Best SNES Games of All Time

Regardless of whether or not you own a Nintendo Super Nintendo, there are plenty of great games to choose from. Some of the best titles include Super Mario World, Chrono Trigger, Tetris Attack and ActRaiser.

Chrono Trigger

Designed by Square, Chrono Trigger is one of the best SNES games of all time. This 16-bit role-playing game features time travel, combo-based combat, and colorful graphics. It also includes several time periods to explore.

The game has many different characters to control, and each party member has unique battle skills. These abilities are gained through techs, which are special moves that can deal powerful hits. Players can also team up to perform Double Techs, which are two techs that have the same effect.

EarthBound

Besides its impressive size and ubiquity, EarthBound is a trippy affair. As the title suggests, the game is the brainchild of a trio of geeky geeks who decided to re-invent the wheel. While the game’s a bit on the long side, it’s still a blast to play. The graphics are decent enough and the soundtrack isn’t too bad for a first generation SNES game.

It also has the most impressive UI of any of the three titles. Luckily for fans, the game is fairly easy to unlock as part of the aforementioned trio of geeks.

Super Mario World

During the 16-bit generation, Super Mario World is one of the best-selling games in history. It was a game that sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The game was designed to show off the new features of the Super Nintendo System.

In this game, you play Mario or Luigi on a series of levels, attempting to save Princess Toadstool from Bowser. Along the way, you will encounter enemies, collect items, and navigate secret exits.

Yoshi’s Island

Besides being one of the best Super Mario games of all time, Yoshi’s Island on SNES has a unique charm. While many people might dismiss the title as a simple platformer, it is actually a very clever game.

Yoshi’s Island has a great art style, one that is very different from that of Super Mario Bros. The game also has a great sense of humor. This is evident when Baby Bowser is forced to use the Sundream Stone, which is composed of five magical gems that grant a wish.

ActRaiser

Developed by Quintet, Actraiser is a unique combination of platformers and city-building games. In ActRaiser, players take on the role of “The Master” and are tasked with reclaiming the world from the evil demon “The Evil One.”

ActRaiser’s gameplay is split into two distinct sections: Simulation Mode and Action Mode. In Simulation Mode, players build a city, using the help of an angel, and try to keep the evil demon away.

Contra III: The Alien Wars

Originally released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Contra III: The Alien Wars is an action video game. Set in the year 2636, this sequel to the original Contra game mixes side-scrolling and top-down gameplay. In this sequel, players are asked to battle against a large alien army.

Contra III has improved graphics compared to the first two Contra games. In addition, the game uses Super NES technology and Mode 7 graphical effects. There are also several selectable difficulty levels.

Tetris Attack

Originally called Panel de Pon, Tetris Attack is a variation on the classic puzzle game. It requires players to arrange three or more colored blocks in horizontal or vertical rows. The objective is to clear the board in as few moves as possible.

Tetris Attack also has a two player mode. This allows two players to compete against each other in an epic battle for the title. The goal is to prevent the opponent from clearing the screen.

Harvest Moon

Among the myriad of games available on Nintendo’s Super Nintendo, Harvest Moon is one of the few which stands out. In this game, players are granted access to their grandfather’s farm. They are tasked with maintaining the land, raising livestock and building relationships with other townsfolk. They are also given a limited amount of time to complete daily tasks.

The first in a series of games, Harvest Moon has an interesting and complex storyline. The main character inherits a farm from his grandfather and begins to restore it. He is challenged with the task of planting, watering and fencing the land. In addition, he must interact with the townsfolk, and even participate in a few seasonal festivals.

Super Metroid

Originally released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994, Super Metroid is the third installment in the Metroid series. This game is an action-adventure game that follows the story of Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter.

In this game, Samus must retrieve a Metroid larva from the Space Pirates. The first two games of the series took place on Samus’ home planet, but this game takes place on the planet Zebes. There are numerous areas to explore, each with its own look and feel. The world is full of enemies, power-ups, and items.