

Perhaps the only traditional role-playing game on SNES even better than Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger is the result of a dream team coming together. Legendary villain Kefka and a moment that changed the entire world contributed to its acclaim, and its huge cast of playable characters gave players endless choices for tackling a particularly tough encounter.

Who cares about the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake when we can play the better game on SNES already? Final Fantasy VIis a sprawling and ambitious role-playing game that shifted from the fantasy settings of previous games to a steampunk-inspired dystopia. Its uber-machismo and buff main characters are certainly a product of their time, but there’s no denying the game’s quality. The game’s gorgeous sidescrolling action looks better than ever with the 16-bit upgrade, and certain levels switch to a top-down perspective that almost feels like a modern twin-stick shooter. Just as difficult as its predecessors, the only game in the series on SNES also happens to be one of the best. The Contra series is notoriously difficult, and Konami didn’t disappoint with Contra III: The Alien Wars. Even today, it’s still a stellar action game. Jumps are easier to make, Simon Belmont’s whip is more useful, and the game’s use of the console’s Mode 7 technology gave certain areas a pseudo-3D effect that wasn’t possible on previous consoles. An early Super Nintendo game, the action-platformer is essentially a remake of the original Castlevania, but with several improvements. SNES games the Nintendo Switch needs Super Castlevania IVīefore the series was turned into a Metroid-like with endless corridors and ability upgrades, Castlevania achieved a perfect simplicity with Super Castlevania IV.
