10. F-Zero
Do you find Mario Kart a bit slow? Then F-Zero is the game for you. Set in the 26th century, you’ll zip along futuristic courses at ludicrous speeds in one of the most challenging racers ever. Alongside skilled opposition, you’ll also have to contend with your vehicle’s health bar, which drops whenever you slam into the track’s side barriers or other racers. This forces you to think more tactically, which makes any podium finish all the more satisfying. And that’s without mentioning one of the most celebrated video game soundtracks ever!
9. Starwing (Star Fox)
Known as Starwing in Europe and Star Fox throughout the rest of the world, what we can all agree on is that this is one of the most revolutionary games of all time. Using the power of the brand new Super FX boosted cartridge, it managed to deliver the most realistic 3D graphics ever seen at the time. You’ll zip through the air in your Arwing fighter ship in high paced, futuristic dog fights. It might look quaint by today’s standards, but the gameplay holds up well to this day and will give you some backstory to that furry fella in Smash Bros.
8. Pilot Wings
One of the launch titles for the SNES designed to show off the capabilities of the new hardware, Pilot Wings still holds up remarkably well today. You’ll be tasked with completing aerial obstacle courses and challenges involving planes, jet packs and parachutes. What makes Pilot Wings so addictive is that you’re scored on each challenge, meaning you’ll want to revisit each time and time again to best your previous score. It might be a simple concept, but it’s one that’ll keep you occupied for many, many hours.
7. Street Fighter II
The first truly brilliant fighting game to grace home consoles, there’s a reason Street Fighter II is still played competitively today. Featuring one of the most iconic roster of characters ever assembled, each of which has their own distinct move set and style to master, it’s the sort of game you can either dip into every now and then or deep dive and spend hours (if not days) mastering each fighter. Just remember that if you spam the electricity attack as Blanka, you’re the worst kind of person and aren’t allowed to play with us.
6. Super Castlevania IV
Metroid’s edgy goth sibling, Super Castlevania IV takes open-world platforming action into the depths of Transylvania. Working as somewhat of a reboot of the original game, you star as Simon Belmont, tasked with taking down the infamous Dracula and his minions of the night. With sufficiently spooky visuals and tone, challenging yet rewarding gameplay, and one of the best soundtracks of any game from the era, it’s perfect for gamers who like their games on the darker side.
5. Donkey Kong Country
When Donkey Kong Country arrived on the scene, it was a game-changer. With 3D-style graphics, it was a cut above anything else seen on the SNES, adding a level of depth and immersion never seen before. Aside from the fantastic visuals, it’s still one of the best platforming games ever. As Donkey and Diddy Kong, you explore rich, lush locations, ranging from tearing through the jungle to swimming in the sea, and even riding a rickety mine cart. There’s enough variety to please even the most discerning gamers.
4. Super Mario Kart
Head back to where it all began! Although there might be 7 mainline sequels, a lot of what makes Mario Kart so addictive can be found here. You still zip around colourful tracks as your favourite Mario characters, using all manner of power-ups and weapons to gain an advantage and ruin your friends’ day. Definitely, one to experience in multiplayer, it’s a masterclass in ‘easy to pick up, difficult to master gameplay, and best of all, not a blue shell to be found. Bliss!
3. Super Metroid
Metroid is one of the most highly regarded series in video game history, and Super Metroid on the SNES might be the best of the lot. Heavily inspired by sci-fi classics like Alien, we head back to the planet of the first game to end another universe threatening plot. With a mixture of new levels and remixed stages from the earlier games, it’s an absolute blast zipping through the connected stages, all the while zapping a plethora of alien menaces. With smooth controls and slightly less punishing difficulty, there’s enough for both newcomers and Metroid veterans alike.
2. Super Mario World
It’s like Super Mario Bros. but better! If you’ve ever played a Mario game before (and if you haven’t… how?), you’ll instantly recognise the side-scrolling action in which you run, jump and dodge your way to the end of the level. But what makes Super Mario World so special is that it was the first game in the franchise to enter the 16-bit era of graphics, meaning the characters and worlds are just dripping with charm. Couple this with inventive level design, plenty of secrets to uncover and the debuting Yoshi, and you’ve got one of the best Mario games of all time.
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Although the Zelda franchise began on the NES, A Link to the Past is where it truly came into its own. As Link, you’ll explore the gorgeously rich overworld of Hyrule, filled with locals to chat to, enemies to defeat and dungeons to discover. This is a very oversimplified summary of the experience, as it’s the little things that make this game so iconic. The visuals, the iconic soundtrack, the accessible yet satisfying gameplay. It all makes for a game that doesn’t feel a day old, despite nearly hitting 30. A masterpiece in every sense.
Honourable Mentions
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