what to look for on SNES?

[zdirty]

so I recently stumbled on this website while browsing the web (haha). it brought back some nostalgia and I dug out my old systems from the closet. what I was most happy about was my NES and SNES systems in working condition (the SNES has that yellow tinge, but it plays which is good enough for now...hah).

I'm most intrigued with my SNES. I found some classics like Donkey Kong Country 1-3 (2 boxed with manual), Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, Illusions of Gaia, and some other games. I went on ebay in the past couple weeks and picked up Final Fantasy 2 (for $20 + $2 shipping, good deal?) and this morning, FF3 with maps ($30 + $3 shipping, good deal?). I have Super Mario RPG, Allstars, and World in my collection as well. I started FF2 tonight and if I wasn't so busy with school work and other things, I wouldn't have stoped haha.

So my questions are, 1 is this in the right section ha
2 what other games for SNES are really worth getting for the gameplay
3 what are some rare games I might be able to find
4, probably most important, where can I find games without buying them off ebay/craigslist?

thanks in advance!

-Zach

[goldenegg]

First, welcome to the forum!

I've never been a huge SNES fan, so I can't answer most of your questions. What I will do is recommend by two favourite carts: Ninja Gaiden Trilogy and Super Mario All-Stars. I play these so much I'm shocked I haven't completely worn down the connectors. Sure, they're just graphically enhanced versions of the NES games, but are still damn fun to play!

[mobiusclimber]

Actually, Craigslist is generally your best bet if you're looking for a good deal. You just need patience. The only other places would be game stores (lousy since most of em are rip off places w/ jacked up prices), flea markets, yard sales and possibly Half Price Books (I've seen em there but only a few times have I found good deals on them there).

Here's some games to check out:

Twisted Tales of Spike McFang
Shadowrun
Soul Blazer
EVO: Search For Eden
Run Saber
Combatribes
Brain Lord
Magic Sword
Actraiser
Operation Logic Bomb
Zombies Ate My Neighbors

And I'd suggest breaking off the tabs inside the cart slot and getting some Super Famicom games too. :)

[Drewskiwannabrewski]

I personally feel like there are so many good SNES games that it really comes down to what genres you like. Here a few of my favorite relatively affordable games:

Chrono Trigger
Earthbound
NBA JAM (a great party game!)
F-Zero
Yoshi's Island (especially if you like DKC)
Lufia II

and if you're interested in imports i'd recommend Gunparu: Gunman's Proof and Magical Pop'n. Or if you have $500 to blow, Rendering Ranger: R2.

[Zoltor]

Well, there are alot of greats, "a lot"!!, on the SNES, but sadly they will cost you(great deal you got on the FF 3 by the way).

First off, I would second Mario All Stars.

then get:

Zelda: alttp
Super Mario World

(the above games are pretty common, and two of then were over produced, so you should beable to get them really cheap).

Get Lufia 2(It's a must have, easily one of the greatest RPGs ever made, expect to pay 70+ for just the cart).

Chrono Trigger(a great RPG, 70+)

Ogre Battle(You'll probally pay 50+, unless you get lucky/are super patiant)

Secret of Mana(30 or less)

Actraiser 2(15 or less)

Wizardry 5(only for hardcore RPGers, but can be purchased for only 10 or so bones)

Breath of Fire 1

Breath of Fire 2(amazingly cheap atm, can probally be bought for under 30, get it right away at that price)

Might & Magic 3(an awesome D&D style RPG, can be bought for only around 20 bucks, that's another amazing RPG that wont cost you much)

7th Saga(only if you're a sure hardcore RPGer though).

A few of the games above, will cost you a arm, and a leg to get just the cart, nevermind a CIB one, but they are so worth every penny.
-------------------------------

There's tons of other good games, but the above are pretty much the creme of the crop.

If you like shooters, Star Fox is a pretty good game.

If your main genre is platformer, you may want to check out the Donkey Kong Country games, and the Mega Man X games as well.

If you are into Racing games, F-Zero is a very good racing game.

If you are into fighters, but for some reason don't own Marvel Vs Capcom 2 on the PS2/DC, you should check out Street Fighter 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3, and the dozen other street fighter games on the system lol(there's a million of them).

[Arkhan]

You need Super Metroid and Super Castlevania

and Contra III

and Battletoads

and Pirates of Dark Water (If you like that cartoon)

and Super Smash TV

and Gemfire (Strategy game. avoid if you dont like those)

and and and and and Kirby Superstar!

AND SUPER BONK

[gamedude45]

2 what other games for SNES are really worth getting for the gameplay

depends on what type of games you like.

Platformers: Castlevania IV, (this is a love/hate sorta game) Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse, Mystical Ninja and finally i think everyone mentioned most of the mario games but no ones mentioned Super mario World 2: Yoshi's Island(great game well worth owning a SNES for).

Adventure:Link to the Past and Super Metroid.

Racing: Super Mario Kart and Rock N' Roll Racing.:guitar:

Side Scrolling Beat Em Up: Turtles IV Turtles in Time, Knights of the Round and Final Fight.

RPG: Secret of Mana/Evermore and Earthbound (only if you have $80-$90 burning a hole in your pocket. Fun game but not worth the cost.)


3 what are some rare games I might be able to find

Earthbound, Chrono Trigger (neither are really rare but their in high demand so that makes them hard to find at a reasonable price) and if you really want a challenge the Donkey Kong Country and Star Fox competition cartridges.


4, probably most important, where can I find games without buying them off ebay/craigslist?

I get most of my games at flea markets, thrift stores and local game shops that still sell SNES games.

[DuckTalesNES]

Two games above all others:

1. Zelda: A Link to the Past
2. Super Metroid

Those should keep you busy and unbelievably happy.

[DigitalSpace]

First off, get Super Metroid ASAP.

Here are some SNES threads worth reading:
Top 50 Super Nintendo (SNES) games (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1099)
Steven's Obscure SNES (SFC) Impressions Thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90816)
Best SNES games I've never heard of? (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100657)
Underrated Super Nintendo games (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127147)
SNES games worth collecting (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115070)
Official SNES/Super Famicom Thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62883)
The Worst of Super Nintendo (SNES) (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35350) (So you know what to avoid)


I went on ebay in the past couple weeks and picked up Final Fantasy 2 (for $20 + $2 shipping, good deal?) and this morning, FF3 with maps ($30 + $3 shipping, good deal?)

I'd say they're good (especially since you got maps with FF3).



probably most important, where can I find games without buying them off ebay/craigslist?

-Thrift stores, pawn shops, yard sales, and flea markets (don't always expect to get something on every visit and don't get discouraged if you don't find anything worth buying)
-If you have any Play N Trades in your area, check them out.
-Search Google and Yelp for game stores in your area that carry retro stuff.
-You could also ask someone at your local GameStop, as there may be a place that they refer people to when they're looking for (and selling) older stuff.
-Do a search for your city on the forums. Someone may have started a thread asking about stores in the area.
-After you've been a member for 10 days, you'll be able to view DP's Buying and Selling forum.
-Don't completely write off craigslist - you never know when you'll come across a great deal. Also, I've discovered a few stores that carried retro stuff solely because they posted ads on CL.

[Zoltor]

There are so many great SNES games, It's not funny.

Here's a few more, that I forgot:

Secret of Evermore(short as hell, but It's still an awesome game)

Uncharted Waters: New horizons(omg, It's shuch an addictive game, there are a few totally different ways you can play it, and there are 6 different stories/char to play).


PS. There's lots of more games ofcourse, but those are among the best(damn, the SNES sure has an insane amount of greats, and this is just the stuff released in the US. There is is probally about just as many greats, that have never been released outside of Japan).

[Steven]

There's lots of more games ofcourse, but those are among the best(damn, the SNES sure has an insane amount of greats, and this is just the stuff released in the US. There is is probally about just as many greats, that have never been released outside of Japan).


Amen! The SNES has an epic library, truly. Without hyperbole.

I'll just recommend a few I didn't see listed yet. Demon's Crest is awesome IMHO. SkyBlazer is a pretty cool action game. Run Saber is a nice little Strider clone (with 2 players). Wild Guns. Ken Griffey Jr. MLB (the first one). The list goes on and on. Check out my website rvgfanatic.com for SNES and obscure Super Famicom (many released only in Japan) reviews.

Have fun! I have no regrets returning to the SNES four years ago after a near decade absence. It's been just a wonderful gaming trip :)

[Arasoi]

A wise investment might be a Super Gameboy, as it will essentially give you two game libraries in one.

Sparkster is a good one I haven't seen mentioned yet, Gradius 3 is an excellent port despite some slowdown. TMNT4 is another favorite. All Konami I know.

[Game Freak]

For a list of good games (That are mostly budget titles) please check out my top 50 list below, and feel free to PM me about anything ^_^ i love getting mail. Do not take my list as an end all be all list! there are tons of great games I'm missing (Super Metroid, Contra III, Final Fantasy....)

http://gfnet.webs.com/thegamersgallery/charts/supernintendo.htm

As far as rare/expensive games go, I suggest Chrono Trigger and Earthbound

[Zoltor]

Amen! The SNES has an epic library, truly. Without hyperbole.

I'll just recommend a few I didn't see listed yet. Demon's Crest is awesome IMHO. SkyBlazer is a pretty cool action game. Run Saber is a nice little Strider clone (with 2 players). Wild Guns. Ken Griffey Jr. MLB (the first one). The list goes on and on. Check out my website rvgfanatic.com for SNES and obscure Super Famicom (many released only in Japan) reviews.

Have fun! I have no regrets returning to the SNES four years ago after a near decade absence. It's been just a wonderful gaming trip :)

Yea, the only system that even comes remotely close to the SNES, is the PS2, but even then, that's only if you count the PS1 games as well(since that's where most of the greats are), and all the ports/remakes as well, so yea the SNES owns.

Yea, Demon's Crest is another great game for sure.

[zdirty]

haha it looks like I have a lot to look for. I guess I'll definitely going to keep trying craigslist. I'm hoping for the weather to turn around so flea markets/tag sale season gets under way. and whoever posted all those links, I'll definitely get looking at that.

also reminds me, I picked up zelda for ~$7 shipped the other day. I think I have too many games to play right now, but collecting them now won't hurt haha. I've been playing earthbound on my computer, but I'd really like to find a copy to pop in the system. ~$75 is a bit much right now. to whoever posted those games that were a little cheaper, thanks a lot!

I like a bunch of different genres, I do like collecting RPGs, playing through all of them takes more time...ha. The Mario games are some of my favorites, have been since I was a kid. I gotta grab super mario 2 though. thanks everyone!

[Thrashdance]

alot of the best ones have been already covered but I would suggest a game that is easilly within the top 5 of snes rpgs....Terranigma. This was an euro/jap only game never released in the US but there were english translations for UK and Australia. Should cost you somewhere between 60 and 80 for the cart by itself. Only problem is you either need to do one of the 3 of these options to play...

1. break the tabs off on your snes
2. track down a pal snes
3. get the mk 2 L or mk 3 version of a pro action replay so you can bypass the lockout.


I would suggest the tab route as it costs virtually nothing to do. Good luck getting this game bro! Its fucking rad, I hope you get the chance to play it!

[Zoltor]

alot of the best ones have been already covered but I would suggest a game that is easilly within the top 5 of snes rpgs....Terranigma. This was an euro/jap only game never released in the US but there were english translations for UK and Australia. Should cost you somewhere between 60 and 80 for the cart by itself. Only problem is you either need to do one of the 3 of these options to play...

1. break the tabs off on your snes
2. track down a pal snes
3. get the mk 2 L or mk 3 version of a pro action replay so you can bypass the lockout.


I would suggest the tab route as it costs virtually nothing to do. Good luck getting this game bro! Its fucking rad, I hope you get the chance to play it!

Holy shit, I never heard of that game, but it seems to get a constantly high rating of 9/10-10/10, so I check to see who made it, low, and behold, It's a ENIX game(I sware almost all of the great SNES RPGs are made by either ENIX or Square), I'm gonna have to check that game out sometime.

[mobiusclimber]

Going the tab route won't work unless you are playing the Japanese version. If you want to play the EU version, you need a PAL system and a PAL tv (or a converter cart, which is rare as hell).

[zdirty]

tons of great suggestions. instead of buying good food/beer on my college salary, I'm buying pasta/shitty beer and spending the rest on SNES games...haha.

I popped in Zelda for the first time. Definitely really impressed. Final Fantasy 3 is amazing. I thought 2 was good, but after I put in 3 I just have to skip over it haha. I picked up Wizardry 5 because someone mentioned it was good (and cheap). I also grabbed Battletoads/Double Dragons today as well. I've been looking into Chrono Trigger for the past week. Its up around $40 which is a lot less than the $70 someone mentioned. I snagged Breath of Fire 2 on half.com, but the seller refunded me for some reason?

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've also been visiting the local Salvation Army, but all I've found was Madden 02 for PS2 haha.

[Ed Oscuro]

tons of great suggestions. instead of buying good food/beer on my college salary, I'm buying pasta/shitty beer and spending the rest on SNES games...haha.
Man that's rough.

Might as well do it while you're young though...good games are a couple weeks; diabeetus is forever.

[zdirty]

Man that's rough.

Might as well do it while you're young though...good games are a couple weeks; diabeetus is forever.

haha yeah, before the bills really start stacking up. Wilford Brimley would approve

[Icarus Moonsight]

If you find yourself getting hot and heavy back into NES & SNES, I heartily recommend the PowerPak carts from RetroUSB. I recommend these, not as a replacement, but a companion to your actual cart collection. I've been playing prototypes, romhacks, patch expansions and translations on them lately since getting them last month. They are freakin' epic and will change your life... Seriously. I'm toying with the notion of learning to code for these things... They make it so easy, to play builds on actual hardware. It's a sirens call, almost.

At $135 each plus options you can spend a little over $300 for both, but they really bring it in for that cost. It's actually minor in retrospect, once you get your mitts on 'em. :D

[Zoltor]

tons of great suggestions. instead of buying good food/beer on my college salary, I'm buying pasta/shitty beer and spending the rest on SNES games...haha.

I popped in Zelda for the first time. Definitely really impressed. Final Fantasy 3 is amazing. I thought 2 was good, but after I put in 3 I just have to skip over it haha. I picked up Wizardry 5 because someone mentioned it was good (and cheap). I also grabbed Battletoads/Double Dragons today as well. I've been looking into Chrono Trigger for the past week. Its up around $40 which is a lot less than the $70 someone mentioned. I snagged Breath of Fire 2 on half.com, but the seller refunded me for some reason?

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've also been visiting the local Salvation Army, but all I've found was Madden 02 for PS2 haha.

Zelda is great of course.

All the Square remakes probally dropped the price of Chrono Trigger(cart only probally though), but anyway yea 40$ is well worth it.

Nice, you picked up Wizardry 5, but whatever you do, "take your time", and be careful. While It's more forgiving then past Wizardry games, the min you underestimate something, you'll get your ass handed to you.

Omg sweet, Breath of Fire 2 is amazing, and easily the best Breath of Fire game in the series. Hm, why did he refund you, wierd. I hope you don't end up having issues with him.

[DuckTalesNES]

Super Metroid...Get Super Metroid

[Oldskool]

If you like shooters you have to check out Axelay. It's fantastic! Some other good shooters would be Super R-type (although as a lot of slowdown), Gradius III, R-type III, U.N Squadron, and Spriggan.

[sidnotcrazy]

One of my favorites is Demon's Crest. Great game, and a must for fams of the Ghost N Goblins universe of games!

[snester]

A few of my personal SNES favorites that I don't believe anyone has mentioned in this thread yet:

Earthworm Jim
Spider Man & Venom: Maximum Carnage
Pilotwings
Tetris & Dr. Mario (IMO the best version of Dr Mario ever made)
Tecmo Super Bowl III: Final Edition
Super Star Wars
Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run (criminally underrated and badmouthed)
Super Street Fighter II (I'm in the minority that prefer this to Turbo)

Also, I can't stress enough that the following games (as others have already said) are absolute must haves: Chrono Trigger, Zelda: LTP, Super Metroid
And even though it's already been mentioned, F-Zero is still my favorite racing game of all time.
I also like to keep the Super Game Boy around for games like Link's Awakening and Wario Land 1.
Remember to Play with Power, and Play it Loud (cheesy old Nintendo slogans from back in the day).

[Sandrik]

Well my top 10 List are those games :

1: Super mario RPG
2: Super metroid
3: Secret of mana
4: Tales of Phantasia
5: Secret of evermore
6: Super mario Kart
7: Donkey Kong COuntry
8: Secret of mana 2
9: Super Castlevania
10: Zelda A link to the past
11: Act Raiser
12: Castlevania Vampires Kiss
13: Megaman 7
14: Chrono Trigger

Wait those are not 10 games :P Well those are some of my Favourite ones , but not in the order i wrote em . All are to Good To rank em xD Well depends of coarse what kinda games u like ;) But those are Definitly some games u should try^

[somesortofrobot]

If it's rare games you want, you may want to go ahead and snag you a copy of Earthbound.

[Nintega Grafx-16]

If you like shooters you have to check out Axelay. It's fantastic! Some other good shooters would be Super R-type (although as a lot of slowdown), Gradius III, R-type III, U.N Squadron, and Spriggan.

No mention of Space Megaforce?

Also I recommend these imports:

Parodius Da!
Gokujou Parodius
Jikkyo Oshaberi Parodius
Pop 'n Twinbee