The 7 Best SNES Platformers of All Time

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System defined a generation of 16-bit gaming following its release in 1990. With processing power far beyond earlier consoles, the SNES enabled developers to craft 2D platformers with a level of fluidity, creativity and charm yet to be matched. Let‘s explore the 7 greatest platformers ever released for the SNES.

Introduction

Among a legendary library of iconic RPGs and action games, the SNES was a powerhouse platforming console without equal. Nintendo struck back against the speedy Sonic the Hedgehog games on rival Sega Genesis hardware with an onslaught of acclaimed, best-selling platform exclusives starring their mascots Mario, Donkey Kong and more.

For this list, I selected games which:

• Defined core franchise gameplay innovation on the SNES
• Garnered significant critical/sales success
• Showcased major technical/graphical advancements
• Had an artistic and cultural impact still felt today

Without further ado, let‘s countdown my picks for the top 7 best SNES platformers ever released!

#7: Kirby Super Star (1996)

Background

Kirby burst onto the gaming scene in 1992‘s Kirby‘s Dream Land for the Game Boy developed by Masahiro Sakurai. The cute pink puffball could inhale enemies to absorb their abilities like floating, fire blasts and beam attacks. After sequel Kirby‘s Adventure refined the ability-copying concept on NES, Kirby Super Star expanded the scope and versatility of the series with a collection of seven distinct games in one.

Gameplay & Content

Where prior Kirby games focused on relatively linear, stage-by-stage progression, Kirby Super Star gave players an incredible variety of gameplay experiences across multiple craftily themed sub-games:

Whether racing King Dedede in Gourmet Race, teaming up to topple Meta Knight’s armada in Revenge of Meta Knight or mining for treasure in The Great Cave Offensive – Kirby Super Star provides endless variety coupled with the series‘ trademark charm.

Reception & Impact

Critics praised Kirby Super Star‘s gameplay diversity and wealth of content:

• Nintendo Power awarded a perfect 10 score, applauding its fun two-player modes
• Electronic Gaming Monthly described it as "the best Kirby game ever"
• GamePro called the game "innovative" and "highly entertaining"

With timeless design and visuals, Kirby Super Star remains one of the SNES‘ most enduring platform exclusives. It recently was included in the Super NES Classic Edition plug-and-play game system.

#6: Mega Man X (1993)

Background

Capcom struck 2D platformer gold with their Mega Man series starring the eponymous Blue Bomber beginning in 1987 on NES hardware. After 5 numbered entries and several spin-offs, Capcom evolved the formula into 16-bit territory with Mega Man X kicking off an acclaimed new series on the SNES.

Gameplay & Progression

Mega Man X brings Capcom’s classic franchise charging onto the SNES with blistering action perfectly suited for 16-bit hardware. Set 100 after the original Mega Man series, the titular X is the next-gen version of Mega Man with advanced cognitive abilities and combat capabilities.

Like his NES predecessor, X battles evil Maverick robots across a series of stages – each with a different end boss. Defeating Maverick bosses earns X new weapons and abilities he can then use to exploit other bosses‘ unique weaknesses. Mega Man X expands the formula with additional armor upgrades, hidden health tanks and memorable theme music for foes like the utterly tubular Chill Penguin.

Reception & Impact

Critics applauded Mega Man X’s smooth as silk visuals and challenging gameplay:

• Nintendo Power declared it "a perfect example of video game evolution"
• Electronic Gaming Monthly said visuals were "some of the best seen on any system"
• Game Players described it as "a synthesis of action and strategy rolled up in a kick-butt package”

Mega Man X spawned a series of acclaimed sequels and remains a high watermark for SNES action-platformers. It ranked #8 in EGM‘s Greatest Games of All Time list in 1997.

#5: Super Castlevania IV (1991)

Castlevania established itself as one of the NES‘ most beloved action-platformers with its debut in 1986. Super Castlevania IV took the vampire-slaying series to thrilling new heights with dramatically enhanced visuals, audio and gameplay made possible by the SNES hardware.

Gameplay & Level Design

Players once again assume the role of Simon Belmont who battles Dracula‘s minions through 11 stages with his iconic whip. Thanks to improved controls, Simon can now strike enemies and grapple onto ceilings in 8 directions – adding thrilling new dynamics to the tried-and-true gothic action.

From swinging over fiery lava pools to navigating a creepy rotating room, Super Castlevania IV’s level design shines on the SNES. Players battle challenging enemies like Medusa Heads, mummies, Frankenstein monsters and more mythic beasts leading up to Count Dracula himself. Destructible environments, alternating pathways and dramatic set pieces punctuate the dark, demonic action.

Reception & Impact

With outstanding visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack, Super Castlevania IV set the graphical standard for early SNES releases. Critics praised its gameplay and horror theme:

• Nintendo Power called it "one of the finest action games ever made"
• Electronic Gaming Monthly named it Game of the Month stating Castlevania had "never looked better or played better"

Often ranked among the top SNES games, Super Castlevania IV remains an action-horror classic that still haunts gamers to this day.

#4: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy‘s Kong Quest (1995)

Rareware‘s 1994 SNES hit Donkey Kong Country helped showcase the console’s graphical muscle with its advanced pre-rendered 3D visuals. The 1995 sequel Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest ramped up the challenge for platforming veterans with even more dynamic level design and creative gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay & Levels

After Donkey Kong’s kidnapping, players guide Diddy Kong and girlfriend Dixie Kong through swamps, amusement parks, ghost ships and more colorful environs on a quest to defeat the villainous King K. Rool. Dixie’s helicopter ponytail spin gives her superior aerial mobility over Diddy’s cartwheel jumps – adding replay value.

From riding mystical creatures through thorn mazes to dodging zeppelins in a stormy skyscraper climb, Diddy‘s Kong Quest treats veterans to diabolical level concepts unmatched on the SNES. Bonus areas hide precious hero coins unlocking a secret world for devoted collectors.

Reception & Impact

Critics praised the sequel‘s challenging gameplay and stunning visuals trumping even its acclaimed predecessor:

• Nintendo Power ranked it among 1995’s best SNES games declaring “the graphics take your breath away"
• GamePro stated DKC2 proves Rare‘s artists "are still the best when it comes to creating lush, 3-D worlds”
• Electronic Gaming Monthly said levels “will blow you away with their depth and detail.”

It remains one of Rare‘s finest platforming achievements. Diddy’s Kong Quest recently was adapted for Nintendo Switch as Tropical Freeze.

#3: Super Metroid (1994)

The influential Metroid series reached new heights with Super Metroid – an atmospheric, exploration-driven action platformer that set the template for today‘s "Metroidvania" genre.

Gameplay & Exploration

Bounty hunter heroine Samus Aran battles Space Pirates across the caverns and jungles of planet Zebes to retrieve the eponymous stolen Metroid creature. Players guide Samus through sprawling 2D environments, opening new areas by discovering power-ups like ice beams, wave beams and super bombs along her journey. Boss battles punctuate the free-flowing navigation rewarding pinpoint dodging and counter-attacking skills.

With exceptional level design guiding players subtly towards objectives, gameplay innovations like automatically mapping terrain and a haunting soundtrack by Kenji Yamamoto – Super Metroid was lavished with critical praise upon release in 1994:

Reception & Impact

• EGM Game of the Month – "a perfect game that shouldn‘t be missed”
• Nintendo Power stated "it may be the best action/adventure game ever"
• Ranked #3 among the Best Games of All Time by Electronic Gaming Monthly

Today, Super Metroid remains renowned as one of the greatest video games ever made proving the SNES was a powerhouse platformer console. Speedrunners still compete to complete the entire game in under an hour!

#2: Super Mario World (1990)

The Super Mario series propelled Nintendo to video game dominance in the 1980s with defining NES classics. Nintendo continued Mario‘s iconic 2D platforming adventures with Super Mario World – a colorful, creative, whimsical SNES launch title that set the standard for the entire console generation.

Gameplay & Replay Value

Players guide Mario (or Luigi!) through Dinosaur Land to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser. Super Mario World refined Mario‘s satisfying run-and-jump gameplay with new moves like the Cape-assisted glide and spin attacks.

The overworld map allows gamers to plot their own progression across 96 exits worth of stages and bonus areas. Exploring off the beaten path unearths Star Road routes with super-tough levels for expert players seeking maximum replay challenge. With secret exits, buried power-ups and surprise revelations, Super Mario World rewards the curious.

Reception & Impact

With vibrant, cartoony visuals by Shigeru Miyamoto and epic soundtrack by Koji Kondo, Super Mario World highlighted the SNES hardware and creativity from Nintendo‘s developers. Critics showered it with praise:

• Nintendo Power called it "Nintendo‘s finest accomplishment"
• Polygon ranked it the greatest SNES game ever made
• Empire declared it “the most magical Mario game of them all”

An undisputed SNES platforming masterpiece, Super Mario World remains one of gaming‘s brightest and most playful classics.

#1: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi‘s Island (1995)

Yoshi‘s adorable debut in 1990‘s Super Mario World made him an instant star. Five years later, Nintendo granted Mario‘s dino pal the starring role for the SNES swan song Yoshi‘s Island. With an playful art style and ingenious gameplay twists, Yoshi‘s Island became one of Mario‘s most acclaimed and imaginative adventures.

Gameplay & Level Design

The story follows various Yoshis working cooperatively to escort Baby Mario across Yoshi‘s Island and rescue his twin brother Baby Luigi from Baby Bowser‘s clutches. Players guide solo Yoshi‘s through colorful, themed levels navigating obstacles via Yoshi‘s distinctive abilities:

• Egg throwing & aiming
• Flutter jumping
• Ground pounding

With outstanding pastel visuals and Baby Mario crying when floating untethered, Yoshi‘s Island felt like no Mario game before it. From inside a giant frog stomaching to raft-hopping through lava rapids, each new level challenges players in surprising ways. Gamers who find all 20 Red Coins and 5 Flowers in a level unlock even more devious bonus stages.

Reception & Impact

Critics unanimously applauded the game as an instant classic upon its October 1995 release:

• Nintendo Power called it “one of the biggest, most beautiful games ever developed”
• GamePro stated the graphics "still stand out as some of the best seen on the system."
• Ranked #2 among The Greatest SNES Games by IGN

Fun, beautiful and bursting with innovation – Yoshi‘s Island still stands tall as the SNES‘ best platformer over 25 years later. Its creativity and charm cement its legacy as a defining SNES experience.

Conclusion

And there you have it – our picks for the top 7 best SNES platformers of all time. From Mario and Donkey Kong to Kirby and Samus, the SNES delivered genre-defining experiences unmatched 20+ years later in terms of tight controls, vibrant graphics and pure fun factor. Which SNES platforming adventure stands out the most to you? Let us know in the comments below!