The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was home to some of the best platforming games ever created. Thanks to advanced 16-bit graphics and sound capabilities, developers were able to craft immersive 2D worlds filled with fluid character animations, colorful artwork, and unforgettable music.
In this guide, I‘ll be counting down the top 7 SNES platformers that still stand as some of the best in the genre.
A Brief History of Platformers
Platform games trace their history back to the early 1980s with arcade titles like Donkey Kong and side-scrolling adventures like Super Mario Bros. The genre refers to games where players control a character and must jump between platforms while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
The SNES built upon the NES‘s platforming foundation with superior tech that enabled new gameplay innovations and graphical techniques like Mode 7 rotation/scaling effects seen in Super Mario World. The console ushered in acclaimed sequels, new IPs like Kirby and Star Fox, and pushed the genre forward.
#7: Kirby Super Star
Release Date: September 1996
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Kirby Super Star is a compilation that includes several complete Kirby adventures, including a remake of the original 1992 Kirby‘s Dream Land. Players take on the role of Kirby and use his iconic copying abilities to take down enemies and overcome environmental hazards.
The game shines for its diversity of gameplay experiences. In Spring Breeze players battle King Dedede in an enhanced version of Kirby’s first outing, while The Great Cave Offensive offers a Metroidvania-style adventure focused on exploring a deep dungeon. With 8 unique campaigns total, each 3-5 hours long, Kirby Super Star offers incredible variety and replay value from the pink puffball.
Critics praised Super Star‘s cheerful art style, charming animations, inventive variety, and multiplayer support. It remains one of Kirby‘s most acclaimed and memorable outings over 25 years later.
#6: Mega Man X
Release Date: December 1993
Developer: Capcom
Mega Man X brought the Blue Bomber into the 16-bit era with edgier character designs, improved graphics and sound, and new gameplay abilities. The story follows the advanced robot X as he battles The Mavericks – evil Reploids threatening the peace.
Like early Mega Man games, players can tackle stages in any order and acquire new weapons and abilities from defeated bosses. However X introduced new mobility options like wall climbing, air dashing, and limb-destroying charged shots adding new layers of strategy. The steep challenge level also helped cement the series‘ status as a gold standard for action platformers.
Critics applauded MMX‘s artillery of secrets, techniques, and weaponry alongside its moody cyberpunk aesthetic that appealed to a maturing 1990s gaming audience. It remains among Mega Man’s most groundbreaking adventures.
#5: Super Castlevania IV
Release Date: October 1991
Developer: Konami
Super Castlevania IV brings the macabre series to Nintendo‘s 16-bit machine with spooky new visuals and effects only possible on advanced hardware. Players once again take control of vampire hunter Simon Belmont who battles monsters and ghouls using his deadly whip and secondary weapons.
While Super Castlevania adheres closely to previous entries, Simon‘s moveset received significant upgrades thanks to the SNES controller – now players can aim his whip in 8 directions offering improved mobility and combat capabilities. Breakable environments, rotating rooms, and a thunderous soundtrack immerse players into the dark gothic atmosphere and makes Super Castlevania an SNES essential.
Critics praised the game as a showcase for new graphical techniques and sound effect capabilities. It remains a fan-favorite for its brooding style and fine-tuned, challenging action.
#4: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy‘s Kong Quest
Release Date: November 1995
Developer: Rare
Donkey Kong Country 2 improved upon Rare‘s pioneering SNES tech demo disguised as a charming platformer. This time Diddy Kong and girlfriend Dixie Kong take charge on a quest to rescue the kidnapped Donkey Kong from Kaptain K. Rool.
Like its predecessor, DKC2 impresses with smoothly animated 3D models that brought a CGI look to sidescrollers. Beyond the visual overhaul, Diddy and Dixie each handle differently – Diddy runs faster while Dixie‘s ponytail lets her glide over gaps delivering balanced co-op play.
With its colorful cast of characters, stellar soundtrack and challenging barrel-blasting gameplay, Donkey Kong Country 2 remains a multiplayer favorite and a standout SNES platformer.
#3: Super Metroid
Release Date: March 1994
Developer: Nintendo R&D1/Intelligent Systems
Super Metroid concludes Samus Aran‘s opening trilogy against the Space Pirates in dramatic fashion. After the last Metroid is stolen by Ridley, Samus returns to planet Zebes to retrieve the alien lifeform with new abilities and weapons at her disposal.
As Samus explores the underground tunnels of Zebes, she regains powers like the Morph Ball bombs, charge beams, and Varia suit upgrades. These not only bolster her chances against enemies but also open new means to navigate the sprawling alien landscape. Iconic items like the Space Jump boots return alongside new additions like the Grappling Beam for added mobility.
Backed by a brooding soundtrack and atmosphere, Super Metroid nails the exploratory wonder and danger of the series while delivering a thoughtful story-driven adventure. It represents one of Nintendo’s finest achievements in world building and 2D action gameplay.
#2: Super Mario World
Release Date: August 1991
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Super Mario World brought Nintendo’s mascot into 16-bits with his iconic side-scrolling gameplay fully intact. While traversing Dinosaur Land, Mario encounters baddies new (Monty Moles burrowing underground) and old (Koopa Troopas left helpless when kicked from shells).
The iconic plumber also made a new friend – the adorable dinosaur Yoshi joins Mario on his adventure using his tongue to devour foes and access new areas. The cape power-up opens up exploration letting Mario to fly to new heights.
As the SNES launch title, Super Mario World showed off rotating backgrounds via the new Mode 7 chip while introducing a staggering 96 exits throughout the journey introducing replayability and secrets galore throughout the adventure. It remains a crowning 2D achievement for the platforming icon.
#1: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi‘s Island
Release Date: October 1995
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Yoshi‘s Island delivered a fresh twist on Mario‘s adventures with a cute arts and crafts aesthetic. When Baby Mario is delivered to Yoshi Island, it‘s up to a tribe of Yoshis to reunite him with his kidnapped brother.
Without access to power-ups, Yoshi acts as Mario‘s protector using his flutter jump and tongue attack. Players can also turn enemies into weaponized eggs for dispatching foes. The colorful pastel backdrops filled with chalk outlines and fabric textures feel ripped from a children‘s book.
The game shined as a preview of future franchises – it introduced levels where Yoshi transforms into vehicles like a helicopter and train. This morphing ability would later evolve into full-blown experiences like Yoshi‘s Wooly World. With its family-friendly appeal and tight platforming challenge, Yoshi‘s Island showed Mario‘s creativity in new directions.
