Best games for SNES

Unfamiliar with SNES games and want to learn about the best series and titles? These are the games you absolutely must play to get acquainted with this platform. The games are listed in alphabetical order.

	Act Raiser (series) <action/platformer/sim>: This is a strange game because it combines platformer/action elements with a city-building simulator. You play as the ‘Master,’ a demiurge who not only watches events from a bird’s-eye view but also descends to the ground personally to solve specific problems. Destroy evil so that the inhabitants can return to their homes. The game features quite good graphics.
	Captain Commando <beat’em’up>: This is a game where you play as Captain Commando and other superheroes fighting against evil and crime in the city. Each hero has unique abilities, and you must use them in combination to defeat opponents. Players must go through multiple levels filled with enemies and bosses to save the world from villains. The game is a classic side-scrolling beat ’em up, and it allows players to play either solo or in cooperative mode with another player. This game was one of the most popular titles of its time and remains a favorite among fans of classic video games worldwide.
	Chrono Trigger <rpg>: One of the best games in the genre on the platform and in general history, featuring many elements familiar from the Final Fantasy series. You play as a young man named Crono, and throughout the game, you will travel through time. You can assemble a party of up to seven characters and gradually improve their abilities. In this game, there are no random enemies— all enemies are stationary or roam the map, and you can avoid encounters with them. This game was also released on PlayStation and Nintendo DS. The excellent soundtrack and detailed visuals are particularly noteworthy.
	Contra III: The Alien Wars / Super Probotector: The Alien Rebels <run’n’gun>: This is the third game in the series (according to the official chronology), and it shares many similarities with the first two games on the NES. A villain named Red Falcon has decided to wipe out the human race, and only two commandos named Jimbo and Sully are ready to face him. The game has awesome graphics and tons of action. Standard side-scrolling levels are alternated with pseudo-3D mazes, though not everyone might enjoy these. At times, you’ll also participate in motorcycle races. In short, this is classic Contra—just in 16-bit, with all the bells, whistles, effects, and music. The game has been re-released on the Wii, New Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U.
	Donkey Kong Country <platformer>: A benchmark in the world of platformers, at the time simply the coolest game that made the best use of the console’s capabilities without relying on any additional chips. Donkey Kong’s banana hoard has been stolen, and our Donkey doesn’t take that lightly. On top of that, villains have overrun the world, causing trouble for other members of the Kong family. The game features a large number of levels, secrets, stunning graphics (the sprites are based on digitized 3D models), and one of the best soundtracks. This is one of Rare’s best games and one of the finest titles for this console.
	Earth Worm Jim (серия) <action/platformer>, а также другие игры от Virgin (Lion King, The Jungle Book): возможно некоторые со мной не согласятся, что я предпочёл эту игру другим крутым играм, но я скорее руководствовался принципом известности игры. В ней есть огрехи, я не отрицаю. Но она была настолько необычной, что невозможно не упомянуть её. Вы управляете червяком, которому случайно достался супер-костюм. Вы можете бегать, прыгать, стрелять и использовать себя самого в качестве хлыста. В игре очень разнообразные уровни, враги, потрясающая музыка и (может быть не каждому понятный) юмор.
	Earthbound <rpg>: Another game that doesn’t fit into traditional genres. It’s an RPG, but not set in a fantasy world—rather, in the real world. You investigate strange events, and the whole thing feels a bit like The X-Files. What’s interesting is that characters don’t lose all their health points instantly. If a battle ends before a character loses their last bit of strength, they won’t die. To save the game, you have to find a phone booth and call the main character’s father. And for defeating enemies, you get money deposited into your bank account, which you withdraw via an ATM. Isn’t that strange?
	Final Fantasy (series) <rpg>: The RPG that comes to everyone’s mind when talking about representatives of the genre. A fantasy setting, random enemies on the map, tons of text, and strange spells. The game constantly surprises you, so you simply can’t pass it by.
	Final Fight <beat’em’up>: The games in this series focus on hand-to-hand combat with opponents on the streets of the city. The plot revolves around the kidnapping of Madison, daughter of Mike Haggar. Haggar and his two partners, Cody Travers and Guy Haggar, must overcome obstacles and rescue Madison. The series features electronic music, with design and styling reflecting 1990s fashion. Final Fight was a successful series and had a significant influence on other beat ’em up games.
	F-Zero <racing>: There weren’t that many good racing games on the Super Nintendo, but F-Zero is worth ten games, because it looks and sounds like it could be from a 32-bit console. Yes, there are pixels, but the way the track looks and the insane speed you achieve here—it has to be seen. In tournament mode, you need to survive several races, each consisting of five laps. Your vehicle isn’t invincible, so don’t forget to repair it on the service lanes. For each lap you complete, you earn points, which can be used to gain extra lives. It’s a shame that Nintendo has neglected the series in recent years.
	Gradius III <shooter>: This is the third installment of a well-known shoot ’em up. You control a highly advanced, maneuverable ship that can upgrade its weapons. Breaking through hordes of enemies will be very difficult, even on the lowest difficulty level. The graphics aren’t the most impressive, but this is compensated by the challenge and dynamic gameplay.
	Harvest Moon <simulation>: This game isn’t for everyone, as it’s a farming simulator. But don’t dismiss it too quickly, because this is the predecessor of an entire genre, and it’s still considered one of the best, despite its age. You play as a boy or girl and need to manage gardening while building social connections with the surrounding world. Personally, the farming itself captivates me, but others might enjoy interacting with the characters. The graphics and music are at a decent level.
	Killer Instinct <fighting>: When the first Mortal Kombat was released, Nintendo was worried about the reaction from parents (since back then, most gamers were children) and demanded the removal of all fatalities and blood. Then came the sales results, and the Japanese didn’t dare to try such experiments again. So in 1995, when Killer Instinct was released, there was no longer any fear of such cuts. This game is a port of the arcade version, and a very good one at that! The graphics didn’t suffer much, although the sound is a bit different. But the game still looks great and plays even better—and at a lower cost. The coolest part of it is the long combos, each with different names.
	Kirby Super Star, Kirby’s Dream Course <platformer>: These are two slightly different games. The first one is a typical platformer, very bright and colorful. Kirby is a strange pink ball that can fly, inhale enemies, and copy their abilities. The second game is somewhat similar to golf, with isometric perspective and very unusual levels. Both games aren’t very well-known in Russia, and today the originals are quite expensive. However, they were also released on the Virtual Console.
	Knights of the Round <beat’em’up>: The game is based on the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. You play as one of three knights and battle enemies throughout the game. It is a standard beat ’em up, but set in a medieval setting with beautifully drawn backgrounds and a variety of enemies.
	The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past <action/adventure>: This is a classic game released in 1991. In it, the player controls a young man named Link, who helps Princess Zelda save the kingdom of Hyrule from the clutches of the villain Ganon. The gameplay consists of exploring various dungeons and overworld locations, battling enemies, and solving puzzles. Link can use magic and obtain new items that help him progress in the game. It is also the first game in the series to feature movement between two worlds, allowing the player to switch between them during gameplay. The game has won numerous awards and is considered one of the greatest games of all time.
	Lufia (series) <rpg>: A role-playing game, less well-known than Final Fantasy. The gameplay is standard, and the graphics are simpler. The game has many puzzles and the ability to summon monsters during battle. Like in Chrono Trigger, there are no random encounters— all enemies are visible, and you can either avoid them or attack from an ambush.
	Mega Man X (серия) <action/platformer>: This is the well-known Mega Man from the NES days. The graphics and sound have improved, but what many don’t appreciate is the excessive amount of dialogue. The cartridges were released quite late, so not many copies were sold. As a result, the prices for these games today are sky-high. Fortunately, there’s the Virtual Console.
	Micro Machines (серия) <racing>: Micro Machines is a series of racing games created for the SNES and other platforms. Players control small toy cars on various tracks, including the kitchen, office, and garden. The game was very popular thanks to its multiplayer mode on a single screen.
	Mortal Kombat (серия) <fighting>: The series was one of the most popular fighting games on the console. The games were famous for their brutal fatalities and a rich selection of characters, such as Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and others. Very challenging, very violent—just the way we like it!
	Rock’n’Roll Racing <racing>: This is a game for the SNES, released in 1993. In the game, you participate in racing competitions on various planets, battle dangerous opponents, and upgrade your vehicles. Throughout the game, you are accompanied by music from famous rock bands such as Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. Additionally, players can use various types of weapons to stop their opponents and reach the finish line first. The game offers many levels and game modes, making it engaging and diverse.
	Secret of Mana <rpg>: This is one of the most popular role-playing games on the SNES console. The game is a team-based action RPG with an open world and detailed graphics. The story follows heroes who must stop an evil threat and save the ancient world of Mana. The player can choose one of three characters, each with unique abilities, and also level up their heroes and upgrade their equipment. The secrets hidden in the game add many interesting possibilities.
	Star Fox <action>: Star Fox for the SNES is a cult Nintendo game released in 1993. The player controls a spaceship and engages in numerous battles. The game’s graphics were unique for its time, as they were rendered in a 3D style using the Super FX chip built into the cartridge. The game is considered one of the best on the SNES and was the first in the Star Fox series.
	Super Castlevania IV <action/platformer>: Super Castlevania IV for the SNES is a classic platformer with horror elements, released in 1991. The player controls Simon Belmont, a vampire hunter who must traverse numerous levels, slaying monsters and collecting treasures. The game is known for its challenging bosses and detailed graphics, which showcase the capabilities of the SNES. Super Castlevania IV became one of the most beloved games in the Castlevania series.
	Super Mario World – The first game featuring Super Mario on the SNES, in which Mario must save Princess Peach while traveling through different worlds. The game received high praise for its gameplay and graphics.
	Super Mario All-Stars – A collection that includes re-releases of the original Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3 with improved graphics and sound.
	Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars – A role-playing game where Mario travels through the world, meets new characters, and battles evil. The game is a mix of classic Mario games and RPG elements.
	Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island – A colorful game in which Yoshi must deliver Mario to his destination while dodging many obstacles along the way. Players must use Yoshi’s unique abilities, such as flying, running, and jumping, to help Mario defeat the evil Kamek. The graphics are very beautiful and appealing, with well-animated characters and backgrounds. The gameplay is multifaceted and engaging, and Yoshi is a charming and delightful main character.
	Super Mario Kart – A racing game where Mario and his friends compete in go-karts. The player can choose different characters and participate in various races.
	Super Metroid <action/platformer>: This is a classic action-platformer with puzzle and RPG elements. The player controls Samus Aran, who travels across the dangerous planet Zebes, battling mutants and bosses while exploring different areas and acquiring new equipment and abilities. The game features a nonlinear structure, allowing the player to choose the order of exploration. Super Metroidbecame one of the most significant and influential works in the genre and is still considered one of the greatest games of all time.
	Super Star Wars <action/platformer>: Super Star Wars is a cult game developed by LucasArts for the SNES in 1992. It is based on the plot of the first Star Warsmovie and allows the player to experience the events of the film. The game features a large number of levels with various bosses, enemies, and gameplay mechanics. One of the game’s standout features is its difficulty. Super Star Wars is considered one of the best SNES games and remains popular among fans of Star Wars and SNES games
	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time <beat’em’up>: Players control the turtles to rescue April and protect the world from evil villains, traveling through time from ancient Japan to the future. The game was released in 1992 and became one of the most popular beat ’em up games. It features unique graphics, enjoyable music, and engaging gameplay mechanics. The game also offers a co-op mode for two players.