ok, creating a top 10 list of the best Super Nintendo (SNES) games nearly ruined friendships for several people. One of the guys, Carl, had to intervene in a lot of disputes that escalated to the point of getting quite heated. Another guy, Joe, would constantly try to rank things lower due to his loyalty to Sega. Tim also wrote a treatise on the merits of Chrono Trigger, although he had only discovered it in the last 5 years. Sam fought for Street Fighter II with an intensity equivalent to that of a lawyer defending a murder case. However, after three weeks of bickering and insults via Slack, and one Zoom conference where John wouldn’t stop going on about how Amiga games were superior, we finally agreed upon the following top 10 games.
The SNES was released in 1991 and was, undoubtedly, extremely successful. Mode 7 graphics made the competition (Sega) quietly jealous. The sound chips provided actual music as opposed to digital noise. The controller felt right in your hands. The sheer number of quality games available for the SNES was so high that even the most ardent Genesis devotees among us couldn’t deny that Nintendo had “nailed it.”
Rankings
- Chrono Trigger – Perfect time-traveling RPG
- Super Metroid – Exploration masterpiece
- Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – Perfection of the 2D Zelda
- Super Mario World – The launch title that proved everything
- Final Fantasy VI – Storytelling that has endured
- Super Mario RPG – Brilliant team-up between Nintendo and Square
- Earthbound – Quirky, wonderful, emotionally impactful
- Donkey Kong Country – Visual spectacle with substance
- Street Fighter II Turbo – The game that mattered in terms of fighting games
- Super Mario Kart – Friendship destruction simulator
1. Chrono Trigger (1995)
Developer: Square
Genre: JRPG
Chrono Trigger represents the culmination of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, and Dragon Ball artist Akira Toriyama all working together to create the best RPG ever made. They succeeded in delivering. There was time travel that influenced the plot. Multiple endings were determined based on when you defeated the final boss. Turn-based battle systems that allowed for great action through the use of timing to increase damage or decrease incoming damage. The soundtrack is still covered by orchestras today.
What makes it so special: The New Game+ system that let you take your previous progress and apply it to your subsequent playthroughs to unlock additional endings. Each time period that you visit felt unique and alive. The actions you took in 600 AD impacted what you would find in 1000 AD. This wasn’t merely innovative game mechanics — this was a model for how storytelling could be achieved through gameplay.
Does it still hold up?: Many consider Chrono Trigger to be the greatest JRPG of all time. After replaying it for this list, we don’t disagree.
[Tim’s Passionate Defense of Chrono Trigger as Gaming’s Peak → ]
2. Super Metroid (1994)
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Genre: Action-Adventure
Super Metroid produced an atmosphere that was so heavy you could almost cut it with Samus’s arm cannon. The music was unsettling. The environments felt hostile. The feeling of isolation as you explored further into planet Zebes is something that most games cannot replicate to this day. John didn’t stop talking about this game until we replayed it, and he was right. Once you learned the wall jumping, space jumping, and grappling beam mechanics, Samus moved like a dream.
What makes it so special: The mapping system allowed you to explore without handholding. Discovering a new power-up encouraged you to backtrack through previously explored areas with fresh eyes and notice routes you had previously taken 20 times. There were no quest markers to tell you where to go. No tutorials to explain how to use each mechanic. Only you, the planet, and your ability to explore.
Does it still hold up?: It defined the Metroidvania style of gameplay. Every indie developer that creates exploration games is attempting to capture the essence of what Super Metroid perfected in 1994.
[John’s Deep-Dive on Super Metroid’s Atmosphere Mastery → ]
3. Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Action-Adventure
A Link to the Past was the only choice that we all agreed on. Immediately after agreeing, we began wondering if we were becoming complacent. Or maybe we were just tired. Either way, A Link to the Past is truly a perfect game. The Light/Dark World mechanic was ingenious. Two complete worlds that mirror each other, except that everything in the Dark World is distorted and twisted. Each dungeon unlocks new items that open up new ways to solve puzzles. The Master Sword is a true legend rather than just the “good” sword.
What makes it so special: The dungeons require you to think creatively and spatially. The boss fights test whether you’ve fully mastered each item you’ve unlocked. The overworld is full of secrets — there are heart pieces hidden beneath rocks, caves hidden behind trees, etc.
Does it still hold up?: It is still the standard for 2D Zelda games. Breath of the Wild is fantastic, but A Link to the Past is timeless.
[A Link to the Past Brought Our Argumentative Crew Together → ]
4. Super Mario World (1990)
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Platformer
Super Mario World was packaged with the SNES, and thank goodness for it, as this was Nintendo showcasing exactly what their new hardware was capable of. The cape power-up allows Mario to fly across entire levels if you build up enough speed. Yoshi is a real companion and not just a power-up. Secret exits hidden throughout the game unlock the Star Road and encourage casual players to become obsessive level hunters trying to find that 96th completion star.
What makes it so special: The level design studied by game designers to this very day. The early stages of the game teach you the mechanics through gameplay. The later stages assume you’ve mastered every single mechanic simultaneously. The Special Zone increases the difficulty to a level that is actually challenging for completionists who believe they have conquered everything. The ghost houses that contain twisted layout designs and false doorways are still brilliant.
Does it still hold up?: The controls are still perfect. The level design is still perfect. It is simply… perfect.
[Tim’s Experience with Super Mario World and Why it Justified Exploring Retro Gaming → ]
5. Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Developer: Square
Genre: JRPG
Final Fantasy VI — which North America received as Final Fantasy III due to the confusion regarding the numbering of the series — pushed the limits of what the SNES could do. Fifteen playable characters with individual storylines and development arcs. An opera scene that showcases the capability of video games to be art. A final boss that actually succeeds in breaking the world. Square was showing off, and we’re grateful.
What makes it so special: That moment when Kefka wins, and the world literally comes to an end. Everything goes wrong. The Esper magic system that allows you to develop each character differently. The multiple character scenarios allow you to experience the story from multiple viewpoints. The Nobuo Uematsu soundtrack is still performed by orchestras today. This was a combination of ambition and execution.
Does it still hold up?: The story and character moments are still as impactful today as they were when the game first released in 1994. Kefka is one of the greatest villains in gaming history.
[Joe’s Journey Through Final Fantasy VI and Why Kefka Deserves Villain of the Decade → ]
6. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
Developer: Square
Genre: RPG
When Nintendo and Square collaborated on an RPG, we weren’t sure what to expect, but we knew it would be awesome. Timing-based combat with button presses in the correct order to increase damage or reduce incoming damage added a layer of skill to traditional turn-based battles. The humorous tone that mocked and respected Mario standards. Isometric 3D graphics that showcased the capabilities of the SNES as the N64 was about to release.
What makes it so special: Square gave the Mario universe actual depth. Character development for Mario, Bowser, and Princess Peach. Unique characters like Geno and Mallow that fit seamlessly into the lore of the Mushroom Kingdom. The story of the Star Pieces and Smithy was epic without losing Nintendo’s trademark whimsy. Recruiting Bowser as a member of your party? That was pure brilliance.
Does it still hold up?: The humor, timing-based combat, and charm are still relevant today. It is the ultimate example of accessible RPGs without dumbing down.
[John’s Analysis of How Mario RPG Achieved Perfect Balance Between Accessibility and Depth → ]
7. Earthbound (1994)
Developer: Ape/HAL Laboratory
Genre: JRPG
Earthbound was ranked #7, which nearly drove Joe mad. He wanted it to be higher. He stated he would quit. He sent approximately 47 Slack messages stating why we were wrong. Here’s the truth: Earthbound is so quirky and personal that ranking it is virtually impossible. A modern-day RPG set in a warped version of America. Humor that breaks the fourth wall while presenting truly disturbing moments. The final boss you defeat through prayer. Music that transitions from catchy to creepy to heartbreaking.
What makes it so special: It dared to be different when every other RPG attempted to be Final Fantasy. Telephone save system where you saved your game by calling your father. Adorable yet bizarre Mr. Saturn characters. Creepy Starmen enemy creatures. Heartbreaking ending that makes grown men cry.
Does it still hold up?: The quirky charm and emotionally powerful moments feel timeless. Earthbound is an important game in the world of gaming as it demonstrated that weirdness can be successful.
[Joe’s Comprehensive, Slightly Unhinged Love Letter to Earthbound → ]
8. Donkey Kong Country (1994)
Developer: Rare
Genre: Platformer
The pre-rendered graphics of Donkey Kong Country were so detailed on 16-bit hardware that it appeared impossible. Water effects that looked as though they belonged on the next-generation console. Rare was demonstrating what the SNES could do with creative techniques and artistic flair. What many people forget: the level design was incredibly good.
What makes it so special: Mine cart levels that require timing and memorization to navigate. Underwater levels that control as well as they should (something that is uncommon in 90s platformers). The addition of animal allies such as Rambi the Rhino and Squawks the Parrot that completely change the way you approach each level. And the David Wise soundtrack? The Aquatic Ambiance track alone is worth the price of admission. The difficulty curve that starts easy and becomes difficult for completionists seeking to unlock those bonus rooms.
Does it still hold up?: Although the graphics appear dated, the level design, music, and gameplay still stand up today.
[Tim’s Defense of Donkey Kong Country As More Than Just Pretty Pictures → ]
9. Street Fighter II Turbo (1993)
Developer: Capcom
Genre: Fighting
Street Fighter II on SNES was the cause of many broken controllers and friendships. Sam included footage from the 1993 tournament season to support his position for including this game, along with statistical information regarding frame data and winning percentages. This was not a watered-down port of the arcade version of Street Fighter II — this was arcade-quality fighting at home, and it felt revolutionary. There were eight playable fighters initially, each with unique and complex playing styles and strategies.
What makes it so special: The Turbo version of Street Fighter II improved the slow pacing of the original and allowed you to play as the boss characters. Being able to control Balrog, Vega, Sagat, and M. Bison felt like getting the whole experience. The versus mode for two players that destroyed countless hours of gaming as friends learned to create combos, learn to counter each fighter’s move sets, and develop their own fighting styles. This was competitive gaming prior to the emergence of the esports scene.
Does it still hold up?: The balance and replay value of the gameplay are still as good today as they were when the game originally released.
[Sam’s Comprehensive Defense of Street Fighter II Turbo as the Only SNES Fighter Worth Playing → ]
10. Super Mario Kart (1992)
Genre: Racing
Developed by: Nintendo
Super Mario Kart almost didn’t make it on our list since Joe said “It’s just a racing game with shells” and then Sam hosted a Mario Kart tournament where Joe lost all races and got humiliated enough to agree it should be included. The Mode 7 graphics created the illusion of rotating and scaling tracks like never before seen. There were eight unique characters with their own stats and driving characteristics. A Battle Mode that changed casual fun into full blown rivalry.
Why it is untouchable: The items were perfectly balanced. Red Shells allowed you to target your opponents. Green Shells allowed you to take out opponents by hitting them after a bounce shot. Banana Peels allowed you to place traps to cause opponents to lose control of their kart. Lightning would shrink all other karts and create chaos. Every race came down to who could hold onto first place through the final lap of the race where anything could happen and often did. The track design that combined basic circuits with complex technical challenges – such as the difficult Rainbow Road, or the gap challenges found on Ghost Valley, and the many hazards of Bowser Castle.
Does it still stand up today? Although the gameplay is still addictive, and competitive, new Mario Kart entries far surpass it technologically.
[See Sam’s investigation of how Mario Kart caused more friendships to break apart than Monopoly.]
The Games That Weren’t Included (And Why We’re Still Angry About It.)
This list had to leave off numerous amazing games that could have easily fit within the criteria for selection. Super Castlevania IV for example is an excellent Gothic themed game. Mega Man X has some of the best action-platformer design in the series. ActRaiser does a great job of blending genres. Final Fantasy IV tells a story centered around the development of the main character. Kirby Super Star is both diverse and charming. And finally, Secret of Mana offers cooperative adventuring.
Each of the ones we left off had a representative arguing for its inclusion. Tim fought very hard to include Super Castlevania IV. John pushed hard to have ActRaiser included. Sam wanted to see more Fighting Game style games represented. Joe continued to push Earthbound, until we told him to stop. Ultimately, the ten games listed here represent not only high quality but also the games that showed the world what the SNES could do and will continue to influence gaming for years to come.
Don’t worry if your favorite game wasn’t included. With over 700 games available on the SNES, there are plenty of games that could have been included. Anybody can see that any Top Ten is going to leave off someone’s favorite childhood memory. Feel free to yell at us in the comments; we’ve already been yelled at by ourselves for weeks.
Deep dives for each individual game, written by whichever member of the New Player Ready Crew fought the hardest for that game’s inclusion. Because, why shouldn’t passion be rewarded – even when it is a little bit crazy.
0 Comments