10 Hidden SNES Gems

The first Breath of Fire was a charming RPG with memorable characters and a vast world to explore. However, the sequel took everything the first game did right and did it better. It introduced memorable new characters like Kat, the warrior catgirl. In addition, you can invite people to work at Township, a flying town that you build from scratch. This is just one of the many great, overlooked RPGs on the SNES.

2. Tetris Attack

The American version of the Japanese puzzle game Panel de Pon has nothing to do with Tetris. It also features an adorable Yoshi aesthetic. The concept is simple: you match colored blocks to make them disappear before they can reach the top of the screen. The process of doing so is extremely satisfying, making you always want to try again. With bright, colorful graphics and beautiful music, the atmosphere enhances the gameplay, making it a perfect game to lift your mood.

3. Demon Crest

This is the third entry in the Gargoyle’s Quest series, which stars Firebrand the demon from the Ghosts ‘n Goblins series. As convoluted as that sounds, you don’t need to have played any of the other games in either series to enjoy this one. It has a wonderfully spooky atmosphere and open-ended gameplay. There are different demonic forms you can shift into, and it is an overall unique experience for the SNES or any console.

4. Kablooey

Also known as Bombuzal, this puzzle game is freakishly addictive. You wander through isometric planes, and you have to detonate all the bombs without getting blown up yourself. The puzzles get harder and harder the further you advance, to the point where you have to apply real brain power to get through the higher levels. If you enjoy games that make you think, this is for you.

5. Super Star Wars

The Super Star Wars trilogy ends up on a lot of people’s “Hardest SNES Games” lists, but their difficulty might have overshadowed how they are genuinely great games. They perfectly capture the look, sound, and feel of the movies. You can play as multiple iconic characters, each of whom has different abilities. Also, the 16-bit renditions of John Williams’ classic tunes are amazing.

6. Kirby’s Dream Land 3

While Kirby is a beloved Nintendo icon, most people remember Kirby Super Star as his main SNES game. Kirby’s Dream Land 3 was released after the Nintendo 64 came out, meaning that many gamers didn’t notice it. It’s a shame, since this is a charming entry in the Kirby series. In addition to the pastel color palette and charming animal friends, each level has a unique mission to complete.

7. Sutte Hakkun

This innovative puzzle platformer was only released in Japan during its initial run. However, now it can be enjoyed on Nintendo Switch Online. You’re a bird who must move blocks around a set of platforms to collect all the rainbow crystals. You can also fill the blocks with different colored ink that gives the blocks different powers. The game is incredibly charming, and it’s a shame that it didn’t get an American SNES release back in the day.

8. Prehistorik Man

This colorful, humorous platformer has a lot to love. You’re a caveman named Sam who must save his tribe from starvation. In addition to fun platforming, you can ride a hang glider and use spears to bounce up to seemingly unreachable areas. The graphics are beautifully cartoony, and the levels have just the right level of challenge. Oh, you can also collect hamburgers and cakes.

9. FireStriker

This unique little game gets almost no attention, which is, once again, a shame. Set in a medieval fantasy world, you’re a knight who must bounce a fireball to break through fortresses in Breakout-style gameplay. However, you have the ability to move all around the screen, adding extra strategy that goes beyond simple back-and-forth. This pick-up-and-play SNES adventure is simple to learn, but difficult to master.

10. E.V.O.: Search For Eden

This is one of the more ambitious games on the SNES. You begin as a fish, living billions of years ago when life started to appear on the planet. Your task is, simply, to evolve. You can choose different body parts to concentrate on as you make your way through the sea and eventually to land, eating weaker prey as you go. It might seem slow, but if you enjoy games that reward your sense of discovery, this game is for you.