If you’ve stumbled upon this blog then you almost certainly know something about the Super Nintendo. This was the follow up to the ever popular 8-bit NES, and it dethroned the Sega Genesis to become the best selling console worldwide of that generation. The system amassed a wide library of games during its time in the spotlight, and today I wanted to highlight some of them. The Super Nintendo is my favorite video game console of all time, and today we’re going to take a look at the top 100 best SNES games of all time. Here we go!
#100. – Smart Ball
This oddball (pun intended) side scrolling platformer on the Super Nintendo is easy to overlook. It was one of Sony’s early titles for the system. It looks pretty generic from a distance but is saved by its excellent level design and unique power-ups. Smart Ball could be overlooked as a simple attitude based mascot game from the 90s, but that would be a mistake. This one has a lot of heart.
#99. – Kirby’s Avalanche
For the uninitiated this is actually an installment in the Puyo Puyo franchise. This release was given a complete makeover with a Kirby skin and the results are fantastic. At heart it’s a traditional falling block puzzle game where you line up like-colored creatures to eliminate them. When your screen fills up to the top with these little guys it’s a game over so you have to plan carefully. We’ve since had better versions of Puyo Puyo but hey, come on, this one has Kirby.
#98. – Super Tennis
I always thought this was a follow up to Tennis on the NES but after doing some digging it turns out this isn’t the case. With a generic name like Super Tennis could you blame me for that assumption? There’s no big plot twists here; it’s Tennis. If you like the sport then you’re in for a competent version of it which makes liberal use of the SNES mode 7 graphics engine. This is probably my favorite version of the sport for the console (and that entire generation for that matter).
#97. – Mario Paint
This here’s an unlikely choice for this list. Mario Paint is an interactive art suite for the Super Nintendo. It even came packaged with a PC style mouse. Mario Paint is only loosely a game. Somehow Nintendo managed to take the MS Paint style utility and flesh it out with enough content to make it feel like a full release. It’s also chock full of charm and that classic Nintendo polish. I particularly like the animation options which are limited by modern standards, but back then they were amazing. Also, the fly swatter mini-game is still as addictive as ever.
#96. – Super Bonk
Bonk was the full blown mascot for the Turbografx-16 console. After that went under he made his new home on Nintendo consoles. Super Bonk was the big 16-bit edition and it carries over the quality gameplay conventions from the Turbografx iterations. The level design has taken a bit of a hit, and the settings aren’t as interesting as the past games. Still, Super Bonk is worth checking out for any fans of the franchise or even the genre in general. It’s easily one of the best SNES games around.
#95. – Uniracers
So bear with me here. Uniracers is a game where you take control of a unicycle. Taking a nod from Sonic the Hedgehog there’s an emphasis on driving around the 2D stages as fast as possible. It’s a racing game platformer hybrid which is as weird as it sounds, but somehow it all comes together in a cohesive package. You compete as an unmanned unicycle against one other opponent to reach the goal first. The thing is you can perform small tricks which grant you little bursts of speed. It’s a key component to the game and you’ll have to master the system to win. Uniracers is a unique game and clearly deserves consideration as one of the best Super Nintendo games ever.
#94. – Secret of Evermore
Secret of Evermore is the only game released by Squaresoft’s ill-fated Western branch. It’s also one of the only titles published by them that wasn’t released in Japan at all. Secret of Evermore isn’t a follow up (or related in any to) Secret of Mana. It’s its own thing for better or worse. You play as a teenage boy transported to a dark fantasy world along with his dog. This is an action RPG with an emphasis on exploration, and it has some pretty neat locales and enemies. It just doesn’t feel up to par with Squaresoft’s other releases of this era. That doesn’t mean it isn’t good though, because it is.
#93. – Super Turrican 2
My love for the Turrican series is relatively new. I never knew about these games growing up, but since discovering them I just know I would have loved them. Super Turrican 2 takes all of the high points of the series; the huge number of power-ups, sprawling levels, and excellent stage designs and kicks things up a notch. The addition of vehicles here is really neat and adds even more diversity to this already refreshing game. As far as run and gun action platformers go you can do a lot worse than this one, but you really don’t want to.
#92. – Pilotwings
When I first played Pilotwings I didn’t get it. I was pretty young in my defense, but there just didn’t seem to be a whole lot to this one. You participate in various events using a miriad of different vehicle types. These include a regular biplane, hang glider, and rocket pack. Your goals are typically to perform simple tasks like landing on targets or flying through rings. It’s all very non-violent and that’s a great change of pace in my opinion. Pilotwings is challenging but rather relaxing to play. This launch game is one of the best 16-bit titles.
#91. – Super Punch-Out
The follow up to one of the biggest and most celebrated NES games should get all the glory, right? Wrong. Super Punch-Out, even at the time of its release, felt largely forgotten. I’m not actually even quite sure why. Super Punch-Out is incredible. It takes the pattern memorization and twitch gameplay that made the original so fun and kicks it up a notch. My guess is this one didn’t get as much attention as it should because gamers at the time were looking less for arcade experiences and instead deeper and more involved adventures.
#90. – Live-A-Live
What we have here is one of Squaresoft’s most inventive and creative role playing games of the 16-bit era. It has shades of SaGa in that you get to choose a playable character from eight different protagonists. The battle system is turn based but it’s only loosely traditional. You and the enemies move across a full screen grid as you get in range of each other. What’s really neat is that some of the spell effects change the terrain. You can create your own hazards. There’s also an emphasis on charge time for some special skills and counters. Live-A-Live is really unique and is only somewhat comparable to the SaGa series (which I also love).
#89. – Goof Troop
When Capcom used Disney licenses for their games you just knew the end result was going to be something special. It’s no different with this one. Goof Troop is a two player co-op overhead puzzle adventure title wherein you guide the titular heroes through single screen areas fighting off foes and figuring out small puzzles. The co-op is amazing here and it’s really the only way to play Goof Troop. An interesting bit of trivia is that Shinji Mikami (of Resident Evil fame) was one of the lead designers of this release.
#88. – Kirby’s Dream Land 3
Normally a mainline Kirby game would be top 10 material for whichever console it was released for. What went wrong here? Kirby’s Dream Land 3 retains almost all of what made the other titles in the series so special. There’s a myriad of different power-ups, animal helpers, and fantastic level designs. The problem with part 3 is that the gameplay engine is painfully slow. Kirby moves like he has cement shoes on, and that makes the experience a whole lot less fun. Still, it’s a traditional Kirby title and for that it deserves this place on the list.
#87. – Bust-A-Move
In some circles this one is called Puzzle Bobble. It’s a puzzle title based off of the Bubble Bobble franchise, and has been released on numerous consoles since its inception. This Super Nintendo version was, for the longest time, the only home release that wasn’t on incredibly expensive hardware. You line up colored balls to fire at others coming down from the ceiling. When three consecutive orbs are touching they’re eliminated from play. It’s a basic formula but boy is it addicting. This is one of the best puzzle titles of its era.
#86. – Go Go Ackman!
The first thing you’ll notice about this game is that the characters were designed by legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama. This is based off of a short lived series from him, and is one of three games on the platform to use this license. Personally this is my favorite one. Go Go Ackman is a pretty traditional action platformer but it features really enjoyable level design and a good soundtrack. The only real problem I have with it is that it wasn’t released outside of Japan.
#85. – Final Fight 2
I go back and forth on this one. Final Fight 2 was never released in the arcades and is a Super Nintendo exclusive. Unlike the first release this one actually features three playable characters and co-op gameplay. That in and of itself makes it leagues better than the SNES port of the original one. The only returning character here is Haggar (which isn’t a bad thing because he’s the face of the franchise) with newcomers Maki and Carlos. They’re largely forgettable, but what isn’t is that Haggar now has a spinning piledriver attack. It’s not as good as the arcade version of the first release, but if you’re craving a beat em up for the platform you can’t go wrong with this one.
#84. – Bahamut Lagoon
Here’s another RPG that Squaresoft never released outside of Japan. It’s a real shame because it’s one of the best strategy role playing games on the platform. Bahamut Lagoon is also one of the most beautiful as well. Here you do battle with a host of baddies across a grid. When a unit encounters the enemy you engage them in a Final Fantasy style turn based battle. The thing is you typically have a full party of characters on your team. What’s unique is that your units also have dragons assisting them. These are AI controlled, and therefore move independently on the battlefield. You can give issue suggestions to them which is nice, and the battle system overall is really cool.
#83. – Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Ah yes, the first fighting game on this list. The first release of Mortal Kombat 3 was hugely disappointing. Midway and Williams went with a modern day setting (as opposed to the Asian motif from the earlier titles) and made a lot of mistakes with the roster. They took out the iconic ninjas (replacing them with cyborgs) and included a lot of forgettable faces. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 took everything from that game, and threw in many of the old familiar combatants. It’s what the third installment should have been from the start. Unfortunately Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 was overshadowed by the next generation release of Mortal Kombat Trilogy.
#82. – E.V.O. – The Search for Eden
Ready for something different? Yeah? Well try E.V.O. On for size. This game is an action RPG where you play from a side view. That’s not out of the ordinary in and of itself, but wait there’s more. EVO is entirely focused around evolution. You start out as a fish and have to eat enemies to gain experience points. When you hit milestones you can select appendages to add to your creature, or other changes that alter your stats. This is truly a unique game and one of the most interesting takes on the genre that I’ve ever seen.
#81. – Sim Ant
PC ports were pretty uncommon for the Super Nintendo. After the exceptional Sim City was released on the platform I was hungry for more similar titles. That’s when I saw Sim Ant on the rental shelf. I never expected I would fall so in love with the title. In this game you manage an ant colony as you defeat the rival red ants in an effort to expand your reach across a back yard and eventually the inside of the house. There’s a ton of management here. You have to keep track of resources, what your colony needs, and more. It’s also somewhat of a real time strategy game in that you recruit ants to fight off the enemies. Sim Ant is incredible on the SNES and I can’t imagine the PC version being any better or more charming.
#80. – Romancing SaGa
The SaGa series began on the Game Boy but soon became a console mainstay. That is, for Japanese consoles. In the West we never saw any of the 16-bit SaGa titles and to this day I’m still left wondering why. Romancing SaGa feels like Final Fantasy but with some very unconventional elements. For starters you can customize your protagonist to your liking. What’s more is that you have several different scenarios from which to choose. They all take place in the same world but offer up different enough side quests that the replay value is through the roof. Romancing SaGa is also very much more open than your traditional RPG, and you’ll be held back only by stronger enemies.
#79. – Knights of the Round
Capcom was one of the big names in beat em up titles but this is a lesser known one from them. Knights of the Round is, as you may guess, based on King Arthur and medieval times. You choose from one of three historic characters (Arthur, Percieval, or Lancelot) and walk left to right bashing in skulls of all incoming enemies. There are a few things that set this one apart from the pack. First of all each character uses weapons instead of their bare fists. This means they have slightly longer range. The next interesting element is that Knights of the Round uses light RPG mechanics. You gain experience points and can level up your characters. It’s a fantastic game especially if you can find a friend to come along for the ride.
#78. – Super Baseball Simulator 1.000
If you’re expecting a lot of sports games on this list you’re going to be disappointed. That’s probably my least favorite genre of all time. With that said, I did find a lot to love about Super Baseball Simulator 1.000. That’s probably because it’s so unrealistic. It’s a futuristic baseball title where you can get power-ups which greatly change how the game is played. It’s great, and I love the arcade approach to gameplay as well. What’s cool too is that this is an updated version of a NES release, and that one also made my list of favorite games for that platform as well.
#77. – Wonder Project J
Here’s yet another Japan only game that’s unlike anything else you’ve ever played. I remember reading about this Enix title in early video game magazines. It’s sort of a virtual pet point and click adventure game. You’re tasked with raising an artificial being named Pino, and must guide him through various environments teaching him about human emotions. It’s a very sentimental journey that affected me like few other video games have. Wonder Project J is one of the most unique games not only for the platform but also of the era in general. There’s still nothing that’s quite like it (except for the Nintendo 64 sequel that is).
#76. – Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
This was the first video game I ever purchased with my own money. I remember it like it was yesterday. It cost me $29. Yes, no change or anything. I didn’t realize at the time that I had purchased one of the most difficult video games I would ever play. I stuck with it and eventually completed it. To this day I have most enemy appearances and patterns memorized as well as hidden items and environmental hazards. I can jump in just like I did when I was a kid and complete it in one sitting. It’s a tough and unforgiving game, but Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is very rewarding if you stick with it.
#75. – Thunder Spirits
The Thunder Force series is one that was synonymous with the Sega Genesis hardware. It’s a little known fact that the developers ported Thunder Force III to the SNES under the name Thunder Spirits. It’s just about as good here as it was on the console with blast processing. A few changes are questionable (such as the lack of a level select) but I’m willing to forgive it. So why didn’t it place higher? I’ve just personally never been a big Thunder Force fan. Still, it’s undeniable that this is one of the best shooters for the SNES.
#74. – Disney’s Aladdin
Some will consider it sacrileigous but I actually prefer the SNES game over the Genesis. Yes, they’re entirely different, but this one helmed by Capcom was just better in design in my opinion. Aladdin is a very challenging platformer, but that’s par for the course when it comes to the house of Mega Man. The stage designs are on point and you better get good fast because you’ll need to memorize enemy patterns and platforming nuances to be successful here. I especially like the magic carpet levels and the soundtrack.
#73. – Robotrek
Here we have yet another weird RPG but this one was actually localized into English! That doesn’t matter much because almost no one has heard of it. In this game you control an aspiring inventor who is tasked with saving the world by crafting various fighting robots with which to do battle. The customization is super impressive here. Not only can you create your own bots but you tweak their stats to your liking. It’s a pretty neat system and reminds me of a more involved Pokemon. The thing is this was released years before that other franchise. Robotrek is a fantastic RPG for the console that should have gotten more attention.
#72. – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters
Okay so this one is kind of a guilty pleasure of mine. It released long after my fascination with the franchise had faltered. I had a friend bring it over, and we both instantly fell in love with the fighting engine. It’s so over the top and makes such flamboyant use of the license that it really stuck out in my memory. I had to track it down, and even as an adult I love playing it. Sometimes if I only have time for one I’ll opt for a match in Tournament Fighters over even Street Fighter II. There aren’t a lot of other 2D fighters I can say the same about.
#71. – Sunset Riders
This here’s the rootinest tootinest run and gun in the west! It’s also one of the best ones of all time. Sunset Riders has you in command of a quick draw cowboy taking on a town full of criminals. You view the action from behind your shooter as you take on all incoming foes. The enemy sharpshooters will appear from windows, out of doors, and jump and hide behind all manner of barrels and what have you. It’s a fun an addictive experience, and when you bring a friend along Sunset Riders quickly becomes one of the most entertaining multiplayer titles for the platform. It’s a real hoot to tackle the dastardly gunmen of Sunset Riders with a buddy.
#70. – Gunman’s Proof
Gunman’s Proof is a very unique game for the platform. It’s also one of the many that were never released outside of Japan, but that’s okay because there’s a translation available online. Gunman’s Proof is part Earthbound and part Legend of Zelda. All wrapped up nice and neat in a goofy and over the top Western theme. It’s very disappointing that this one wasn’t released in the West because it clearly could have had an audience here. I mean, it looks like Link to the Past for crying out loud. It’s also easily one of the best SNES games of all time.
#69. – Street Fighter Alpha 2
The fact that Capcom was able to squeeze down their 32-bit arcade hit on to the Super Nintendo is a feat of real programming skill. Street Fighter Alpha 2 has no business running as well as it does on the (at the time) aged hardware, nor should it look as good as it does. Somehow it all comes together in a very competent release. The SNES version is missing several frames of animation but it’s pretty much fully featured and has all of the content of its big brother. The major drawback here is the fact that this version has noticeable loading times. I hear it’s because of the data being compressed, but despite this it’s an amazing version of this great game.
#68. – Sparkster
Despite it’s name Sparkster is a sequel to Rocket Knight Adventures. Konami released two very different games by this name for the competing platforms of the time. Personally I prefer the Super Nintendo version over the Genesis release, but it’s pretty close to be honest. Regardless Sparkster is kind of a downgrade from the original. The rocket mechanic isn’t nearly as versatile here, and the level designs aren’t as varied or tight this time around. Still, Sparkster is a very competent 2D platformer and one of the best SNES games of its kind. It’s pretty easy to see why this electric oppossum fizzled out after this one however.
#67. – Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen
This release started off the Ogre saga which fizzled out before an end could be reached. Regardless, it’s also the best in the saga. Ogre Battle plays like a real time strategy game. You put characters into units which can be moved in real time on a battlefield. You use commands to choose where they go, and they move on their own. When your units encounter an enemy you’re whisked away to a separate screen. Rather than inputting commands the AI handles the battle for you. Units take turns exchanging blows, and after a few moments the battle is over. Then you’re back to the map. Each battlefield has different terms of victory, and there’s plenty of diversity in this regard. Ogre Battle is simply incredible.
#66. – Ganbare Goemon 4
I know that’s not really what it’s called, but the real title is a total mouthful. Ganbare Goemon 4 is the fourth iteration of one of my most cherished video game franchises. It returns to the traditional Goemon style of gameplay after the third led the series in a different direction, but progression is a bit more loose than in previous iterations. This entry is also more over the top than the others as the plot involves aliens in feudal Japan. It’s pretty goofy, but the fact that you can select from all four of the main characters and they each have their own campaign is awesome. It’s good old fashioned Goemon brand ridiculous fun.
#65. – Tetris Battle Gaiden
How exactly do you make a Tetris Gaiden exactly? Well you take the basic formula for the main game, and then add in Puyo Puyo style multiplayer battles and that’s precisely what you get. It’s a fun title but with a name like that I expected it to redefine the Tetris formula. It doesn’t do that, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t one of the best puzzle titles of all time. Tetris Battle Gaiden clearly deserves a top spot on this list.
#64. – Tengai Makyou Zero
Here’s another import only RPG for the Super Famicom, but boy is this one a doozie. The Tengai Makyou series was one of the big name franchises in Japan during the 16-bit era. The thing is these titles were all released for the PC-Engine hardware. This Super Famicom side story is the real oddball, but it’s easily one of the best games in the series. Tengai Makyou Zero has some of the best graphics in any Super Nintendo game. It’s also the only title I know about for the platform that has an internal clock to keep track of time to base events in the game off of. It’s pretty neat, and makes for one of the most technical releases for the platform.
#63. – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
This was one of the first big name beat em ups on the platform. Turtles IV was a huge hit in the arcade, and with an established fanbase on Nintendo platforms (thanks to various releases on the NES) so this one was a no brainer. Boy was it ever a good game (still is, in fact!) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time throws two players into the mix to take down the foot clan and destroy the evil Shredder. It has all of the trappings of everyone’s favorite animated series down to the music painstakingly recreated on the SNES sound chip.
#62. – Romancing SaGa 2
Romancing SaGa 2 isn’t quite as open ended as the original. In my opinion this works in its favor. The story is quite a bit more focused, and the scenario is largely more interesting in my opinion. It still makes use of the turn based combat system that the series is known for, but with a new emphasis on formations. The battles are very strategic and the game is a fair bit challenging. I love the atmosphere of the SaGa series and it’s here in spades.
#61. – Super Street Fighter II
This was where the questions started. Everyone was wondering when Street Fighter III would hit. It was quite confusing then that Capcom decided to go with the moniker Super Street Fighter II for it’s first big update to the formula. All twelve characters return from the previous iteration and they each have new special moves at their disposal. In addition four brand new faces were added to the mix. While Cammy is the only one I actually like I applaud their efforts. Super Street Fighter II is well above average by genre standards for the platform.
#60. – Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct was a departure from Nintendo’s regular publishing library. This Mortal Kombat clone made serious waves among their fanbase for combining the combo focus of the aforementioned title with many intricacies of Street Fighter II. It worked quite well, and of course Killer Instinct was outfitted with lots of blood and gore to boot. The ever popular finishing moves make their return here and they’re pretty limited to say MK3. They’re still plenty memorable and quite pleasing to pull off.
#59. – Breath of Fire
RPGs were big business in Japan during the 16-bit era, and they were catching on around the world as well. Capcom clearly wanted in on the rush and thus Breath of Fire was born. The best way to describe this game is by imagining early Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest titles both thrown into a blender. That’s Breath of Fire. It feels like a combination of those two franchises into one whimsical adventure. Both the good and bad attributes rear their head here. One of the best parts of this game however is the soundtrack. Among RPGs of this era there are few others that have music on this level. Breath of Fire is one of the very best SNES games regardless of genre.
#58. – Skyblazer
Skyblazer is a video game from Sony (of all places) and one of the best examples of a hidden gem on the platform. The level designs are incredible, and your character is outfitted with various special skills that make each area a treat to explore. There are even some areas wherein you fly from a behind the character view. Even counting their modern day output Skyblazer is easily in the top ten games Sony has ever released. Yes, it’s that good, and yes, it deserved significantly more attention than it was given.
#57. – F-Zero
Most early mode-7 based games for the SNES felt like mere tech demos. There just wasn’t a lot to them. F-Zero is the one that stands out as the first full fledged mode-7 title. This futuristic racer is fast and furious. Your ship takes damage as you crash into other vehicles and walls, and you can only restore it by flying over specific glowing sections of track. Besides this there are lots of jumps and speed boosts. Things start off easily enough, but in the later races you’ll be pulling your hair out as victory is oh so frequently snatched away. F-Zero is still as good today as it was back then. In other words you need to play this game.
#56. – Demon’s Crest
Making a spin-off to their Ghouls ‘N Ghosts franchise was a pretty unexpected move from Capcom. Well, here we are. Demon’s Crest puts you in the role of Firebrand. He’s a red demon (you know, the MOST ANNOYING enemy in the franchise) and all of his abilities are at your disposal. The game itself is a standard side scrolling action platformer, but there are some RPG elements thrown in here and there. It’s a tough game, but it’s fun. The whole idea behind Demon’s Crest is pretty interesting. This is yet another hidden gem for the platform.
#55. – Axelay
Here’s another mode 7 based game, but one that was released after some of the kinks of the format were worked out. Axelay may look kind of flat compared to others (and it is) but the perspective doesn’t take much time at all to get used to. This is a vertical shooter wherein you guide your ship around enemies, bullets, and lots of environmental hazards. Axelay is generally highly regarded but in my opinion a bit underrated. It’s one of my favorite 16-bit shooters. The soundtrack is also great and one of the most iconic on the SNES in my opinion.
#54. – Firestriker
Ready for a game you’ve probably never heard of? If you have already then you’re one of the lucky ones. Just imagine Breakout combined with the Legend of Zelda and you have Firestriker. It sounds like an unlikely combination, and it is, but it works much better than you would suspect. It’s a puzzle game at heart but you have free range of motion as a sword wielding fighter. You can hit your ball around in order to eliminate all blocks on the screen, but you also have a life bar you must be wary of. If there’s one absolutely hidden gem on the platform then this is it.
#53. – Dragon Quest V
Japan’s most popular role playing franchise made huge waves when it finally hit the Super Famicom. This was also the first installment in the series that wasn’t released in English. Enix took a slightly different route with Dragon Quest V. They focused this time on weaving a tighter narrative than before, and use a generation system to tell a story over the course of a long period of time. It’s pretty unique from the rest of the franchise, and Dragon Quest V is a fan favorite because of it. Personally I think this is one of the weaker installments in the series because of the more limited battle system and lack of job switching. The monster recruitment feature also feels out of place.
#52. – Romancing SaGa 3
Romancing SaGa 3 is, in my opinion, the best installment in the series. This one returns us to the ‘pick a scenario’ format of the original title. The story has been upgraded in some serious ways with a lot more lore and backstory, and characters this time around have actual personalities. I love the fact that you can have six different party members at a time. The battle system is pretty standard turn based fare, but your fighters can learn new techniques in the midst of battle which keeps things fresh. If you’re going to play one SaGa game then I would make sure it’s this one.
#51. – Pocky & Rocky
This is one of those wacky Japanese titles that has little rhyme or reason. Pocky & Rocky is an overhead action shooter where you play as either a little girl or a tanooki, or both should you have a friend along for the adventure. If there’s one word best used to describe this game then ‘silly’ is it. Pocky & Rocky sure doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s one of its best attributes. That may be the hook, but the excellent level design and fast paced action are what will keep you coming back. This is a delightfully addictive and frantic game that represents some of the best multiplayer experiences you’ll find on the platform.
#50. – Super Bomberman
Speaking of multiplayer mayhem now we come to Super Bomberman. I remember seeing this one in the rental stores but being intimidated by the big box. Little did I know it was so oversized because it came with a multitap to allow for four player action. While there is a robust single player mode the highlight is the battle setting. It is here that you face off against your friends, computer controller players, or any combination herein. The overhead structure and cross shaped explosions make for some frantic and strategic gameplay. If you want to make some enemies of your friends then Super Bomberman has your number.
#49. – Samurai Shodown
SNK fighters generally had very poor representation on the 16-bit platforms. This is especially true for the Super Nintendo. Somehow Samurai Shodown comes together for a competent port of one of my favorite fighting games of all time. This was the one SNK used to compete with Street Fighter II in the arcades, and I can see how this one would turn some heads away from Capcom’s cabinet. The samurai motif, and weapons based combat was truly unique for its time. Something also must be said for the artistic approach to the graphics and design. Samurai Shodown is best on the Neo Geo, but this SNES port will do in a pinch.
#48. – Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
When I asked for a sequel to Super Mario World this isn’t the game I was expecting. Yoshi’s Island puts you in control of various colored Yoshi’s who must delivery baby Mario to the end of each stage, and eventually back home with his parents. Yeah, it’s weird and it’s a little childish but I liked the cutesy motif to be honest. This is one of the few games for the platform that used the Super FX chip which allowed for some absolutely insane rotational and scaling effects. Honestly, this game looks better than most side scrolling platformers for both the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation. In my opinion Super Mario World 2 is even prettier than Donkey Kong Country, and it plays better too.
#47. – Secret of Mana
For many people this was an introduction to RPGs. Secret of Mana is action based, but has some very traditional elements to it. This includes a deep menu system, inventory management, and more. I really liked the story in place here and exploring the world of Secret of Mana is an absolute treat to be honest. It also helps that this is a beautiful game with vibrant scenery and a whimsical but pleasant art style to it. The soundtrack is also killer. The best part however is that you can play through the main adventure with two of your friends should you choose to, and believe you me, you’ll want to do so. Secret of Mana is clearly one of the very best games for the Super Nintendo.
#46. – Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble
By the time this one was released most gamers had moved on to new hardware. That, or they were just plain tired of Donkey Kong Country. Personally I couldn’t get enough, and DKC3 was a great stopgap to a next generation console for me. While not as good as the previous iteration I did like the new things that part 3 brought to the franchise. Diddy Kong is long gone but in his stead is Kiddy Kong. Functionally he’s similar to Donkey Kong, and I found that the dynamics between he and Dixie were more interesting. Add to that an improved world map, better animal helpers, and more varied levels and you have yourself a real winner.
#45. – Actraiser
This one is pretty interesting. Quintet released Actraiser as a genre bending experiment of sorts and in my opinion it was a resounding success. In the first part of the game you play as an angel that helps humanity build up their towns and civilization. All the while it plays kind of like a free roaming shooter where you have to fly around and shoot arrows at incoming enemies bent on your destruction. The next part is a side scrolling action game, and a rather difficult one at that. These stages are very well designed and help break up the monotony of the angel sequences. Actraiser is one of my early favorite Super Nintendo games.
#44. – Space Megaforce
Finally, a Super Nintendo exclusive shooter that doesn’t rely on mode-7! The stages here scroll vertically with a lot of incoming foes and destructible hazards. Clearing a path in Space Megaforce feels really pleasant, and doing so while dodging enemies and incoming fire takes a fair amount of practice. Space Megaforce isn’t the most challenging shooter around but it’s one of the most entertaining that’s for sure. I’d rank it among the best you would find on the PC-Engine and Mega Drive personally.
#43. – Seiken Densetsu 3
Remember Secret of Mana? If not I mentioned it earlier in this list. That was a landmark action RPG from Squaresoft. This is its sequel, and there are few follow ups that match the ambition of Seiken Densetsu 3. You start out by selecting which protagonist you would like to play through the game as. Additionally, you can choose two partners to join along the way. You’re stuck with your choices for the entire story so you better think long and hard on it. The other cast members will be encountered in the story, but strictly as NPCs. The multiplayer returns in this installment, but now you can only bring along one friend instead of two. The story is amazing, and the world here is one of the most fun to explore in any other video game.
#42. – Super Famicom Wars
Not many turn based strategy games were released domestically on the Super Nintendo. You have to import the bulk of them, but when you do, you’ll find the platform has quite the selection of them. Super Famicom Wars is a follow up from the Famicom originals. Here you create units, and guide them around a grid based map doing battle with, and eventually overtaking enemy forces. Along the way you steal their territory to gain the edge in battle. This game is better than the Famicom editions in just about every way.
#41. – Rockman & Forte
Can you believe Capcom had the nerve to release a Japan only Mega Man game for the Super Famicom? Well, it makes sense when you consider that this one was released in 1998. The Super Nintendo was long gone by then. Capcom created Rockman & Forte for the gamers that had not yet moved on to new hardware. It belongs to the original series and gives you the option to play as either Mega Man or Bass each of which has their own shot style and abilities. The Rockman series has some of the most challenging games you’ll find, but this one kicks the difficulty up one notch further. I struggled to get past even the first stage, and it took me a lot of practice to finally complete this one. If you don’t want to import it you can also pick this one up on the GBA.
#40. – Dragon Quest VI
This sequel was a huge improvement in terms of production from part five. Seriously, it almost matches Final Fantasy VI in terms of production. For this installment you play as a blue haired Goku looking youth who one day discovers an alternate dimension. Throughout the adventure he makes friends, gains party members, and defeats hundreds of slimes. The dimensional mechanic comes into play in some pretty significant ways. At a certain point of the game you can move between these worlds via strategically placed wells. I really like Dragon Quest VI, and it’s my favorite installment on the Super Famicom.
#39. – Harvest Moon
When it was first announced Harvest Moon sounded like the most bizarre video game released up to this point. It was a farming sim but with a similar viewpoint and item system as seen in the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. I knew this one would be a winner from the second I saw the first screenshots of it in Nintendo Power, but I never dreamed it would become a franchise still running nearly thirty years later. The farming mechanics are downright relaxing, and building up your farm from almost nothing is incredibly rewarding. With multiple women that you can marry and have kids with there is a ton of replay value in this release.
#38. – Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
The first Lufia was charming but it had some serious problems. Part II kicks things up several notches, and it turns out to be one of the greatest role playing games of all time. The battle system itself is deep and varied. You’ll find a variety of options at your fingertips, and strategy is key from very early on. What’s really interesting is the emphasis on puzzles within the dungeons. It reminds me a lot of the Legend of Zelda, and offers up nearly as much depth in this regard as a Link to the Past. You even get items like bombs, and a hookshot to help you progress. Lufia II is seriously underrated, but it’s also one of the best SNES games of all time.
#37. – Marvelous: Another Treasure Island
Eiji Aonuma may be the head director of just about every modern Zelda game, but before that he created an entirely original game. Marvelous: Another Treasure Island is an action adventure title much in the same vein as Zelda. It has more of an emphasis on pure puzzles as opposed to combat, but you’ll need to dispatch a few foes here and there. I absolutely love the nautical pirate theme of this one. Furthermore there are spades of Zelda here but with some really charming modern twists. Marvelous: Another Treasure Island really makes me wish Aonuma wasn’t tied down to just Zelda because some of the original ideas he had here were really neat.
#36. – Contra III: The Alien Wars
Both consoles were blessed with their own Contra title, but I prefer this SNES version personally. It takes everything I loved from the 8-bit titles but kicks everything up several notches. The characters are more fluid, and the action is more furious. The game does things with rotations and mode 7 effects that simply weren’t possible on the older hardware. As is series tradition this is also a hard as nails game that you won’t be able to pick up and complete your first try. Contra III will take a lot of practice, but that isn’t so bad because it’s a fun ride.
#35. – Clock Tower
There are two very surprising facts about this game. For one thing it’s a point and click adventure game, and was an exclusive Super Famicom release. The second shocker is that this is largely considered one of the earliest survival horror titles. In Clock Tower you play as an orphan named Jennifer who has been adopted by a family who inhabit a huge estate. It also happens to be haunted by a deformed figure known as Scissorman, and he has a nasty habit of wandering the halls looking for people to cut in half. This is one of the first survival horror games where you cannot fight back. You can only hide and hope the enemy doesn’t find you. Clock Tower is the scariest game for the SNES.
#34. – Ganbare Goemon 3
Konami took a different route for their third Goemon title on the Super Famicom. They steered away from the side view platforming style that the series is known for and went for a top down action adventure game akin to the Legend of Zelda. That makes this one of the most unique installments in the series. The change in genre benefits the world of Goemon in numerous ways and the developers were able to craft a world I felt genuinely compelled to explore every inch of. The Impact based boss battles also return, and there are plenty of mini-games as well. Ganbare Goemon 3 is an incredible action adventure game and one of the best SNES games.
#33. – Dragon Quest I & II
I know, I know. It’s cheating to include a compilation, but I made an exception for this one for a couple of reasons. For one thing Enix changed a lot more than you might immediately suspect. The first Dragon Quest is a lot more accessible thanks to a complete rebalancing. Now it can easily be completed in a single sitting, and with about half of grinding. The real highlight however is Dragon Quest II. This is the first version of that game that has been balanced in a way that makes it enjoyable for the first time. The secondary prince is actually useful this time around, and you don’t have to worry about as many cheap deaths. This package is better than both games on the NES were.
#32. – SimCity
Nothing screams 90s PC gaming quite like SimCity. This was one of the first really big releases that I remember for home computers. My favorite version of the game however was a launch title for the Super Nintendo console. It was jointly developed by both Maxis and Nintendo. This means that it’s extra polished with that special Nintendo magic. This version of the game has a lot of exclusive content and scenarios that I really like. The soundtrack also slaps. SimCity for the Super Nintendo is easily the best version of the original title.
#31. – Mega Man X2
In my opinion this is the second best game in the Mega Man X series, second only to the first. Mega Man X2 continues the same formula this franchise is known for. Complete a stage, beat a boss, gain their weapon, and then rinse lather and repeat. This game has some of my favorite mavericks like Bubble Crab for example, and some of the weapons are downright inspired. Where this game really shines however is in its level design. It also helps that this game has one of the best soundtracks of its era, and the graphics are truly a step above most 16-bit titles.
#30. – Tetris Attack
This is a simple retooling of Panel de Pon. Instead of falling from above blocks instead rise from the floor. You have no control where they come from, but instead can flip these individual tiles in order to match them up. As you keep playing this move along faster, and faster, until you’re frantically flipping tiles in a desperate attempt to eliminate some of your blocks. The Super Mario World 2 skin really adds new life into this series as well as a ton of character. Tetris Attack was my first exposure to Panel de Pon and it’s still my favorite to this day.
#29. – Breath of Fire II
The first Breath of Fire was an amazing game with some rough edges. With the sequel Capcom managed to round most of these out. Breath of Fire II isn’t perfect, but it’s as good an RPG as most of the big hitters on the platform and deserves a top spot in any best RPG list. The first thing you’ll notice is how whimsical and vibrant this game is. In an era where RPGs were starting to become dreary Breath of Fire II was refreshing in this regard. The story has been upgraded significantly with a much more memorable cast of characters. Same goes for the graphics which almost look like a 32-bit game. The soundtrack isn’t quite as good, but it does have that classic Capcom flair to it.
#28. – U.N. Squadron
Known in Japan as Area 88 this shooter is based on what was a popular anime series of the time and developed by Capcom in their prime. U.N. Squadron is the best shooter on the Super Nintendo, bar none. It might even be the greatest one of the entire 16-bit era. This side scrolling shmup puts you in control of an overpowered ship with a veritable army of enemies to take down. There are a few reasons why this one is so much fun. First of all the level designs are incredible. I’ve seen few other shooters that manage to keep things so fresh from start to finish. Secondly, the upgrades are really interesting and fun to earn. If you’re a fan of shmups chances are you already know how good this one is. If not then please give this one a go.
#27. – Super Castlevania IV
For the franchise’s first big 16-bit outing Konami took out all the stops. They went with a more gritty and dark approach to the art style and that makes this one stand out even to this day. What’s really interesting is how they used the SNES hardware specialties. There’s liberal mode-7 scaling in place here, and one of the boss characters is rendered entirely with this. Thanks to the more powerful hardware you can do more than throw your whip forward. It can now be, for lack of better word, ‘whipped’ around by holding down the attack button and hitting various directions on the d-pad. Super Castlevania IV may be somewhat of a remake of the first game, but it’s easily one of the greatest Castlevania titles of all time.
#26. – Mortal Kombat II
The first Mortal Kombat was pretty rough around the edges. Okay, so it was a bad game, and the Super Nintendo version was the worst home console port. It was also censored because of Nintendo policy at the time. Mortal Kombat II more than made up for the shortcomings of the original. The character roster is bigger and better with some truly iconic characters introduced in this installment. In addition, the graphics are significantly improved and the addition of more fatalities and friendship finish moves is a real riot. Mortal Kombat II is my favorite installment in the franchise and the Super Nintendo version is significantly better than that of the Genesis.
#25. – Faceball 2000
It’s a little known fact that the Super Nintendo had a few first person shooters. Faceball 2000 is no Doom, nor is it Wolfenstein 3D. In this game you wander mazes from a first person perspective and shoot enemies with bright colored ball shaped bullets. Where things take a turn for the bizarre is that your character, and the enemies, are all various shapes with happy faces on them. It’s as weird as it sounds, and whenever you’re killed they wish you a nice day complete with unique voice samples and all. Your goal in each stage is to eliminate a specific number of enemies at which point you can pass through the exit. Faceball 2000 gets incredibly challenging, but worry not because you can bring a friend along in the fleshed out multiplayer mode. It’s different, but also one of the best SNES games.
#24. – Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest
This one is infamous among fans of the genre for being very simple by franchise standards. It’s pretty easy too, but when compared to something like Final Fantasy VI then this one isn’t that different in difficulty. Final Fantasy Mystic Quest was created with North American gamers in mind. It was intended to increase the popularity of the genre abroad. You have a party of two characters at once, and the battles are entirely turn based. By default the AI controls your partner party member, but you can set it to manual should you choose to do so. What I really like about this one is the exploration. The dungeons feature some fantastic designs, and you need to use your items to progress through the puzzles. It’s a pretty inventive game that’s, dare I say, terribly underrated.
#23. – Terranigma
Quintet was a powerhouse when it came to action RPGs. They churned out three masterpieces on just the Super Nintendo alone, and Terranigma was the last of these. You play as a young lad named Ark who lives in the underworld which is basically devoid of life except for one town. One day he opens a pandora’s box and everyone he has ever known gets turned into stone. From here he sets out to bring them back to life on a quest that leads him to revive all life on Earth, and save the once dead planet from it’s untimely fate. This game has some of the best dungeon designs of any action RPG on any platform. It’s a shame that Terranigma was only released in Japan and PAL regions because it’s one of the best SNES games of all time.
#22. – Final Fantasy V
This is long considered the lost Final Fantasy game. Squaresoft localized both part four and six, but skipped over this gem. Apparently they thought it would be too difficult for North American audiences. It’s a crying shame because it’s one of my favorite installments in the franchise. This is also the only 16-bit installment to make heavy use of the classic job system. This means that no one in the main cast has defined roles in battle. You can make anyone a strong fighter, and even give them a side of white magic should you choose. Final Fantasy V is one of the more difficult and longest installments in the franchise but it’s simply incredible. This is one of the best SNES games that was never localized.
#21. – Zombies Ate My Neighbors
From the title alone I didn’t have high hopes for this one. My little brother picked it up on impulse (probably because of the funny sounding name) but we never imagined we would be in store for something so amazing. The game is a top down action adventure game with some survival horror elements. It’s also multiplayer. You (and a friend if you so choose) wander various environments looking for human survivors while blasting enemies that constantly spawn into the stage. Some of these levels are set up like mazes, and they can be quite big as well. I absolutely love the weapons you can use as well as all of the classic horror film references. Zombies Ate My Neighbors is over the top and a lot of fun.
#20. – Ganbare Goemon 2
I always wondered why there weren’t any 16-bit sequels to Legend of the Mystical Ninja. As it turns out there were, but they were only released in Japan. This game takes everything we loved about the original and kicks the action up several notches. It’s a bit more structured here with an overworld map you can select your destinations from. The towns are also a little more generic, and the action settings more formulaic, but overall it’s the same pipe smacking good time the original was. Multiplayer also returns and it’s still a whole lot of fun.
#19. – Illusion of Gaia
Here’s another Quintet game that still to this day hasn’t been released on any other platform. At least Illusion of Gaia was localized. This one caught my eye immediately when I was a kid because it was one of those titles shipped in an oversized box. This is because it came packaged with a strategy guide of sorts. I sure needed it because the dungeon designs are intricate and complicated. They are among the best you’ll find in any action RPG however. I absolutely love the puzzle solving in this game. Combat isn’t quite as rewarding as in Soul Blazer or Terranigma, but the boss encounters are incredible. The story is also really well done, and the ending will stick with you long after the credits have rolled.
#18. – Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
This is the game we have to thank for modern fighting games. Capcom revolutionized the genre with this one-on-one fighting game, and with it came the basic formula so many other developers would copy even today. Few will forget the first time they saw this one in motion. The large character sprites, smooth action, and diverse moveset make quite the impression. On a side note I went over a decade without playing anything Street Fighter II. I found a cabinet in a bar, and discovered I could dominate everyone just as well as when I was a kid. Street Fighter II is like riding a bike.
#17. – Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
The first Donkey Kong Country was an absolutely beautiful game, but it wasn’t particularly well designed. Once you got past the graphics it was behind most other platformers of the time in terms of level design. Part 2 fine tunes the formula, and by this time Rare finally figured out how to make a worthwhile game. Donkey Kong Country 2 introduced Dixie Kong, with the ability to hover in the air by spinning her hair. The sheer number of secrets in this game is truly impressive. This game also has one of the best soundtracks of all time thanks to David Wise. Songs like Stickerbrush Symphony are absolutely incredible and transcend the sound chip of the platform.
#16. – Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
What happens when Nintendo and Squaresoft team up on a project? Well for one thing their decades old relationship ends, but the final product is something great like Super Mario RPG for the Super Nintendo. This took Mario to the world of turn based combat with a timing based battle system, unique inputs for special moves, and more. All of this paired with the classic Nintendo polish. Super Mario RPG is also the only game in the Mario franchise to use an isometric view. This is interesting because many of the classic platforming elements of the franchise rear their head. Super Mario RPG is not only one of the greatest RPGs of all time but also one of the best SNES games too.
#15. – Mega Man 7
Any hardcore fan of the SNES is probably scratching their head at this entry. Most consider Mega Man 7 to be mediocre overall, but it hit all the right notes for me personally. It was released at a time when the X series had taken the spotlight, and it was reassuring to see that Capcom was still continuing the original series. Mega Man 7 has some of my favorite robot masters in the entire series. Shade Man in particular, a robotic vampire, is inspired. The level designs are also fantastic and the game features some great themes. It also helps that Mega Man 7 has one of the best soundtracks of all time. The seventh Mega Man game is highly underrated in my opinion.
#14. – Kirby Super Star
This was released under the guise of being either mini-games or a compilation of sorts. That’s poor marketing because this is actually one game, and it’s a very good one at that. It just happens to have a diverse set of goals for you to accomplish in the stages as compared to other Kirby titles. Where Super Star excels is in Kirby’s abilities. Compared to past releases Kirby’s lineup of abilities is a veritable arsenal. I’m not kidding when I say that Kirby here has more weapons than a small military. The level designs are on point, and the graphics are perfect. Kirby Super Star may just be the best game in the franchise.
#13. – Violinist of Hameln
Hameln no Hiki was another big surprise. This import only game (developed by Enix) is based off an old and long forgotten anime series by the same name. You play as the titular musician who travels a fantasy world doing battle with all manner of beasts. This is a 2D platformer game wherein your main method of attack is music notes fired from the violin, but most of your abilities come from the partner character you’re given. You can put her into numerous costumes which give her different abilities. You’ll need to use this to get past obstacles and solve puzzles. Violinist of Hameln is a fantastically designed game, hilarious, and super fun.
#12. – Super Mario Kart
The mascot based kart racing genre is yet another that Nintendo themselves invented, and almost nobody does it as well as Nintendo even today. Super Mario Kart makes liberal use of the mode 7 scaling effects shoehorned into the console and it creates a very convincing 3D effect. At the time it was incredible and impressive, but now it just looks blurry in my opinion. The game is still incredible and very playable however. Multiplayer is the name of the game here, and Super Mario Kart has a miriad of different modes for you to choose from. The battle mode is my absolute favorite and I can still return to it and have a blast.
#11. – Earthbound
Earthbound is the weirdest RPG you’ll find anywhere and on any platform. In it you play as a young boy named Ness who is growing up in 1960s America. His world is turned upside down when one day a meteorite crashes near his house. He and his trusty dog go to investigate, and soon discover that their world is in danger by a multi-dimensional being named Gigas. They set out to save their world, battle weird baddies, and make friends along the way. The game is an oddball; there’s no other way to spin it. I absolutely love this game’s off beat style and it’s unlike anything else.
#10. – Dragon Quest III
This is another remake of an RPG originally released on the NES. It was the best RPGs released for that platform, and this re-imagining scores high even on the Super Nintendo. Unfortunately it wasn’t translated for North American fans but there are several ways you can play it in modern times. This remake adds a lot to the original formula. You can customize your hero in some pretty significant ways as well as the party members you create. In addition, this game uses the graphics engine from DQVI and looks absolutely amazing. This is, simply put, the best Dragon Quest game.
#9. – Street Fighter II: Turbo
If there’s one thing I didn’t think Street Fighter II needed to be it was faster. Still, the new speed modes introduced in this game actually enhance the experience quite a bit. No longer is this a slow paced and methodical fighter and instead you have to set up your combination attacks rapidly and with great precision. The best part of this package however is that it adds the four boss characters in as playable characters. This brings the roster up to a respectable 12, and it’s an absolute treat being able to play as M. Bison and Vega. This is the definitive version of Street Fighter II in my opinion.
#8. – Mega Man X
And here we have it. This is the greatest Mega Man game of all time. X took the (by this time) tired formula and injected it with some serious oomph. Instead of robot masters we now had mavericks. These were mechs, but based off of animals this time around. The level designs here are among the best in the entire franchise. What’s more is the fact that the order in which you tackle bosses can now affect how the levels themselves are set up. It’s a dynamic and neat system which I like quite a bit. The weapons you gain from your enemies are also really neat here. Mega Man X is a standout in the Super Nintendo library, and one of the best SNES games of all time.
#7. – Legend of the Mystical Ninja
This brings us to the single best installment in the Goemon franchise as well. If you can’t tell by now most classic video game series piqued on the SNES. This was also the only one for the platform which was localized. Legend of the Mystical Ninja plays sort of like an action platformer, but with some beat em up mix-ins and light RPG elements. What’s more is that it’s a multiplayer title, and playing with a friend makes for one heck of a fun ride. I especially like all of the mini-games, and how they cost in-game currency to play. You can even play the first entire level of the original Gradius, or a few rounds of Breakout should you so choose!
#6. – Super Mario World
How do you follow up a legendary game like Super Mario Bros. 3? It seems impossible, right? Well somehow Nintendo managed, and the upgrade in hardware helped them quite a bit. The ability to fly returns but now it’s performed via the cape power up. You can also ride on the back of a friendly (but gluttonous) dinosaur named Yoshi and he’s treated like a power-up of sorts. It’s an easy experience overall but there’s more stage diversity thanks to the inclusion of a ton of new obstacles. The secrets have been kicked up several notches with tons of hidden stages, and even two worlds tucked behind secret entrances. Super Mario World was the pack in, and little did I know it would also be one of the best SNES games overall.
#5. – Chrono Trigger
What happens when you combine the legendary RPG designers such as Hironobu Sakaguchi and Yuji Horii? Throw in a strong helping of character designs from Akira Toriyama and you have Chrono Trigger. This dream team game has one of the best storylines, bar none, in any video game ever. You play as a fire haired youth who accidentally discovers time travel. The thing is, this also shows him how the world ends, and it’s much sooner than mankind suspects at the hand of an evil alien force known as Lavos. The turn based combat is incredible, and the combine attacks are inspired. Chrono Trigger needs little introduction, and I dare you to find someone who won’t say it’s one of the best Super Nintendo games of all time.
#4. – Final Fantasy VI
This was actually released as Final Fantasy III in North America, but to cut down on the confusion I’m going with it’s real name. This was the final mainline 2D installment in the series, and it represents a culmination of everything built by the prior installments. It lacks the job system, but features intense character customization options behind magical items called Espers. Additionally it’s one of the few RPGs that doesn’t have a main character; for the most part you can use whichever party members you choose. Combine that with the absolutely incredible story and you have an RPG for the ages. I used to think this one was overrated but it’s growing on me again.
#3. – Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
The third installment in the Legend of Zelda franchise is where Nintendo perfected the formula. This is the quintessential action adventure game in my opinion. As Link you have the typical duty of saving the princess, and eventually all of Hyrule from Ganondorf. This game is the pinnacle of dungeon design for the entire series, and has one of the best line-ups of tools for Link to use in his journey. I especially enjoyed the dual world set up, and how changes you make to one affect the other in varying ways. It really enhances the puzzle aspects of this title. This is the best Zelda game of all time in my opinion.
#2. – Soul Blazer
Soul Blazer is terribly underrated in my opinion. This is the first action RPG released in Quintets trilogy, and in my opinion the best. You play as an angel of sorts sent by god down to a fantasy medieval world to rescue it’s citizens from the demon named Deathtoll. Each town is unoccupied at first and you must defeat enemies to release people, animals, and even things from the grasp of the evil army. There’s a great sense of progression as you watch these town areas and cities rebuild through your actions, and though there’s no customization in this sense I absolutely love the mechanic. The dungeon designs are particularly fantastic, and the story is surprisingly haunting and emotional.
#1. – Final Fantasy IV
Anyone who knows me can tell you that this is my favorite video game of all time. Final Fantasy IV gripped me (and still grips me) in a way no other video game can. I am absolutely in love with the world in which it takes place and even though I’ve played through it hundreds of times it’s still a magical setting to explore. While it’s a little easy I love how each character that joins plays a specific role in your party during battles. Everything is nicely defined and set up in a way that allows you to come up with fairly complicated strategies. It also helps that the graphics are charming, the storyline gripping, and the soundtrack is unforgettable. There’s no way I could leave Final Fantasy IV off the top of a list of the top 100 best SNES games.
