Every popular system has an array of classic titles that help make them what they are. Some more than others of course. But the problem with the greats is that they suck all the air out of the room leaving lesser titles fighting for attention. Many of these titles are just as great if not better than the ones you hear about all the time. The Super Nintendo is no exception. The SNES has a legendary library of awesome games that I am still discovering new titles worthy of your attention today. Between domestic releases and imports there are so many in fact I could probably make 8 or 9 of these lists. But for now here are some of the games I think you should seek out.
- Run Saber
In an odd move Capcom never did bring Strider to the SNES. Yet they had no problem porting obscure titles like Super Buster Bros. However Nintendo fans would receive the next best thing in Run Saber. As a genetically enhanced soldier the similarities to Strider mechanically run a little too deep but that works in the game’s favor. Your nimble protagonist has access to a wide range of offensive attacks in an adventure that is over far too soon. But you’ll enjoy every moment as you fight a continual stream of creative bosses all alongside very pretty backdrops. Run Saber moves from one awesome set piece to the next that keeps the adrenaline high with excellent pacing. If the game were a level or two longer it would have been a classic. But it will have to settle for being really frickin good.
- Sparkster
Rocket Knight Adventures is one of the greatest 16-bit platformers ever and so Konami produced two sequels for the SNES and Genesis. Both are different games however I like the SNES title more as it sticks closest to the tenets of the original. There’s only one new addition to Sparkster’s arsenal, a short range rolling attack but that’s all that was necessary. The true star of the game is the level design and this is Konami at their best. Sparkster’s rocket pack and associated mechanics remains just as fun and the new levels are quite spacious to allow room to play around. Sparkster throws you from one creative scenario to the next like the first game and rarely lets the adrenaline drop. There are just as many multi-jointed bosses to face and the graphics are spectacular as you would expect. Honestly I’m clueless as to why this is not more popular but that is why I am here to sing its praises.
- Sky Blazer
Years before Sony would become a major force in the console market they were a third party publisher to Nintendo and Sega. And they were terrible. Holy shit, you think Acclaim’s licensed titles were bad, Sony were just as bad. We’re talking crap like the Last Action Hero, Cliffhanger, and 3 Ninjas Kick Back. However! Occasionally they would publish a gem, of which Sky Blazer is one of their greatest. As the title character you possess a wide array of magic spells that will help you as chase the evil god Ashura and rescue the princess Ariana. Sky Blazer is clearly built off their previous game, Hook but is significantly better. Sky Blazer has the kind of nuanced platforming that made the 16-bit era so great on top of excellent graphics and music. You know how Rocket Knight Adventures would throw you from imaginative scenario to the next? You get a lot of that here. Unfortunately it received little marketing and was summarily forgotten. However those that have played it love it, of which I count myself a member.
- Ghoul Patrol
Zombies Ate my Neighbors was a great send up to campy 60’s horror movies. With its vast arsenal of hilarious weapons its gameplay variety was off the charts. For the sequel not much has changed but it didn’t need to. Mechanically the addition of a slide and jump enable more complex level design and the addition of platforming. But the biggest addition is more variety in settings. the theme is darker as you fight mythological monsters around the world. the action quota is higher even though the monsters are not too bright. You will miss the veritable army of weapons from ZAMN but the addition of bosses and transformations for both heroes makes up for it somewhat. The game is much shorter which depending on how much you enjoyed its predecessor is a plus or minus. I like the more singular focus but would have liked one more world as the game is so fun. For a game not created by the same team Ghoul Patrol is very good even if it does not mach up to the great original. This one was lost in the deluge of software in 1994 and is a great hidden gem if you can find it.
- Metal Warriors
Though it bears a strong resemblance to the Assault Suit series (to the point where I wonder how they weren’t sued) Metal Warriors is not a sequel to Cybernator. Hell Konami were even publishing the game! Metal Warriors takes the measured pace of that game and adds luscious cutscenes to tell its engaging story. It goes a step further than Cybernator by adding multiple mechs to pilot that you can switch between during missions. The 9 missions are massive and cover a large scope plus have varied objectives ensuring you are not easily bored. There is even a competitive multiplayer mode with a decent set of options although I’ve never had the chance to explore its depths. Regardless Metal Warriors is the full package that will last you a while as it is a tough nut to crack. But it is definitely worth it.
- Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals
Lufia 2 is a late localization by Natsume at a time when new SNES games were rare. American gamers reaped the rewards of their efforts as Lufia 2 is up there with the best of the RPG genre on the SNES. Lufia 2 fully fleshes out the prologue of the original and reveals the history behind the conflict between mankind and the Sinistrals. While the story and how it plays out is nice what truly makes the game special is its gameplay. The game strikes the perfect balance between turn based combat and puzzle solving by making enemies visible inside its numerous dungeons and castles. This way you can focus on the at times head scratching puzzles and even use them in your solutions. The many tools you acquire aid you in the increasingly difficult puzzles that help make dungeon exploring interesting. Some of the later dungeons do become tedious as they span as many as 18 floors but that is a small wart in such an exceptional game. It is an absolute crime this game is not more popular and even though it is hard to find it is worth it.
- The Firemen
A game about firefighting is such a natural fit you wonder why no one bothered until the Firemen. This unassuming game is one of the best top down “shooters” for the SNES thanks to its fantastic mechanics and level design. The fire hose is a simple weapon that can aim upward or downward. In addition you can strafe and back dash to avoid sudden explosions. Your partner Danny accompanies you through the whole game and his AI is flawless. Danny is a true helper, following your lead to avoid getting caught in the environment while also being a genuine aid in dealing with the fires. Speaking of fire, the flames come in different shapes and sizes with unique behaviors so that the gameplay does not get stale. But that would never happen as each level presents new challenges outside of hosing fires. The game’s creativity is exceptional and even the game is short it remains memorable long after the credits roll. Japan and Europe got a real gem in this one, check it out.
- Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia hit almost every platform during the 90s, from the NES to the Turbo Grafx CD. The SNES version is the most unique and greatest version of the original and is practically a 16-bit remake. The basic story is still the same however the adventure is expanded in numerous ways. You now have to hours to reach the princess as there are 20 levels rather than 12. The original adventure is here but with remixed maps. The new levels take you to more locations in and around the Sultan’s palace for variety. The entire game has been given a graphical facelift and it looks exceptional. The art is exquisite with many subtle special effects and the same phenomenal animation that made Prince of Persia famous. And the soundtrack? Oh my god, it is haunting in its beauty. Even if you have played any other version of the original you owe it to yourself to play the Super Nintendo edition, it is that good.
- Dragon View
Drakkhen was a miserable game that I am embarrassed to admit I played through multiple times. No money and lots of free time will make you give anything a chance. Despite my dislike for the game it was certainly unique among RPGs and there was something compelling behind the bad gameplay. This little known sequel replaces the awful auto combat mechanics and turns it into a side scrolling action RPG. The change is for the better as the combat is fun with varied enemies, weapons and techniques. The story is easier to follow and the level design adds platforming to the mix too. The 3D overworld returns but navigation is not as frustrating thanks to the compass that keeps you on track. I will admit I miss the puzzles and atmosphere of the first game. But they are a worthwhile sacrifice for a game you will actually want to play.
- Space Megaforce
Who would have thought one of the SNES’s earliest shooters would rank as one of its best? Space Megaforce is part of the long running Aleste series of shooters and is one of its greatest. The weapons system is one of the deepest in the genre, with 8 weapons that can level up a whopping six times, with each different from the last! Taking it a step further each weapon has an alternate firing mode that you can use as the situation dictates creating even more possibilities. With 10 varied levels plus 2 bonus stages you will have plenty of time to experiment to see which is your favorite as the game is pretty tough too. The most surprising is that Space Megaforce is devoid of the performance problems that plague a lot of SNES shooters. Super R-Type I’m looking at you. That means you can focus on some of the best shooting action of that era. Compile were the masters of the genre during that era and you would do well to track this game down.