10 Most Influential SNES Games Ever Made, Ranked

The SNES signified the commencement of a golden era for gaming. This console not only became incredibly popular but also gave rise to several timeless classics, such as “Chrono Trigger” and “Super Mario World”, which continue to be appreciated today. The SNES library catered to various tastes, offering everything from role-playing games with compelling narratives to action games that kept players on the edge of their seats.

It’s hardly shocking that numerous games for the Super Nintendo have left a significant mark on contemporary gaming. Many established series found their ground here, and fresh franchises were born. In fact, some entirely new game genres first emerged with this vintage console. One point is indisputable: modern gaming would be fundamentally different without the Super Nintendo.

The Secret Characters in NBA Jam Were a Huge Surprise

In the year 1994, NBA Jam made its debut on the Super Nintendo, a rarity among licensed sports games at the time. Not just a pioneer in sports gaming, it was the initial Midway-produced game with a license, paving the way for future hits like “2 on 2 Open Ice Challenge” and “NFL Blitz”. What set NBA Jam apart was its use of digitized images of real NBA players, as well as its lively, fast-paced gameplay that demonstrated sports games didn’t have to strictly adhere to seriousness, despite featuring authentic athletes.

One captivating feature that set NBA Jam apart was its assortment of unlockable characters, ranging from NFL player Warren Moon to former U.S. president Bill Clinton. Previously, games had hidden characters, but the diverse lineup in NBA Jam sparked conversations on school playgrounds and served as a blueprint for future sports games, such as the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series.

Nintendo Made Kart Racers Into a Major Genre

As a gamer, I’ve gotta say, Super Mario Kart wasn’t the very first kart racer out there (that title goes to 1988’s Power Drift), but it was unquestionably the one that put this genre on the map. It wasn’t just the kart racers that felt its impact; features like the power slide, introduced in Super Mario Kart, left their mark on every type of racing game out there. The eight-character roster, featuring heavyweights like Bowser, Yoshi, and Toad, laid the foundation for future Nintendo crossover games.

Initially, Super Mario Kart wasn’t Nintendo’s debut multiplayer-centric game, but its remarkable sales performance prompted Nintendo to emphasize social gaming experiences. As of now, this game has sold approximately 8.76 million units and is among the top sellers in the SNES collection. Subsequent installments, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, surpassed even these numbers, with over 60 million copies sold. Over time, Mario Kart has solidified its position as a staple Nintendo franchise, and the upcoming title, Mario Kart World, is scheduled to debut alongside the Switch 2.

Many Fans Still Rate Link to the Past As the Best Entry in the Series

Back when “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” was launched on the Super Nintendo, it had already gained a significant following. However, this game left an indelible mark on what the series would eventually become. Innovative elements that are now synonymous with “Zelda” games, such as Zora’s flippers, Link’s hookshot, and the Master Sword, were first introduced in this SNES title.

Absolutely, its impact extended beyond mere weapons and gear. In fact, A Link to the Past was the pioneer game in the series to introduce parallel worlds, opening up a path for games like Ocarina of Time. It masterfully refined the 2D Zelda formula and laid the groundwork for the series’ transition to 3D. The Zelda franchise could have evolved in various ways, but it was A Link to the Past that shaped it into what we know today.

The Fourth Final Fantasy Game Introduced the Active Time Battle System

First released as “Final Fantasy II” in North America, the fourth game signified a significant shift for the now-legendary JRPG series. Unlike its predecessors, which had stories, “Final Fantasy IV” introduced fully developed characters and a more profound, dramatic narrative, a change that not only shaped the future of the “Final Fantasy” series but left an indelible mark on role-playing games as a whole.

The storyline of Final Fantasy IV (FFIV) set it apart from others, but it wasn’t just its narrative that made it exceptional; it also introduced groundbreaking gameplay features, such as the Active Time Battle System (ATBS). This system was a significant innovation, featured in all games up to IX, and was even patented by Square in 1995. While other games in the series may have reached greater heights, FFIV played a crucial role in shaping both the Final Fantasy series and the genre of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) as we know them today.

Chrono Trigger’s Combat System Influences JRPGs to This Day

Chrono Trigger is often hailed as a classic, but its profound impact on various game genres can be easily underestimated. Although it wasn’t the first to offer players the chance to replay the story after completion, Chrono Trigger popularized the concept known as “New Game Plus.” Its intricate branching narrative and multiple endings demonstrated the vast potential a single game could hold.

In the year 2003, Squaresoft and Enix officially combined, but when Chrono Trigger was unveiled earlier, they were fierce competitors. The star-studded development team behind this game demonstrated their potential for greatness when they collaborated. The groundbreaking turn-based combat system, which allowed players to view enemies on maps and combine abilities for stronger attacks, has left a lasting impact on numerous games since its release in 1997, with influences extending as far as 2023’s Sea of Stars.

Games Like Undertale Owe a Huge Debt to EarthBound

EarthBound was the initial installment in the Mother series to debut in the West, but at first, it faced difficulty gaining a foothold among players. Despite a significant marketing effort, the game’s tagline didn’t strike a chord with gamers. However, over time, it developed a devoted fanbase who have since created numerous games inspired by EarthBound.

While Undertale is often recognized as the game most reminiscent of EarthBound, it has additionally left its mark on other titles such as South Park: The Stick of Truth and Paper Mario, plus numerous independent games. It demonstrated that role-playing games (RPGs) could be unconventional and thrive in a contemporary urban setting. EarthBound may incorporate sci-fi aspects, but it also possesses an endearing ordinary charm, which is quite unusual in the realm of video games.

Yoshi Debuted in Super Mario World

When Super Mario World was unveiled on the SNES in 1990, it faced a challenging task – filling some big shoes. Not only was it one of the launch games, but it also had to follow up the groundbreaking platformer, Super Mario Bros. 3, which is considered among the greatest. Remarkably, Super Mario World surpassed expectations by expanding upon the innovations introduced by its predecessor, such as the world map, while introducing fresh characters and granting players an unprecedented level of freedom.

In the early stages of Mario game development, hardware constraints often imposed limitations, but with Super Mario World, developers were at last given the opportunity to create the 2D platformer they had long envisioned. Yoshi, a character Nintendo initially considered incorporating into the series post-Super Mario Bros., was eventually unveiled in Super Mario World and has since become a staple of the series. To this day, Shigeru Miyamoto fondly regards Super Mario World as his preferred Mario game, and it’s not hard to understand why.

The Capcom Fighter Popularized and Perfected the Genre

Back when I was just starting out as a gaming enthusiast, fighting games had been circulating for quite some time. However, none had made such a profound impact like Street Fighter II on the SNES did. While combos were hardly seen before in any titles, this game revolutionized them into a standard feature of the genre. For the first time ever, Street Fighter II acknowledged and encouraged players for executing combos by displaying the number of hits right on the screen.

The Super Nintendo version of Street Fighter II demonstrated that home consoles could host highly successful fighting games, as it sold over 6.3 million copies. In fact, subsequent updates like Turbo and Super Street Fighter II also made their appearances on the SNES. If arcades had been the death of fighting games, the popularity of Street Fighter II on the SNES would have kept the genre alive and thriving.

Stardew Valley Wouldn’t Exist Without Harvest Moon

It’s hard to envision a world without farming games today, but that was the reality of the gaming scene before the release of “Harvest Moon” on Super Famicom in 1996. At that time, a game devoid of combat, focusing on cultivating crops and forging friendships seemed odd. However, since its debut, and with the emergence of games like “Stardew Valley”, farming games have become an integral part of the gaming landscape.

Yasuhiro Wada, who produced Harvest Moon, desired to develop a role-playing game devoid of combat and was influenced by his idyllic rural upbringing. As a youngster, Wada fantasized about urban life, but as an adult, he found himself yearning for the tranquility of the countryside. This longing has been instrumental in crafting numerous farming simulation games since the game’s debut. Although the Harvest Moon series is now called Story of Seasons in the Western world, games featuring farming mechanics have gained immense popularity today.

Samus’ SNES Debut Changed Gaming Forever

As a dedicated gamer, let me tell you that Super Metroid isn’t just the most impactful game for the SNES; it’s one of the most influential games ever made. The way it blended exploration with the ability to reach hidden areas using newly acquired abilities was groundbreaking and gave birth to the Metroidvania genre, even though it wasn’t until Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (released on the PS1 in 1997) that the formula was truly polished.

In 1994, when Super Metroid was unveiled, it stood out as a trailblazer, offering more than just open gameplay. Its immersive ambiance and haunting soundtrack made players feel as if they were truly on an adventure, while the labyrinthine map made each replay a thrilling experience. To this day, Super Metroid remains relevant and continues to be cherished by speedrunners, with new records being set as recently as 2025.

2025-06-02 02:09