Top 5 SNES Games that Need to be Released on the Virtual Console
Arguably the Best of the 16-bit Consoles
Though
Nintendo was late to the 16-bit era, but made it up with some classic titles that shape gaming even to this day. Now that many of these games are back via the Wii’s Virtual Console, there are still a few titles that are missing that need to be released! Here are five of them.
Start Your Engines
5.) Super Mario Kart
Though Mario Kart 64 has been released on the VC, the original classic has yet to be released. It’s one of the best games for the console and created its own sub-genre of racing games. The Twisted Metals and Crash Team Racing games of the world owe their existence, at least in part, to the original Mario Kart.
With the perfect equation of simplistic controls, decent physics, fun objects to sabotage other racers and a vast array of classic Mario characters and levels, this was one of the first great multiplayer experiences I remember in my younger years. The game offered more traditional races, time trial modes and a phenomenally amusing battle mode.
The success of this game lead to many sequels including Mario Kart on the Wii.
While this classic title, the third best selling SNES game of all time, has been released on the Virtual Console in Japan, it has yet been offered to eager gamers stateside.
Chances of being released: Very high, it’s only a matter of time.
Yoshi to the Rescue?
4.) Yoshi’s Island
To be honest, I was not a fan of this game during its initial run and didn’t truly appreciate it until it was later released on the Game Boy Advance. Looking back, much of my dissatisfaction had to do with the fact that I was looking for it to play more like its predecessor.
In this game, you actually control Yoshi guiding a baby Mario trying to rescue the baby Luigi. While, not playing as the iconic title character isn’t as fun, this game is still pretty good with fantastic visuals and amusing controls. You also have to respect when a title in a long-standing series tries something new to stand out on its own. Years afterward, designers would take Mario out of the norm again in titles like Super Mario Sunshine and Paper Mario.
Chances of being r__eleased: Moderate, this game isn’t as popular, but it’s a Mario game, it’s bound to be released eventually.
Mega Man’s First SNES Appearance
3.) Mega Man X
Has there ever been a bad Mega Man game? Well, Mega Man Legends aside, it’s hard to think of any. Capcom released this title as the first Mega Man game for the SNES with the same tried and true gameplay that made the series successful on the NES.
Utilizing the SNES capabilities, Mega Man X took the series to a whole new level of graphics and s
ound. There isn’t much else that stands out with this title compared to the others in the series, though this marked the first time Mega Man could climb walls, which has since become a staple of Mega Man games. This is worthwhile download, though you could easily pick this game up via the purchase of Mega Man X Collection that was released for the Playstation 2 and Gamecube.
Chances of being released: Low, I wouldn’t expect this out until the entire Mega Man series has been released on the NES first. They’re just more popular.
Totally Awesome Sequel, Dude!
2.) Teenage Mutant Ninja Tur
tles IV – Turtles in Time
If you’ve read my feature on the Sega Genesis, you know I have soft spot for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, who made a memorable appearance on the SNES in TMNT IV: Turtles in Time.
This was originally to be the top game on the list as I assumed the title in the number spot was already released. Turtles in Time was a great multiplayer beat em’ up game that like TMNT II the Arcade Game for NES was based on a phenomenal arcade game. Turtles IV does an excellent job in incorporating characters and locations from the comics, animated series and feature films.
It was also quite a novelty at the time to be able to throw foot soldiers at the towards the television screen, a rare, albeit subtle, example of video games attempting to break the fourth wall. The only downside of this game is its general ease, even on the harder difficulties. It’s also on the short side. Despite these modest shortcomings, this is one the best SNES titles and the best Turtles game ever.
Chances of being released: Low, with the arcade version’s release on Xbox Live, I doubt Nintendo would release their console version at the moment.
Number One and Some Honorable Mentions
1.) Star Fox
I was shocked and flabbergasted when I realized this classic title hasn’t been released. Like Super Mario Kart, the N64 counterpart is featured on the virtual console. While the N64 version was enjoyable, it doesn’t come close to original.
Star Fox, one of the few SNES games to utilize the Super FX Chip, had impressive visuals, great controls and addictive gameplay. The three different paths to the planet Venom provided great replay value, which was much more of a rare commodity back then.
The part of the game that is still annoying is having to bail out the rest of your squad who whine if you accidentally hit them with cross fire, invariably get themselves into trouble and never assist you in any way.
Chances of being released: High, I would hope. The release of the N64 sequel notwithstanding, I’m still shocked this isn’t out there already.
Honorable mentions: Super Mario All-Stars, Mega Man 7, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy III
