Steven's Obscure Super Famicom Impressions Thread (Top 50 countdown + closing remarks)

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!

#19: SUTTE HAKKUN



Think you've played one puzzle game that you've played them all? Sutte Hakkun will force you to think otherwise. You take control of a strange transparent creature similar to a dipping bird and your task is to reach the orb(s) on each level. To get to these orbs, one must "suck and blow." Yes, you will suck and blow. And you'll do a lot of it. [Insert token dirty joke here]. Transparent blocks are placed throughout a level. There are also preset color blocks. Jars appear in three forms: red, yellow or blue. By sucking paint out of a jar (or block) you can then transfer that color into a transparent block. Red moves a block up and down, blue moves it horizontally and yellow makes it travel diagonally. Of course they don’t travel the full length of the screen — there would be zero strategy if that were the case. Rather, the blocks travel a short distance back and forth. You can freeze a block’s movement by sucking the paint out of them. It’s this method that allows you to change a block’s height to better suit your goal.

There are a ton of levels to complete, and the later ones get pretty brutal pretty fast. The game is filled with that classic Nintendo charm. Little details bring a smile to your face, such as a smiling stone that frowns the second you hop on its head. Speaking of which, yes, this game was developed by Nintendo and started out as a BS-X download in the late '90s. It was so popular however that Nintendo decided to release a Super Famicom cartridge of it on June 25, 1999. I like to think of Sutte Hakkun as the last great Super Nintendo game ever released. And it probably is. As such, it's a piece of history one could argue. It's definitely a piece of video gaming art. There is no timer here so unlike Puzzle'n Desu! you can take your sweet time (pardon the pun) solving the case. If you've never played this before and you love (action) puzzle games, give it a shot. It's sure to become one of your new favorites.

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun

#18: GUNDAM WING: ENDLESS DUEL



March 29, 1996. It had to have been a bittersweet day in Japan for diehard Gundam fans. The 49th and final episode of the Gundam anime aired on that fateful day, but it was also the same day that Bandai released the Natsume-developed Super Famicom fighting game, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Duel. Or Shin Kidō Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Duel to give it its full proper Japanese title. And what a fighting game this is. Gorgeous, fluid and full of crazy combos, Endless Duel is sure to impress any fighting game fan. Being released in '96 it features more contemporary fighting game tropes. This includes dashing (both forwards and backwards), mid-air blocking (you can also block during a dash for goodness sake), cancelling and even double and TRIPLE jumps. Each of the 9 fighters (plus a 10th character, the boss Epyon) has a slew of special moves including a super special attack that can be performed at any time during the match provided you have enough "battle points." You start with 300 points. It drains each time you use a special move. Some specials cost more points than others. You refill this counter by attacking with regular moves.

Each of the fighters play a bit differently. Some are more agile while others are a bit more bruising. The overall difficulty isn't hard at all, that is, until you meet the final boss, Epyon. Let's just say he would make any SNK final boss proud. There are four buttons (weak punch, strong punch, weak weapon, strong weapon) and three game modes: 1. Story 2. Trial (fight as many computer controlled fighters as you can until you're eliminated. Max is 99) and 3. Versus. There is only a bit of Japanese dialogue with the post match comments. Interestingly enough, there is an English translation floating out there that is completely unnecessary but hey, why not? Endless Duel feels a bit like an early version of one of Capcom's "versus" fighters. Never thought I would say that about a Super Famicom developed fighter. It isn't without its flaws, though. You'll notice that there is no speech samples whatsoever. All you hear is music and the sound effects of steel connecting on steel. I never realized how much I miss "ROUND ONE, FIGHT!" as well as the fighters announcing their special moves until I played Endless Duel. It makes sense though, they had to sacrifice something to make this game look and run as smoothly as it does. All in all, this is probably the best Super Famicom exclusive fighting game to never hit the US. If you haven't tried it yet and you love fighting games, then you should probably make it a point to do so, and soon.

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel

#17: PRO YAKYUU STAR

At first glance you probably thought to yourself, "SAY WHA?" Let's try this again. "Super Baseball Simulator 1.000." OK, now I'm seeing a few nods. Good. So remember the Baseball Simulator games from Culture Brain? Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 developed something of a semi-cult following. It was a baseball game, sure, but it featured outlandish gimmicks such as crazy pitches and the like. Did you know Culture Brain went on to release FOUR sequels to SBS 1.000? But they only came out in Japan, and technically, only one was a true sequel. That one being Super Ultra Baseball 2 (1994). In 1992, the firm launched Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban, which plays almost exactly like Super Ultra Baseball (Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 in the US) but now features real Japanese ball players. Confused yet? Here, let me show some pictures. People like pictures. I like pictures. So pictures it is.


Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 (SNES, 1991. Japanese title Super Ultra Baseball)


Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban (SFC, August 28, 1992)


Super Ultra Baseball 2 (SFC, July 28, 1994. AKA Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 Part 2)


Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban 2 (SFC, December 22, 1994)


Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban 3 (SFC, October 27, 1995)

I like how the Jitsumeiban games each had a distinct visual style. The first one looks like SBS 1.000. The second one looks like Super Ultra Baseball 2 but in Super Deformed style. As if the men from SUB 2 went into the dryer. And the third resembles well, see below


Pro Yakyuu Star (SFC, January 17, 1997)

All these baseball games are solid in their own right, and I really like SUB 2 and Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban 2, but why did Pro Yakyuu Star make this list? Simple. From a pure gameplay standpoint, it is the most playable and pure baseball game of the (sand)lot. Being Culture Brain's SIXTH Super Nintendo baseball outing, they've had plenty of time to iron out the kinks and as a result Pro Yakyuu Star feels the most polished and refined. You know how in vintage baseball games the outfielders can't throw for jack squat? None of that bouncing ball business here thankfully, as these professionals play like, you know, professionals! Pro Yakyuu Star does get rid of the gimmicks and antics of Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 (which is a selling point for some fans) but makes up for it with crisp gameplay. The ability to throw the ball without weak bounces, swipe bags and the like make for a pleasant, straight forward baseball game.

It's also interesting to point out that this is Culture Brain's final baseball game. They planned a few Ultra Baseball games for the Game Boy Advance but those projects were scrapped. Also of worthy note is that they chose to make Pro Yakyuu Star its own stand alone entity rather than "Super Ultra Baseball 3" or "Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban 4." I like to think of it as sort of the definitive Culture Brain baseball title. It's the last of its kind, and it's kind of neat to see how the Baseball Simulator series started and ended here more or less. These quirky baseball games deserve a little more recognition. I hope this gives you a few new intriguing oddities to try out for yourself. And since we're talking baseball, a belated congratulations to the Cubs for ending their 108 year drought. Back to the Future II was off by just one year as it turns out, but guess how many minutes BTTF II was... 108. It's as crazy as if I were to tell you Donald Trump would be our next United States president! Oh... um, yeah. I think this is my cue to call it a wrap. "PLAY BALL!"

[Steven]

Down to the Sweet 16!

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star

#16: BS ZELDA



The NES classic Legend of Zelda gets a "remake" of sorts on the SNES. It was available on March 30, 1997 in Japan via the Satellaview only. The Satellaview was a downloading service that was ahead of its time. If players played the game at a certain time, they were treated to live voice over acting. There was an in-game clock and so you could only play it for a certain length of time. Certain times triggered special in-game events, such as all enemies being stunned or killed. Of course, since then there's been hacks and fan translations, and SNES players can now experience BS Zelda in all its glory. And a glorious action adventure it is!

The overworld has been altered somewhat, and the dungeons are brand new, but it's the same classic game you remember with spiffy 16-bit souped up visuals and dare I say even better sound and music than the original. It still plays like classic NES Zelda, but now you can switch items and weapons by using the shoulder buttons. The game is simply a delight to play, and although it's not NES Legend of Zelda to a 100% tee, it's damn close enough. Makes you kinda wish there was also a BS Metroid, or a BS Contra, or gosh, the list goes on and on. BS Zelda is a must-play if you love the first game and you love the Super Nintendo. It's a match made in 16-bit Heaven, and that's certainly no BS.

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda

#15: DEAE TONOSAMA APPARE ICHIBAN



This just might be the weirdest Super Famicom game ever. Think of Tonosama as Pocky & Rocky on an acid trip. A strange alien force is out looking to cast its iron fist over the entire universe and two brave (but bumbling) souls set out to save the day. Their names are Baka-dono and Baka-ouji, which translate to Lord Stupid and Prince Stupid. You can't make this stuff up. There are 10 stages in all. It's a globe trotting adventure. Battle crazed curry plate chucking madmen in India one minute, and the next minute sees you contending with rotting zombies in a cursed Japanese village. The best part of the game, other than its wildly bizarre atmosphere, is the fact that two can play at once. Baka-dono attacks by swiping his fan. Baka-ouji plays the long distance game with rose projectiles. Two player mode allows you the best of both worlds. Beware, there is some slowdown as the game isn't afraid to throw more than three bad guys at you at any given time. Personally though, that wasn't a dealbreaker for me. The game has a ridiculous abundance of explosions. EVERYTHING EXPLODES. Elephants? They explode. Stray chickens? They explode. Japanese shoji screens? Yep, even inanimate objects explode. It's not uncommon to see the TV light up in an array of explosions as if it were the 4th of July. It's way over the top, and it's all done with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek with a wink to boot.

You can also morph into your deceased overly muscular father. TGR points determine how long you can stay in this mode. Press X at any time (provided you have enough TGR points) to transform into a hulking steroid-injected brute. Each punch sends forth explosions! Any time you get hit or deliver a hit of your own, your TGR points decrease. Once down to 0 it's back to being regular ol' Prince Stupid or Lord Stupid. Slain enemies may drop TGR percentage points, health refills or bombs. You also get to choose your stage order. The game is on the easier side, but I didn't mind that so much. There are a ton of mid and mini bosses along the way, and some of them are pretty "out there," if you know what I mean. Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban, unfortunately, doesn't come cheap these days. But find a way to play it if you haven't done so already. It's a fun, bizarre two player action romp the likes of which you probably won't be forgetting any time soon. Besides, who isn't enticed by the idea of killing hopping vampires, astronauts on Mars, Bruce Lee wannabes, aliens, zombies, demons, ninjas, sumo wrestlers and the like? Good times, I say. Good times.

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban

#14: UMIHARA KAWASE



Bionic Commando on the NES was a cult favorite of mine growing up, and it saddened me that Capcom never released a 16-bit sequel on the SNES. The closest thing to a 16-bit Bionic Commando? Umihara Kawase. You control a girl who wears a pink backpack. For reasons unknown you find yourself in a strange world full of towering platforms and ledges. There's an exit somewhere in each level and it's your job to safely reach those exits. You do this by performing various tricks with your elastic rope. Enemies come in the form of mutated marine life. You don't actually kill them, though. Instead she hooks them and puts them into her pink backpack. The game is delightfully weird (in that ever lovable Japanese sort of way) and a total blast to play, on account of figuring out how best to utilize the rope in any given situation. Using momentum and understanding the rope's physics is what makes it such a pure joy to play.

The graphics are very basic and almost comes off as being minimalist. At a first glance it appears to be a budget title, but don't let its basic looks fool you. What lies underneath is a complex game that hooks you and reels you in (pardon the puns). It's always fun to see what the next twisted level will look like, as well as what new sea creatures may be milling about. Navigating through the game's levels and figuring out how to reach the exit is rather addicting. This is one of those games that's perfect to pop in after a long hard day at work. There's something wonderfully relaxing and soothing about it. The music and sound effects fit the game to a tee; it does a good job transporting you to this bizarre alternate universe. A dimension in which sea creatures are mutated, veggies are overgrown and magic stand alone doors are tucked away at the oddest heights and places. Umihara Kawase has earned its positive reputation the past decade plus for good reason. It's almost impossible NOT to like this game. The game world is so strangely captivating -- it's as if you're deep in some twisted recurring nightmare that (thankfully) plays like an absolute dream.

[Mayhem]

I was waiting and hoping for this game to turn up in the list

[Steven]

Today (as I write this anyhow) marks the 26th anniversary of the Super Famicom launch. November 21, 1990. The day gaming changed for the better. Crazy that it's been over a quarter century now, huh? This also marks 26 years of Super Mario World and F-Zero. Here's a toast to one of the greatest gaming systems of all time. I would say you're getting old, dear buddy, but what would that say about me? Lol. So I'll just say thank you for the memories, and here's to another 26 years.

The countdown will resume tomorrow with lucky number 13. Tonight I would like to plug a friend's product. Some of you probably already bought a copy and have received it by now, for others you may have missed it. Jeffrey Wittenhagen, who wrote The Complete NES, recently published The Complete SNES. It's basically a quick rundown of all 700+ North American Super Nintendo games in a giant 500+ page coffee table style book. It also covers several other aspects, including PAL exclusives, homebrew reviews, etc. There were many contributors, including some esteemed and respected retro gaming YouTube content creators such as My Life In Gaming and The LJN Defender. I also had the honor of contributing to Jeffrey's book. I was humbled to be included with such a knowledgeable and passionate group of retro gamers. Got my copy in the mail a few weeks ago and I highly recommend it to any SNES fan. Jeffrey is also launching the SNES Compendium soon, which will include more in-depth reviews and articles.



For more information on either book, including picture samples, check out this link below:

THE COMPLETE SNES BOOK AND COMPENDIUM

Definitely a nice holiday stocking stuffer (well maybe not, the book is FRIGGIN' huge!)

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase

#13: CLOCK TOWER



My favorite PlayStation video game of all time is Clock Tower. I purchased a used copy in late 1997 and played the hell out of that sucker. I was obsessed with Scissorman -- I genuinely saw him as the second greatest fictional horror villain of all time. Of course, those of you who have been following this topic know my #1 is Michael Myers (see game #49). Clock Tower was a point and click adventure game in which you control different characters in different settings trying to solve the Scissorman puzzle piece by piece before he can get to you. For example, in one scenario you play as Jennifer Simpson at a creepy deserted university late one night. In another scenario, you play as Stan Gotts trapped in a suburban house where Scissorman roams somewhere in the halls. There were multiple endings based on your performance. Scissorman sometimes pops up at random points. When he does, his creepy theme music plays and gets your heart pumping. I love Scissorman's theme music. He stalks after you with a limp and giant hedge clippers. You run and hide (or use an object to bash him over the head with). Sometimes he fails to detect your hiding spot, thus exiting and leaving you to breathe a sigh of relief (at least until the next random encounter). But other times... he figures out where you're hiding and you can guess what happens next. The game is insanely atmospheric and creepy. It blew my mind at the time to see some of the things I saw. For example, at the library one man checks the clock tower and the giant clock hand actually decapitates him! It was gruesome stuff, and I completely ate it up.

Years later I found out Clock Tower actually originated on the Super Famicom. I was excited to play it for the first time but I recall not having the highest expectations. Although there was a LOT of praise for the game, I just wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it. I was so used to PlayStation Clock Tower and although the polygons were nothing to write home about, the various camera angles added a lot to the game I felt and the angular blocky polygons actually made it feel that much more "primal." Obviously the Super Famicom game is in 2D, so I wasn't sure how much I was going to like it. I also didn't think it was going to be all that scary. Man, was I wrong. I never dreamed in a million years a Super Nintendo video game could ever unnerve me a bit, but Clock Tower succeeded in doing just that. This time you only control one character and the game takes place at a giant mansion, but it still works like gangbusters. This is where Scissorman was born! It should be noted that it's a slower paced game so action junkies should approach it with the proper mindset. Think of it as a really good slow burn horror/thriller. In that proper context the game works extremely well.

My favorite memory? I visited my parents on Christmas Eve 2010. I brought my Super Nintendo along and that night played Clock Tower at 2 AM in the dark. The house was emitting all kinds of weird noises as the heavy rain was whipping outside and against the windows. I felt a chill creep up and down my spine. Scissorman stalked me throughout the night. By the time I turned the game off, I staggered off to the guest bedroom in a bit of a daze. Not wanting to wake my parents up I kept the lights off so I fumbled around in the dark for a bit, feeling a bit uneasy, before finding my way to safe haven at long last. As I closed my eyes and began drifting away, I could still hear the faint snip-snip of Scissorman's shears... a twisted smiled crept across my face as I soon fell fast asleep. Merry Christmas, indeed.

[Steven]

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Now that we've recovered from our food coma, let's continue on with the countdown.

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower

#12: ROCKMAN & FORTE



In the mid 2000s it came to my attention that Mega Man X3 was not the final Mega Man title on the SNES. Rockman & Forte was. AKA Mega Man & Bass, Capcom released this on the Super Famicom on April 24, 1998. It blew my mind that Capcom made a Mega Man game for the SNES as late as '98. Pick between the Blue Bomber and relative newcomer, Bass (or Forte), who made his debut in 1995's Mega Man 7. Bass can double jump, dash and shoot in all directions (except straight down). Now like everyone else, I always used to play Mega Man games back in the day and inevitably at some point I'd think to myself, "MAN, IF ONLY THIS FOOL CAN SHOOT IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS." Well, Capcom now gives you that option (more or less). It's fun to use both characters and it extends the game's longevity. I personally find Mega Man to be the stronger character because Bass can't shoot and move. That and his shot is weaker. So Bass kind of, in some ways, operates as sort of a "hard mode" if you will. Other improvements include stunning visuals (you could seriously fool me at a cursory glance that this is a PlayStation or Saturn Mega Man title) and there is now a SAVE system. About friggin' time, Capcom!



King is the big bad in this game, and he leads eight robot masters. Things open up with the obligatory introductory level. You face off with the Green Devil at the Robot Museum. It's an impressive looking first boss that sets the tone for the rest of the game. The Green Devil first appeared in 1996's Mega Man 8 and was a version of the Yellow Devil from 1987's Mega Man. From here you have three robot masters to pick. Beat them and five others are unlocked. The game is moderately challenging. Not impossible but not a cakewalk, either. Throughout the stages you'll find bolts. Collect them so that you can buy upgrades and power-ups through Auto's shop. This ranges from an auto charge on Mega Man's Mega Buster shot (!) to an Energy Balancer (picking up a weapon refueler automatically refuels the lowest one). In addition to bolts, you'll also find CD's strewn about the stages. Collect them to view character bios. There are 100 in all. It's like a mini Mega Man in-game compendium! You'll get bios for all previous robot bosses from to Knight Man (Mega Man 6) to Frost Man (Mega Man 8) to even Saturn from Game Boy Mega Man V! Some CD's are not immediately accessible and thus there is a bit of backtracking to do once you've gained certain boss weapons that allow you to free these previously inaccessible CD's. Note: the Japanese version has a bit of Japanese obviously, but there's a fan translation floating out there...



If it weren't for 1999's Sutte Hakkun, Rockman & Forte would be the last great SNES game ever created. Whatever the reasons were that Capcom gifted us with this title in 19-freaking-98 (my theory is they felt guilty for Mega Man 8 being only on the 32-bit systems), I'm damn glad they did. It's an amazing Capcom swan song for loyal SNES owners, and the second best Mega Man title on the system for my money (only trailing the epochal Mega Man X). In many ways I feel like Rockman & Forte should never have been, but somehow mysteriously and miraculously was. It makes it all the more worthy to be celebrated and cherished. Rock on, Rockman.

[FieryReign]

Bout to hop into the translated rom of Megaman + Bass. Had the GBA port at one time but it didn't fit with the screen resolution. I always thought of the game as a remix of Megaman 8. It recycled sprites and enemies.

[Steven]

Bout to hop into the translated rom of Megaman + Bass. Had the GBA port at one time but it didn't fit with the screen resolution. I always thought of the game as a remix of Megaman 8. It recycled sprites and enemies.

Nice, just make sure you're playing it with a Super Nintendo controller. The keyboard just ain't the same. Yeah, the game is a bit like Mega Man 8 remix. It includes bosses Astro Man and Tengu Man from MM8. MM8 however didn't have Bass as a playable character, and that makes a pretty huge difference.

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower
12: Rockman & Forte

#11: SUPER SOUKOBAN



Way back at entry #36, I shared about a game named Power Soukoban. As much as I like that one, I like Super Soukoban that much more. Its classic, no frills gameplay is as simple (yet complex) and pure as it gets. You're in a cluttered warehouse and it's your job to move boxes into their designated position. There is no timer, however, there is a step limit. By pressing the shoulder buttons you can rewind or fast forward previous steps. This way if you mess up you don't have to restart the level completely. This also encourages experimentation -- knowing that you can always backtrack and erase your error is huge. The early levels start out very basic but soon give way to some mind tingling terrors. I love seeing the transition from level to level and how it may go from large to very small. It's quite a daunting transition! Later on there are even boxes already darkened, which means it's already resting on a purple dot. You can still move these darkened boxes in many cases, but you have to figure out if you're meant to or not. There are 300 levels in all. Rumor has it, launch day buyers are still stuck on level 289 to this very day!

What I really like about this game is that it's perfect to pop in and play for 15-20 minutes after a long hard day at work. Sometimes when you have that 9:30-10 PM window open for a little gaming, solving even just one level (which can take 15-20 minutes with all the trial and error and rewinding) is enough to satisfy your gaming itch. Then you jot down the password and go on your merry way. It's the ultimate single-screen brain teaser. I love this genre and feel Super Soukoban beats out Little Magic, Keeper, Sutte Hakkun and the like. To boot, there is a level edit option and a 2-player mode with 10 different playable characters to select from. It will have you flexing those brain muscles. It's the kind of game that you can show to an intellectual non-gaming friend, and they're likely to be intrigued. One of the best things is solving a really tough puzzle with literally one step remaining, or even zero. It's a huge rush! On the flipside, the agony of having one more box to move, but running out of steps right before you can push it to its final purple dot. That's when you rewind and work out a way to trace your steps more efficiently. I've done this a few times myself and it's an absolute fist-in-the-air worthy moment when you pull it off. What's really neat too is after stepping away from the game for a few weeks or months you completely forget how to solve the puzzles, so it becomes like a brand new experience once again. A highly underrated Super Famicom game, I can't recommend Super Soukoban enough.

[FieryReign]

Nice, just make sure you're playing it with a Super Nintendo controller. The keyboard just ain't the same. Yeah, the game is a bit like Mega Man 8 remix. It includes bosses Astro Man and Tengu Man from MM8. MM8 however didn't have Bass as a playable character, and that makes a pretty huge difference.

No way I'd use a keyboard, don't know how people do that. Don't have computer anyways. Playing on a tv with a Sega Saturn pad. The game's pretty tough. The music is awful though.

[Steven]

Down to the final ten! And appropriately enough, today's entry is sponsored by Tye Dillinger.



50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower
12: Rockman & Forte
11: Super Soukoban

#10: SUPER FIRE PRO WRESTLING X PREMIUM



Last Sunday, WCW icon Bill Goldberg returned to the squared circle for the first time in 12 years at the 30th Annual Survivor Series. He squared off against Brock Lesnar in a hugely hyped rematch from WrestleMania 20 (2004). Shockwaves were sent throughout the wrestling world as Goldberg squashed the beast in under 90 seconds. Two devastating spears and a vintage Jackhammer later, it was all over but the shouting. I loved wrestling back in the day and still keep up with it these days. I admire the storytelling, the athleticism, and the sacrifices these athletes make on a day in, day out basis. Because I grew up with them and they still occasionally show up on TV (i.e. Goldberg, Sting, Undertaker, Ric Flair, etc.) it's almost like seeing a distant uncle whenever they reappear. I'm a bit jaded and cynical as a fan admittedly, however, but never saw last Sunday's outcome in my wildest dreams. THEY GOT ME. They got everybody, and whether fans loved or hated the booking, it got everyone buzzing. Goldberg will return at the Royal Rumble match itself, and odds are pointing toward the final chapter in the Lesnar-Goldberg trilogy at WrestleMania 33. Things don't always come full circle in real life, but in wrestling, they often somehow do. It makes me feel like a kid again. And THAT, my friends, that's the magic of pro wrestling.

Speaking of which, by now most everyone is aware of Human's great Fire Pro series. It began its life on the PC-Engine in 1989. Today's entry, released March 1996, was the final Super Famicom Fire Pro game, and is considered by many as the greatest 16-bit wrestling title of all time. It was absolutely revolutionary for its time thanks to its Create A Wrestler (CAW) mode. Nowadays it's common to see CAW modes (i.e. WWE 2K) but back in early '96 this was unheard of. You could create and save up to 80 wrestlers. The amount of moves and body types available were equally mind blowing. With some time and devotion you could easily recreate the glory days of late '80s/early '90s WWF, the Attitude Era, the Ruthless Aggression Era, ECW, WCW -- hell, recreate the Monday Night War! The grapple system was based on timing rather than button mashing, and players had to work their way up the "move chain." Light, medium and strong attack buttons allow for a natural progression. If you start the match out trying to go for a power or even a medium move, expect it to be automatically countered. So similar to real life, you can't be dishing out power bombs from the opening bell. It made for naturally progressive matches that flowed. Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium has long since been surpassed by superior sequels. Later entries would fix minor annoyances such as overpowered submission moves and falling out of the ring awkwardly whenever you're near the apron. These later Fire Pro entries would also add in cage matches, tables, fluorescent light bulbs, barb wire, etc. Still, 20 years later Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium stands the test of time. Besides, it's pretty cool being able to rock out as Bobo Brazil on your Super Nintendo.

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower
12: Rockman & Forte
11: Super Soukoban
10: Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium

#9: GODZILLA: KAIJUU DAIKESSEN



I've been a Godzilla fan since I can remember. I grew up with the Big Guy. Whether he was terrorizing trains and ravaging cities, or pummeling fellow rubber suited monsters and saving the planet, Godzilla has a special spot in my heart even to this day. He's simply timeless, having endured 62 years, 30+ films and counting. This past summer Toho released Shin Godzilla, the first Japanese Godzilla film in 12 years after the 2014 American version was a commercial success. I watched Shin Godzilla twice in theatres and absolutely loved it. It brings an interesting slant on the whole Godzilla universe, and I have a good feeling Toho will be back with another G-Film in the near future. Godzilla also has an anime movie set to come out in 2017, Godzilla 2 (the sequel to Gareth Edwards' 2014 Godzilla) coming out March 2019, and the much awaited rematch between King Kong and Godzilla in 2020 (after Kong gets his own solo film in 2017). Legendary is building its own cinematic universe, similar to Marvel. As a monster lover, I'm all for it!

So growing up you can imagine I was dying for a good Godzilla game to play. I have bittersweet memories of the first Godzilla game on NES. On one hand, I rented it often and I remember the music creeping me out. It was a very flawed game, but it wasn't unplayable. But even as a kid I knew it wasn't good. The sequel was even worse. So when I saw EGM running a preview on a Godzilla Street Fighter II-esque game, I was ecstatic. A North American release was planned (Nintendo Power even reviewed a copy) but sadly it was canned. After my SNES resurrection in early 2006, I hunted down a copy of this Japanese title. I was pleasantly surprised it not only turned out to be good, but as a massive G-Fan I dare call it great. No, you won't find smooth crazy combos here, but considering the source material (these are giant monsters after all) it's hard to hold that against the game. The main thing is the whole presentation of the game. Roars sound exactly like they did in the movies. The sprite work is off the charts, the stages are plucked right out of the movies and the monsters are very accurate in terms of powers. Of course some things were added or re-imagined. Godzilla never shot his atomic breath in mid-air in the films, but it certainly makes for good times in this game. The fighting engine itself is nothing remarkable, but it's solid and gets the job done. When you add in the visuals, the sound and the overall feeling of "monster mayhem" that they perfectly replicated, it's a blast for any Godzilla fan. I only wish there were a few more monsters to select from (i.e. Hedorah, Rodan, Titanosaurus, hell, give me Baragon and Jet Jaguar while we're at it). Godzilla: Kaijuu Daikessen does the Godzilla name proud. Super Godzilla on SNES was pretty crappy, so thank God(zilla) that this one delivers. At least SNES owners can lay claim to having one solid Godzilla game!

[FieryReign]

Bout to hop into the translated rom of Megaman + Bass. Had the GBA port at one time but it didn't fit with the screen resolution. I always thought of the game as a remix of Megaman 8. It recycled sprites and enemies.

Welp, that was a giant waste of time. Made it to the monkey boss-thing and had enough of the frustration. It's garbage. The music stinks, the backgrounds are weak, and the enemy variety is pathetic. And it's too damn hard for stupid reasons. I'd rather play MM8 or any other MM game.

[Steven]

Welp, that was a giant waste of time. Made it to the monkey boss-thing and had enough of the frustration. It's garbage. The music stinks, the backgrounds are weak, and the enemy variety is pathetic. And it's too damn hard for stupid reasons. I'd rather play MM8 or any other MM game.

Mega Man & Bass does seem to garner a love or hate reaction from the Mega Man fanbase. Sorry you disliked it that much. Not every game is going to click with everyone!

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower
12: Rockman & Forte
11: Super Soukoban
10: Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium
9: Godzilla: Kaijuu Daikessen

#8: OTOBOKE NINJA COLOSSEUM



Of all the Bomberman clones on the SNES, Otoboke Ninja Colosseum is by far my favorite. Of course there's the typical 1 player "regular game" mode, but it's the 4 player battle mode that is the game's main selling point. It plays enough like Bomberman to provide one with that sense of comforting familiarity, but throws in enough quirks to make it seem at least somewhat different. Different enough that I don't find myself thinking, "I'd just rather play Bomberman." Players drop spiked capsules. These capsules explode after two seconds sending shurikens flying north, south, west and east the full length of the screen. Now here is where the twist comes into play. Unlike the explosions in Bomberman, the shurikens won't kill you. Instead, you're stunned for about two seconds if you're hit. If you're stunned and hit with an opponent's chain ball, you're eliminated from the match. The chain ball stretches the full length of the screen so it's quite possible to sit back in a corner waiting for the opportune moment to strike! Send your chain ball twisting and curving some 20 feet away to kill one of your rivals. It's super satisfying and adds a devious, vulture-like aspect to the game that doesn't exist quite as much in Bomberman.

Needless to say, such shenanigans lead to many "Ooooh I'll get you next round!" battle cries and pandemonium. Nothing also beats the rush of recovering JUST in time right before the chain ball can hit you! Talk about getting a second lease on life. It makes for some good trash talking and the eight various colossems each have a unique gimmick all their own. There's the roof stage where the playing view is slightly obscured. Another stage has arrows which determine where your chain can go (as opposed to the shurikens). One stage has the classic multiple exit points. They're all pretty fun. Of course, the game is not without its flaws. The music isn't anything to write home about and the CPU AI is pretty bad. But Otoboke Ninja Colosseum is still loads of fun, especially if you can round up three friends to play it with. I love Bomberman games and this particular clone does enough to differentiate itself, yet it has enough of that classic Bomberman feel that always hits a sweet spot for me. And how can you not appreciate a game that features mini Super Famicom icons?

[FieryReign]

Get the feeling Gunman's Proof will be on this list somewhere. Just started playing the translation of that and it's interesting.

[Steven]

Get the feeling Gunman's Proof will be on this list somewhere. Just started playing the translation of that and it's interesting.

I love Gunman's Proof. Awesome underrated gem! However, I purposely avoided listing (action) RPGs on this countdown. BS Zelda made it because it's not really an ARPG. Needless to say, if I included ARPGs, I would have GP ranked very highly. Love that game.

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower
12: Rockman & Forte
11: Super Soukoban
10: Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium
9: Godzilla: Kaijuu Daikessen
8: Otoboke Ninja Colosseum

#7: DOREMI FANTASY



10 years ago this game was once considered obscure. But thanks to positive word of mouth over the years and a 2008 Wii Virtual Console release, DoReMi Fantasy now tops many "hidden gem" and "obscure recommendation" lists. Its reputation is well earned, too. Featuring insanely awesome visuals, haunting sound and ultra smooth gameplay, DoReMi Fantasy is one of the finest SNES platformers you could ever play. Milon from Milon's Secret Castle (NES) is back and better than ever. There are 8 worlds each with their own theme. These worlds range from the Northern Lights (gorgeous levels!) to a madcap toy infested universe. In each world there's a minimum of 6 levels followed by a boss. An overhead map allows you to backtrack. The levels aren't particularly long but they possess plenty of detail, quirky enemies, excellent backdrops and some stellar set pieces. The game's sound is also noteworthy -- it occasionally foregoes music for ambient sound effects instead. It all helps to create a unique world well worth exploring and spending a weekend or two with.

Milon can take up to 3 hits. His suit starts out green, then turns blue when hit and finally red. Jumping on an enemy's head will only stun them. To kill them, you have to first encase them in a bubble and then pop them. It's a slight twist on the ole hop 'n bop routine that works extremely well. Although it's nothing groundbreaking by any means, this slight deviation from the norm is somewhat refreshing. DoReMi Fantasy is an excellent platformer every serious SNES fan should own. Er, well, due to its price point these days I'll rephrase that from "own" to "play." It's a shame it didn't receive a domestic release back in the day but seeing as how it came out March 1996 (the SNES was practically dead in the US by then), it's hard to harp on that much. Personally, I think DoReMi Fantasy ranks right up there as one of Super Nintendo's finest platformers. It's terrific from top to bottom. Milon's silly antics and whimsical adventure is sure to sweep you away to a land of awe and wonder. As a friend of mine once put it perfectly ages ago: "DoReMi Fantasy is about as charming as a video game can be." I couldn't agree more.

[Steven]

50: Battle Cross
49: Mickey Tokyo Disneyland
48: Little Magic
47: Rendering Ranger: R2
46: Violinist of Hamelin
45: Super Back to the Future II
44: Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
43: Keeper
42: Ghost Sweeper Mikami
41: Go Go Ackman
40: Poko Nyan!
39: Araiguma Rascal
38: Super Tekkyu Fight!
37: Ganbare Daiku no Gensan
36: Power Soukoban
35: The Firemen
34: Super Genjin 2
33: Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World
32: BS Shockman
31: Majyuuou
30: Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3
29: Ghost Chaser Densei
28: Magical Pop'n
27: Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures
26: Pop'n Smash
25: Sanrio World Smash Ball!
24: Spark World
23: Super Bomberman 5
22: SD F-1 Grand Prix
21: Dossun! Ganseki Battle
20: Puzzle'n Desu!
19: Sutte Hakkun
18: Gundam Wing: Endless Duel
17: Pro Yakyuu Star
16: BS Zelda
15: Deae Tonosama Appare Ichiban
14: Umihara Kawase
13: Clock Tower
12: Rockman & Forte
11: Super Soukoban
10: Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium
9: Godzilla: Kaijuu Daikessen
8: Otoboke Ninja Colosseum
7: DoReMi Fantasy

#6: ZEN NIPPON PRO WRESTLING 2:3-4 BUDOKAN



People often cite Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium as the best wrestling game on the Super Nintendo. I probably agree with that assessment, but as far as personal favorites go, I have to give the edge slightly to Zen Nippon Pro Wrestling 2:3-4 Budokan. The third and final game of the trilogy, the Zen Nippon Pro Wrestling series was Natsume's response to Human's Fire Pro franchise. It features bigger, brighter visuals and almost a "chibi" presentation. Not quite 100% chibi but just enough to give its visuals a semi-striking style. It's simplistic yet vibrant. The ring is viewed dead on as opposed to Fire Pro's 3/4 perspective. This makes for a better "running" system which allows you to lay back and pick your spots with running strikes. You can do running attacks in Fire Pro, but due to its more practical playing view Zen Nippon mastered the devious art of "being a vulture." It makes for some riotous Fatal Fourway matches! Budokan is the best in the trilogy as it features the most wrestlers (19) and the most moves. While there's no blood to be found here, Budokan possesses a subtle and barbaric sense of black humor. Look no further than being able to bounce opponents viciously off the cable ropes (OUCH) or attacking your defeated victim even after the conclusion of a match. Hell, Budokan even features the infamous FLAIR FLOP! Nice.



Similar to the Fire Pro games, winning a grapple is based on timing rather than button mashing. While you can't create wrestlers like you can in Super Fire Pro Wrestling X Premium, the 19 on hand vary in style. You got your high flyers, technicians and bruisers. These 19 wrestlers are actual wrestlers from All Japan Pro Wrestling. Giant Baba, Kobashi, Misawa, Stan Hansen, etc. Their trademark moves are nicely replicated. By the way, if this game looks vaguely familiar to you it's because Natsume took the first Zen Nippon game and converted it for North American audiences during the summer of '94 under the banner of "Natsume Championship Wrestling." My brother and I bought NCW on clearance for $19.99 in 1995 at a Toys R Us. I remember that day vividly still. We managed to get the last slip, too! Remember those classic Toys R Us game slips that you took to the game center to claim your game? Ah, good times. We played Natsume Championship Wrestling to death for a good two years. I always used Asteroid and my brother's go-to guy was mutha effin' M. Roach. As good as NCW is though, it lacks the Fatal Fourway option of Budokan. If you consider yourself a wrestling fan and you like the Fire Pro games, then I highly recommend Zen Nippon Pro Wrestling 2: 3-4 Budokan. Weird name, awesome game.