Recommend me a SNES game!
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For several months I've collected myself some "must own" SNES games from my past (both the ones I've heard of and played previously), and oddly enough, now at 41 + 2 repros, I'm starting to find it very difficult to choose the next "target" for my hunt. I was never one for complete collections, actually I feel I must weed out any title "not worthy" from my collection, so oddly enough the reason why I'm now looking for precisely ONE more is that my cabinet for games will be able to hold precisely one more, and I'd like it to be special. Additionally, I feel I still have the monetary resources to get one more CIB, even if it would be a bit rarer (and thus more expensive) one.
So, I'd now like to ask recommendations from the SNES veterans of the community: what hidden gem have I missed that should absolutely be a part of every SNES gamer's collection? For recommendations here's my existing collection if you want to see what I already got.
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Besides helping me directly, I'd like this discussion to be a general one concerning the hidden SNES classics, the reasons why people still find so many games on SNES playable after so many years, and even more generally, what makes each game tick for everyone. To start the conversation off, I'd like to share at least one thing I've noticed to seriously affect my preferences: I want the game to have some "unique identity".
For one, it's something that's not easily replicated by, say the newest incarnation. For this reason, I have not yet bought e.g. F-Zero or Mortal Kombat II, since I've felt that they, while true classics, can be easily replaced (and surpassed) by F-Zero GX and Mortal Kombat (current gen), respectively - at least as long as you don't count nostalgia factor(which I personally don't really have for these spesific two).
On the other hand, for Harvest Moon I spesifically opted for SNES version because it has identity in a different way - while it's on the surface similar to any RPG on the system (and of the era), the world it portrays completely differs from your typical fantasy setting that has so far kept me from getting games like Breath of Fire (1&2) or Lufia (1&2).
Yet another "rule of collecting" for me, derived from this is that I've most part steered clear of any "licence crap" I encounter, even those that might be good games on their own (Super Star Wars might be an ok example), since I feel they'd just try to imitate something else, and not hold an identity of their own.
So, I'd now like to ask recommendations from the SNES veterans of the community: what hidden gem have I missed that should absolutely be a part of every SNES gamer's collection? For recommendations here's my existing collection if you want to see what I already got.
---
Besides helping me directly, I'd like this discussion to be a general one concerning the hidden SNES classics, the reasons why people still find so many games on SNES playable after so many years, and even more generally, what makes each game tick for everyone. To start the conversation off, I'd like to share at least one thing I've noticed to seriously affect my preferences: I want the game to have some "unique identity".
For one, it's something that's not easily replicated by, say the newest incarnation. For this reason, I have not yet bought e.g. F-Zero or Mortal Kombat II, since I've felt that they, while true classics, can be easily replaced (and surpassed) by F-Zero GX and Mortal Kombat (current gen), respectively - at least as long as you don't count nostalgia factor(which I personally don't really have for these spesific two).
On the other hand, for Harvest Moon I spesifically opted for SNES version because it has identity in a different way - while it's on the surface similar to any RPG on the system (and of the era), the world it portrays completely differs from your typical fantasy setting that has so far kept me from getting games like Breath of Fire (1&2) or Lufia (1&2).
Yet another "rule of collecting" for me, derived from this is that I've most part steered clear of any "licence crap" I encounter, even those that might be good games on their own (Super Star Wars might be an ok example), since I feel they'd just try to imitate something else, and not hold an identity of their own.
Comments
I think you're missing strategy rpg's, I would recommend Ogre Battle or Koei titles like Romance of the Three Kingdoms/Uncharted Waters.
Originally posted by: Aatos
Yeah, actually it so happens that there's a guy right here in Finland trying to auction off US Breath of Fire 1&2 AND Lufia 2, so they'd be easily available too. The only thing is, his asking price is ludicrous, but since he hasn't been able to sell them yet it might be negotiable.. Would you mind being a bit more spesific: WHAT exactly makes them so great?
Lufia 2- The story, music, and puzzles are what set it apart. Probably the best compilation of puzzles in an RPG for the 16 bit era. The battle system is also pretty fun with capsule monsters (pre-pokemon) but typically not that challenging.
Breath of Fire 2-Great story and battle system. Other fun options like houses, fishing, and the dragon system make it different than the same old RPG. Plus each character has a special ability on the open world screen which adds to the uniqueness.
Personally I like them both better than Chrono Trigger (which in my opinion starts out with a bang, but tapers off the more you get into the game) and Lufia 2 might be my favorite RPG of all time. Both are much better than the first installments of the series though.
Mr Nutz (Solid Platform game and pretty hard to boot)
Arcana
I cannot comment on BoF2 as I haven't played it, will play it someday for sure
Originally posted by: Aatos
Besides helping me directly, I'd like this discussion to be a general one concerning the hidden SNES classics, the reasons why people still find so many games on SNES playable after so many years, and even more generally, what makes each game tick for everyone.
Your list is sorely missing the awesome Quintet trilogy: Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia and Terranigma. Awesome action RPGs. Also, check out Robotrek. It's a very quirky, unique RPG. You customize robots and fight with them. It's got a goofy atmosphere. Another highly recommended title would be The Twisted Tales of Spike McFang. Short as heck, but so sweet while it lasts.
And to answer your quoted part, for me it's quite simple. SNES, in my view, combined the near-perfect combination of solid visuals (that even look "good enough" today) with stellar gameplay (depending on the title, of course). While I have warm memories of 8-bit NES games, I find so many of them hard to get back into today for anything beyond a 30 minute nostalgia run. SNES is pure magic. The games still play well (I'm still playing games 20 years later that I played to death back in the day) and still look good. There is a sort of romance with this system for me. It really is video game magic... and it helps that the early-mid '90s were some of the best times of my life (my childhood). Everything culminates in a system that's not to be forgotten. I can honestly say, if it weren't for SNES, I probably wouldn't game more than 3-6x a year, quite frankly. SNES *IS* gaming, to me
Finally, jonebone mentioned EVO. Oh boy. The darnest thing is, there has been only one game I've yet ever bought for reselling (due to the impracticalities of trying to resell from here), and that is.. EVO. Twice. Keep in mind, this is a US only release, and twice have I run into EVO here for such a great price that I've bought it solely for sale/trade. I have EVO cart in my cabinet right now waiting for trade (a deal's been all but finalized already), and something in the game has put me off so badly that despite all the recommendations, I've yet to even try it myself. But yeah, I guess I owe it to EVO and whoever keeps sending these my way to try it thoroughly now before sending it away.
BioMetal
Run Saber
Skyblazer
Soulblazer
Illusion of Gaia
Final Fantasy 2
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest (yes i went there, its a fun game)
Aerofighters
Space Megaforce (best shooter on the system imo)
Sunset Riders
Inspector Gadget
UN Squadron
Top Gear
Top Gear 2
Top Gear 3000
Tetris Attack
Bust-A-Move
Final Fight
Final Fight 2
Final Fight 3
F-zero
The Capcom disney games are also great (ie aladdin, goof troop, mickey mouse magical quest etc)
Not all of those are very rare expensive games, but all are worthy of a top tier snes collection (IMO)
I'd also recommend Umihara Kawase, which is a fun little platformer, though mildly pricey and JP Exclusive. Other than that, Smash Tennis and NBA Jam TE are both great sports games, and I'd also recommend Smash TV and Super Punch-Out!! I'll check my PowerPak tomorrow and give you some other recommendations that I don't own on cart and can't think of off the top of my head.
Other than ones already mentioned here and above, I'd finally recommend Kirby's Dream Course, as it's a fun little golf game that you can't really go wrong with.
My favorite SNES game.
Originally posted by: Ninjakooopa
Skyblazer. Probably one of the best games on the system, and seems very underrated imo.
Very much so, it's a truly great game. Skyblazer is probably the best example of a underrated gem if ever I witnessed it. I bought this game in a lot not expecting much, (hell, I thought it was a shmup based on the title.) and what I got was a very creative and outstanding platformer action game. It's a gamer's game through and through and challenging without being insane. Very nice use of scaling graphics with rotating platforms and such, every level is very different and introduces awesome and unique gameplay elements. It really is a must own title.
Originally posted by: GhostNinja
I will second FF: Mystic Quest. Terribly underrated, it's just a little on the easy side.
I'd also recommend Umihara Kawase, which is a fun little platformer, though mildly pricey and JP Exclusive. Other than that, Smash Tennis and NBA Jam TE are both great sports games, and I'd also recommend Smash TV and Super Punch-Out!! I'll check my PowerPak tomorrow and give you some other recommendations that I don't own on cart and can't think of off the top of my head.
Other than ones already mentioned here and above, I'd finally recommend Kirby's Dream Course, as it's a fun little golf game that you can't really go wrong with.
More great recs!
Yes, Kirby's Dream Course is awesome. However, you can't talk SNES golf games without mentioning the criminally overlooked "BS Out of Bounds Golf." You should know how I feel about that game by now...
edit: If you like Skyblazer, it's worth checking out HOOK as well. It's from the same folks who made SB, so you'll be able to recognize some of the similarities right off the bat. Hook is a nice little game. A bit on the slow side, but fun in an old fashioned platforming sense
Originally posted by: Steve
Originally posted by: GhostNinja
I will second FF: Mystic Quest. Terribly underrated, it's just a little on the easy side.
I'd also recommend Umihara Kawase, which is a fun little platformer, though mildly pricey and JP Exclusive. Other than that, Smash Tennis and NBA Jam TE are both great sports games, and I'd also recommend Smash TV and Super Punch-Out!! I'll check my PowerPak tomorrow and give you some other recommendations that I don't own on cart and can't think of off the top of my head.
Other than ones already mentioned here and above, I'd finally recommend Kirby's Dream Course, as it's a fun little golf game that you can't really go wrong with.
More great recs!
Yes, Kirby's Dream Course is awesome. However, you can't talk SNES golf games without mentioning the criminally overlooked "BS Out of Bounds Golf." You should know how I feel about that game by now...
edit: If you like Skyblazer, it's worth checking out HOOK as well. It's from the same folks who made SB, so you'll be able to recognize some of the similarities right off the bat. Hook is a nice little game. A bit on the slow side, but fun in an old fashioned platforming sense
I did think about recommending BS Out of Bounds Golf, but I thought I'd let you do it.
Here are more recommendations. Some are JP only games that may require translations which is an issue if you're going for carts:
ActRaiser (mentioned above)
Bahamut Lagoon (JP, needs trans)
Brandish
BS Zelda: Ancient Stone Tablets (if possible)
Castlevania Dracula X
Clock Tower
Der Langrisser (JP, need trans)
DragonBall Z Hyper Dimension (JP, trans not necessary)
Famicom Tantei Club Part II (JP, requires trans but I HIGHLY recommend this game)
Firemen
Goemon: Legend of the Mystical Ninja
Go Go Ackman 1, 2, 3 (JP, trans not required. These games seem to be love/hate though, I think they're a decent platforming series, personally)
International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball (NA exclusive)
Live-A-Live (JP, need trans)
Magic Sword
Mega Man 7
Mega Man and Bass (Prefer the X series to both of these myself, but still decent)
Micro Machines 1, 2
NHL 1994
Ogre Battle
Paper-Boy
Parodius, Parodius Ultimate (JP only, trans not needed)
PilotWings
Pocky and Rocky
Radical Dreamers (JP, need trans)
Rendering Ranger R2 (JP, trans not needed, but very expensive and quite hard to find)
Run Saber
Secret of Evermore, Secret of Mana, Seiken Densetsu 3 (Last is JP only, trans needed but a great game if you can get it)
Shin Megami Tensei I, II (JP, needs trans)
Star Ocean (JP, need trans)
Sim City 2000 (Better versions out there however, as the game does run rather slow)
Tactics Ogre (JP, trans needed)
Tales of Phantasia (JP, needs trans)
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Breaks Loose
Unirally
Ys 3, 4 (4 is JP only, trans needed)
I tried to avoid repeating ones already mentioned (except ActRaiser), so I apologise if there are any in there that I missed other people state already.
I'd add Prince of Persia and Out of this World; neither is unique to the SNES, but both have exclusive soundtracks that elevate the game, and PoP has exclusive levels and is probably the best port.
Another one in the same vein is Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade's Revenge, which is also on the Genesis, but the SNES soundtrack is absolutely mindblowing. Opinions on the gameplay are mixed, but I personally really enjoy it, especially if you use the extra-lives trick that gives the game the structure it should've had in the first place.
And if you're really feeling friendly towards flawed games with great soundtracks, you might pick up Lord of the Rings Vol. 1 if you can get it CIB for the right price. It's been widely criticized for its labyrinthine overworld and confusing quests (among other things), but the music is beautiful and haunting.
Finally, I'm partial to Firepower 2000 and Do-Re-Mi Fantasy (J). The former is a nifty (and very difficult) co-op shooter, the latter a platformer that's ostensibly the sequel to Milon's Secret Castle for the NES. I played it in translation and I don't remember how much Japanese language skills would be required, but I don't recall there being much text.
Originally posted by: bearcat-doug
Most of the games I was thinking of have already been mentioned so I'll have to go with one of my favorite arcade games as a kid, Super Off Road. It's a lot of fun and it's also a great multiplayer game. I didn't see anyone mention Super Punch Out!! either. It plays more like the arcade versions than the NES or Wii games, plus it has a time attack mode that gives it a lot of replay value.
I mentioned Super Punch-Out!!
It's my favourite in the series, though I seem to be in the minority. Most people seem to prefer the NES version.
Originally posted by: GhostNinja
I mentioned Super Punch-Out!!
It's my favourite in the series, though I seem to be in the minority. Most people seem to prefer the NES version.
I was just glossing over all of the games that were mentioned and I must have missed it. In that case, I'll just second the motion then!
Originally posted by: bearcat-doug
Originally posted by: GhostNinja
I mentioned Super Punch-Out!!
It's my favourite in the series, though I seem to be in the minority. Most people seem to prefer the NES version.
I was just glossing over all of the games that were mentioned and I must have missed it. In that case, I'll just second the motion then!
The more the merrier! I'm going to recommend Drakkhen too, but don't blame me if you don't like it. It's very love/hate. It has good music at least and is cheap.