10 SNES Games That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

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Back in the ’90s, owning a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) made me feel like I’d struck gold! It was the undisputed ruler of 16-bit gaming, standing tall even amidst the fierce competition in the fourth-generation console war. Needless to say, it was a big deal – a true gaming icon!

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) demonstrated the peak of two-dimensional gaming capabilities during its era, outshining its predecessor, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), in terms of sophistication and efficiency. Compared to it, the somewhat clumsy shift towards 3D gaming that followed appeared relatively modest.

Back in the day, when I was a kid, the SNES was where countless timeless classics saw their beginnings. These games, not only dominated the scene during their era, but have managed to remain captivating even after decades. It’s true that not every game from the SNES stands up to today’s gaming standards or quality-of-life features, but there are a handful that still feel as fresh and fun as they did back then.

It’s likely due to its high demand that the SNES Classic was snapped up instantly and aggressively. Remarkably, if you’re yearning for nostalgia or simply looking for some entertaining options, these games continue to charm with their timeless retro appeal.

10.
Super Metroid

The Gold Standard Of Its Genre

Have you ever wondered why games that are 2D platformers with non-linear elements and open exploration are called “Metroidvania”? This term is a blend of two iconic games: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and Super Metroid. While Super Metroid wasn’t the first in the Metroid series, it certainly established the standard for both its series and an entirely new genre.

As a gamer, I’d say Super Metroid on the SNES was unlike any other action platformer I’ve played. Unlike games where you linearly progress through levels, Super Metroid offers vast areas to explore and secrets to uncover at your leisure. This kind of freedom was revolutionary for its time, fostering a sense of systematic exploration in most players while also sparking a single-minded obsession with speedrunning perfection in a select few.

For a significant part of my life, I’ve been captivated by Metroidvania-style games, and I attribute much of this fascination to Super Metroid. To this day, its gameplay mechanics and progression remain nearly flawless, with some modern Metroidvania games struggling to match up.

9.
Chrono Trigger

A Timeless Tale, Literally

Historically known as Square, and more recently as Square Enix, this gaming company has consistently maintained two flagship Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) series: Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. In 1995, the company took a bold move by merging the creative forces behind both series, along with the iconic illustrations of the late Akira Toriyama. This fusion led to the creation of Chrono Trigger, a JRPG that continues to stand out in its own unique class.

In terms of style, Chrono Trigger borrows elements from both Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, creating a narrative, environment, and characters that blend traditional fantasy tropes with a delightful, self-referential tone.

The endearing characters in this game follow typical JRPG character roles as they embark on a mission to save the world. However, what sets it apart is its lively, colorful, and occasionally humorous environment, largely due to Toriyama’s art style. This playful atmosphere adds depth to the more somber scenes in the game.

To this very moment, the phrase “yet the future resisted transformation” continues to send shivers through me. Honestly, it’s quite astounding that we haven’t seen a contemporary reboot of Chrono Trigger yet, only updated versions. If it ever comes into being, I have no doubt I would be more than willing to pay for it.

8.
Super Mario RPG

One Of The Most Accessible JRPGs

Talking about Square, it’s interesting to note that during its SNES era, they weren’t shy about trying new things. One daring project was Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, a game that ventured Mario into a genre that was previously unfamiliar to him at the time.

If your friend or family member is new to the JRPG genre but loves Mario, Super Mario RPG is an excellent choice to get them started. The game’s well-known characters make it easy for beginners, and its mechanics are simpler compared to other JRPGs from that era. The management of stats is less complex, and the action command system keeps battles interesting.

As a dedicated fan, I vividly recall the promotions for the 2023 Switch version rekindle touting an RPG experience tailored for all. True to its word, it remains an accessible adventure. Yet, the original game holds a unique, sentimental value as it ignited my passion for this cherished genre.

7.
Super Mario World

Put A Spin On It

Each Nintendo system should have its flagship Mario title, an easy-to-play platformer that entices you to purchase the console, often included as part of a package deal. For the SNES, this iconic game and top seller was none other than Super Mario World.

Super Mario World wasn’t simply another Mario platformer; it stood out as an exceptional representative of this genre. Moreover, it served as a demonstration of the SNES’s full potential as a gaming console, boasting features like parallax scrolling and Mode 7 rendering. Playing Super Mario World today feels like opening a time capsule to relive the glory days of 2D gaming technology once more.

In comparison to its contemporary games, Super Mario World was particularly user-friendly. Unlike the original Super Mario Bros., which had to be completed in a single session, Super Mario World allowed players to save their progress and resume at a later time.

It was a huge relief for me when I discovered that I didn’t need to complete the entire game at once, given its massive size. I couldn’t express how much easier it made things for me.

6.
Yoshi’s Island

Bright, Colorful, Creative

One intriguing aspect of timeless video games is that they tend to evoke similar sentiments among players, regardless of whether their experiences are universally enjoyable or not. To illustrate, many people adore Yoshi’s Island, despite the fact that we all dislike the sound of Baby Mario’s cries intensely.

As a gamer, I find Yoshi’s Island a refreshing change from the fast-paced Mario games. Instead of rushing through levels, I can take my time to appreciate the vibrant and ingenious environments it offers. The pastel art style, which hasn’t aged a day despite technological advancements, adds to its timeless charm.

Because it moves at a leisurely pace, this game is also easier for players to handle. Despite my affection for Mario games from my childhood, Yoshi’s Island was always the go-to choice when I needed a more laid-back gaming experience – until the crying sounds started, that is. Honestly, I’m relieved that the crying sound has never been included in any other game, and I fervently hope it never does again.

5.
Super Punch-Out

The Ideal Blend Of Spectacle And Mechanics

I’m still disappointed that Punch-Out isn’t more prominent among Nintendo’s diverse collection of franchises, given my strong affection for each of its installments. Specifically, Super Punch-Out holds a special place in my heart, as it evokes some of my earliest gaming experiences. I vaguely remember witnessing a battle against Mad Clown – yes, Mad Clown – from the sidelines.

In contrast to the NES version, Super Punch Out features a slightly advanced gameplay, focusing more on defensive moves like blocking and momentum building. The characters and their fighting styles in this edition are noticeably distinct from each other (although many are just color variations), with almost every boxer boasting a unique attack or strategy.

One aspect I truly appreciate in Super Punch Out is the intense feeling of accomplishment that arises when you successfully crack an opponent’s code and recognize their patterns. Once you’ve mastered their moves and respond like a true Ultra Instinct warrior, the hours spent sweating through defeats become gratifyingly worthwhile each time.

4.
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

Positively Massive For Its Time

Originally, the Legend of Zelda duology on the NES were terrific games for their era, but because of certain design constraints, they could be somewhat confusing to grasp. Conversely, the SNES’ flagship Zelda title, A Link to the Past, offers a perfect blend of size and unity – a combination that wasn’t common in games during that period.

In contemporary video games, the virtual worlds are significantly larger compared to earlier times. However, each scene in A Link to the Past seemed perfectly suited to its place.

Exploring Hyrule on foot, even if it was just by scrolling maps, gave the game a grand and expansive feel, filled with hidden treasures lurking around every bend. This sense of exploration extended to the dungeon designs as well, which still manage to charm and vex players today with their classic layouts.

Essentially, A Link to the Past was the initial Zelda game that I could comfortably start playing independently, unlike the NES games where I often struggled without a user guide.

3.
Street Fighter 2

The First True Fighting Game

It’s no secret that Street Fighter 2 wasn’t the first fighting game or even the first in its series. Yet, it continues to be celebrated as a pioneer within the genre. The reason for this is straightforward: it solidified many of the distinctive elements that are now synonymous with the Street Fighter franchise and fighting games in general.

One of the earliest games to introduce a combo system, Street Fighter 2, did so accidentally during the design process. A peculiarity in the timing of blows allowed players to link attacks seamlessly into a cohesive combo, disabling opponents from counterattacking or escaping. Subsequent fighting games that feature string-based combats owe their existence to Street Fighter 2’s innovative design accident.

One aspect I found particularly valuable in the SNES edition of Street Fighter 2 is that it introduced me to D-pad input fundamentals. A moment I’ll never forget is when I unintentionally executed a Hadouken for the first time, my eyes widened with excitement. These input methods have been steadfast throughout the history of fighting games.

2.
Donkey Kong Country 2

Brilliantly Punishing

As a fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the challenges posed by the timeless masterpiece, Donkey Kong Country 2. Unlike its more approachable successors, this game was designed to test the limits of your skill and patience, offering an experience that’s as memorable for its difficulty as it is for its charm.

Donkey Kong Country 2 refines the mechanics established in the first game, such as jumping and throwing objects, and adds a wealth of fresh levels, hidden treasures, and power-ups. What’s more, it’s notoriously challenging but for a good reason – the difficulty is intentional rather than arbitrary. The challenge comes from thoughtful design, making it difficult because it was meant to be hard, not because of any shortcomings in its development.

As a gamer, I still dive into the world of Donkey Kong Country 2 to hone my platforming prowess, an endeavor that frequently elicits a fair share of yells. Yet, it’s this very challenge that makes the game so engaging – when I initially struggled with those jumps during my initial playthrough, the sweet taste of success was all the more satisfying.

1.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles In Time

The Sleepover Classic

Back in the 90s, any self-respecting kid who knew their pizza from their pie would recognize the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a cultural phenomenon. You’d be hard-pressed to find a corner untouched by these green, martial arts-skilled teens. I believe a significant factor behind this was the franchise’s consistent popularity in video games, with gems like Turtles in Time standing out.

Initially launched in arcades, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) version of Turtles in Time has surprisingly built up a considerable fan base on its own.

Although it may not support simultaneous play by all four characters, the gameplay has been significantly improved and tailored for home console gaming, rather than being designed for arcade machines that consume quarters. This makes it a beat-’em-up game that one could potentially complete within an afternoon, which is not a claim every game in this genre can make.

Leaving the technical aspects behind, it’s simply an outstanding side-scrolling brawler for the SNES, and one that stands out even among its peers. Many enjoyable moments from my childhood are tied to this game, often spent on sunny afternoons playing with friends. I always chose Michelangelo as my character.

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2025-05-15 17:10