,” is a role-playing game (RPG) that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994. The game is known for its unique setting, characters, and gameplay, which set it apart from other RPGs of its time.
One of the main things that made EarthBound unique was its setting. The game takes place in a modern-day world that is heavily inspired by American culture, in contrast to the fantasy settings that are common in many RPGs. The game’s characters are also unique, as they are ordinary people, such as a young boy and his friends, rather than traditional RPG heroes.
EarthBound also introduced a number of gameplay mechanics that were innovative for its time. The game’s battles take place in real-time and are influenced by the characters’ emotions and the environment. The game also has a humorous and irreverent tone, with many humorous and absurd elements.
EarthBound is a unique and memorable RPG that stands out for its setting, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Its innovative and humorous approach to the RPG genre has made it a beloved classic for many players.
6. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
During the 1990s, Square was known for releasing a number of classic RPGs, and Nintendo saw an opportunity to collaborate with the company. Despite the development process for Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars only lasting a little over a year, Square was able to create one of the funniest and best-looking games on the SNES. As a result, Super Mario RPG stands out as one of the finest RPGs and Mario games of all time.
Despite not being the first RPG of its kind, Super Mario RPG is considered a classic and is remembered fondly by many players for its unique blend of the Super Mario series and RPG gameplay.
7. Super Mario Kart
Super Mario Kart, which was released in 1992 and is credited with creating the kart racing genre. Prior to the release of Super Mario Kart, there were few games that featured kart racing as the primary gameplay mechanic. Super Mario Kart introduced the concept of using karts, or small go-karts, as the primary vehicle for racing, and the game’s success spawned a number of imitators and established kart racing as a popular subgenre of racing games.
Super Mario Kart introduced several gameplay mechanics that have become staples of the kart racing genre, such as the use of power-ups to gain an advantage over other racers and the ability to drift around corners for better control. The game’s colorful and vibrant graphics, as well as its memorable tracks and characters, also contributed to its popularity and helped establish kart racing as a genre.
9. Street Fighter II Turbo
Super Street Fighter 2 is considered by many to be the best fighting game for a number of reasons. The game is known for its tight and balanced gameplay, which allows for a high level of strategy and mind games between players. The game’s roster of characters is also diverse and memorable, each with their own unique moves and playstyle, and the game’s stages and music are also well-regarded.
Additionally, Super Street Fighter 2 has a long history and has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre. The game has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, and it has been re-released on multiple platforms, allowing it to reach a wide audience. Its influence can still be seen in modern fighting games, and it has a dedicated fan base that continues to play and compete in the game.
10. Mega Man X
The concept of perfection in creative works is often considered a subjective and unattainable goal, as there will always be flaws that can be identified. However, some works come close to achieving a level of excellence that they can be considered almost flawless by any reasonable measure.
One such work is Mega Man X, a game that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1993. Mega Man X is considered a perfect game by many players due to its strong gameplay, graphics, music, and level design. The game introduces new abilities such as dashing and wall climbing, which add depth to both navigation and combat. It also features hidden armor parts and health extensions, which allow players of any skill level to tailor the difficulty to their liking.
Additionally, Mega Man X allows players to choose the order in which they play stages, and certain stages are altered based on which bosses have already been defeated, adding replay value to the game. The character of Zero, with his red armor and long flowing hair, has become an iconic and popular character within the franchise.
10. Castlevania: Dracula X
Castlevania: Dracula X is a special game for a number of reasons. The game, which was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995, is known for its challenging and satisfying gameplay, which involves navigating through a series of side-scrolling levels and defeating a variety of enemies and bosses.
One of the key features of Castlevania: Dracula X is its music, which is widely regarded as some of the best in the series. The game features a number of memorable tracks that help to set the mood and atmosphere of the game. The game’s graphics are also well-regarded, with detailed sprite work and colorful backgrounds.
Additionally, Castlevania: Dracula X is considered a significant entry in the Castlevania series, as it features a number of elements that would become staples of the franchise, such as the ability to upgrade weapons and the inclusion of multiple endings based on player choices.
11. Super Punch-Out!!
Super Punch-Out!!! is a brilliant game for a number of reasons. The game, which was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994, is a boxing-themed sports game that is known for its challenging and satisfying gameplay, which involves navigating through a series of matches and defeating a variety of unique and memorable opponents. One of the key features of Super Punch-Out!!! is its sense of humor, which is present in the game’s character designs, dialogue, and overall presentation. The game’s characters are colorful and over-the-top, and their interactions with the player character, Little Mac, are often humorous and entertaining.
Additionally, Super Punch-Out!!! is praised for its tight gameplay mechanics, which require careful observation and timing in order to land successful punches and defeat opponents. The game’s responsive controls and satisfying feedback when landing a successful punch add to its overall appeal.
12. Super Mario All-Stars
It might seem like cheating to include a compilation in a best of list, but hear us out.
Super Mario All-Stars is a compilation set that includes remastered versions of the original three Super Mario Bros. games, which were released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The games have been remade to take advantage of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s (SNES) 16-bit capabilities, making them the definitive versions of each title.
In addition to the three remastered games, Super Mario All-Stars also includes the game “The Lost Levels,” which was previously only available in Japan. This inclusion makes Super Mario All-Stars a valuable addition to any collection, as it provides access to a previously unavailable game. Overall, Super Mario All-Stars is a compilation set that offers more than just a convenient way to own the original Super Mario Bros. games, as it includes enhanced versions of the games and the previously unavailable “The Lost Levels.”
13. Kirby Super Star
Kirby Super Star is a highly regarded platformer game that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1996. The game is known for its colorful and charming aesthetic, as well as its satisfying and varied gameplay, which involves Kirby’s ability to absorb the abilities of his enemies.
Kirby Super Star features multiple modes and sub-games, each with their own unique challenges and gameplay mechanics. The game’s controls are responsive and easy to pick up, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. The game’s music is also memorable and adds to the overall charm of the game.
14. Super Castlevania IV
Castlevania IV is a classic game that is widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time by many players and critics. Set in 1961, the game follows Simon Belmont on his mission to defeat the iconic vampire Dracula. Along the way, he must battle various ghouls and demons using his trusty whip, which can block projectiles and attack enemies. The gameplay in Castlevania IV is engaging and immersive, making it difficult to put down once you start playing. In addition, the expanded control options and cutting-edge graphics for its time only serve to enhance the overall experience.
But perhaps the most memorable aspect of Castlevania IV is its music, which is widely considered to be some of the best in any computer game ever made. So if you’re a fan of side-scrolling games with a bit of attitude, or just love a good vampire-slaying adventure, then Castlevania IV should definitely be on your radar. It’s easy to see why this game is so highly regarded and has stood the test of time. It can be found on the SNES Classic Mini, among other platforms.
15. Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III is a classic role-playing game that is often considered one of the best SNES games of all time. The game follows the journey of four orphaned youths who are given powers by a talking crystal and tasked with saving the world. As they explore the world, they encounter a variety of magical creatures and characters, engage in epic battles, and work together to restore balance to the universe. The storyline is engaging and full of twists and turns, the graphics are impressive for their time, and the camaraderie between the main characters is a standout feature of the game.
One of the unique aspects of Final Fantasy III is the visible hit points feature, which allows players to easily track the health of their characters and enemies. The turn-based combat system, a staple of the Final Fantasy series, also makes a return in this game, providing a challenging and strategic element to the gameplay. With over 1.4 million sales in Japan alone, it’s no surprise that Final Fantasy III has earned a place on this prestigious list. If you’re a fan of role-playing games with a dash of magic, be sure to give Final Fantasy III a try. It’s a game that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.
16. Contra III: The Alien Wars
Contra III: The Alien Wars is a side-scrolling action game that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. It is the third installment in the Contra series and is considered by many to be one of the best games in the franchise.
One of the standout features of Contra III: The Alien Wars is its fast-paced and intense gameplay. Players control one of two characters, Bill Rizer or Lance Bean, as they battle their way through levels filled with enemies and bosses. The game features a variety of weapons and power-ups, including spread shots, homing missiles, and laser guns, which help players take out their foes.
In addition to its exciting gameplay, Contra III: The Alien Wars is also known for its challenging difficulty. The game requires quick reflexes and careful strategy to successfully navigate through its levels and defeat the powerful bosses. However, the game also includes a two-player cooperative mode, which allows players to team up and take on the alien threat together.
17. Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country is a popular platforming game that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. It was developed by Rare and published by Nintendo and is the first game in the Donkey Kong Country series. The game was a major success and helped to reinvigorate the Donkey Kong franchise, which had been dormant for several years.
One of the main appeals of Donkey Kong Country is its detailed and visually impressive graphics. The game uses a technique called “pre-rendered 3D,” which allowed Rare to create detailed and realistic-looking character models and environments. This was a major departure from the more pixelated graphics of most games at the time and helped to make Donkey Kong Country stand out.
In addition to its impressive visuals, Donkey Kong Country also features tight controls, challenging gameplay, and a variety of levels and enemies. Players control Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they jump and run through levels, collect bananas, and defeat enemies. The game also includes a variety of power-ups, including barrels that grant temporary invincibility and animal friends that grant unique abilities.
18. Star Fox
The Star Fox game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was highly popular due to its impressive graphics and innovative gameplay. Developed by Nintendo and Argonaut Software, it was the first game on the SNES to use polygonal graphics and the second to use a 3D perspective. The game also made use of the Super FX chip, which allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay features. The promotional artwork for the game featured characters Fox, Slippy, Peppy, and Falco, which were depicted in a stylized, animatronic style.
Overall, the combination of innovative graphics and gameplay made Star Fox a standout title on the SNES and helped to establish it as a classic of the gaming industry.
19. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
One major difference is that in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, players control Yoshi rather than Mario. Yoshi has a number of unique abilities, including the ability to swallow enemies and turn them into eggs, which he can then throw at other enemies or objects. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay and allows players to approach levels in different ways.
Another difference is that Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island has a more “cartoony” art style than Super Mario World. The game features bright, colorful graphics and a more whimsical tone, which sets it apart from its predecessor.
Overall, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is a solid platformer that builds upon the gameplay of Super Mario World while introducing new mechanics and a distinctive art style. While it may not be as well-known as some of the other games in the Super Mario series, it is still highly regarded by fans and is considered a classic of the platforming genre.
20. Secret of Mana
Secret of Mana is an action RPG that stands out for its fun and deep battle system, which combines real-time action with timed attacks. Players must know when to evade and when to attack in order to be successful, and the battle system becomes increasingly complex as the story progresses. The game also has a wide variety of characters and weapons to choose from, adding a level of strategy to the gameplay. Secret of Mana was also one of the first RPGs to offer co-op gameplay, which was innovative for its time. In addition to its gameplay, the game has beautiful music and a timeless story that combine elements of Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda. Overall, Secret of Mana is a delightful RPG that should not be missed.
This is just a small selection of the many great games that were released for the SNES. There are many other classic games that could also be included on this list.
Conclusion
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was home to a vast library of classic games that have stood the test of time. From action-packed platformers to role-playing games to sports simulations, the SNES had something for everyone.
The 20 games listed in this article represent some of the greatest the SNES has to offer. From the groundbreaking graphics of Super Mario World to the challenging gameplay of Contra III: The Alien Wars to the immersive worlds of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, these games set the bar for what a video game could be.
Though the SNES may be a thing of the past, the legacy of these games lives on. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to relive the glory days or a newcomer looking to experience some of the best the SNES has to offer, these 20 games are a great place to start.
Thanks for reading and stay with Culture of Gaming for all things retro gaming.
