The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, more commonly known as SNES, was the hit follow up to Nintendo’s original Entertainment System. Releasing in Japan initially, it took a further three years before it dazzled American markets in 1993. Hosting 16-bits of power and a variety of enhancements the SNES provided a massive upgrade in the visual and audio department. Over its, roughly, ten year lifespan the console was home to many of today’s classics and here’s ten that you definitely must play.
STREET FIGHTER 2 TURBO: HYPER FIGHTING
One of Street Fighters greatest achievements is that on the surface it is a simple fighting game, accessible to all. Yet for the pro, it can become a real test of skill and the ultimate multiplayer challenge.
SUPER MARIO WORLD
Back in 1990, Nintendo needed something – anything – to help cement its status as number one in the console wars. That something came with the release of Super Mario World and brought the Mario Universe to the 16-bit arena with the sexiest looking entry (perhaps ever) in the popular platformer series.
THE SECRET OF MANA
Want a decent RPG? well look no further, Square created an all-time classic with the Secret of Mana. This entry would make a great addition to anyone’s library and keep you entertained for hours with its story and gameplay mechanics.
SUNSET RIDERS
A two-player co-op, side-scrolling, shoot ’em up cowboy game? Yes, please. Sorry Red Dead, this is still the king of cowboy games and so much fun with its cartoony style. How cool was it to hear “Thank you nice boys” at the end of a level as you saved a dame?
MEGA MAN X
The Mega Man games have always been incredibly popular, so when in 1994 the little Blue Bomber found his way onto a powerful gaming system like the Super Nintendo it was no surprise that it sold a stack of units.
Capcom stuck to their tried and tested formula, simply opting for some killer graphics and a buzzing soundtrack instead of tweaking too much of what had always worked for the character. Several sequels would follow, but Mega Man X would always be the blueprint for how to upgrade a gaming property for the next generation of console.
SUPER STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI
Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is an insane look at Luke Skywalker’s rise from scruffy little farm oik to the GREATEST JEDI OF AAAALLL TIME. The game is actually only loosely based on the movie because as far as anyone in the TBG office can remember, Luke, Han, and Chewbacca didn’t indiscriminately kill anything that moved in the film. In fact, this is more like Pulp Fiction and Star Wars had a baby. It’s a shame Mace Windu wasn’t available because he’d have been the perfect fit to base this game on! Does he look like a bitch? Then why are you trying to Force Choke him like a bitch?
EARTHWORM JIM
Earthworm Jim – a super-suit wearing earthworm – was one of the very best gaming titles on the SNES. In fact, we’d go as far as to say it was one of the very best platformers ever made. Even in 1994, the cartoony graphics were impressive, and the gameplay suitable difficult enough to keep you guessing. The premise is absolutely bonkers, and we love it.
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST
This SNES release of the already popular Zelda franchise added the visual and soundtrack we deserve while expanding on everything we love. The RPG element mixed with great storytelling, pacing and action simply make A Link To The Past a must play.
EARTHBOUND
It’s really hard to say anything bad about Earthbound. Not only because it’s a pretty flawless video game, but also because the rabid fanbase would tear us a new a-hole if we did.
SUPER METROID
After 8 long years, the ultimate Metroid game finally landed on a console worthy of its design and it delivered on every level. With its boundary-pushing visuals, jaw-dropping level design and badass end boss level, Super Metroid was easily one of the greatest games ever released on the Super Nintendo.
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TWO BEARD GAMING 