Super Nintendo Entertainment System of SNES is a type of miniature home video game console which took the video gamers by storm after it’s released in 1990. Being a 90s kid, if you do not remember playing best SNES games then I would actually have to doubt your passion for gaming.
25 Best SNES Games of All Time
But do not worry if you haven’t played these awesome games back then because now you can play them without even the need of console. You can simple install a SNES emulator on your system and you are good to go then. And for your entertainment, I have compiled the list of SNES based games which all time popular. Check them out from here.
1. Final Fight 2
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/ght-2
A side scrolling game in nature, Final Fight 2 is the first option under this list of best SNES games. Released in 1993, it belongs to the genre of beat’em up type. Developed and published by Capcom, this arcade type of game is popular for its fighting theme.
The game features single player and two player cooperation mode where you can choose from the available three characters.
Three characters are Mike Hagger, Carlos and Maki Genryusai. Each character is different from one another and equipped with different techniques and skills too. The main action buttons are attacked and jump, and when they are pressed together, it triggers the special move of the character. The game is simple and keeps on moving forward as you keep on killing the enemies.
2. Super Mario World
Website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/
Super Mario series needs no introduction and boasting as it is counted amongst the top SNES games. It is the first entry in Super Mario series developed and published by Nintendo and released in 1990. It is a type of side-scrolling platform game where player control either Mario or his bother Luigi.
The main objective of the game is to save Princess Toadstool and Dinosaur land from the antagonist Bowser and his children Koopaliings.
The player also has a pet Dinosaur Yoshio for the company who can eat enemies with his tongue. The graphics are two dimensional and apart from jumping and running, new elements like spin jump, floating etc. are also introduced here. It has total 96 levels and an overworld map is also featured along with each level.
3. Donkey Kong Country
Website: https://www.nintendo.com/
The third best-selling SNES game, Donkey Kong Country is a game all Addictive SNES gamers remember very well. It is a type of platform game developed by Rare which was released in 1994. Along with the Donkey Kong, the game also features his nephew Diddy Kong in the game too.
The game can be played in either single player or multiplayer cooperative mode. The objective is to recover the stolen bananas from King K. Rool.
Known to be one of the best SNES games of all time, it features more than 40 different side scrolling levels in it. One thing which you will absolutely love about the game is its versatility where each level displays different theme and concept. Player must make sure that he does not get hit or fall otherwise he will lose a life.
4. Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose!
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose is a type of side scrolling video game based on the animated TV series, Tiny Toon Adventures. It is developed and published by Konami and released in 1992. The game is interesting as well as one of the most popular and best SNES games.
Before the game starts, you can set the difficulty level on three settings which are easy, normal and hard where each mode has its own different levels further.
When played in normal mode, you will discover total six levels in the game and after each level the number of containers are reset. The game has no set objectives and it keeps on changing in every level. You can only finish the game when you are playing on hard level of difficulty.
5. Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
The next one for the list of best SNES games is Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts which is a type of side scrolling platform game. Developed and published by Capcom, it gained its fair share of publicity and popularity already. This single player action game is the third game in Ghosts ‘n Goblins series.
The player takes up the role of protagonist called Arthur who starts the game with ordinary suit of armor which keeps on upgrading as he proceeds further in the game.
There are three stages of upgradation called Bronze, Golden and finally, Better Shield and each one provides their own set of advantages to the player. Throughout the game Arthur must make sure that he is not touched by any enemy otherwise the armor will fall and with second hit, he will die.
6. Star Fox
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
Star Fox is a very popular Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s game which is worth of including in the list of top ten SNES game. It is a type of rail shooter game released in 1993 and published by Nintendo. It is the first game in the Star Fox series and also the most popular one too.
The game uses polygonal graphics and also includes complex display of 3D effects which gives it extra boost as a visually marvelous game.
It can be played by either first person or third person perspective where player’s task is to navigate the Fox’s spacecraft, Arwing, While doing so, the player needs to stay safe from enemies and also keeps on attacking them too. Various power-ups throughout the game increase player’s skills.
7. Contra III: The Alien Wars
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
A type of run and gun game, developed and published by Konami, The Alien Wars it the third installment of the popular Contra series. It can be played in single player as well as multiplayer modes in cooperative approach.
The plot is set in futuristic world of 2636 where aliens are all set to invade a war against humans on earth and the player needs to stop them.
The player can take up the role of either Jimbo or Sully and must fight with the aliens. This installment is much complex as compared to earlier one and also features new tactics elements like grabbing on poles, climbing walls etc. Filled with multiple elements, the game is action power packed and also one of the best SNES games too.
8. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
As the name makes it clear, Street Fighter II is a type of competitive fighting game released in 1991. Just like other most popular and best SNES games, it is also developed and published by Capcom and this installment improves the tactics as compared to earlier installment of Street Fighter series.
This time you are going to see special moves based on commands and six button configuration too. It can be played in 2 player cooperative mode too.
The game features one on one close quarter combat in series of three matches. The best of two decide the final winner where player can use a lot of different fighting moves to deplete the vitality of opponent before the time runs out.
9. Chrono Trigger
Website: https://www.gamespot.com/
A role playing game Chrono Trigger is developed and published by Square and was released in 1995. The game is a tremendous success and also received critical acclaim too. With multiple endings and side quests, this is the most varied game in the list of best SNES games.
It can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes and features a two-dimensional gaming world set in fictional settings.
The player not only controls the protagonist but his companions too. Through the overworld map, player gets the navigation where exploration is an important aspect. The game includes conversing with local people and completing puzzles and side quests to proceed further.
10. Super Star Wars
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
And the next one to be included in the list of best SNES games is Super Star Wars. Released in 1992, this game is based on the 1977 movie Star Wars and just like the movie it is also quite popular. It incorporates the theme of run and gun which keeps the game adventurous and fun.
It has different stages and each stage has different challenges too. To add more versatility in the game, there are various characters too having different skills and abilities.
The theme is exactly like the movie but there are some changes too. Player takes the role of Luke Skywalker where he has to find his way to the top of the Jawa Sancrawler. The path is filled with so many enemies where player can use various weapons to kill them.
11. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Website: https://www.emuparadise.me/
Sequel to the original TMNT game, Turtles in Time is a side scrolling beat ’em up game developed and published by Konami. It was released in 1991 and can be played in both single player and multiplayer gaming modes.
Like many of the other best SNES games, it features two and four player versions and the characters are Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo.
Each player has their own strengths and weaknesses and also incorporates new elements too. Some of the catchiest elements are ability to slam foot soldiers, power attack by hitting enemy several times etc. Apart from attack and jump button, a joystick is used for the movement of the players. The attacks are air attack, dash attack, special attack etc.
12. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Website: http://zelda.com/
Third installment of The Legend of Zelda series, A link to the Past is a type of action adventure game developed and published by Nintendo in 1991. The entire series of Zelda is remarked as the greatest SNES games series of all time and so is it’s every single game.
Just like every other game, this installment also focuses on the protagonist named Link whose objective in this game is to save Hyrule and defeat Ganon.
A Link to the Past uses top down perspective and also includes elements like parallel universe, better weapons, and master sword too. If you want to try out amazing weapons like bombs, arrows etc. then this installment of Zelda is highly recommended. The player holds better control on the game as compared to previous installments.
13. Pilotwings
Website: https://www.giantbomb.com/
Belonging to the genre of amateur flight simulation, Pilotwings is developed and published by Nintendo and was released in 1990. From the point of view of concept and theme it is the most different game in the series of best SNES games where the player tries to earn pilot license.
To earn this license, the player needs to do a lot of tasks like skydiving, light plane flight, use of rocket bell, hang gliding etc.
Apart from the usual gameplay, there are additional quests and bonus stages too. The game uses 3D graphics concept which makes the game more realistic.
14. The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse
Website: http://emulator.online/
Developed by Capcom, this platformer game is the next option in the list of best SNES games which was released in 1992 and also the first one in the series too. The game has both single player and two players competitive mode.
The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse has total six different levels in it and also features 4 different power outfits.
The player takes up the role of Mickey Mouse who is set on the mission to find his dog Pluto. Although the game is short, but the versatility of outfits and graphics made it a huge hit. As the game progresses, Mickey is given outfits then and also the powers related to them too.
15. Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation
Website: http://dragonquest6.nintendo.com/
As the 6th installment in the Dragon Quest series, this role-playing video game called Realms of Revelation gained a lot of popularity. Counted amongst the top and best SNES games, it was released in 1995 and can be played in single-player mode only.
It introduces the game in first-person perspective and also shows turn-based battles whereas other graphics and visuals remains kind of similar to other installments.
The player takes the role of the hero who is on a mission to save the world. However, apart from it, player also suffers from partial amnesia and also needs to discover about own past and existence. The game also features parallel world/dream world concept too.
16. Final Fantasy VI
Website: https://www.nintendo.com/
This 6th installment of Final Fantasy series is not just a game to be played but rather counted amongst the must have SNES games. I am sure you would not want to miss out a role-playing extravaganza set in a fantasy world having revolutionized visuals and concept.
Developed and published by Square, Final Fantasy VI was released in 1994 and can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes.
The focus of game is on a group of rebels who are on a mission to fight against dictatorship. The player can choose between 14 available character classes and moves further with the help of overworld map. There are four types of gameplay and also a battle screen too. Exploring remains more important than fighting with enemies throughout the game.
17. Mega Man X
Website: http://megamanx.org/
Also known as Rockman X, this action platform game is developed and published by Capcom and released in 1993 and the next entry in the list of best SNES games. This is the first game in Mega Man X series whose plot takes place after a decade of original Mega Man Series.
The plot is set in a futuristic world filled with humans and advanced robots which functions just like humans.
The player takes up the role of an android member of military task force called Mega Man X who with his partner Zero must stop Sigma who wants to attack humans and extinct them. This objective is performed in a run and gun mode in 2D platform settings. The game is divided between various stages and each stage has its own boss who must be defeated to complete the level.
18. Mortal Kombat 3
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
This 3rd installment of Mortal Kombat series is the next pick for the category of best SNES games which is developed and published by Midway. It is a type of fighting video game where the player can choose its character between various classes and needs to fight a series of battles with the opponents.
It also has features cooperative mode where 2 players can play simultaneously. Apart from the new attacks, this game also features combo attacks which are performed automatically after a set period of time.
In one on one fight like mode, for the first time they feature the mode called Animality where the player can transform into an animal to kill its opponent.
19. Secret of Mana
Website: http://www.secretofmanagame.com/
It won’t be wrong to include Secret of Mana in the category of best SNES games of all time. Developed and published by Square, this is an action role playing game which was released in 1993. It can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes.
The plot of the game is set in high fantasy world and takes account of three heroes who are on a spree of preventing an empire from conquering the world.
There are real-time battles featuring a power bar mechanics. The cooperative feature adds more player control in the game allowing to drop or select any player at any time. The game continues in top down perspective where players are supposed to fight hostile creatures.
20. Killer Instinct
Website: https://curlie.org/
You should definitely play this fighting video game developed by Rare which was released in 1994 as an arcade game. This next option in the list of best SNES games, features a powerful corporation organizing a fighting tournament.
The game features the plot where instead of having three rounds of fighting games, there are two life bars of each player. The one whose life bars depletes the first automatically loses the game.
You can see Killer Instinct approaching like a mix and match between Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. The player takes up a character and fights in one on one matches. Apart from the moves, there are automated combos which automatically gets performed after a certain time. It can also be played in cooperative 2 player mode.
21. Super Scope 6
Website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/
Super Scope 6 is a complete cartridge which contains 6 games in it of genres like puzzle, rail shooter, light gun shooter etc. Developed and published by Nintendo, it was released in 1992 and can be played in single player mode only.
Super Scope 6 is quite different from other best SNES games mainly because it is not an entire game and divided between two sets of three games.
These two options are Blastris and LazerBlazer and each game has three different games based on the level of difficulty i.e. low, medium and high. Each game features a different genre of game and hence provides a great versatility for the gamer.
22. The Lion King
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
The Lion King is a type of platform game which is the next entry in the list of best SNES games and based on the popular animated movie of Disney of the same name. Developed by Westwood Studios, it was released in 1994 and can be played single player mode.
Presented in the form of side scrolling visuals, the player takes up the role of the protagonist Simba and as the game progress, the game shows Simba growing from a cub to an adult.
In the first half of the game, Simba is a cub who can jump and roar to stun animals and also to solve puzzles too. In the next half of the game, Simba grows as an adult and gains access to various combat moves like throwing, scratching, mauling etc.
23. SimCity
Website: http://www.simcity.com/
SimCity or SimCity Classic is a type of city-building simulation game developed and published by Maxis and was released in 1989. It can be played in both single player and multiplayer modes, where player needs to construct an entire city.
SimCity is counted amongst the best SNES games belonging to the genre of simulation. The player starts with scratch and design an entire city and mark different areas in it too.
Player needs to do certain tasks like marking areas a commercial, residential etc., add buildings, construct a transportation system, build a power system and many other. Once you do the basic task, the residents called Sims can further upgrade the design and add modifications in it. As per the difficulty, player can face disasters as destructions.
24. NBA Jam
Website: http://www.arcade-museum.com/
The first entry in the popular NBA Jam series, it can be remarked on the top of the SNES best games in the category of arcade games belonging to sports category. This basketball game is developed and published by Midway and was released in 1993.
It features 2 on 2 basketball face-off where 4 people can play simultaneously. In fact, it even features NBA-licensed teams and players too.
The game is highly exaggerated where players can jump to unbelievable heights. It is quite different from traditional NBA and does not even includes fouls too allowing the players to elbow his opponent. The way you perform reflects highly on your powers for example three baskets in a row gives turbo powers.
25. Romancing SaGa 3
Website: https://www.mobygames.com/
And finally, the last additional in the list of best SNES games is Romancing SaGa 3. It is the 6th installment in the role playing Romancing SaGa series and can be played in single player mode only. It is developed and published by Square and was released in 1995.
As it is a typical role playing game, player has the choice to pick between the given 8 characters of the game and there are additional character available which can be recruited to player’s party.
Instead of gradual process of level increasing, the stats of character increases depending on their participating in the battle. There are also several modes in the game where player’s participation changes gradually.
Conclusion
Of course, I could not name a few popular and best SNES games of all time here because obviously I just could not make a list miles long. So, apart from the ones listed here, you got options like Super Metroid and series, Derby Stallion, Dragon Ball series etc. to play on SNES console.
In fact, talking about the ones mentioned here, they have great games as their other installments too so do not forget to check out the whole list. SNES games can be easily played on modern emulators supporting popular OS and am sure you can easily find such program for your system too. So do not wait any longer and start playing them now.
