Top 25 Best Games for the SNES Ranked by Experts
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is one of the most beloved consoles in gaming history, boasting a diverse library of iconic and memorable games. Here, we delve into the top 25 SNES games, highlighting their unique features and why they remain essential for any retro gaming enthusiast.
Top 25 SNES Games Ranked
1. Chrono Trigger
Developer: Square (now Square Enix)
Released: 1995
Chrono Trigger stands as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. Developed by a "Dream Team" including Yuji Horii, Akira Toriyama, and Yasunori Mitsuda, this game offers multiple endings, an innovative battle system, and a richly detailed world. Its impact on the RPG genre is still felt today.
2. Super Metroid
Developer: Intelligent Systems and Nintendo R&D1
Released: 1994
Super Metroid is a masterclass in game design, offering a non-linear exploration experience that has influenced countless other games. Samus Aran's quest to recover the last Metroid from the Space Pirates is a thrilling adventure filled with power-ups, hidden paths, and intense boss battles.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Released: 1991
A Link to the Past is often cited as one of the best games ever made. It introduced the concept of parallel worlds, adding depth to the Zelda series. The game's engaging storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a must-play.
4. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Released: 1995
Yoshi's Island is a visually stunning game that showcased the SNES's capabilities. With its unique hand-drawn graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics, it stands out as one of the best platformers on the console. The game's charm and challenge make it a favorite among gamers.
5. Final Fantasy VI
Developer: Square (now Square Enix)
Released: 1994
Final Fantasy VI is renowned for its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game features a large cast of characters, each with unique abilities, and a villainous plot that sets it apart from other RPGs of its time.
6. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Developer: Square (now Square Enix)
Released: 1996
Developed by Square, this game brought RPG elements to the Mario franchise, creating a unique blend of exploration and turn-based combat. Its engaging story, colorful graphics, and innovative battle system make it a standout title.
7. Super Mario World
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Released: 1990
Super Mario World is a platforming masterpiece that showcased the SNES's capabilities at launch. With the introduction of Yoshi, the game added a new layer of depth to the Mario series, making it one of the best platformers of all time.
8. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Developer: Rare
Released: 1995
Donkey Kong Country 2 is a visually stunning game with pre-rendered 3D graphics that set a new standard for platformers. The game's challenging levels, memorable characters, and engaging storyline make it a classic.
9. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Developer: Capcom
Released: 1992
Street Fighter II revolutionized the fighting game genre with its balanced gameplay, memorable characters, and special moves. The SNES version brought the arcade experience home, making it a staple in many gamers' collections.
10. Contra III: The Alien Wars
Developer: Konami
Released: 1992
Contra III is an action-packed shooter that set the standard for run-and-gun games. Its intense action, cinematic presentation, and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
11. Kirby Super Star
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Released: 1996
Kirby Super Star is a collection of games that showcase the versatility of the Kirby series. With multiple games in one cartridge, it offers a variety of gameplay experiences, from platforming to puzzle-solving.
12. Secret of Mana
Developer: Square (now Square Enix)
Released: 1993
Secret of Mana is an action RPG that introduced real-time combat to the genre. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and cooperative multiplayer mode make it a beloved classic.
13. Star Fox
Developer: Nintendo EAD and Argonaut Games
Released: 1993
Star Fox was a groundbreaking game that introduced 3D graphics to the SNES. Its innovative use of the Super FX chip and engaging space combat make it a unique experience.
14. ActRaiser
Developer: Quintet
Released: 1990
ActRaiser combines city-building simulation with action-platforming, offering a unique blend of gameplay mechanics. Its engaging story and challenging levels make it a hidden gem in the SNES library.
15. Super Castlevania IV
Developer: Konami
Released: 1991
Super Castlevania IV is a remake of the original Castlevania, offering improved graphics and sound. Its challenging platforming and exploration make it a classic in the Castlevania series.
16. Gradius III
Developer: Konami
Released: 1990
Gradius III is a vertical shooter that showcases the SNES's capabilities. Its challenging levels, variety of power-ups, and intense action make it a favorite among shooter fans.
17. Pilotwings
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Released: 1990
Pilotwings is a flight simulator that introduced 3D-like graphics to the SNES. Its relaxing gameplay and variety of missions make it a unique experience.
18. NBA Jam
Developer: Midway Games
Released: 1993
NBA Jam is an over-the-top basketball game known for its fast-paced action and humorous commentary. Its arcade-like gameplay and multiplayer mode make it a classic sports game.
19. Earthbound
Developer: Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory
Released: 1994
Earthbound is a quirky RPG known for its unique setting, characters, and humor. Its engaging story and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a cult classic.
20. Terranigma
Developer: Quintet
Released: 1996
Terranigma is an action RPG with a unique storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics. Its challenging levels and memorable characters make it a hidden gem in the SNES library.
21. Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
Developer: Neverland Co.
Released: 1995
Lufia II is an action RPG known for its engaging story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. Its unique battle system and exploration mechanics make it a standout title.
22. Demon's Crest
Developer: Capcom
Released: 1994
Demon's Crest is a platformer that offers a unique blend of exploration and combat. Its challenging levels and variety of power-ups make it a favorite among gamers.
23. Shadowrun
Developer: Beam Software
Released: 1993
Shadowrun is a turn-based RPG set in a cyberpunk world. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics make it a cult classic.
24. Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
Developer: Capcom
Released: 1991
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is a challenging platformer known for its tough gameplay and spooky atmosphere. Its variety of power-ups and hidden paths make it a classic in the Ghosts 'n Goblins series.
25. TMNT: Turtles in Time
Developer: Konami
Released: 1992
TMNT: Turtles in Time is a side-scrolling beat-em-up based on the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Its fast-paced action, memorable characters, and cooperative multiplayer mode make it a beloved classic.
Why These Games Stand Out
Each of these games has contributed significantly to the SNES's legacy, offering unique gameplay experiences that have influenced the gaming industry as a whole. Here are some key aspects that make these games stand out:
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: Games like Super Metroid, Secret of Mana, and ActRaiser introduced new gameplay mechanics that have since become standards in their respective genres.
- Visual and Audio Excellence: Titles such as Donkey Kong Country 2, Star Fox, and Pilotwings pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the SNES, showcasing its graphical and audio capabilities.
- Engaging Stories and Characters: RPGs like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Earthbound are renowned for their engaging stories and memorable characters, which have become iconic in gaming culture.
- Challenging yet Rewarding: Games like Contra III, Super Castlevania IV, and Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts offer challenging gameplay that rewards skill and perseverance, making them favorites among gamers.
Conclusion
The SNES library is a treasure trove of gaming excellence, with each of these top 25 games offering something unique and memorable. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or new to the world of classic consoles, these games are essential experiences that continue to captivate audiences today.