The SNES has a massive library, and while the classics are often celebrated, there are plenty of games that never seem to get the attention they deserve. These are my personal picks, titles I feel are often overlooked or rarely brought up in mainstream retrospectives, but still offer something genuinely interesting, unique, or just plain fun.
Each of these games stood out to me for different reasons, whether it’s the gameplay, the presentation, or just how different they felt compared to the usual SNES staples.
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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
A side-scrolling beat ’em up with simple controls, but tight pacing. You play as the original Rangers through short levels that build to boss fights then finish with Megazord battles. The music and sprite work are better than you’d expect, and the transformation sequences never get old.
Shin Kidou Senki Gundam W: Endless Duel
A Japan-only fighter based on the Gundam Wing anime, but it stands on its own thanks to solid mechanics, satisfying movement, and flashy animations. It’s one of the best 2D fighters on the SNES, with a very distinct heavy feel that fits the mechs.
Blackthorne
A cinematic action-platformer where you play a brooding hero armed with a shotgun. The world is dark and alien, and the slow, deliberate pacing makes each encounter feel tense. It rewards methodical play and atmosphere over speed.
Rockman & Forte
This Mega Man entry (Japan-only on SNES) lets you play as either Rockman or Forte, each with unique abilities. It’s more challenging than most in the series, with tighter platforming and some demanding boss fights, but it’s very rewarding once you get into the rhythm.
The Lost Vikings
Three characters, each with specific abilities, work together to solve puzzles and survive each level. It’s a mix of platforming and strategy, with a humorous tone and clever level design that encourages experimentation and planning.
Assault Suits Valken (Cybernator)
A mech-based action game with big, cinematic levels and a grounded, military tone. Unlike most run-and-guns, this one makes you feel the weight of your suit. The weapon upgrades and mission variety keep things interesting the whole way through.
Clock Tower
A rare horror title on SNES, built around hiding and escaping instead of combat. You control a vulnerable girl trapped in a mansion while being stalked by a relentless killer. The game’s slow pace builds real tension, and it laid the groundwork for later survival horror.
Weaponlord
A dark fantasy fighter with a strong focus on timing, parries, and deep move sets. It’s not flashy like Street Fighter, but it has a lot going on under the surface. Designed with competitive players in mind, it feels ahead of its time, if you take the time to learn it.
The Adventures of Batman & Robin
One of the most stylish action games on the system, with visuals that closely follow the animated series. It’s brutally difficult at times, but the level variety, sound design, and atmosphere make it worth pushing through.
Metal Warriors
A spiritual cousin to Cybernator where you pilot different mechs with unique abilities. The ability to eject and enter other suits mid-mission adds a lot of depth. It also features a split-screen versus mode, which was rare and ambitious for its time.
Each of these games brings something different to the table. They’re not hidden in the sense of being impossible to find, but they rarely get the attention they deserve. Whether you’re into tight action, platforming, horror, or strategy, there’s something here worth checking out.
MMPR is an amazing game to play with little kids. Flashy, simple, fun. Great introduction to beat ’em ups.
For sure! the OST is great too.