Most Addictive SNES Games

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http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/retro-rewind-most-addictive-snes-games/

 

Super Mario All Stars, Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island: Super Mario World 2 (Nintendo)

There's no shortage of Mario goodness on the SNES. Super Mario All Stars is a fun compilation of Mario's classic NES adventures revamped with a 16-bit presentation that hits the spot. Super Mario World, which originally shipped with the SNES system, wonderfully introduces Mario to the 16-bit world, complete with a new superhero cape power-up and the debut of dino companion Yoshi. Plus, Yoshi's Island is an excellent platformer in its own right. You guide Yoshi and Baby Mario through a series of levels, throwing eggs and hopping on enemies' heads along the way. No matter which Mario you choose, you can't lose.

Super Mario Kart (Nintendo)

The kart racing game genre began with Nintendo's Super Mario Kart. This game, powered by the Mode 7 capabilities of the SNES, contains fast and fun racing action for everyone. The number of tracks available in the game is impressive, as are the characters and power-ups. A friend can also join in on the racing fun in two-player split-screen. It may seem primitive in comparison to the online-capable Mario Kart Wii, but it's still a ride worth taking.

Actraiser (Enix)

Actraiser gives you two styles of play that mesh together beautifully. The action-packed side-scrolling stages let you dispense justice with a powerful sword. Once you finish this section, an overhead interface allows you to rebuild civilization so life can thrive again. It's like you're the clean-up man and the creator, all in one shot.

Batman Returns and The Adventures of Batman and Robin (Konami)

The Dark Knight currently rules the box office ($394 million and counting), but some of his best days were on the SNES. Batman Returns is a satisfying beat-em-up where you beat up the Penguin's circus cronies through sheer, unadulterated violence. The Adventures of Batman and Robin is a superb follow-up, based on the hit animated show of the same name. You go through several side-scrolling stages while facing off against a legion of foes, including the Joker, the Man-Bat and Clayface.

Chrono Trigger

The SNES was no stranger to epic role-playing adventures (Final Fantasy III and Secret of Mana, for example), but none are better than the time-traveling epic Chrono Trigger. With a classic turn-based battle system, a cast of wonderfully designed characters (created by Dragon Ball Z animator Akira Toriyama) and another unmistakably good soundtrack from Square vet Nobuo Uematsu, it stands the test of time. That's why we're so excited for the forthcoming Nintendo DS remake.

Contra III: The Alien Wars (Konami)

Contra III abides by the "shoot first, forget about asking questions and just keep shooting" rule. It's six stages chock full of armed-to-the-teeth enemies, innovative stage design, classic power-ups (spread gun) and brutal artificial intelligence that even hardened fans of the series will appreciate. Best of all, you can bring a friend along for the ride -- no one ever said you had to save the world by yourself.

Demon's Crest and Super Ghouls n' Ghosts (both Capcom)

While frustratingly hard at times, Super Ghouls n' Ghosts still wins us over with its haunting game design, improved gameplay (the double jump mechanic adds greatly to the platforming) and a fun soundtrack. Demon's Crest followed shortly thereafter, a spin-off focused on the demonic Firebrand and his quest to restore peace to the land. The presentation is excellent and the gameplay is just as enjoyable and challenging. Pick up both and hit the lights. You'll be doing yourself a favor playing these two in the dark.

NBA Jam

NBA Jam is ridiculously fun in the arcades and it's just as cool on the SNES. Hook up the four-player accessory, grab four controllers and let the 20-foot flying-through-the-air festivities commence. NBA Jam is quick, exciting basketball, with ageless steals, passes and over-the-top dunks. The game also features hidden unlockable characters, such as former president Bill Clinton and all three Beastie Boys. With this game on hand, there truly is no sleep till Brooklyn -- or anywhere else for that matter.

Mortal Kombat II (Acclaim) and Street Fighter II Turbo (Capcom)

Mortal Kombat II is a near-perfect arcade port, with splendid gameplay, a solid presentation and plenty of explosive fatalities. If you prefer something less brutal (but just as exciting), there's Capcom's Street Fighter II arcade ports, particularly Turbo. Not only are the original 12 fighters available, but you can speed up your matches.

Super Castlevania IV (Konami)

One of the best Castlevania games ever made, Super Castlevania IV is a vast improvement upon the original side-scrolling format. It features stunning visuals, a classic soundtrack, a new whip-flinging gameplay technique (hold the button down and let her rip) and plenty of challenging bosses. If you haven't experienced this chapter of Simon Belmont's legacy, be sure to download it via the Wii's Virtual Console. You won't be sorry.

Super Star Wars (JVC)

In Super Star Wars, you take control of several characters, including Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and the walking hairball Chewbacca. The game has no shortage of exciting shooting action and features impressive 3-D battle sequences, including a Death Star battle that shouldn't be missed. Do yourself a favor and snag it. The Force is strong with this one.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles In Time (Konami)

Shredder's at it again, and it's up to Leo, Donny, Mikey and Raph to stop him. Turtles In Time is a rock-solid translation of the hit arcade game, complete with new stages and several nifty techniques. Our personal favorite is fighting in the Technodrome, where the Turtles lob enemies into the screen while Shredder operates machinery. The return of Bebop and Rocksteady is awesome, too. We love those knuckleheads.