The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), released in 1990, is one of the most beloved consoles in gaming history. Known for its rich library of iconic titles, including Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Chrono Trigger, the SNES set the stage for the golden age of gaming. However, amid these blockbuster hits, there are numerous underrated SNES games that often get overshadowed. These titles didn’t get the attention they deserved at launch, yet many have gained cult followings over the years.
So why should we still care about these hidden gems today? The answer lies in the unique experiences they offer—whether it’s groundbreaking mechanics, compelling stories, or niche gameplay that can surprise modern players. Let’s dive into the world of underrated SNES games that deserve a spot in any retro gamer’s collection.
What Defines an Underrated SNES Game?
An underrated SNES game is usually one that didn’t get the recognition it deserved at the time of release. This could be due to poor marketing, overshadowing by larger franchises, or simply being ahead of its time. The criteria for inclusion often includes:
- Obscurity: The game didn’t have the same visibility as franchises like Super Mario or Zelda.
- Quality: Despite being well-made, it failed to break through to a mainstream audience.
- Influence: Some games were innovative for their time but were ignored due to genre saturation or lack of proper promotion.
- Critical reception vs. fan praise: A game may have received mixed reviews but gained a loyal fanbase.
These games didn’t get the spotlight, but their unique features still hold up today, providing a nostalgic and fresh experience for players seeking something different from the usual classics.
Top 10 Underrated SNES Games
1. Shadowrun (1993)
- Genre: Cyberpunk RPG
- Core Gameplay: A blend of tactical turn-based combat and deep story exploration, set in a dystopian future. Players navigate a dark cyberpunk world as a runner, completing missions while hacking systems and battling enemies.
- Why It’s Underrated: Despite being a unique cyberpunk RPG on the SNES, it didn’t get as much attention as contemporaries like Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VI.
- Why You Should Play It: Shadowrun‘s narrative complexity and cyberpunk themes hold up even today, offering a great mix of strategy and story.
2. Unirally / Uniracers (1994)
- Genre: Racing
- Core Gameplay: A fast-paced, side-scrolling racing game where players control unicycles that perform stunts and tricks.
- Why It’s Underrated: Legal issues with Pixar’s animation led to limited exposure, despite the game’s fun mechanics and unique style.
- Why You Should Play It: It’s a fun, fast, and quirky racer with excellent controls and a surprising amount of depth.
3. Equinox (1994)
- Genre: Puzzle Adventure
- Core Gameplay: Isometric perspective puzzle-solving with RPG elements, featuring a mix of action, exploration, and strategic thinking.
- Why It’s Underrated: Many players overlooked Equinox due to its isometric view and puzzle mechanics, which were less common at the time.
- Why You Should Play It: The combination of puzzles and action with an atmospheric soundtrack makes it a standout for puzzle lovers.
4. Boogerman: A Pick and Flick Adventure (1994)
- Genre: Platformer
- Core Gameplay: A gross-out, action-packed platformer where players control Boogerman, using various bodily functions as attacks.
- Why It’s Underrated: The humor and bizarre gameplay turned some players off, but it garnered a dedicated cult following.
- Why You Should Play It: For fans of quirky, unconventional platformers, this title delivers a ton of fun and laughs.
5. Nosferatu (1994)
- Genre: Cinematic Platformer
- Core Gameplay: A gothic platformer with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, where players battle through a haunted world filled with monsters and bosses.
- Why It’s Underrated: Although it was well-received for its visuals, it didn’t find a huge audience.
- Why You Should Play It: It has a unique atmosphere and strong cinematic storytelling, offering a great action platformer experience.
6. Goof Troop (1993)
- Genre: Puzzle-Action Co-op
- Core Gameplay: Players control Goofy and Max in a puzzle-solving, cooperative platformer. The game allows for solo or two-player co-op play.
- Why It’s Underrated: Despite its Disney branding, it didn’t get the recognition it deserved in a market dominated by Super Mario games.
- Why You Should Play It: Great co-op mechanics and clever puzzles make it a fun and entertaining game for all ages.
7. Top Gear 2 / Top Racer 2 (1994)
- Genre: Racing
- Core Gameplay: A racing game featuring deep Mode-7 graphics, multiple cars, and tracks, with an emphasis on skill-based racing.
- Why It’s Underrated: Despite being a solid racing game, it was overshadowed by more famous titles like F-Zero and Super Mario Kart.
- Why You Should Play It: It’s a fast and exciting racer with a strong focus on skillful driving and customization.
8. Secret of Evermore (1995)
- Genre: Action RPG
- Core Gameplay: A unique ARPG set in a world of different time periods. Players switch between two characters and explore different environments while solving puzzles and battling enemies.
- Why It’s Underrated: Compared to its contemporaries like Secret of Mana, it didn’t quite receive the same level of attention despite its unique premise.
- Why You Should Play It: Secret of Evermore‘s unique setting and fun combat mechanics make it a hidden gem for ARPG fans.
9. E.V.O.: Search for Eden (1992)
- Genre: Action RPG
- Core Gameplay: An evolution-based RPG where players control a creature evolving through different stages of life, starting as a small fish and evolving into a variety of creatures.
- Why It’s Underrated: E.V.O.‘s unique premise and mechanics weren’t enough to attract a large audience at launch.
- Why You Should Play It: Its innovative mechanics and unique approach to evolution make it a standout, offering a fresh RPG experience.
10. Robotrek (1994)
- Genre: RPG
- Core Gameplay: Players build and control robots to fight enemies and explore a colorful world, with deep customization options.
- Why It’s Underrated: It was overshadowed by other RPGs and didn’t get the recognition it deserved for its creative mechanics.
- Why You Should Play It: The robot-building and customization aspects make it an RPG like no other.
Underrated SNES Genres Worth Exploring
Hidden Gem RPGs
Titles like Shadowrun and Secret of Evermore showcase RPGs that didn’t get enough credit but are full of depth and replayability.
Obscure Platformers
Games such as Nosferatu and Boogerman offer quirky and unique platforming experiences with great mechanics and a sense of humor.
Hidden Racing & Sports Titles
If you’re looking for something beyond Mario Kart, titles like Top Gear 2 offer deep, skill-based racing fun.
Puzzle and Strategy Games
Isometric puzzlers like Equinox provide a different, more methodical pace compared to action games of the era.
Why These Games Didn’t Get Mainstream Attention
Several factors played into the lack of attention for these games, including release timing (competing with heavy-hitters like Super Mario and Zelda), poor marketing, and legal issues (e.g., Uniracers). Additionally, many were overshadowed by genre saturation or limited regional releases, preventing them from getting the mainstream success they deserved.
Where to Play These Underrated SNES Games
While many of these titles are hard to find on original cartridges, modern players can enjoy them through emulation and retro compilations. Some have been re-released on newer platforms like the Nintendo Switch via the SNES Classic Edition or virtual consoles.
Bonus Section: Community Favorites You Might Not Know
In addition to the 10 listed, fans of the SNES have recommended several other titles worth exploring:
- Melfard Stories
- Ghoul Patrol
- Firepower 2000
- Skyblazer
Conclusion
The SNES may be home to some of the most iconic and well-loved games in history, but its underrated titles offer hidden treasures that still resonate today. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to retro gaming, these hidden gems provide a rich and unique experience that is well worth your time. What underrated SNES games do you think deserve more love? Let us know in the comments!