The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) invading living rooms in the early 90s brought with it a multiplayer revolution. Supporting up to four players simultaneously, the SNES delivered party gaming classics focused on competition, cooperation and replayability.
But what exactly is a party game? Key elements include:
- Simple, pick-up-and-play controls
- Multiplayer focus – the more people playing together, the better
- Strong replay value from unpredictable gameplay
Beyond just technical specifications, the SNES excelled at party games thanks to its goofy charm, family-friendly franchises and approachable gameplay allowing players of all ages and skill levels to battle friends or work cooperatively.
In this article, we‘ll countdown the absolute best SNES party games ever released. Get ready for a nostalgic trip ideal for arranging your next retro get-together!
#7 Super Bomberman
Kicking off our list is Super Bomberman, which took the explosive grid-based maze formula popularized on the NES and turbocharged it with 16-bit visuals and audio.
But where Super Bomberman truly shines is the new Battle Mode supporting up to four players on screen simultaneously! This competitive multiplayer drives the replay value through the roof as friends trap each other in corners with carefully placed bombs or get sent flying by unpredictable explosions.
| Game Mode | Players Supported | Version Reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| Story Mode | 1 | Super Bomberman (SNES) |
| Battle Mode | 1-4* | Super Bomberman (SNES) |
(*Using multitap peripheral)
With 10 themed arenas full of power-ups like bomb kicks and fiery blasts, the last bomber standing format keeps tension high. Approachable gameplay makes it easy to rotate new players in and out between rounds at your next party.
#6 NBA Jam
When it comes to sports party gaming on the SNES, no basketball game achieved more mainstream success than the original 1993 NBA Jam. By simplifying rules down to 2-on-2 matches, the gameplay captured the high-flying excitement of real NBA action.
Slam dunking from half court or rejecting shots into the stands is only a trifecta of three-pointers away thanks to the "on fire" power-up. Exclusive to the SNES, power-ups like the ability to automatically win one 4th quarter and summoned trampolines keep gameplay full of surprises.
The over-the-top announcer yelling classics like "boom-shaka-laka!" raises the energy. With support for two simultaneous players, NBA Jam dunks its way into SNES party prestige by capturing the arcade-like thrill of basketball.
#5 Super Mario Kart
No list of multiplayer classics is complete without inclusion of the franchise that made kart racing a household name – Super Mario Kart! Released in 1992 as one of the earliest SNES titles, the game delivered a colorful, competitive spin on Mario‘s platforming adventures.
Players pick from eight Mushroom Kingdom characters like Mario, Donkey Kong and Princess Peach before selecting from twenty unique race courses. Zany power-ups like red shells and invincibility stars help secure first place during the lightning-fast races.
While single-player is plenty fun, multiplayer truly solidifies Super Mario Kart‘s party pedigree. Supporting two players on screen simultaneously, battles got fierce dodging opponent‘s attacks inTactical employment of bananas to slip up trailing karts kept tension high all the way across the finish line!
| Game Mode | Players Supported | Version Reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| GP Mode | 1 | Super Mario Kart (SNES) |
| VS. Mode | 2 | Super Mario Kart (SNES) |
| Battle Mode | 2 | Super Mario Kart (SNES) |
#4 Secret of Mana
Beyond just competitive titles, Secret of Mana deserves SNES party fame for its cooperative gameplay focus. Allowing up to three players to adventure together, taking down enemies or even large scale bosses as a team was revolutionary.
Each player picks one of three weapon types – sword, axe or whip. Attacking builds power for intensely satisfying special moves. Strategic spell casting creates fun "when should we use magic?" debates during exploration.
The ability to wander side-by-side through the fantastical world instead of tethered to the screen cemented Secret of Mana‘s sleepover and hangout appeal. Unlocking additional mini-games like snowball fights or baseball further sweeten teamwork rewards.
| Game Mode | Players Supported | Version Reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| Story Mode | 1-3 | Secret of Mana (SNES) |
| Mini-Games | 1-3 | Secret of Mana (SNES) |
Seeing impressive special attacks and magic in action motivated new players to dive into the character progression and JOIN…the fun.
#3 Street Fighter II Turbo
No SNES party game roundup is complete without kudos for Street Fighter II Turbo – the fighting icon that launched esports into the mainstream. While 90‘s graphics feel dated today, the tight controls and diverse cast of martial artist fighters still delivers intense fun.
Players choose their champion before one-on-one battles commence. Learning the timing behind fireball and spinning piledriver special moves motivated crowds to gather around players controlling Street Fighter masters.
With support for two players and brisk, punch-heavy rounds, SF2 features that competitive addictiveness that can quickly transition a chill get together into a tournament bracket. Knocking friends out of the ring kept players coming back match after match thanks to the iconic gameplay.
#2 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi‘s Island
While the SNES launch title Super Mario World deserves praise for propelling everyone‘s favorite plumber into 16-bit graphics, the later Super Mario World 2: Yoshi‘s Island perfected the multiplayer platforming formula.
With two-player support, Baby Mario follows player two independently allowing hilarious hijinks trying not to misplace the precious cargo. Coordinating simultaneous ground pounds to find secrets or lining up eggs tosses captures chaotic fun for all ages.
Balancing Baby Mario safety atop Yoshi‘s back while grabbing flowers and bulldozing obstacles requires true teamwork. Seeing the adorably hand-drawn backgrounds and knocking out an entire stage cooperatively created priceless memories.
| Game Mode | Players Supported | Version Reviewed |
|---|---|---|
| Main Game | 1-2 | Super Mario World 2: Yoshi‘s Island (SNES) |
| Mini-Games | 1-8 | Super Mario World 2: Yoshi‘s Island (SNES) |
The creativity of Yoshi‘s solo moveset coupled with an approachable but still challenging difficulty for newcomers make this baby (Mario) the champion of SNES cooperation.
#1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Claiming the crown for greatest SNES party game of all-time is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. Building upon the excellent but single-player only Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV on SNES, Turtles in Time added two-player simultaneous support for a radical multiplayer upgrade.
Pick Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo or Donatello before unleashing your inner reptile on Foot Soldiers, Rock Soldiers and more with a friend by your side! Tossing foes at the screen and riding missiles like bucking broncos captured the TMNT spirit brilliantly.
The ability to pick up and throw partners introduced slapstick struggles over weapons and health pick-ups to keep tension light. Solid A.I. swapping to unused turtles as single players joined and dropped out kept everyone engaged rather than stuck spectating.
With vibrant 16-bit animations bringing iconic locales like the Technodrome battle and Big Apple to life, Turtles in Time features stellar presentation as the perfect partner to incredibly fun, if button mashy, gameplay. An instant party pleaser.
Preserve The Memories
The SNES library overflows with multiplayer innovation that redefined social gaming. From sports showdowns to battling alien threats side-by-side, competitive spirit mixed effortlessly with cooperative quests thanks to approachable design opening the fun to all.
Revisit these SNES party classics yourself on the original hardware or modern platforms. Participating in gaming history is only a few button taps away!