Last year, Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, a revamped version of their introductory gaming console. The NES Classic immediately sold out at every retailer, and jump-started what appears to be a classic system reboot campaign being initiated by Nintendo. Yesterday, (September 29th) Nintendo launched the Super Nintendo Classic Edition, a complete modern-day remake of the groundbreaking system.
The SNES Classic retails for $80, and features a library of 21 pre-loaded games. The screw-in input/output connector is gone, replaced with a HDMI outlet, and the games run at 720p. There are three display modes for the system, “Pixel Perfect," 4:3 mode, and an option that adds a CRT filer to give games that vintage old school look. If you remember playing the SNES in your childhood, the infuriatingly short controller cords were always an issue. We were forced to sit on the floor and huddle in front of the television, but fortunately, the cord length has been doubled for the reboot. The upgraded additions that will garner the most praise are the "save" and "rewind" features though.
Unlike the original SNES, the SNES Classic allows players to save the game and return later. Nintendo has a vault full of classic games to unleash, and they choose which ones to include very carefully. Fan favorites like Mario Kart and F-Zero return with throwback 16-bit graphics, while Nintendo also includes a new game... sort of. Star Fox 2 was originally set to be released for the SNES in 1996, but with the launch of the Nintendo 64, the game was shelved. Now, fans of the series can play the unreleased sequel in its original form. While it is disappointing that the system lacks classics such as Chrono Trigger, Donkey Kong 2, Mortal Kombat, and NBA Jam, there is an overabundance of great games included. Check out our list of the ten best nostalgic games that come with the SNES Classic Edition.
Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country has sold over nine million copies, which makes it the second-best-selling SNES game ever. The plot centers around Donkey and his nephew Diddy, as they try to locate their stolen banana horde. DKC was praised for the at-the-time futuristic 3D graphics, impressive soundtrack, and ingenious platforming. Several rideable animals assist Donkey and Diddy on their quest, which also unlocks hidden mini-games.
Final Fantasy III
Final Fantasy III is actually Final Fantasy VI, confusing right? Only two games of the series had been introduced in North America at the time, so Final Fantasy VI was distributed as Final Fantasy III for continuity reasons. Widely considered one of the best RPG’s of all time, FFIII features fourteen playable characters, the largest cast of characters in any Final Fantasy game. The fantasy steampunk-style world and engaging story influenced the RPG genre forever.
F-Zero
Captain Falcon made his debut in this revolutionary racing game. F-Zero was the first game to utilize the SNES Mode 7 graphics feature. Considered a groundbreaking graphical advancement, Mode 7 gave games a simulated 3D look and a realistic depth of field perception. F-Zero is a futuristic racing game that offers one of the most entertaining competitive player experiences on the system.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Zelda is one of the few game series that always delivers. Every time Nintendo launches a new system, they also release a Zelda game that impresses critics and mesmerizes players. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is viewed by millions as the best game of all time. It introduced several classic elements of Zelda lore such as The Master Sword, while returning to the top-down gameplay style from the original Zelda. A Link to the Past features one of the most memorable video game storylines to date.
Star Fox 2
The first Star Fox utilized a graphics chip that was built into the cartridge, which allowed the SNES to display more powerful 3D graphics. Although the original was a hit, the sequel was shelved because Nintendo feared that the graphics could not compete with the PlayStation or N64 systems. The SNES Classic Edition features the first official release of the 21-year old game, which brings back classic protagonist Fox McCloud. Unlike its predecessor, Star Fox 2 gives players a choice of which levels to play.
Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
A sub-series of the Street Fighter II series, Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting is a faster version of Street Fighter II: Champion Edition. The fighting modes can be quickened depending on skill or player preference. There are four speeds offered, while an additional two speeds can be unlocked via cheat code. Mind-blowing accelerated gameplay makes performing combos and specials much harder to accomplish. The accelerated fighting forced Capcom to give the playable characters new specials, which only makes battles more hectic and entertaining.
Super Mario Kart
The Mario Kart series is the best-selling multi-player series of all time. Play with a group of friends or play solo against bots, but either way Super Mario Kart is addicting. Circuit races for cups and the Battle Mode are sure to end friendships. This Nintendo staple has eight playable characters: Mario, Luigi, Toad, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong Jr., Yoshi, and Koopa Troopa.
Super Ghouls and Ghost
Known as ‘Ultra Demon World Village’ in Japan, Super Ghouls and Ghosts is one of the hardest games released on the SNES. The story follows Arthur, a knight who has sworn to defeat Lucifer and save Princess Prin Prin. Nintendo really had a thing with damsels in distress. The new "save" and "rewind" features are most useful while playing this ridiculously grueling game.
Super Mario World
The quintessential classic video game, Super Mario World defined many childhoods. The plot finds Mario and Luigi on a quest to save Dinosaur Land from Bowser. Yoshi makes his first appearance in this game, which also allowed the developers to be more creative while constructing level layouts. Super Mario World holds the record for the best-selling game for the SNES and the 27th best-selling game of all time.
Super Metroid
The original badass femme-fatale Samus Aran battles an army of space pirates in Super Metroid. This side-scrolling cult classic adventure RPG disappeared for eight years before a sequel was made. At the time of its release, Super Metroid failed to gain much success. As the game aged though, it became an essential Nintendo installment. Samus’ legendary hyper beam, used by annoying Super Smash Bros. aficionados, is first introduced in this game. The non-linear gameplay, and hidden areas that are only accessible through upgrades, influenced several exploration based games for years to come.