The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES, is one of the most beloved classic gaming systems of all time. It had a massive library of games, some of which are regularly considered to be among the greatest games of all time. Narrowing the numerous classics down to just 6 games is a difficult task, so there will be a lot of missing games. It just shows how great the system was. Here are 6 of the greatest SNES games of all time.
1. Chrono Trigger
This RPG is often called a masterpiece, and it definitely deserves that title. It combines an engaging time travel story with quirky characters such as a talking frog from medieval times and a robot from a post-apocolyptic future. The battle system is engaging and involves the ability to combine characters’ powers to perform special moves. With gorgeous music and multiple endings, this is a game to be savored over and over. It got ported to many systems after the SNES, so you can still easily play it today.
2. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
While Super Mario World was the main Mario game on the SNES, Yoshi’s Island is the superior title. People complain about how baby Mario’s crying is annoying, but the game’s positives far outweigh that one negative. Adorable Yoshi steps into the spotlight in a unique adventure full of fantastic level design and fun abilities, such as flutter jumping and morphing into vehicles. The colorful graphics look like they came from a kid’s coloring book, and the music is amazing. No wonder Yoshi got his own series.
3. Donkey Kong Country
The new Donkey Kong’s debut on the SNES will forever be a classic. The pre-rendered graphics have aged surprisingly well, and the atmospheric music, particularly the water theme “Aquatic Ambience,” is a treat to listen to. Of course, the gameplay is also stellar. The controls are tight and precise, making jumping on enemies and blasting yourself out of barrels incredibly satisfying. The two SNES sequels are also amazing, but this was the game that started it all.
4. Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars
This was Mario’s first step into the RPG genre, and it showed that the plumber could hold his own in epic adventures. While the game featured traditional turn-based battles, the battles also involved timed button pushes that could strengthen your attacks and make the characters defend, which added an extra dimension to the fights. Mario and Bowser actually team up in this game, and the story is full of humor, fun locations, and memorable characters. It also got a remake on the Nintendo Switch, which furthers its legacy.
5. Secret of Mana
The sequel to the Game Boy’s Final Fantasy Adventure was a unique title in the RPG genre. It may involve hack-and-slash battles, but the power meters add a layer of strategy since it’s beneficial to wait between hits. The weapons can also be used outside of battle to get through obstacles, making for a dynamic experience. The music is beautiful, and the locations are memorable, including a wintery town where you have to fight an evil version of Santa. This game is full of charm.
6. Super Metroid
Samus Aran’s third space adventure expanded on the winning gameplay and exploration from the previous two games. With the SNES’s extra power, this game was able to capture the story’s creepy, mysterious atmosphere perfectly. It really feels like you’re alone in the bowels of a distant planet, surrounded by danger at every turn. Many people consider it the greatest SNES game of all time, and while it’s not at the top of this list, it still deserves all the praise it gets.
