Retro Nostalgia : 10 Best and Most Memorable SNES Games


       Following the success of Nintendo with its NES, Nintendo released its second console, an evolution of its predecessor, the SNES. Featuring more modern features with its 16-bit graphics, the SNES successfully caught the attention of players, enticing them to try it out. Not only that, the SNES has also successfully released some of the best games that are still worth playing today by retro players who want to try out the classic gaming experience or reminisce about the past. In this list, I will pick some game titles that I think are the best on the SNES. What are they? Here is the list.

10. Final Fantasy III/Final Fantasy VI


       Square Enix has indeed released some of the best RPG games on the SNES. From Final Fantasy to Secret of Mana, the storylines are always captivating. Final Fantasy VI, for example, successfully delivers a heartwarming story, engaging turn-based gameplay, cool graphics, and a choice of 14 playable characters. Even today, this game is still worth trying for those who have never played it.

9. Star Fox


     The first installment that successfully pioneered the iconic Starfox franchise for Nintendo. Featuring stunning and captivating 3D polygonal graphics for its time, this game provided a modern gaming experience with animation on a classic console engine. Considering the many Starfox series that have been released, the original game still remains the best in the series so far.

8. F-Zero


           F-Zero is an iconic racing game on the SNES featuring its main mascot, Captain Falcon, who also appeared as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. F-Zero is undeniably the best racing game released for the SNES console. It provides stunning graphics and with the Mode 7 chip, it offers a new experience for classic racing games with fast and smooth movement. This game has also become a major inspiration for modern racing games like Wipeout and other F-Zero franchises.

7. Contra III : Alien Wars



          Konami has released several game titles that have endured on the 16-bit Nintendo. But Contra III deserves to be one of the ones to be given a thumbs up. Each level is presented with smooth gameplay, detailed sprites, an intense soundtrack, and several weapon options ready to be used to destroy the aliens. This game could be a choice of run and gun genre games that are suitable to be played on the SNES.

6. Super Mario RPG


       There is something to be appreciated about the game Paper Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga. However, when it comes to a role-playing game starring Super Mario, nothing comes close to Super Mario RPG: a collaboration between Nintendo and Squaresoft. This game is an excellent deconstruction of the Super Mario Bros. series, offering a touching adventure and story. Moreover, Super Mario RPG is well-designed, providing exciting turn-based strategy, a colorful world to explore, and overall, this game is definitely worth trying.

5. Earthbound


           Known as Mother in its Japanese release, EarthBound is a sequel to a game that was never heard of or released outside of Japan. However, that didn't stop it from becoming a hit on the SNES. Unlike most RPGs that take place in a fairy tale or fantasy novel setting, this game takes place in everyday life. This actually creates something new from a unique and engaging gameplay. Besides that, this game is also known for always slipping humor and nonsensical jokes into every dialogue, making players entertained while playing it.

4. Super Metroid



      As Samus Aran, Super Metroid positions you as a bounty hunter who maintains peace across the galaxy from alien attacks that try to wreak havoc. From its initial release, Metroid on the NES had already managed to attract several fans and positive reviews. However, its difficulty was too hard. On the other hand, Super Metroid took the opportunity to present a new change from the previous game with more engaging gameplay and easier difficulty, successfully bringing this game beyond its first series and standing at the top until now in its genre.

3. The Legend Of Zelda : Link To The Past



        Zelda has many classic games to enjoy. Ocarina of Time is one example that successfully captivated fans, establishing it as a game of all time. Even today, Zelda still captivates players, and Echoes of Wisdom has recently truly propelled the franchise into new territory. But of all of them, the classic Zelda series: A Link to the Past has never stopped being one of the best Zelda games ever. From the music, simple & friendly graphics, to the game mechanics that provide moderately complex puzzles, it's all unforgettable.

2. Chrono Trigger



        Chrono Trigger blends video games and the world of manga, resulting in a masterpiece that has received positive reviews from several players and fans, establishing it as one of the best JRPGs of all time. Not only is it provided with complex features, but it also features a varied story, multiple endings, and gives you the opportunity to travel through time. Chrono Trigger has indeed made a sequel, but the original series still remains at the top. Graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay are all top-notch.

1. Super Mario World



              When discussing Super Mario, there is no doubt that this game has always been a champion on Nintendo consoles, from classic to modern. Super Mario World is at the pinnacle of classic Super Mario games. By adding and combining elements from Super Mario Bros. with a touch of Super Mario 3, this game evokes nostalgia from both titles. In addition to that, the new features added to the game also amazed players, such as the appearance of Yoshi the dinosaur, who helps Mario on his journey, and new costumes that assist Mario, providing a fresh and more innovative experience in gameplay.