The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a beloved console that captured the hearts of gamers in the 1990s. With its iconic grey and purple design and impressive library of games, it remains a favorite among gamers and collectors alike. While the SNES boasted many memorable titles, some games stand out as the best.
This article will take a trip down memory lane to explore the ten best Super Nintendo games ever. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to retro gaming, these classic titles will provide hours of entertainment and nostalgia.
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Best Super Nintendo Games
So sit back, relax, and get ready to relive the golden age of gaming! These ten games should also produce a handsome ROI over the next 10 to 20 years.
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
A Link to the Past is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was released in 1991 and is the third installment in the Legend of Zelda series.
The game story follows the protagonist, Link, as he sets out to rescue Princess Zelda and defeats the evil wizard Agahnim, who has taken over the kingdom of Hyrule. The game features a top-down perspective and an overworld that Link can explore. The player must complete a series of dungeons to progress through the game and obtain critical items, such as Master Sword and the Pegasus Boots, that allow Link to access new areas.
A Link to the Past is considered one of the best video games ever. The game introduced many features that have become staples of the Zelda series, such as the ability to change between two worlds, light and dark, and use musical instruments to solve puzzles.
It sold over four million copies and has been re-released on multiple platforms, including the Game Boy Advance and the Wii Virtual Console.
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Super Metroid
Super Metroid is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the SNES. The game was released in 1994 and is the third in the Metroid series.
The game takes place on the planet Zebes, where the protagonist Samus Aran investigates a space station and planet overrun by an alien species known as the Space Pirates. The game features a large interconnected world that players can explore. The player must collect power-ups, such as missiles and energy tanks, to progress through the game and defeat the bosses.
Super Metroid is highly regarded for its atmosphere, gameplay, and graphics. It has been cited as one of the best video games ever and has influenced many other games in the Metroidvania genre. It sold over 1.42 million copies and has been re-released on multiple platforms.
Super Mario Kart
Super Mario Kart is a kart racing game developed and published by Nintendo. The game was first released in 1992 and is the first in the Mario Kart series.
The game features eight playable characters from the Mario universe, including Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. Players race go-karts around various tracks while using power-ups to gain an advantage over the other racers. The game includes multiple modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trial, and Battle Mode.
Super Mario Kart is regarded as one of the best racing games ever. It was praised for its fun gameplay, colourful graphics, and memorable soundtrack. The game’s success led to the creation of the Mario Kart series, which has become one of Nintendo’s most popular and successful franchises.
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country is a platforming game developed by Rare. Donkey Kong Country was highly praised for its graphics, gameplay, and memorable soundtrack. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 9 million copies worldwide. It spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs and helped to establish Rare as one of the premier developers in the video game industry. The game’s success also helped to establish the Donkey Kong franchise as one of Nintendo’s most popular and enduring series.
The game features the titular character Donkey Kong and his nephew Diddy Kong as they attempt to retrieve their stolen banana hoard from the villainous King K. Rool and his Kremling army. The game features a unique pre-rendered 3D graphics style that was highly advanced.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI is a role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was first released in Japan in 1994 and later in North America in 1999.
The game’s non-linear structure and multiple playable characters with distinct abilities set it apart from other RPGs of the time. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is regarded as one of the best video game soundtracks of all time.
The game takes place in a fictional world called the World of Balance, which is on the brink of destruction due to the machinations of an evil empire. The player controls a group of characters, each with their unique abilities and backstories, as they attempt to stop the empire and save the world.
NBA Jam
NBA Jam is a classic arcade-style basketball game developed by Midway and released in 1993. The game became famous for its fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top dunks, and hidden characters. It was one of the first games to feature real NBA players and teams, and it quickly became a sensation in arcades and on home consoles.
NBA Jam features 2-on-2 gameplay, where players can perform gravity-defying dunks and execute special moves. The game has an energetic and upbeat atmosphere, with colorful graphics and sound effects that add to the game’s fun and frenetic pace.
The game was so popular that it spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, including NBA Jam Tournament Edition, NBA Jam Extreme, and NBA Hangtime. It also helped to establish the arcade sports game genre, which later led to the development of other games, such as the NFL Blitz and NHL Hitz.
Mega Man X
Mega Man X is an action-platformer game developed and published by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993. The game is a spin-off of the original Mega Man series and features similar gameplay mechanics but with updated graphics and sound.
The game is set in a future where a new generation of robots, known as Reploids, are created to help humans in their daily lives. However, some Reploids become dangerous and violent, creating a special task force called Maverick Hunters, led by the game’s protagonist, Mega Man X. Players control Mega Man X as he battles through a series of levels and bosses to stop the villainous Sigma.
The game also introduced new mechanics, such as wall-jumping and a charge shot, that added to the gameplay variety. The game’s graphics and sound were also praised, with many critics calling them some of the best on the SNES.
SIM City
SimCity is a city-building simulation game developed and published by Maxis for the SNES in 1991. The game is part of a larger SimCity franchise that has spawned many sequels and spin-offs.
In the game, players act as the mayor of a virtual city, tasked with building and managing a functioning metropolis. The game includes various buildings, infrastructure, and services, each affecting the city’s growth and well-being. The player must balance the city’s budget, manage resources, and respond to various disasters and crises that can occur.
The game requires players to carefully plan and manage their cities, making it a popular choice among simulation game enthusiasts.
Star Fox
Star Fox is a rail shooter game developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993. The game is set in a fictional star system called the Lylat system, where players control the anthropomorphic animals of the Star Fox team as they fight against the evil forces of Andross.
The game is played from a 3D perspective, with players piloting an Arwing fighter spaceship through various levels while shooting down enemy ships and dodging obstacles. The game’s graphics were revolutionary for the time, using a custom graphics chip to create polygonal 3D graphics that added to the game’s immersive experience. The game’s characters and story were well-received, with many praising the game’s voice acting and a memorable cast.
Super Mario World
Super Mario World is a 2D side-scrolling platform game. The game is the fourth main entry in the Super Mario series and is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever.
Super Mario World was praised for its tight controls, challenging but fair difficulty, and inventive level design. The game also features colorful graphics and memorable music that has become iconic in video game culture. The popularity of the game has led to multiple re-releases and remakes on various Nintendo consoles.
Players control Mario in the game as he traverses through various levels, jumping on enemies and collecting power-ups to progress. The game introduced many new features to the series, including the ability to ride on Yoshi, a friendly dinosaur that can swallow enemies and shoot them back out as projectiles. The game also introduced the world map, allowing players to navigate levels and choose their path.