A Link to the Past remains the backbone for the entire Zelda series moving forward, and it’s still one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. Many of the elements that are integral to Zelda started here with more focused dungeon design, the Hookshot, Master Sword, spin attack, and more. It’s one of the very best SNES titles, and is the first and most obvious choice for a classic system.
Chrono Trigger was an incredibly unique JRPG, and even remains so to this day. With character designs by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, the game’s aesthetic is unlike anything. A dramatic time travelling story and engaging combat focused on party cooperation, only helped elevate this RPG to legendary status. SNES Classic
Final Fantasy is one of the longest running JRPG series around, and many believe this entry to be the very best. Final Fantasy VI has an incredibly diverse cast of characters, who each function integrally different in battle. Some of the most memorable scenes from the entire series are in Final Fantasy VI, as the title packs a dramatic and emotional story with some surprising twists. SNES Classic
Mario Kart has always been one of the best party games around, both ruining and strengthening friendships at the same time. The very first title in the series still holds up well, and helped define an entire genre of racing games with colorful characters and crazy powerups. It’s an essential addition to any classic system.
Mario has had a long legacy of stellar titles, and Super Mario World stands near the top. The colorful art style and sprites almost pop off of the screen, and the gameplay is just as tight as ever. This was also the first game to introduce series mainstays like Yoshi and the spin jump.
Super Metroid helped inspire the entire Metroidvania genre, and it remains one of the most influential games ever released. This 2D sidescroller featured an expansive, interconnecting world filled with enemies and powerups. Super Metroid really is an almost perfect combination of challenge, atmosphere, music, and gameplay. It would be a great addition to a SNES Classic.
Over the years Earthbound has become more and more popular as a cult classic RPG. The title introduces Ness, a young boy with psychic powers, who sets out to stop a malevolent alien force known as Giygas. The game has a charming cast of characters, with a story that manages to be both humorous and poignant at the same time. It would be an obvious addition to a SNES Classic.
Super Mario World 2 really shook things up by casting you as Yoshi this time around. A vibrant watercolor art style really breathes life into the game, as you move Yoshi around with Baby Mario on his back. Yoshi controls integrally different from any other Mario game, with a high jump, egg throw, and the ability to swallow enemies. Yoshi’s Island still remains one of the best platformers of all time. It should definitely be included on a SNES Classic.
Kirby’s Dreamland 3
Super Mario RPG
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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
A Link to the Past remains the backbone for the entire Zelda series moving forward, and it's still one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. Many of the elements that are integral to Zelda started here with more focused dungeon design, the Hookshot, Master Sword, spin attack, and more. It's one of the very best SNES titles, and is the first and most obvious choice for a classic system.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger was an incredibly unique JRPG, and even remains so to this day. With character designs by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, the game's aesthetic is unlike anything. A dramatic time travelling story and engaging combat focused on party cooperation, only helped elevate this RPG to legendary status.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy is one of the longest running JRPG series around, and many believe this entry to be the very best. Final Fantasy VI has an incredibly diverse cast of characters, who each function integrally different in battle. Some of the most memorable scenes from the entire series are in Final Fantasy VI, as the title packs a dramatic and emotional story with some surprising twists.
Super Mario Kart
Mario Kart has always been one of the best party games around, both ruining and strengthening friendships at the same time. The very first title in the series still holds up well, and helped define an entire genre of racing games with colorful characters and crazy powerups. It's an essential addition to any classic system.
Super Mario World
Mario has had a long legacy of stellar titles, and Super Mario World stands near the top. The colorful art style and sprites almost pop off of the screen, and the gameplay is just as tight as ever. This was also the first game to introduce series mainstays like Yoshi and the spin jump.
Super Metroid
Super Metroid helped inspire the entire Metroidvania genre, and it remains one of the most influential games ever released. This 2D sidescroller featured an expansive, interconnecting world filled with enemies and powerups. Super Metroid really is an almost perfect combination of challenge, atmosphere, music, and gameplay.
Earthbound
Over the years Earthbound has become more and more popular as a cult classic RPG. The title introduces Ness, a young boy with psychic powers, who sets out to stop a malevolent alien force known as Giygas. The game has a charming cast of characters, with a story that manages to be both humorous and poignant at the same time.
Super Mario All-Stars
Super Mario All-Stars gives you a handful of great games, all in one tidy package. The title bundles all of the NES Mario games in one, along with The Lost Worlds (the real Super Mario Bros. 2 not released in North America.) It's one essential experience for any fan of the series.
Donkey Kong Country 2
Donkey Kong Country 2 improved on just about everything its predecessor did. Platforming was more precise, you had more moves and animal buddies, and a brand new playable character with Dixie Kong. Combine that with an interesting story about Diddy becoming the hero in order to save Donkey Kong, and you have one of the SNES' finest.
Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
Street Fighter II is one of the most beloved fighting games of all time, helping to set the standard for the genre. The title had multiple iterations on the SNES, with Street Fighter II Turbo being one of the best. It introduced a faster playing speed, new special moves, and a few tweaks to character balancing.
Mega Man X
Mega Man was one of the finest series on both the NES and SNES, and the spinoff Mega Man X took things in an entirely new direction. With a more mature storyline, and more precise gameplay, X managed to separate itself from the main series. It also does a great job at giving you consistent upgrades an new powers, really making you feel like you're progressing.
F-Zero
F-Zero was a racing game unlike any other, a futuristic racer with a blisteringly fast pace. With this first title Nintendo introduced us to Captain Falcon, and a racer that really made you stay on your toes at all times with tight turns and high speeds. It's a sure pick for a SNES Classic.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Super Mario World 2 really shook things up by casting you as Yoshi this time around. A vibrant watercolor art style really breathes life into the game, as you move Yoshi around with Baby Mario on his back. Yoshi controls integrally different from any other Mario game, with a high jump, egg throw, and the ability to swallow enemies. Yoshi's Island still remains one of the best platformers of all time.
Kirby's Dreamland 3
Kirby is one of Nintendo's most popular and longest running series, still receiving regular entries today. Kirby's Dreamland 3 was a direct followup to the Game Boy games filled with plenty of new powerups, worlds, and friends to help you out.
Super Mario RPG
Nintendo changed things up a bit for Mario by recruiting the help of the RPG developers Square. The game's world and battle system feel similar to what you'd find in a Final Fantasy game, although battle requires input and timing from the player when a character attacks. It's easily one of the best RPGs on the SNES, and even introduced a few new characters like Geno.
About the author
Hayes Madsen
A connoisseur of all things RPG related, and always looking for the artistic expression in gaming. His love of Gundam is only matched by his love of Pizza. Playing Games Since: 1991 Favorite Genres: RPGs, JRPGs, Strategy,
