Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda are long-running Nintendo franchises that are still relevant and thriving today, partly because of the iconic gaming systems that made them accessible to gamers worldwide. One such console that housed unforgettable Nintendo franchises is the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, more popularly known as the SNES.
The franchises that got their start on the SNES have captivated players by creating immersive worlds that keep expanding with every entry in the installment. From Donkey Kong Country to Mario Kart, many game franchises that have been introduced on the SNES are still worth revisiting and replaying.
10 F-Zero
One of the most prominent racing franchises on the SNES is F-Zero. The classic game gives players a challenge with its fast-paced mechanics, futuristic setting, and intriguing tracks that have gravity-defying loops, hairpin turns, and exhilarating obstacles.
The F-Zero franchise has achieved legendary status for mixing thrilling racing mechanics with unforgettable characters. There’s no doubt that SNES gamers were excited to hit the track and beat their friends in F-Zero and subsequent entries in the F-Zero franchise, such as BS F-Zero Grand Prix.
9 Donkey Kong Country
The Donkey Kong Country franchise has stood the test of time. Featuring lush rainforests, dangerous mines, and enchanting underground caves, the world of Donkey Kong Country welcomes every gamer who wants to play a challenging platformer while enjoying striking graphics.
On the SNES, Donkey Kong Country has a couple of entries including the original game and its sequel Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. While there are minor differences between the games, all titles under the Donkey Kong franchise are considered classics due to their amazing soundtrack, charming visuals, and quick-paced gameplay.
8 Yoshi’s Island
For many fans of the Mario franchise, Yoshi’s Island is one of the best 2D entries in the franchise. Beginning with the release of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island in 1995, the franchise sees the iconic character Yoshi transport Baby Mario through various levels that are filled with dangerous obstacles and enemies.
The franchise has achieved longevity due to its enthralling narrative, as well as its incredible blend of various gaming aspects like exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Yoshi also stars front and center as he showcases his unique abilities like using his tongue to get ahold of objects and swallowing enemies whole.
7 Mega Man X
Any gamer will easily recognize the titular character from Mega Man X. In the game franchise created by Capcom, a powerful robot faces off against other dangerous robots and their wicked creators. The titles under the Mega Man X franchise are known for their thrilling platforming gameplay and wide range of innovative weapons and abilities.
What makes Mega Man X a remarkable SNES franchise is that it encourages gamers to explore each level with intent. From hidden secrets to power-ups, each level puts an emphasis on checking every nook and cranny. Despite the iconic status of the franchise, entries like Mega Man X3 have disappointed gamers because of its lack of innovation and focus on Zero.
6 ActRaiser
The SNES is a treasure trove for nostalgic platformers, and that includes ActRaiser. In the game, an overseeing deity needs to bring back peace to a world that’s filled with destructive monsters. The game is divided into two parts: guiding the main character through side-scrolling levels and building the world’s towns and cities.
ActRaiser’s unique blend of action-filled platforming and city-building strategy mechanics proved so enjoyable that a sequel was released in 1993. With its exceptional gameplay and memorable storyline, ActRaiser is an old-school Nintendo franchise that’s worth revisiting.
5 Pilotwings
There are special games that reinvented the simulation genre, and those include the SNES flight simulation franchise Pilotwings. The game features plenty of flight simulation levels that involve fun aviation challenges, like flying a light aircraft and maneuvering a hang glider.
The Pilotwings franchise has received two subsequent sequels because of its incredibly engaging gameplay experience that allows gamers to take up to the sky. There’s also an immense sense of realism and attention to detail allowed by the consoles the franchise was released on. The games are also easy to pick up and have intuitive controls for players of all skill levels.
4 Star Fox
Nintendo has a lot of iconic franchises that are easily recognizable by gamers everywhere. While it hasn’t received as much love as other Nintendo franchises, Star Fox has a dedicated fan base that adores its anthropomorphic protagonist.
Entries in the franchise have space shooter gameplay that involves controlling a spacecraft and making sure that enemies, obstacles, and bosses are obliterated. The Star Fox franchise is also known for its rail-shooter mechanic that sees the spacecraft following a set path while firing devastating weapons. Star Fox quickly became a Nintendo game many considered ahead of its time thanks to its gameplay style and use of 3D graphics.
3 Lufia
The SNES has plenty of RPGs in its library. This includes the fantasy RPG Lufia, which was first released in 1993. The franchise is set in the world of Forfeit island, a place filled with sinister characters called Sinistrals. In order to save the world, gamers must take control of a group of heroes that include the swordsman Maxim and archer Selan.
Entries in the franchise are known to have well-developed characters and difficult boss battles. Apart from having dungeons that have various monsters in store for gamers, players will also need to uncover hidden items and solve challenging puzzles to progress in the games of the franchise. Lufia is a great choice for gamers who want a retro RPG with a standout story and innovative battle system.
2 Mario Kart
The Super Mario Bros. spin-off Mario Kart is perhaps one of the most popular game franchises on the Nintendo gaming system. In Mario Kart, beloved characters from the Mario franchise like Princess Peach and Luigi race on themed tracks that vary from a colorful rainbow road to a beach full of Koopas.
Entries in the Mario Kart franchise are also best enjoyed with friends, which lends to its popularity and replayability. The franchise also has simple mechanics that make it easy for gamers of various skill levels to play. With its barrage of power-ups and gameplay modes, titles under the Mario Kart franchise always feel fresh and exciting.
1 Breath Of Fire
Capcom has launched several successful games on the SNES. Breath of Fire, a fantasy JRPG, is one Capcom franchise that has its roots on the SNES. The franchise is known for letting gamers fuse two characters together, creating a more powerful creature.
Breath of Fire and other entries in the franchise focus on a dragon-human hybrid named Ryu and his family. Besides having an engrossing lore, Breath of Fire also wowed gamers with its fleshed-out characters, innovative RPG gameplay, and entertaining crafting and fishing system.