The Super Nintendo Entertainment System was from a simpler time, with simpler graphics, level designs and level progression. Yet somehow, the SNES managed to pump out an entire slew of classic video games that continue to be enjoyable titles to this day. Unfortunately, only so many of them can be crammed into this article and make the top list. Let's get started...
1.) Final Fantasy III/VI - This Final Fantasy not only boasted a massive cast of characters to choose from and an innovative magic system, but an enthralling story with twists and turns that makes you want to play it through in one run. Fortunately, this game is far too expansive to be beaten in a single play. With a musical score that will be stuck in your head for years after you beat it, this game easily deserves the top spot.
2.) Super Mario World - Mario returns in this Super Nintendo appearance that is arguably one of the best platformers of all time. New enemies, new worlds, vast maps, catchy tunes, and a whole slew of levels to fly, pound, slide and jump through, Mario does not disappoint with this SNES installment of the series.
3.) The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - This Zelda title is one of the best of the series, making use of the evolving graphics of the day, greatly improving on the NES version. With a fantastic soundtrack, a multitude of hidden nooks and crannies to explore, and an enthralling gameplay experience, this title is one that you can keep coming back to for more.
4.) Chrono Trigger - Crono, an under-appreciated youth, is forced to save the future from an alien invader known as Lavos, after he bumps into a mysterious girl by the name of Marle, who is inadvertently sent across time by a malfunctioning science invention. Featuring a host of well-developed characters, another excellent soundtrack, and a plot that can sometimes border on confusing, Chrono Trigger is a game that manages to blend action, adventure, romance, and time travel into a package that's well worth several playthroughs.
5.) Contra III: The Alien Wars - This game, which was a challenge on Normal, and psychotic on Hard, is possibly one of the most fun Run-and-Gun titles on SNES or any system. Tearing through the alien masses with a flamethrower and a spreader gun provides an endless amount of fun. Any game that includes a level made up of blowing through monsters while riding a motorcycle at breakneck speeds and ends with destroying an alien ship while hanging off of ballistic missiles is an instant classic in my book.
6.) Secret of Mana - A very Final Fantasy-esque game with a real-time battle system, Secret of Mana manages to remain a very entertaining game, even with the veritable grind that is required with the game's weapon level system. Although character development is a bit shallow, and the plot is somewhat lackluster (but intense), the smooth gameplay and Squaresoft-style music keep players hooked until the final battle for the mana sword.
6.) Super Mario RPG - The Super Mario franchise takes an enormous leap with this title, launching Mario into the world of RPGs, with surprisingly entertaining results. Akin to today's Kingdom Hearts, Nintendo partners up with Squaresoft to create a roleplaying game with a fun battle system, great music, and a passable, if cheesy, plot. The fun abilities and diversity make up for everything, in the long run.
7.) Battletoads in Battlemaniacs - I had originally intended for the top games of this list to be made up only of RPGs, but as soon as I remembered Battletoads, I just couldn't do it. One of the greatest 2D brawlers in the history of gaming, Battletoads is a challenging title that foregoes a deep storyline for massive amounts of action. The only downside to this game that I can think of is the fact that you're expected to beat the hover-motorcycle and rat-death-race levels without punching a hole in your TV screen.
8.) Mega Man X - The entire Mega Man series for the SNES was composed of incredible games, but all of them except for this one managed to be a bit too complicated. Focusing more on the platformer gameplay than on searching for nigh-impossible to locate powerups, Mega Man X takes the concept of Super Mario World and pumps it full of Speed. With robot masters that are actually normal, as opposed to their insane successors (such as Tornado Tonion, the robot onion?), a slew of powerups that are difficult - although not enragingly so, as in the sequels - and a lot of fast-paced fun, this game will never get old.
9.) Super Punch-Out! - The sequel to NES's Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, this title brings in a few new challengers alongside some of the familiar faces. With a cast of boxers that range from pathetically easy (Such as Gabby Jay) to infuriatingly difficult (Like Super Machoman, Hoy Quarlow, or Nick Bruiser), Punch-Out! Is an addicting game that will test your reaction times and patience, and probably make you late for your appointments.
10.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4: Turtles in Time - As if a successful cartoon wasn't enough, the Ninja Turtles make an appearance on your SNES with an action-packed, insanely hard, and extremely fun, video game. Choose one of the four turtles and begin beating your way through hordes of enemy ninja, who will stop at nothing to turn you into turtle soup and keep you from reaching your objective of stopping Splinter. The only thing that keeps you from throwing your console out the window with this game is the fact that it's impossible to stop playing.
11.) Gradius III - Even if it seems completely impossible to beat this game without the Konami code, if you can manage to dodge the staggering amounts of flying death on the screen, the sheer thrill that you get from commanding so much firepower makes this game worth all the frustration. After a few minutes of farming rewards, you become a whirling torrent of space destruction. The parade of bsoses at the end of the game is nigh endless, and the ending is entirely unsatisfying, but somthing about this game just grips you and doesn't let you go.
Overall, the days of the SNES were the golden days, with a range of excellent games that continue to be great, even after all this time.