Ten of the Very Best Super NES Games Ever Made

The 1990s were a great time to be a kid, and one reason for that was because the Super NES, often considered one of the best systems that Nintendo has ever made, reigned supreme even as the Sega Genesis tried constantly to dethrone it. With its enhanced graphics and audio, as well as titles with addictive game play, the system became a favorite among players. Many of its games are still enjoyed today, and indeed, even I go back to the SNES from time to time in order to enjoy the best that the system had to offer. Today, I would like to share with you ten SNES games that I feel are the best ones ever released on the system, many of which have been favorites of mine ever since I was a kid. The games are as follows...

10. Super Mario Kart: The first entry of the Mario Kart series, this introduced the concept of having familiar characters involved in crazy racing action. Not only were Mario and friends racing through numerous locations based off of those found in other Mario games, but they could use such items as banana peels, mushrooms, and Koopa shells to help them get ahead and keep their opponents at bay. Add some frantic multi player action to the mix, and you have one of the greatest racing games ever made. Mario would go on to star in many other superb spin off games, but this remains one of his very best ones.

9. Star Fox: Fox McCloud and his team debuted in this challenging space shooter, which was revolutionary for including polygon graphics, unheard of back in 1993. The graphics may look extremely dated now, but there is no denying that the action is as exciting as ever. Taking down enemy ships and bosses is simply a blast, and the hard challenge level hardly ever lets up for a second. A strong start to the series, followed by the even better Star Fox 64 as well as some mediocre or worst series entries that make me wish that Nintendo would make a solid Star Fox game for the Wii at some point.

8. Donkey Kong Country: Yes, it had the most impressive graphics ever seen on a 16-bit system up to that point, as well as amazing music, wonderful game play, and the introduction of such memorable characters as Diddy and Cranky. However, it is easily outshone by its sequels, which improved the series by leaps and bounds. Rest assured, though, that the first game is still quite a gem, with secrets to uncover, animal sidekicks to use, and challenging tasks to complete. It may be short and easy compared to its successors, but after over fifteen years, it remains fun to run through the jungle and other areas as Donkey and Diddy.

7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: While undoubtedly a solid Zelda game, it is not quite as good as some of the later Zelda titles such as Link's Awakening and Ocarina of Time. Even so, it remains one of the most memorable SNES games of all time. Those who have played it can recall first entering the Dark World, or finding every last Heart Piece, or playing the flute to summon Link's avian sidekick. With many dungeons to visit, loads of items to use (some, like the hook shot and fire rod, made their debut here) and a majestic musical score, the only SNES Zelda game is quite a classic. If only a SNES Zelda sequel were made (or perhaps a Zelda game with 16-bit graphics for WiiWare)...

6. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island: As excellent as Super Mario World was, this sequel proved to be an even more fun experience. It was Yoshi's turn to shine, and with his egg-throwing skills, ground pounding, and incredible appetite, he became a star in his own right. With over 50 levels of challenge and fun, along with cute crayon drawn-style graphics and amazing boss battles, the game has rightfully been declared one of Yoshi's greatest adventures. Only the annoying crying of Baby Mario when he is knocked off of Yoshi's back keeps it from being perfect.

5. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest: If Rare was aiming to create a sequel to Donkey Kong Country that would surpass the original in every way imaginable, they succeeded rather beautifully. There were more secrets, and they were a bit harder to find. The stages were more challenging, and were filled with many clever ideas. The graphics were vastly improved, and the superb music score is still listened to and talked about to this day. Rare crafted a masterpiece with this game, and they would do the same thing a year later with...

4. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble: Even though the SNES' days were just about numbered by late 1996, Rare was able to make one last amazing title for the system. Not only was Dixie Kong the star this time, but there were plenty of fun stages, cool secrets, more impressive graphics and music, and some neat new features. You could now travel to worlds using vehicles, trade items with other characters, and play Simon-like mini games to rescue the mysterious Banana Birds. Rare would move on to the Nintendo 64 in order to create even more classics, but this game was a fitting exit from their SNES days.

3. Tetris Attack: If there is one puzzle game for the SNES that is highly addictive, it is this title starring Yoshi and friends. Actually based on a Japanese game called Panel de Pon, and known as Tetris in name only, the concept of clearing blocks that slowly rise to the top of the screen can keep players hooked for many hours. Numerous modes such as two-player, puzzle, and battling against computer players, add to the excitement, as do cute voice samples and beautiful music. This was certainly the last great puzzle game for the SNES, and its very best one, as well.

2. Kirby Super Star: Of all of Kirby's SNES titles, this is easily his best one for so many reasons. Having multiple quests and mini games gives the game a lot of variety, as do the power ups, which now come with combo attacks. Also, the idea of having partners aiding Kirby gave it even more depth as our hero went up against King Dedede, Dynablade, Marx, and other memorable foes. Add some colorful graphics and one of the best known Kirby soundtracks, and you have a game that Kirby fans absolutely love. It is little wonder that the little guy has become a favorite among players of all ages.

1. Super Mario RPG: Mario's first RPG adventure is also the best SNES game ever made. It had a lot of amazing qualities, from useful sidekicks and epic battles, to numerous secrets and hilarious comic relief. Add some fun mini games, rewarding side quests, and Bowser as an ally (if only to get his castle back), and you have solid proof that Nintendo and Square could craft an RPG masterpiece. While Mario's other RPG games have likewise been very solid, this remains his best one, and is highly recommended for RPG and Mario fans alike.

From platform games to puzzle games to RPGs, the Super NES was home to some impressive titles, and the list above features ten games that I consider to be the cream of the crop. Yes, some games like Super Mario World missed the cut, albeit just barely, while others such as Final Fantasy 3 and Chrono Trigger are not on the list on account that I have never played them. As for the games that are on this list, if you have never played them for whatever reason, you can look for them on e-bay, Amazon, or used game shops. As of March 24, 2010, most of these games are also on the Wii Shop Channel, so you can download them onto the Wii and play them to your heart's content. The Super NES is a system that Nintendo should be proud of, and given solid games such as these, chances are that they were very proud of it.