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

[calgon]

Steve, excellent stuff as always. Your site is great too. Keep it up.

[Steven]

Today marks 10 years since I started this topic. 10 years ago I set out to post my impressions on obscure Super Famicom imports. Japanese gaming has intrigued me ever since the the early-mid '90s. Back then there was sort of this mythical aura regarding video games that were released only in Japan. I would gawk at the semi-blurry blurbs in the pages of EGM and GameFan. Looking back, it's amazing what a few paragraphs and low-res screenshots did for us. Without the internet all we had was our imagination. How times have changed. With the 10 year anniversary being today I'm definitely feeling nostalgic. It's a good time to resurrect this thread for one final run, 10 years later.

To commemorate the anniversary, I will be posting my top 50 favorite Super Famicom games over the next 50 days. Along the way I may include a few surprises outside of the top 50 list... such as brand new impressions and various nostalgic ramblings.

Game #50 will be posted tomorrow (Friday, September 9). For old times' sake, here is a new write-up on an obscure-ish Super Famicom game I meant to write about 10 years ago, but never did.

---

I grew up loving fighting games. I ate up the Street Fighter II clones left and right. One of my most favorite clones was Data East's Fighter's History.

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_834915/IMG_8616.JPG

The first time I saw its colorful, comic-book like cabinet, it was instant love. The game has gotten a mixed bag rep but I've always liked it.

One of my fondest gaming memories involves the summer of 1994. I called it...

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2207565/96472f37b99397d4ffff8203a00140f.JPG

It's a true story that was featured in Rob Strangman's 2014 book "Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman." (which can be found on Amazon.com, cheap plug)

On one epic June morning, my old best friend Nelson and I came across three imports in the flesh that were months away from their US release. It was, in a word, glorious.

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_2207565/96472f37b99397d4ffff8155a00140f.JPG

I have fond memories of playing SFC Fighter's History that hot summer day at Nelson's. We would switch off and it was an awesome time to be a carefree kid growing up in suburbia.

This image is seared into my memory bank even 22 years later:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/FHNel_zps4d933f4a.jpg

Takes me right back to Nelson's living room on a hot June afternoon of 1994. Such nostalgic memories. On a side note, the SNES Fighter's History port doesn't get enough credit. It's one of the best arcade-to-SNES translations I have played. Really well done by Data East.

Fighter's History Dynamite came out in arcades in 1994. It is also known as Karnov's Revenge.

But did you know there was a THIRD Fighter's History game? And believe it or not, of all systems it was released ONLY on the Super Famicom February of 1995. Its full name is Fighter's History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!!

It's a fascinating little footnote in Data East history. It included the two new characters of Fighter's History Dynamite (Yungmie and Zazie) but unfortunately did away completely with these cats:

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/RayStance.JPG
Ray

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/JeanStance.JPG
Jean

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/SamchayStance.JPG
Samchay

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/MarStance.JPG
Marstorius

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/MatlokStance.JPG
Matlok

Of course, those guys happen to be my personal favorites of the series. Instead, here is your roster:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00017_zps7hxfytu0.p ng

Stripped down to 8, it seems like a massive step back. Especially considering the 1993 original had 9 characters to begin with, and the 1994 sequel had 13 characters. To go down to 8 in 1995 seems like a waste. Therefore, it feels like a weird mix of the first two games. Had it included all the characters, this would easily have been the definitive Fighter's History game.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00009_zpsdqkxsnqv.p ng

The game opens with a nice intro, at least. We're (re)introduced to Data East's Chelnov character, who appeared in Atomic Runner.

We're also treated to the titular star's special moves

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00014_zpsvv14kn4g.p nghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00015_zpshsljyxm5.p ng

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00020_zpsk6fb1plc.p ng

Of all people, why bring back Lee? Why? I miss Ray and his "BAKED POTATO!"

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00022_zps6f5awuvv.p ng

The game introduces mostly new backgrounds. Sadly, they're not as memorable as the ones found in the first game. I always enjoyed the first game's backgrounds. They weren't flashy, but had a quiet solid quality backing them. By comparison here is Ryoko's stage from the first game:

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/RyokoStage.JPG
I love the basic simplicity of the first game's backgrounds

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00027_zps6rdxba7e.p ng

Back are the weak points. Knock these weak points off and the characters become dizzy. I remember as kids we were all curious and excited wondering what Fei-Lin would look like after their top came off. Oh how we were disappointed. A sign of the times it was indeed. 1993, oh I miss thee.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00030_zpsaewtiqhn.p nghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00032_zpswt1usi7v.p ng
Some stages transition, which is always a nice touch

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00040_zpssecyjz2o.p ng
Ugh, Clown's stage music is so, SO bad

I loved Clown from the first game. There was a sinister element to him from the first game that is missing in this game. I can't quite put my finger on it, but he doesn't feel the same. Almost like it's an imposter of the first Clown. Huh. Maybe it's just me being weird. Good bet.

[Steven]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00038_zpsnpo3ylim.p ng

Zazie is one of two new fighters from Fighter's History Dynamite. I never liked him much.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00043_zpsxsgyf6m9.p ng

And Yungmie is the other one. Never liked her either. It's a shame these two characters made the cut here but that the same cannot be said for Ray, Matlok, Samchay, Jean and Marstorius.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00048_zpsgzo8anqp.p ng

Karnov's stage from FH Dynamite is recycled. Not bad. I've always liked his FHD background. A rare instance in where I prefer the sequel's background to the original version. Here's Karnov's bare bones boring stage from the original game:

http://www.rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_801815/KarnovStage.JPG

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00049_zps7ghntbdl.p ng

The trophy is mine!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00051_zpse1jik5ff.p ng

Not so damn fast!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00054_zps3ozvbxn6.p ng

I have to admit, Chelnov looks pretty badass there!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00059_zps6yjfms3i.p ng

Here's the cheat code to use him in certain modes:

Press Down, Down, Up, Up, Right, Left, L, R at the title screen after the opening intro

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00063_zpsjibuajyu.p nghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00065_zpsbahlrhge.p ng

The two warriors battle all night long until...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00072_zpsagzo2cvl.p ng

Yes, the goofy announcer is back. "MIZOGUCHI... LOSES!"

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00073_zpsuvnipx3w.p ng

It's a battle of the 'Novs!

TAG MODE!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00077_zpswtdqhauf.p ng

The game's most interesting feature is undoubtedly its FOUR player tag mode. Yes, up to four human players can plug up and play. Not at once, mind you, but it's pretty impressive for an early 1995 fighting game. Early shades of Capcom vs. SNK and the like!

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00078_zpsjkim7re7.p ng

As far as I know, it's the only "4 player" fighting game on the SNES. For that alone, it's gotta be considered at the very least, "noteworthy." Also throw in the fact that this is the only "sequel" to an arcade game that came out exclusively on the SNES. Data East breaking all sorts of ground with this game.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00083_zpsx7ukfecd.p nghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00091_zpsr6yna5i6.p ng

See the touch sign there? Simply hit select at those points to switch out to your tag partner. There is a slight half second delay but all things considered not bad, especially for 1995 16-bit standards.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00086_zpsg4kvmn2c.p nghttp://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00090_zpsatnxobih.p ng

That's gonna leave a mark.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00093_zpspoohyv6z.p ng

Two different practice modes are also available. In addition, a survival mode rounds out the extra bonuses.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/Fighters%20History%20-%20Mizoguchi%20Kikiippatsu%20J_00021_zpsxcuhchi9.p ng

I have mixed feelings about this game. The sound is pretty dang awful, but it's nice to hear that wacky announcer return. The tag mode is an awesome feature, but on the flip side cutting those 5 characters really drag it down. Also, being a big fan of the original Fighter's History translation on SNES, this game doesn't quite possess the same physics as that game did. I can't quite describe it but play it and you'll notice the difference(s). I much prefer the gameplay of the original.

As much as I want to like this quirky fascinating footnote of a game, there is just too much about it that I don't particularly like that I can't wholeheartedly recommend it. If it had the entire Fighter's History crew I wouldn't hesitate to call this a definite "hidden gem."

As is, it's only for the hardcore fighting game fans or those of you who are fascinated by the idea of playing a Super Nintendo fighting game with three buds at the "same time."

See y'all tomorrow for the Top 50 Super Famicom countdown!

[celerystalker]

Looking forward to it Steven! This will be a really fun daily read!

[Steven]

A few notes before I kick off the top 50 countdown.

1. This is not a list of what I feel are the top 50 *BEST* Super Famicom games. It's simply a list ranking my personal favorites

2. There will be no (action) RPGs on this list. There are just too many quality SFC games from those genres that I am going to avoid altogether. Besides, as best as I can, I want to keep this list restricted to games any non-Japanese reading gamer can enjoy.

3. To qualify for this list, the game cannot have an official American release.

Now to the fun stuff -- let's begin the Top 50 countdown!

#50: BATTLE CROSS (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/battle-cross/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BattleCross3.png

Battle Cross is a 6-player single screen racer. At first glance, it appears to be something of a mix between Mario Kart and Bomberman. I remember seeing the blurb of it in EGM back in the day and wanting badly to play it. When I finally did in 2006, I found I enjoyed it quite a bit but the hype of a Mario Kart/Bomberman hybrid is awfully hard to fully live up to. Battle Cross doesn't have the smooth and excellent gameplay of Mario Kart or Bomberman, but it is a hoot playing it multi-player. (Oddly though, it only allows up to 5 human players, and the 6th can be a computer controlled opponent or turned off. No idea why they didn't let up to six humans play).

There is a bit of a learning curve due to the perspective of the track courses. To aid beginners, there is an option to help you (or younger gamers) do some form of auto-steering, ensuring that anyone can pick up and play this game. I like the weapons strewn about the courses. Nothing satisfies like tossing a missile at someone or dropping a mine underneath an overpass that conceals the explosive. To be honest though, as the years have gone on and the novelty of this game wore off, my overall impressions on Battle Cross have dropped a bit. I used to consider it a hidden gem and originally rated it as an 8.5 out of 10. It's more of a 7.0-7.5 these days in my opinion. Battle Cross is a funky example of a game that’s both “worthy” yet somehow “somewhat disappointing, considering.” Still, the game possesses a certain charm in multi-player settings, and that's good enough to sneak it into my top 50.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BattleCross5.png

[FoxNtd]

Stumbled upon this thread for the first time yesterday. Visited the website to see the existing reviews. A variety of screenshots complement the text analysis very well. Glad to see someone shining some light on the SFC's enormous library to reveal just how much greatness is really there. Keep it up!

[Steven]

Nelson and I were best buds from Kindergarten-7th grade. That's when I moved. We reconnected in the 2000s. Over the years we've kept in touch and although we're no longer best friends, we have history of over 25 years. It's one of those things where we may go weeks or even months without contact, but whenever we get back in touch it's like we never left.

Last month I decided to visit ole Nelly for the weekend so we could catch up and hang out. We set out to visit Disneyland since it was about 30 minutes away from his place. Yup, Weekend at Nelly's.

Driving on the way to Nelson's, my heart stopped when I saw a striking neighborhood that rang some serious deja vu bells in my head. As my car rumbled on down the road I couldn't help but burn a hole through my rear view mirror as I desperately tried to steal a glimpse at what I just drove by. Was it, could it be? No way... I passed a few traffic lights before finally pulling over. I just had to find out if my gut was right or not before heading to Nelson's. Busted out my phone and typed into Google:

"HALLOWEEN 1978 FILMING LOCATIONS"

A website came up, and an address in South Pasadena was given. My hands were shaking as I punched said address into Google Maps.

HOLY SHIT.

"1.8 miles away."

I had just drove by one of the iconic Halloween filming locations! HADDONFIELD IN THE FLESH! The Halloween super geek in me was coming out big time. What were the odds that my childhood best friend (who also loved the Halloween franchise) would turn out to live 3 miles away from "Haddonfield" ? It was a moment of true serendipity. I texted Nelson and said I'd be coming 30 minutes late. It was a personal pilgrimage I simply had to brave for myself solo first.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly9_zpsjhwegoib.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/9b9cdfa2-5a3d-4264-8d1a-db16f0217d64_zpski5qujah.jpg
Holy crap, there I stood, at the very precise location nearly 40 years later!

After geeking out (and possibly even vlogging the moment), I drove the 3 miles over to Nelson's. I showed him the pictures (and possibly video) I took. He was marking out too. He moved to LA about 7 months ago, but had no idea he lived 3 miles away from "Haddonfield." Next thing you know, we're on an impromptu trip down memory lane as we drove all over South Pasadena looking for a ton of Halloween nostalgia live in the flesh.

This is what we found that day.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly12_zpsdr4otnlj.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly10_zpsrf0pudob.jpg

Michael Myers' house was demolished and moved to a new location. It now serves as an office. Despite the disappointment of that, Nelson and I still sat there in awe. Reminiscing and laughing about the good old days, that's when we noticed a DirecTv satellite dish on the side of the house. We also could hear the loud humming of an air conditioner. It was a hot August day in Haddonfield... the dog days of summer, indeed. That's when the line of the day was uttered by yours truly. "What the hell, Michael Myers watching Game of Thrones with the AC on? DUDE IS GETTING SOFT!" Nelson added in, "What's Michael Myers doing browsing PornHub!?"

We probably shouldn't have cracked up so hard, but we did. For some reason, right moment right time right circumstances. Nelson and I laughed up a storm. Sad but yeah, we laughed until we nearly became teary eyed. Man, I hadn't laugh that good in quite a while. A mere hour prior to this, we both just assumed we'd catch up a bit and find Mickey. Little did we know! Instead, we found ourselves reconnecting and hunting a boogeyman who has haunted us both since childhood. Suddenly, we were chasing a ghost from our past. A ghost with no face. "And the blackest eyes... the devil's eyes." (Rest in Peace, Donald Pleasence)

Each filming location foray brought me and Nelson closer to the edge of a bygone era. An age we both thought had all but disappeared. It was like slipping through the back door of a time machine. Suddenly, we were wide-eyed kids again. Unjaded and uncorrupted by the foul orders of life and growing up.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly11_zps15vjccbm.jpg

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly2_zpshm8n2rmt.jpg

Wow. Standing there taking this pic sent goosebumps up and down my spine. The best part about this whole ordeal was the complete random unplanned nature of it all. We didn't even know Haddonfield was right in Nelson's backyard! It's true -- sometimes the best things in life are completely unexpected.

We eventually hit up Disneyland that weekend, rode Space Mountain 3 times, crushed some turkey legs like a boss, cooled down with some Dole Whip and ended up talking with one of the park's assistant directors who happened to be taking his grand daughter on his off day for her very first time through Indiana Jones. All the while a coworker of mine was texting me a manuscript of Disneyland tips throughout the day. Everything from ride order to how the left or right side of a line affects a given ride. Let's just say, she's something of a Disneyland guru.

We ended the evening as most guys do in LA on a Saturday night...

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly6_zpsgdsdm3g7.jpg

Yep, nothing says fun like heading down to the ole laundromat for real life errands.

But believe it or not, it was a fitting end to what turned out to be a very nostalgic day. Tucked away in the corner I spotted a true real life time machine. The real McCoy itself.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LANelly7_zpspylg2tnu.jpg
"GREAT SCOTTS!"

As corny as this may sound, it was truly a magical weekend. The kind that stays with you long after the twilight of Sunday fades. Hunting Michael and Mickey all within 24 hours? Good stuff indeed.

And speaking of Mickey... that brings me to #49 in the countdown.

#49: MICKEY TOKYO DISNEYLAND (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/mickey-tokyo-disneyland/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/MTokyoflyup.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/MTokyolevel3.png

Everyone knows about the Capcom Mickey games on the Super Nintendo. The first one in particular, The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse, is an early SNES "classic" that many have fond memories playing way back in 1992. But did you know there was a non-Capcom Mickey game released only on the Super Famicom, and that it's not too shabby either? Developed by GRC (who also made Trouble Shooter for the Genesis), Mickey Tokyo Disneyland presents a more traditional looking Mickey Mouse. Navigate your way through various sections of the famous Disneyland theme park. Mickey's offense comes in the form of balloons. There are two types. Red balloons allow Mickey to zip around a level (which is a necessity in certain parts). The blue balloons allow Mickey to dispose of his enemies by flicking it at them (or drop on unsuspecting suckers). It can also be set down as a paperweight or as an added jumping boost for Mickey.

I'm a big fan of the game's overall look. The color scheme, the classic Mickey look, it's just gorgeous. And I've found it's the perfect sort of game to play on a lazy, rainy Fall afternoon. There's something about the graphics, sound and overall aesthetics that make it ideal to play on a rainy day. It is quite challenging, however, unlike the Capcom Mickey games. This is due in part to its somewhat rigid controls, but it's not anything you can't overcome with a little practice and skill. Mickey Tokyo Disneyland is a fun little platformer you may not have known about that's definitely worth a look.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/MTokyooooh.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/MTokyoghostface.png

[celerystalker]

Love the Halloween story. :) Any story that ends in some Neo Geo is a good one.

I think my favorite Disney game on the SFC is Donald Duck Mahou no Bouken. Never would have found it if I hadn't been tracking down all of the Barcode Battler interface games to learn how they all interact with the thing. Also a super cool platformer. It's amazing how many Disney games never came out in the US.

[Steven]

Speaking of the boogeyman and monsters...

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/little-monsters-2.jpg

When I was a little kid, I was absolutely obsessed with monsters. Fascinated by these morbid, curious creatures. Remember the ole boogeyman in the closet, or the monster under the bed? In 1989, there was a little strange movie geared toward kids that was all about that. It dared to push the cinematic envelope by asking the most important question of our time: What if, JUST WHAT IF, there were truly monsters living underneath our beds?

Brian Stevenson (played by Fred Savage, AKA Kevin Arnold from The Wonder Years) is new to town. He hates it. Absolutely detests moving towns. But one night his life is forever altered when he discovers a wild, fun-loving monster lives under his bed. Maurice (played by Howie Mandel) and Brian form a unique friendship where they travel through the monster underworld by night. They also warp to other kids’ homes via some serious “bed hopping.” There they cause all kinds of mischief and pranks to unsuspecting, sleeping punks. It’s the stuff kids dream about: traveling through space with a monster causing all kinds of good-natured suffering and hi-jinx.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/little-monsters-7.jpg

The film used a brilliant mix of bright lights and colors to show off its energetic alternate monster-verse. It was a world teeming with life and energy. It was where you go to escape from the doldrums of the world and to recharge your batteries. Down there there were no limits, and a kid could freely be a kid. But of course…

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/little-monsters-4.jpg

There lied a real terrifying dark side to this alternate universe. Jagged stairways, dark corridors and foreboding denizens roam about the hellhole. For as much fun as it presented, there also permeates a sense of dread and the fact that something just isn’t right. Something you can’t quite put your finger on, but you know it’s a place you shouldn’t be. The recipe for every kid’s dream but also for their nightmares.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/little-monsters-3.jpg

It’s funny looking back at the things we watched and loved as kids. Although it’s rated PG, this movie is exactly the kind of film we would never get in today’s politically correct world. It was full of bizarre sights and oddly subtle spine-tingling visuals and costume designs. Just look at those 3 monsters up there. There is something unnerving about the fact that they’re glaring at a baby with the purpose of making the baby shit its pants. Hell, this movie gives me the creeps more than 90% of the R-rated horror movies released today!

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/little-monsters-6.jpg

Man, the stuff we watched as kids back in the day...

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/little-monsters.jpg
Thanks for the memories

[Wait a second... this is Little Monsters, NOT Little Magic! -Ed.]

Oh bloody hell. I'm getting too old for this shit.

#48: LITTLE MAGIC (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/little-magic/)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic.png http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic14.png

Little Magic is a single screen puzzle affair where players take control of a young witch-in-training. As May, your goal is to transport the fire stone to the pedestal of each level as well as guide May to the exit gate. Obviously you can move the stone around simply by pushing it, but May has two other ways to assist her. 1. Psychic power (which basically operates as a sort of "Finger Poke of Doom") and 2. The magic ball blast off. Players need to use and master both in order to get through the levels. The bubble pops after a couple seconds. It's important to understand the timing of these explosions, because it gives the player time to position themselves into various nooks and crannies in order to advance. May can also form multiple magic balls thanks to the time it takes for one to pop. You can create some nice chain reactions so it's one of those chess games where you need to plan 3-4 moves ahead.

Things start out basic and simple but naturally increase in complexity and difficulty. Later levels introduce warp points, spikes, gaping holes and even enemies. With 100 levels in all, this is one game you won't be beating overnight or even in a few weeks. Some of the later levels are downright brutal. If you enjoy staring contemplatively at the screen until inspiration breaks through with the resolute “AH-HA!”… then Little Magic is right up your alley. The thing I love about these type of games -- they're fun to relax with for 20-30 minutes after a long day of work. Sure, sometimes you just want to pop in a mindless beat 'em up, but there's something rather rewarding about staring at the screen trying to solve a puzzle until that light bulb moment strikes. A six-character password tops off this cake. One of those games you can pick up and play at any time, leave for 3-4 months and come right back to. One of these days, I'm going to help May pass her graduation exam and become a full time witch. Even if it takes me an entire lifetime! *shakes fist*

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic53.png http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/LittleMagic92.png

[celerystalker]

There's something almost soothing about these single screen puzzlers. Lolo, Tricky Kick, Shi Kin Jyo, Boxy Boy... they just kind of settle me down when I'm in the right mood. I haven't tried this one, but I'll look out for it.

[Steven]

There's something almost soothing about these single screen puzzlers. Lolo, Tricky Kick, Shi Kin Jyo, Boxy Boy... they just kind of settle me down when I'm in the right mood.

Absolutely agreed! I think there's something soothing about the nature of these games... just knowing the programmers packed so much love and thought into a single screen... 100 times over (or however many levels there are). You look forward to each new level because you know it gets that little bit harder and require more brain power to work out. Good stuff. Some of the most satisfying gameplay moments for me are spending 20-30 minutes just to beat one level on these type of games. After that, I'm good!

---
#47: RENDERING RANGER: R2 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/rendering-ranger-r2/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/R24.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/R27.png

If yesterday's game was too "tame" and civilized for your tastes, then perhaps today's game will pique your interest. Full of explosive mayhem that would make even Arnold proud, Rendering Ranger: R2 is an action-packed game that switches between Turrican-esque run and gun stages and a horizontal space shooter. In fact, it originated as purely a SHMUP, but sometime through development Manfred Trenz (Turrican creator) decided to add in run and gun stages due to the rising popularity of that genre. As a result, R2 spent nearly 3 (!) years in development before finally seeing the light of day in 1995. And rumor has it only a few thousand copies were ever produced. That's why the game goes for an arm and a leg. I've seen cartridge only copies go for well over $600, and a complete in box copy? You're talking at least one thousand dollars. It's freaking insane. Shame about the price tag. A water cooler holy grail type game among diehard Super Nintendo collectors, Rendering Ranger is, thankfully, pretty solid.

There are several different guns to employ, and each one can be powered up, whether you're playing one of the Contra or Gradius levels. You can absorb up to five hits in either mode, which is nice since most games of either genre see you dying after one hit. Also, when you lose a life your last used weapon downgrades only one level, rather than going back to square one. Therefore, there is some strategy in switching off to a level 1 gun right before you know you're likely going to die, in order to come back to use a level 3 gun (rather than die with the level 3 gun and have it drop down to level 2). You also have 3 bombs to use, and the bombs regenerate slowly, meaning you can use one early on and gain it back by mid level or so. Pretty cool system that I don't recall seeing used much in other games. Speaking of the bombs, they're not generic like in Contra III but rather each gun has its own unique bomb. Some, as you can imagine, are more effective than others in certain situations. Figuring out the best place to use a specific bomb is all part of the strategy. Good stuff. The game is an impressive display of the SNES' capabilities. There are better examples of either genre on the SNES, but R2 does a nice job of blending them in one package. To boot, there are even simple 8-character passwords given after each level, ensuring that you're likely to revisit R2 in order to play through a favorite level, or even re-tackle it years later trying to finally beat it. It doesn't become hard until stage 8. That's when the game becomes a bitch. But it's pretty damn fun while it lasts. More than just a flashy gimmick, Rendering Ranger is a solid mix of two different genres and is certainly worth experiencing (somehow) at least once.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/R220.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/R219.png

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Rendering.jpg
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[celerystalker]

Rendering Ranger has such great graphics... I passed on the only copy I've ever seen in person a few years ago, which was a loose cart priced at $180 at a local shop, in favor of a CIB Cho Aniki Bakuretsu Rantou Hen that was dirt cheap. To this day, I'm not sure how I feel about it, but at least I have had a ton of fun with Cho Aniki. :) Such a weird-ass game.

[Steven]

#46: VIOLINIST OF HAMELIN (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/violinist-of-hamelin/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HamThrow.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HamThrow1.png

For something a little different, quirky and odd, try out Violinist of Hamelin (AKA Hamelin no Violin Hiki). It's a puzzle action platformer where you play as Hamel and must guide a girl named Flute safely through each level. Flute will follow you throughout the level and is computer-controlled. Pressing "X" deactivates her, which is necessary at certain points. Hamel can shoot musical notes at enemies to dispose of them. You can use Flute in a variety of entertaining ways. From standing on her head to even tossing her through bricks. The big gimmick of the game comes in the form of Flute being able to transform into one of 16 different forms. Each form has its own special purpose, and using the right form at the right moment is key to success. Some transformation examples include: Ostrich, Punching Robot, Frog, and even a Curling Stone (!)

On the downside, there is no save or password, and the game isn't super short. It sucks having to play back at level 1 each time you turn the game on, but it's a fairly minor nitpick, but something definitely worth mentioning. Other than that, Violinist of Hamelin is quirky fun and something fresh and different from your typical SNES game. It's cute and charming but with a healthy splash of black humor. Poor Flute. She gets quite abused! Her reactions and expressions are absolutely priceless. And might be worth the price of admission alone.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HamSpike1.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HamFrog.png

[Steven]

The list so far:

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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-back-to-the-future-ii/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/SBTTF2-1.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/SBTTF-322.png

Yesterday's game, Violinist of Hamelin, was developed by Daft. Their very first game was, coincidentally, Super Back to the Future II. This Super Famicom exclusive exploded in popularity after the Angry Video Game Nerd published a video of it December of 2011. That video, to date, has 4.5 million views. Guide Marty McFly (almost a Super Deformed version) on his hoverboard throughout the various levels. The game boasts a rich, colorful look. The classic BTTF overture has been replicated perfectly, and anytime I listen to it, I still get the chills. That alone makes this game a must for any diehard BTTF fanatic.

The game is far from perfect. The control takes some getting used to, there is a bit of slowdown at certain sections and there are some cheap moments where you can't seem to avoid being hit. But you know what, there's just something about this game that I enjoy popping in and kicking back with for 20-30 minutes. A simple four character password system allows you to revisit favorite levels or continue where you last left off. I remember playing this game 10 years ago and being quite impressed by it. 10 years later, the novelty has worn off, but the music is still awesome. And bloody hell, I still enjoy playing it quite a bit, warts and all.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Griff-2.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/FutureBiff-2.png

[celerystalker]

I like Violinist of Hameln. It's a little (a lot) on the easy side, and it teases RPG elements that it never really uses, but it's fun to toss Flute around.

Back to the Future II is one of those popular imports I've oddly still never even played. I like the goofy look, but I just have never really been all that into those movies... I kinda like the original, but the sequels never thrilled me. Don't hate 'em, just don't care to revisit them on purpose. Anyway, keep 'em coming!

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/nangoku-shounen-papuwa-kun/)

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Capcom, Konami, Square. Undeniably 3 of Super Nintendo's most respected and beloved 3rd party developers. But when you talk about underrated companies, you'll hear names like Natsume and Hudson Soft. Hey, why not add DAFT to that list? Sure, they only made 3 SNES games, but I found all 3 to be rather entertaining. And coincidentally, tonight we're completing the Daft SNES trilogy. Their 3 SNES games were Violinist of Hamelin, Super Back to the Future II, and this, our next game in the countdown, Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun. Based off the manga, it appears at first glance to be ye standard ole platformer. The biggest difference? Nangoku features a level up system like you would find in an action RPG. There are 8 kooky worlds to navigate, with odd enemies to battle along the way such as a one-legged umbrella (!) mid-boss. There's even a character that looks an awful lot like Link, hmmm.

Nangoku, along with Violinist of Hamelin, has long been erroneously credited by various gamers as being developed by Enix (including yours truly 10 years ago, my apologies to Daft). Enix published them only. It should be noted too that there is a slight bit of dialogue in this game (as was the case with Violinist of Hamelin), but it won't hinder a non-Japanese reading gamer from progressing. However, there is a fan translation floating out there if you want to get the full Nangoku experience. So if you're looking for a fun platformer that stands out from the 16-bit crowd, then check out Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun. It’ll likely put a smile on your face. Everyone I’ve talked with who has ever played Nangoku liked it quite a bit as well. Odds are, you will, too.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/PapuLink3.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/PapuL6.png

[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

November 10, 2006, was a day for the ages. It was the day I received my last package of "ultra rare" Super Famicom games. It took a month of collaborating but finally my mercenary over in Japan finished the job, and what a job he did. With that score, I was pretty much set.

But I had no time to revel in its magnificence. For it was also the day I was on my way to a wedding banquet with my good friend, Eddie. Who got hitched? Our old high school friend Christina, Eddie's old flame. And despite his efforts in coaxing me otherwise, I knew he still had feelings for her.

She's the one he let get away, folks… and man… she's a keeper.

By the time we got off the freeway it was dark and pouring. We were forced to stop at a train track. As the heavy rain drops pelted the roof of Eddie's car, with the loud rumbling of the train roaring past us, it happened.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TrainTracks.jpg
Oh God no. Please say it ain't so. Don't do this to my friend!

JESSIE'S GIRL blared on the radio. Its cheesy yet classic 80s pop rock, not to be outdone by the tumultuous train, sliced through the cold night air with fierce vengeance.

I expected him to change the station, but he never did.

As the train roared on for what felt like an eternity, we sat there in silence, taking in the ambiance. I feared the lyrics would drive him over the edge…

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/JessiesGirl.jpg

Jessie is a friend
Yeah, I know he's been a good friend of mine,
But lately something's changed; it ain't hard to define
Jessie's got himself a girl and I wanna make her mine

Y'know I feel so dirty when they start talkin' cute,
I wanna tell her that I love her but the point is prob'ly moot

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/JessiesGirl2.jpg

And I'm looking in the mirror all the time
Wondering what she don't see in me,
I've been funny I've been cool with the lines;
Ain't that the way love's supposed to be?

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/JessiesGirl3.jpg

I WISH THAT I HAD JESSIE'S GIRL!
Tell me, where can I find a woman LIKE THAT?

I don't know if it was the tranquility of that moment or some epiphany he later reached while parallel parking, but the night was full of fun and frivolity. He showed no signs of lamenting her. That night he finally put the past behind him. A good time was had by all.

Capping the night off, I arrived home tired but with enough energy left to eagerly open the big box. These games took me forever to find. Christina was a keeper, and so is this game. Literally.

#43: KEEPER (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/keeper/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/KeeperP7.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/KeeperP8.png

Keeper is a puzzle action game jam packed with charm and a healthy dose of brain-bending conundrums. Players control an adorable Gizmo-like creature. Your goal is to clear the 5x5 grid of all the stones. Match 3 or more stones. You can get rid of stones via same colors or by same shapes. I love that they gave you two options here. There are four modes of play, including a fun co-op and 2-player versus mode. The 2-player options give Keeper the edge over the somewhat similar Little Magic. Keeper doesn't have the level variety as Little Magic has, but at the end of the day there's something about Keeper's gameplay that pulls me in a little deeper than Little Magic's. But make no mistake about it, both games are definite must haves if you love your single screen action puzzle games. Those games where even just conquering one level after staring at the screen for 20-30 minutes is enough to satisfy.

Interestingly enough, EGM previewed this game back in the day as Cyber Slider. It was slated to come out to American soil, but never saw the light of day. Thankfully, we got Keeper. And judging strictly on the outer appearance of the dull looking generic robot compared to the too-cute-for-words Gizmo knockoff, I'm glad we got Keeper instead of Cyber Slider. Although, there is an option to change the Gizmo creature into either a human boy or a human girl. Why? Oh just because. Because, reasons! You can't knock a game for providing more options to choose from. You know I can't help but say it -- you bet your ass Keeper is a keeper.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/KeeperP9.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/KeeperP10.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/ghost-sweeper-mikami/)

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Based off the anime/manga by Takashi Shiina, Ghost Sweeper Mikami is an old school action platformer. It's pretty straight forward and what you see is what you get. It reminds me of the dozens and dozens of action platformers we saw on the 8-bit NES back in the day. If you're into that sort of thing, then definitely check out Ghost Sweeper Mikami. It's got a nice atmosphere -- it's slightly goofy yet somewhat spooky. Perfect to play during Halloween season with the lights out on a cold, stormy night.

Evil spirits, zombies and all assorted manner of monsters have popped up all over town. It's up to you, Ghost Sweeper Mikami, to sweep the streets and clear out the demons and demented. Armed with her trusty magic baton and athletic agility, Mikami can upgrade her baton to shoot projectiles. It's a fun little game. Nothing earth shattering here -- just a good old fashioned solid action game akin to the kind we saw in the late '80s-early '90s. Good job, Natsume.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Mikami9.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Mikami16.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/go-go-ackman/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GGAgun.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GGA2-1.png

Based off the manga by Akira Toriyama, Go Go Ackman is a traditional action platformer. Well, starring a very non-traditional anti-hero. And therein lies part of the fun/charm of playing through this game. As Ackman, you fend off enemies by way of swordplay, boomerangs and even some gun slinging. The game is on the shorter side of things and is not challenging much, but damnit, sometimes a game is just bloody fun to play through. And that this is. BTW, I'm not a fan of the sequel (also on Super Famicom). The third game goes back to basics and is pretty good, but I prefer the original.

In many ways I find Go Go Ackman somewhat similar to yesterday's entry, Ghost Sweeper Mikami. The reason I prefer Go Go Ackman slightly is because its gameplay is just a little bit more polished and refined. That and I prefer the smaller sprite of Ackman over Mikami's rather large sprite size. Plus Ackman has a wider variety of attacks which makes taking out the enemies a whole lot more fun. Go Go Ackman also has that "doesn't take itself seriously at all" charm to it. Things can get rather bizarre, and fast. If you've yet to give this game a try, I recommend doing so. It won't set your world on fire, but it's another example of a quality game on a quality 16-bit machine. Besides, there's a real sense of black humor when you're shooting cute little angels right between the eyes. No way in hell that would ever fly in America. God bless you, Japan, you crazy old bastards you.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GGAsand.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GGAboss8.png

[Koa Zo]

Keeper is a puzzle action [...]
Some great picks so far!

Curiously, Keeper was updated and released on Japanese Playstation in 2002 as an entry in the SuperLite 1500 series of bargain games.
And worth mentioning the SFC game has some luscious box art. In selecting what few games to keep from my collection as I liquidate, Keeper was one of a dozen (out of ~200) SFC games I decided to keep, largely based on the box art, and that I like single screen puzzle games.

[Steven]

Some great picks so far!

Curiously, Keeper was updated and released on Japanese Playstation in 2002 as an entry in the SuperLite 1500 series of bargain games.
And worth mentioning the SFC game has some luscious box art. In selecting what few games to keep from my collection as I liquidate, Keeper was one of a dozen (out of ~200) SFC games I decided to keep, largely based on the box art, and that I like single screen puzzle games.

Thanks. And yes, absolutely agreed on Keeper's excellent box art. I really like the real picture on the back of the box. It's super cool and unique... can't think of another SNES game that features a real pic on its box. It's almost like Keeper had his own toy line! :)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/KeeperBack.jpg

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! (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/poko-nyan/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Poko12.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/PokoBird.png

Poko Nyan! is a platformer based off the 170-episode anime show that ran from 1993-1996. Poko Nyan is also known as Rocky Rackat (a cross between a raccoon and a cat). This game is clearly geared toward kids, with its super colorful visuals and extremely easy gameplay. Hell, you CAN'T even die. So why is this ranked #40 on my countdown? Because it's damn fun. It's got a charming protagonist that can transform into various other critters at anytime. This ranges from a kangeroo who can jump super high to a bird with unlimited flight to a hedgehog that can do a spin attack (hmmm). It's a perfect game for kids or anyone who is still, deep down, a kid at heart.

The scrolling is a bit herky jerky at times, though, especially when changing directions on a dime. It's not a deal breaker for me, however. There are only 15 levels and if you rush for the exit, the game can be beaten in about 40 minutes without breaking a sweat. Where this game excels -- the set pieces. Just take a look at some of them. They're gorgeously drawn, and best of all, they usually have multi-tiers to them. Meaning, there are a ton of ledges to jump on and jump off of. You can kill enemies by simply dropping off a ledge and bouncing off their heads. This is deceptively satisfying. I love all the many set pieces and the ability to interact with them. Poko Nyan! is just a fun, relaxing and whimsical platformer. Yeah I wish it were harder but gaming is ultimately about having fun. And I enjoyed playing this one tremendously. Oddly satisfying. There's something innately charming and innocent about this game that takes one right back to their early childhood years. Poko Nyan! is perhaps the poster child for a "kiddie game" but damnit if it ain't bloody fun.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Poko14.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Poko15.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/araiguma-rascal/)

With Poko featured yesterday and Rascal today, it confirms what we've felt all along: raccoons are freaking awesome.

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There are lots of cute games out there, but there might not be one that will induce more heartfelt "awwws" than Araiguma Rascal (AKA Raccoon Rascal). This action puzzle game is based off Rascal the Raccoon, which was a Japanese anime series based on the 1963 autobiographical novel "Rascal, A Memoir of a Better Era" by Sterling North. If nothing else, no other SNES game can claim it was loosely based off a 1963 classic American memoir. Thankfully, the game is noteworthy for more than just that. It puts a unique spin on your typical falling piece puzzler. Players control Rascal, an adorable raccoon whose sole job is to discard of the various jars coming his way. Match 3 or more like jars to make them disappear. Rather than simply moving the D-Pad left and right and rotating pieces, as Rascal you must grab one jar at a time and maneuver your way through the field. This includes jumping and requires some heavy forethought. There is a bit of a learning curve as it's not your typical puzzle game. Therein lies the charm and fun of it all. It's something just different enough that catches your fancy and leaves something of an indelible mark.

The game features 3 different entertaining 2 player modes to boot. In 2 player mode one controls Rascal and the other player controls Sterling -- the author of the 1963 memoir "Rascal." The graphics are unique. Yes they're colorful but they really invoke the spirit of Wisconsin (the setting of the memoir). There's an old school "throwback" feel to the visuals... almost vintage in style. Just take a look at the screenshots here and you can see the care that the developers put into this game. It all adds up to one extremely adorable and appealing package.

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BTW, Super Play Magazine (a UK Super Nintendo-dedicated publication) gave it a decent score back in the day:

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/SP-RR.jpg
Love the detail of the squirrel pushing the jars!

[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! (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-tekkyu-fight/)

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At a cursory glance, Super Tekkyu Fight! appears to be a Bomberman clone. However, play it for a few minutes and you'll quickly notice it's quite different. For starters, players can take up to 8 hits (therefore battles last much longer than your average Bomberman match). You can also jump around the field. In addition, there are lots of gaping holes where if you fall through you will lose four health bars. Instead of bombing your foes, you attack them with a spiky ball. You can flip tiles and stun your opponent. Naturally, power-ups can sway the tide of war. There's also the 1-2P mode where you go through 6 worlds with 8 levels each (the 8th featuring a big nasty boss). It's not a shabby little mode, thanks to the awesome looking bosses, but the meat is definitely the four player mode.

On the downside, the 8 battle arenas aren't incredibly diverse. They're not as varied as most Bomberman games. Nonetheless, this is a blast to play with 3 like-minded friends. If you're lucky enough to still occasionally host the random 4-player gaming night here and there, I definitely recommend picking this one up. And even if you're more of the "One Player" type, you can always set the 3 players to be computer controlled and still have a good time. It's no Super Bomberman, but Super Tekkyu Fight! is certainly a solid alternative when you're in the mood for something Bomberman-esque while also being a little different.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/STFBug.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/STFDemon.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/ganbare-daiku-no-gensan/)

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Ganbare Daiku no Gensan is the one and only SNES appearance for Irem's Hammerin' Harry. You might remember Harry from the arcade scene of the early '90s as well as his 8-bit Nintendo adventure (unfortunately PAL release only). Well, once again Harry gets the American shaft, as "Super Hammerin' Harry" never left Japan. Thankfully, SNES players can still experience it in all its glory (well, there's a small bit of Japanese text but nothing you can't overcome). Run around the various levels using an almost Super Deformed Harry, crushing everything in sight with his trusty hammer. There are fun upgrades available as well as special attacks that Harry can do.

It's also Japanese bonkers. It never takes itself too seriously, or at all, really. From fighting a man dressed in a cat suit (WTF) to knocking the hell out of octogenarians (!), Ganbare Daiku no Gensan promises a wacky experience that while short, is certainly enjoyable while it lasts. Nothing too fancy here, folks. What you see is what you get. It's nowhere near the level of the elite SNES platformers, but it's one of those quirky little action games that could easily entertain ya for an hour or two on a lazy Friday night. And damnit if it ain't fun smashing a monkey upside the head with a giant mallet. Gallagher would surely be proud.

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[Steven]

My apologies for the delay in continuing this countdown. Life's gotten busier than normal and so I will just post these entries whenever I can. Was aiming for an entry a day but that's just not feasible with work picking up.

In the meantime, here's an awesome Super Famicom game that probably not many have played. Or at least, it's certainly had less exposure than the mainstream usual suspects, and I believe it's just as damn good as some of those classics. It's not on my top 50 countdown because it has a lot of Japanese text and I do consider it an action RPG (I purposely excluded Japanese RPGs and action RPGs off this list). But if I were to include this game it would easily be in my top 10. I like it THAT much. What game am I talking about?

GUNMAN'S PROOF

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Released late in the SNES lifespan (1997), Gunman's Proof can best be summarized as a mix of EarthBound, Link to the Past and the wild, wild west. Sounds like an enticing combination? It sure is, and thankfully, the game plays extremely well. Unlike other action RPGs where you strike with a short ranged weapon, here you get to fire off a variety of guns. It gives it a slight Zombies Ate My Neighbors feel as well. Good stuff, indeed. In addition, you can punch enemies even pull off Dragon Punches. The graphics have a pleasant cheery look to them, and you gotta love the game's setting and overall aesthetics. Go around the island and talk to some interesting NPCs.

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Interestingly enough, the relationship between the father and son is unlike any other on the SNES. Rather than being loving and supportive, the dad is downright abusive and vicious. It gives the game a different feel. But it's all handled in a very amusing manner. All that's to say... the game's dialogue is a real treat. You'll want to talk to every NPC. Its sense of humor reminds me a lot of EarthBound.

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The battle sections are a blast. It's refreshing to shoot at enemies from far away. With 8 directions to aim, and a strafe/lock option, it's handled beautifully (did you hear that, Zombies Ate My Neighbors?). The puzzles are much lighter than Link to the Past, but it's still a ton of fun. The main character can also duck and crawl to avoid bullets. The dungeons are not as complex as Link to the Past and they never get (too) overwhelming. It's definitely an easy game, but I say better "easy and fun" than "impossible and cheap" any day of the week.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GunProo185.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/GunProo187.jpg

All in all, you can't go far wrong with Gunman's Proof. Its main negative is that it's way too damn short. The game can be beaten in about 4 measly hours, but what fun those 4 short hours will be. Thankfully, it's been fan translated, and I can't recommend this game enough. If you love Link to the Past or action RPGs in general, Gunman's Proof is a must-play.

Full review here. (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/gunmans-proof/)

[Dire 51]

You might remember Harry from the arcade scene of the early '90s as well as his 8-bit Nintendo adventure (unfortunately PAL release only).
Not quite... it did get a release on the Famicom, along with it's sequel (which stayed Famicom-only). Take a look. (http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/hammerin/hammerin.htm)

I'm enjoying the countdown so far!

[Steven]

Not quite... it did get a release on the Famicom, along with it's sequel (which stayed Famicom-only). Take a look. (http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/hammerin/hammerin.htm)

I'm enjoying the countdown so far!

Ah thanks for the correction, Rob. I am not nearly as well versed in the world of Famicom as I am with the Super Famicom, so my apologies for that omission. Good to know! And I'm glad you're enjoying the countdown. It's been a blast for me revisiting these old favorites :) Speaking of which, 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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/power-soukoban/)

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Published by NINTENDO on New Year's Day 1999 (yes, you read that correct, 19-freaking-99), Power Soukoban add an action-oriented "modern" twist to the old classic Soukoban puzzle action format. This time the puzzles aren't as crazy because the emphasis is moreso on the action end. Here you'll have to fend off enemies. Open pits will spawn evil creatures. Only by closing off the pits do you eradicate the little demons. The enemies don't really pose much of a threat, but it's fun nonetheless to shoot them down. Speaking of which, your little demon protagonist doesn't just push stones -- he can also fire projectiles. These long ranged shots can take out enemies as well as move stones. It's pretty cool and definitely not your brother's Soukoban.

There are even bosses to contend with, such as Frankenstein and Medusa to name but a few. There aren't traditional stages per se; the whole thing has inter-connected screens similar to Super Metroid. I also like that this game features multi-tier puzzles. For example, entering a room from a certain entrance may yield zero results. However, enter that same room later on from a different entrance reveals the path to clearing that particular puzzle for that particular room. There's even a cast of NPCs you can interact with, and the game even features a very light RPG-esque element to it. Too bad the dialogue is in Japanese, but it's not anything that would impede your progress if you don't read the language. Power Soukoban can get a tad repetitive and the puzzles aren't very complex at all, but it's a fun action puzzle game and an oddly fascinating footnote in SNES history. Seeing as how it was released in 1999, it really just might be the last great game to ever grace Nintendo's 16-bit wonder.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/PSouko4.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/PSouko5.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/the-firemen/)

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The Firemen is one of those Super Famicom titles I remember long being curious about ever since I saw it featured in the pages of EGM back in good ole 1994. Developed by HUMAN, best known for their Fire Pro Wrestling franchise, The Firemen is like DieHard if the terrorists were replaced with fire and the firearms replaced with a water hose. Heck, even the intro is oddly in English, and more than vaguely reminds one of the plot from DieHard! However, the in-game text is all in Japanese. It's not necessary to understand if you don't read Japanese, but you're given tips to help you out. Still, no biggie as the game is completely playable without this knowledge. I was very impressed when I played this game initially in 2006, and although my feelings for it have "cooled down" (har har) since then, it's still a quality game worthy of this list.

Shoot in any one of 8 directions, and you can strafe and lock yourself into any one of these 8 positions. I like the little details such as the glass shattering when you fire at them. Part of me almost expects Stone Cold Steve Austin to come running in outta nowhere to open a can of whup ass. There are two spray attacks. One straight ahead and one that sprays downward. You also get bombs and a computer-controlled ally that helps you out on occasion. It's a shame there isn't a two-player option, though. The graphics are sharp and clean with a nice depth backing them. There are also innocent people to save throughout the levels. Doing so will restore your health by roughly 60%. The bosses fights are simple and satisfying. The Firemen is solid fun and it's a shame it never saw the light of day in America (although it did receive a European PAL release). If you haven't played The Firemen yet, you really should. It's a better example of the fire fighting sub-genre than Jaleco's The Ignition Factor.

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Announcement time. I hope this is OK, but given my years of service contributing to the gaming community, I hope that it is. So, as some of you know, for the past decade-plus I've been waving the SNES banner. In that time I've been beating SNES games and keeping detailed notes. Seeing as how today marks the first day of October, I figure now is a fitting time to make this announcement. Coming in one year's time will be my very own SNES book. It will be released privately via PDF. There will be a very small fee for my effort (I'm thinking around $3 is more than fair). The PDF will include:

-My top 200 favorite SNES games*
-Various SNES stories of mine from 1991-current day
-Exclusive interviews that I've conducted with various SNES programmers over the years

*The top 200 list will be done in a very similar fashion as this Top 50 Super Famicom list. So if you're enjoying this countdown, you'll definitely enjoy my Top 200 countdown as well. This list will feature US and Japanese games (including Japanese RPGs such as Seiken Densetsu 3 AKA Secret of Mana 2, Dragon Quest V, Final Fantasy V, and so forth). Keep in mind this is a list I've been working on and tweaking ever since 2006. So it's not something I'm piecing together hastily overnight or a few weeks or even a few months. This has been a decade-plus project of mine that I can't wait to finally share!

I hope my work over the past decade has entertained you to some degree, and I hope you'll support this project come this time next year. It will be roughly 300 pages long, with up to 1,000 full color pictures. And for the record, there will be no Kickstarter. No delays. No stretch goals. No BS. More details to follow as we get closer to the date. It comes online October 2017.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Oct2017-1024x768.jpg

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-genjin-2/)

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Growing up in the early '90s, I was lucky enough to own the NES, Genesis and Super Nintendo. That meant Saturday afternoons perusing any of those 3 libraries at the local rental store. I had my choice of the litter, and life was good. However, there was at least one franchise that eluded me that I had always been madly curious about. That, of course, was BONK on the Turbo Grafx 16. Back in those olden days, the Turbo Grafx 16 was sort of a "Neo Geo Junior" in the sense that very few stores carried it and you hardly knew anyone who owned it. It was something of a semi-mythical "beast" that you really only saw in the pages of EGM, GamePro and GameFan Magazine. I was instantly captivated the first time I saw screenshots of the Bonk games. I've always had a thing for caveman platformers. Then in 1994, GameFan ran a preview for Super Bonk for the Super Nintendo. It blew my young mind. It was like seeing Ronald McDonald featured in a Burger King commercial, or seeing "The Bad Guy" Razor Ramon in a WCW ring (er wait, that one really did happen, sorta anyhow). It was a WTF moment for its time. Unfortunately, the SNES effort in my opinion was only decent at best. And at worst, it was borderline disappointing. Enter its Super Famicom-exclusive sequel, Super Genjin 2.

Super Genjin 2 is everything Super Bonk should have been. The sprites are smaller, which works in its favor as the gameplay is less clunky and easier to maneuver Bonk around the playing field. He's got new tricks up his sleeve, such as a sliding ability and some transformations that were not seen in Super Bonk but seen in the TG-16 series, such as the thief (who can throw the smiley faces as projectiles). The worlds are colorful and the visuals are rather striking -- both a major improvement over Super Bonk. The power ups are what makes the game fun but it's also simply experiencing the various quirky levels. In one level you're struck by lightning in the beginning and you're forced to spend the entire level trying to refill your health in order to regain consciousness by level's end. Another level sees Bonk spinning himself around on a rotor as he navigates the not-so-friendly spike-filled skies. It's not a long game, but there's even a password code given after each world is beaten (another thing that Super Bonk lacked). There is a small bit of Japanese text but it's nothing major. For those who wish to experience it in full, however, there is an English translation available. All in all, Super Genjin 2 isn't perfect but it's a fine example of the genre, does the Bonk name proud and is certainly one of the better Super Famicom-exclusive platformers out there.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-bomberman-panic-bomber-world/)

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More than just a cheap cash-in or a lame gimmick in order to milk the good name of a proven franchise, Super Bomberman Panic Bomber World is an admirable foray into the puzzle genre for those good Bombermen. The goal is to connect 3 or more like-color pieces. You can connect them horizontally, vertically or even diagonally. I like the inclusion of the diagonal factor as it leads to more combo possibilities and adds to the strategy. In addition, you get unlit and lit bombs because Bomberman. Once you fill up your power bar, you get a mega bomb that will cause all kinds of havoc. It's pretty simple and straightforward. It's also a whole lot of fun. The chains and combos you can pull off are pretty insane. Instead of 2 pieces falling at a time as in most puzzle games, it's 3 pieces here. That just gives you more pieces to play with as you work to craft crushing combos. Speaking of noteworthy, the game cartridge actually uses a special chip believe it or not.

And of course, being a Bomberman title, there's even a 4 player mode for you and 3 friends (or 3 computer opponents) to do battle in. The classic Bomberman battle tune is even replicated nicely here, and fits the urgency of the falling piece action to a tee. While Panic Bomber may never replace your Super Bomberman or Saturn Bomberman game nights, it does make for a damn fine entertaining diversion. There really isn't much else to say here except it's a shame not more people are aware of this game. It's more than worthy of a spot in anyone's Super Nintendo collection.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/bs-shockman/)

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BS Shockman, or technically BS Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman Zero, is a unique title in this top 50 countdown. Why? Unlike the other games on this list so far, this one was never officially released on cartridge. It was slated for a Super Famicom release back in 1994, but was instead relegated to the Satellaview device (a downloading service in Japan in the '90s). But of course, you can find a way to play it today and you probably should. While nothing earth shattering, it's simply a fun little 2-player action romp. Of course, the Shockman franchise began on the PC-Engine, so similar to Bonk, it was shocking (har har) to see it being associated with the SNES back in 1994. It blends aspects from Mega Man, Mario, Street Fighter and there's even a small hint of Castlevania thrown in for good measure. Its 2 player mode is the best thing about it, as players can combine to unleash super special tag team attacks they could not otherwise do on their own. Each of the characters, Raita and Azuki, also have special moves they can execute on their own. This includes a Dragon Punch and Hadoken-like blast.

Featuring only 8 stages, the game is rather short (45 minutes or so) and is unfortunately a cake walk. That's pretty much its most glaring flaw. Other than that, what you have here is a very fun game that feels like something of a mix between a traditional platformer and a beat 'em up. Nail enemies with the Hadoken blast and watch them fly backwards in slow motion (done on purpose for dramatic effect). The whole thing never takes itself seriously but yet it also doesn't feel like a parody or a spoof, which I very much appreciate. It somehow manages to ride that fine line between semi-serious and silly. All in all, if you ever wanted to experience a game that spliced Mario with Mega Man, you could do far worse than BS Shockman. Er, BS Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman Zero. Call it whatever you want -- I call it a quality 2-player action game more than deserving of its place on this list.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BSShock9.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BSShock11.jpg

[Dire 51]

Ah thanks for the correction, Rob. I am not nearly as well versed in the world of Famicom as I am with the Super Famicom, so my apologies for that omission. Good to know! And I'm glad you're enjoying the countdown. It's been a blast for me revisiting these old favorites :)
No problem! Also, I'm just now starting to put some serious time into some of these, partially thanks to this thread. Keep 'em coming!

[Steven]

Earlier tonight (technically last night by the time I post this), I caught the opening night showing of SHIN GODZILLA here in the US. It's a limited showing from October 11-18 only. I grew up a huge Godzilla fan. In fact, when I started this topic back in September 2006, I opened by reviewing Godzilla: Kaijuu Daikessen. If you told me then that TEN years and a month later there would be a Japanese Godzilla film showing in an American theatre, I would never believe it. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and recommend catching it in theatres while you still can. There is a ton of dialogue and political commentary, moreso than any other Godzilla film. But I found it refreshing -- Shin Godzilla felt like an 'adult' take on Godzilla. It takes you on a wild ride that depicts what it might feel like if you're a high ranking governmental official trying to navigate a Godzilla crisis. It won't resonate with everyone, but I enjoyed this reboot of Godzilla. I liked it more than the 2014 American version.

http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2016/10/shin-godzilla-ShinGodzilla_JPN_1998x1080p24_DNxHRLB_1-52-40-18_rgb-720x298.jpg
Welcome back the king of monsters

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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/majyuuou/)

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It's October, which means a month full of horror movies and horror-themed video games for us Halloween geeks. I recently tried to watch Rob Zombie's 31, but couldn't get through it even halfway. Speaking of 31, it's appropriate for this next game to be #31. The SNES isn't known for having very many dark and mature titles in its library. However, Majyuuou definitely qualifies as such and is perfect to pick up and play during this month of October. AKA King of Demons, at first glance it appears to be something of a cross between Castlevania and Resident Evil. While it never quite lives up to such an enticing combination, it is a rather fun and sordid romp through hell. The imagery is unlike anything else you'll find on the SNES. You start out in human form armed with a gun and a giant Hadoken-like blast. The interesting part comes at the end of each level where an orb allows you to transform into a savage beast. In all, there are four forms (coincidentally enough there are four forms of Godzilla in the new Shin Godzilla film). To get the good ending, you must use all 3 forms at some point before the final level. At which point you will then unlock the fourth and final, ultimate transformation. Each form, naturally, has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Your main character's sprite is a little too small for my liking, which is a little disappointing, but the game does feature a good amount of details to make up for this. It does an excellent job of sucking you into its decaying, macabre and decrepit underbelly of a seedy universe. The control could have been a little bit smoother, admittedly, but it still plays relatively well enough (don't expect anything near Super Mario World brilliance). Like I said, don't expect this to be an epic gem and you'll probably enjoy it, especially during this time of the year. While it never quite lives up to the hype I created for it in my own imagination, I'm happy we even got this game to begin with. There simply aren't enough games like this on the Super Nintendo so when one comes along this bizarre, hellish and competently developed, you gladly take it with no questions asked.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/KOD11.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/KOD16.png

[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 & DONALD: MAGICAL ADVENTURE 3 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/mickey-donald-magical-adventure-3/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MD3level1.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MD3boss1.png

The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse brings back a lot of fond memories for many of us. One of the earlier "classics" on the Super Nintendo, Capcom continued to flex its 16-bit muscles with a game that played as well as it looked. I, for one, have warm memories of Magical Quest that winter of 1992. Remember that extra thick Nintendo Power holiday issue featuring Magical Quest on its cover? And who could forget those classic Nintendo Power square tile layouts? Ah, the memories. It's too bad kids today will never experience the feeling of picking up a gaming magazine from their local store (or from their mailbox). Nothing rivals the excitement of seeing a brand new issue, filled with the latest and greatest video games, and reading that sucker from cover to cover for hours on end. Those were certainly some, pardon the pun, MAGICAL times.

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/video-games/images/6/65/NintendoPower44.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100624182658 http://rvgfanatic.com/mediac/400_0/media/DIR_96601/IMG_3035.JPG

A few years later Capcom released the sequel The Great Circus Mystery. While it was viewed by many as solid and competent, many also felt the original was superior (despite the sequel offering a 2-player co-op mode). The Great Circus Mystery was just missing the magic of the original. In December 1995, 3 years following the release of The Magical Quest, Capcom released the final game in the trilogy. It never made its way to American shores as the SNES was dying a quick and quiet death by late '95/early '96. It was Minnie Mouse out and Donald Duck in. The classic costume system returns but this time the suit powers differ for Mickey and Donald, making it worthwhile to sample both characters. Of course, that classic refined Mickey gameplay you've come to love returns (including the lovely snatch-a-block-out-of-the-air-and-heave-it-at-the-bad-guys format), but now it also features the best visuals of the series. It's gorgeous; some of the animations (particularly from Donald) are simply priceless. Mickey and Donald: Magical Adventure 3 is easily one of the better Super Famicom-exclusive platformers ever released. And a perfect companion piece to The Magical Quest. Capcom could do almost no wrong back in the mid '90s, and this is simply another shining example of such.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MD3argue.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MD3malfunction.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/ghost-chaser-densei/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/GhChDe22.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/GhChDe21.jpg

The best Super Famicom beat 'em up to never leave Japan? Not Iron Commando. Sorry, Undercover Cops. From where I sit, hands down it's Ghost Chaser Densei. Sure it's got many of the beat 'em up tropes. Three characters to pick from. One is well-balanced, one is strong and one is the token weak but quick female. Charging fat bad guys. You name it, you'll probably find it here. But what makes this games stand out from the crowd? A couple things. 1. You can block. 2. You kip-up whenever you get back up from being knocked down. This actually damages bad guys within reach. Sick. 3. In 2-player co-op mode you can pull off special tag team moves (similar to BS Shockman which was featured earlier on this list). 4. Know how most beat 'em ups allow you to use special moves at the cost of a little health? Not the case here! Instead, there is a separate meter specifically for your special moves. And yes, that's plural. Rather than having one special move, each of the 3 protagonists have a couple. Best yet, the power bar regenerates slowly, meaning you can pull off special moves intermittently without compromising your health meter. Brilliant.

While it's no Turtles in Time, hell, what on Super Nintendo is? Ghost Chaser Densei is a top-notch beat 'em up that takes one back the halcyon days when side-scrolling beat 'em ups ruled the arcade scene. That's because it originated as an arcade game only in Japan. Released in 1994, Denjin Makai was later ported to the Super Famicom in 1995. The arcade game had 6 characters to choose from but the SFC port cut out 3, turning them into boss characters. It's also missing a level. Despite these cuts, Ghost Chaser Densei still shines. Hey, at least it kept its excellent 2-player co-op mode (I'm looking at you, Undercover Cops). I just looked on eBay and am "shocked not shocked" that a cartridge only copy commands over $125. Whew. It's tough to recommend it at THAT price, but sadly that's just the nature of the beast these days. BTW, there was a Japan only arcade sequel, Denjin Makai II AKA Guardians. Check it out on YouTube. Makes you kind of miss the good old days when side-scrolling beat 'em ups were king. Hell, they're still kings to me, damnit.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/GhChDe24.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/GhChDe42.jpg

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/magical-popn/)

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One of the more well known "obscure" Super Famicom-exclusive games, Magical Pop'n is an action platformer that conjures memories of more than one classic gaming franchise. If Zelda were ever made into a platformer, I imagine it would look something like Magical Pop'n. You attack enemies with a short-ranged sword, but can gain powers as you go along. The first power-up to acquire is a projectile, but it comes at the cost of 2 stars. Stars are scattered throughout the game's six stages. Collect as many as you can to increase your sub weapon ammunition. It's similar to Castlevania with its sub weapons and heart system. These sub weapons expand the game and allow you to perform some fancy tricks. For example, there is a grappler that turns the game into a slight Bionic Commando affair. The grappler can be employed an unlimited amount of times as it costs zero stars to use, but is strictly for swinging purposes only. As you can imagine, the more potent the sub weapon, the more hearts it will cost to use.

The game presents a fairly decent challenge. Unfortunately there is no password or save system. But thankfully, there is a handy cheat code that opens up a debug menu. Pause the game and press Up, Down, X, Y, Left, Right, A, B, Up, Up. This allows you to tweak with things such as lives, hearts, a God mode and even a super useful level select cheat. That way you don't need to beat the game in one sitting. It also allows you to revisit any favorite level on a whim. To me these codes are simply the best kind because they go a long way to enhance my enjoyment of a game as well as increase longevity. Magical Pop'n isn't as epic as I was hoping -- I'm not crazy about the protagonist's speech samples and the platforming isn't super SUPER crisp -- but it's still a damn fine game, really. There are way more positives than negatives, for sure. It does command an arm and leg today which makes recommend buying a copy hard-pressed to do, but you should certainly find a way to experience it somehow. Not bad at all for obscure little developer Polestar who has only four titles to its name. This was their very first game and while it isn't perfect, Magical Pop'n certainly makes a splash in the vast ocean of Super Famicom goodness.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ItsZelda.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/MPswinging.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/popn-twinbee-rainbow-bell-adventures/)

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For something zany and slightly different (not to mention insanely colorful), try this next entry. Pop'n Twinbee Rainbow Bell Adventures (I dare you to say that fast 5 times) is an action platformer with a twist. Its main strength is its versatility. Pick from 3 varied characters. There's a punch meter where when charged allows you to unleash a mega shot capable of destroying barriers, revealing new sections of the level. The jump meter when charged allows you to fly around like a maniac. It's very Rocket Knight/Sparkster-esque. TwinBee is the well-balanced one. WinBee: shorter jump meter, longer punch meter. GwinBee: shorter punch meter, longer jump meter. There's a character for everyone's preferred playing style. Each of the "Bees" has their own special weapon (mallet, lasso, rattle). Slain enemies will drop a bell. These bells come in varied colors and as you might guess, each color serves a purpose. A blue bell grants you a gun. Another color grants you temporary invincibility. One color gives you your special weapon. You lose all power-ups if you're damaged, but you can kill more enemies to recollect your said power-ups. Speaking of killing the bad guys, check out how versatile this game is. Eliminate baddies by: 1. hop and bop 2. flying fist (during flight) 3. special weapon 4. mega shot 5. gun 6. punch (your default attack before acquiring your special weapon) 7. making contact while invincible. This versatility goes a long way to making the game feel different from the crowd, as well as minimizing repetitiveness while playing it.

In addition, there are two 2-player modes. The first is a 2-player co-op mode, although admittedly this isn't the best 2-player game around. Simply because when one player decides to take flight it leaves the other player off screen and causes for some awkward moments. It kind of takes away the joy of flying which arguably makes up a good chunk of the game's appeal in the first place. Still, it's nice Konami gave us the option of playing co-op with a friend. The second 2-player mode is a battle mode. You and your friend are dumped into a split screen war zone where you have 3 minutes to defeat your rival. It's interesting to say the least, and off the top of my head I can't think of another SNES 2-player game that offers a split screen versus mode. If you know of one, sound off! To top things off, there's a password system for the six worlds so that you don't have to beat the whole thing in one sitting. Rainbow Bell Adventures is definitely one of Konami's most underrated gems from the 16-bit era.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/popn-smash/)

(Yes, that's three straight POP'N titles. The Japanese must love that word...)

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One thing about the SNES that never ceases to amaze me is how deep and diverse its library is. There are so many beloved classics, but what I really enjoy are the lesser known games that are just plain fun to play. Obscure gems that rarely get the spotlight they so richly deserve. Pop'n Smash is one such example. Heisei Inu Monogatari Bow: Pop’n Smash, to give it its full proper name, is a game you rarely ever hear about or see on SNES recommendation lists. And that's a shame. Imagine a mix between Pong and Breakout, then add in typical Japanese wackiness and shenanigans... and you get Pop'n Smash. If that isn't enough to sell you on this title, then I don't know what will. Pop'n Smash is centered around canine Bow, a dog character from a famous Japanese manga and anime back in the '90s. "Bow Wow" was a Japanese manga created by Terry Yamamoto. It enjoyed a lengthy run from 1992 to 1999. There was also a 40 episode anime series (1993-1994). Bow has more than a passing resemblance to Spuds MacKenzie, the star of a Super Bowl commercial that aired way back in 1987.

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The objective is to bat the ball into your opponent's goal zone. Along the way there are obstacles such as breakable blocks, pots and even bombs to add a little extra spice to it all. Choose from several different characters and stages. Players can make dramatic diving saves as well as cross over into the opponent's playing area. I enjoy the freedom this game affords. It's also got a great little sense of humor. You can select different tools to bat the ball. This ranges from a tennis racket to a mallet to even a twig. Yes, a freaking twig. It's completely silly and tons of fun. It's one of those games that anyone can pick up and play, and enjoy. Even non-gamers. Pop'n Smash is a smashing good time (sorry). And easily one of the many unsung obscure gems of the Super Famicom library.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/PopnSmashPinball.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/PopnSmash1.png

[Dire 51]

(Yes, that's three straight POP'N titles. The Japanese must love that word...)
Funny thing about that... in Japan, that Twinbee game is just called Twinbee: Rainbow Bell Adventures. The Pop'n part was added for the European release for name recognition, as Pop'n Twinbee had already been released there. The Twinbee name was relatively unknown in Europe before Pop'n Twinbee was released there (the arcade game Detana!! Twinbee was released there, but under the title Bells and Whistles). The same thing happened when the GameBoy game Twinbee Da!! was released in Europe, it was retitled Pop'n Twinbee.

On a related note, I've always thought that if Pop'n Twinbee or Rainbow Bell Adventures were released in the U.S., they'd probably have been retitled Super Stinger and Stinger: Rainbow Bell Adventures, to tie it in with the lone Twinbee game released here, Stinger (NES, originally released as Moero TwinBee: Cinnamon Hakushi wo Sukue! for the Famicom Disk System, later rereleased as a cart along with Akumajo Dracula and Bio Miracle Bokutte Upa).

[Steven]

Good stuff, Rob. Thanks for sharing that info.

Well, we're halfway through! Let's check out #25 on 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! (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/sanrio-world-smash-ball/)

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Licensed video games back in the mid '90s were hit and miss. Probably more miss than hit. But this next game, not surprisingly (as it is #25), is thankfully a hit. Remember those Sanrio "Hello Kitty" stores? There was actually a Super Famicom game based around Sanrio released in the summer of 1993. At first glance one is inclined to think it's a clone of Windjammers, but Windjammers actually came out 7 months later (February 1994). Instead, think of Sanrio Smash as a fun little mix of Pong and Breakout. It's very similar to the previous game, Pop'n Smash, but it plays *slightly* better. It's a little more smooth and polished. Choose from 4 Sanrio character and 20 different level layouts. There is a 1-player mode complete with passwords, but it's the 2-player game where Sanrio Smash shines. It's cutthroat, competitive and awesome fun. Similar to Pop'n Smash, it's got that pick up and play charm to it. It's also got a high level of replayability. Hell, I've owned it 10+ years now, and still find myself firing it up on occasion. It just sort of hits a sweet spot for me. And it's a game I can pop in and enjoy for 15 minutes.

There are power-ups to sway the tide of battle one way or the other. For example, one power-up causes all the blocks protecting your rival's goal line to disappear. There is also a super shot that players can unleash once they've charged up their meter. This is done by standing still and holding the proper button. The super shot causes your little guy to smack the ball 250 miles per hour. The animation is such that it can get up to 2 hits depending on circumstances (i.e. the disc bouncing off a block right back to you). So some strategy is involved as you dance through the level, picking your spots to power up your special meter. The worst thing is getting caught snoozing and letting the ball past your line of defense as you try to fill up your power bar. On an interesting side note, there is no music whatsoever during play. It's just the sound of the disc bouncing around. Also, weighing in at a HEFTY two megs (yes, TWO), it's the smallest SNES game along with Mr. Do! and Space Invaders. Tales of Phantasia and Star Ocean, the Super Nintendo's biggest games at 48 megs each, are a whopping 24 times bigger than Sanrio Smash. But as we all know, never judge a 16-bit game by its meg count. Sanrio World Smash Ball! is a smash. Sorry. I mean, a ball. Damnit. Look, it's pretty damn good, OK? So get it if you can, or something.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SanrioPinball.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sanrio5.png


http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SP-Sanrio.jpg
Super Play Magazine speaking its mind back in the day...

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/spark-world/)

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We go from Sanrio World to Spark World. This game is, as you can clearly see, a most blatant Super Bomberman clone. There is a 1-2 player mode where you must go through several different themes (i.e. city, desert, jungle, etc.) There are 9 themes in all, with each theme having 3 stages and the 4th one being that theme's boss. But of course, the meat and potatoes is the 4-player battle mode. Similar to Bomberman the options are extremely adjustable, right down to the ability to select varying difficulty levels for EACH computer controlled opponent (if you're playing by yourself). Each player is able to sustain two hits, which makes for nice, lengthy battles and a chance at redemption if you accidentally mess up say in the first half minute of a match. There are some slight twists though that go a long way to making the game more fun. The boxing glove power-up icon allows you to punch your OPPONENT(S) rather than the fuel barrel (bomb). Now that's sick. There are also "?" icons that can grant you amazing offensive capabilities, or the complete opposite. One such example is a 30 second countdown may appear over your head. You can transfer this curse to anyone else and whoever has it when it reaches 0 dies. As you can imagine, this leads to some frenetic and chaotic moments as you either race desperately around the field trying to pass it on (in "It Follows" fashion) or you're madly running away trying to avoid it at all costs.

I also like how the color of the sparks match your car's color. But perhaps best of all, there is a "rival" screen that shows you who killed you and who your "rival" should be for the following round. When one car kills the other 3, it leads to some good laughs as the 3 killed may very well decide to team up on the rival for the next round. There is a very subtle sense of black humor with this screen. I mean, you usually know who kills you, but just seeing it visually spelled out for you does go a long way in drawing the battle lines in the sand rather emphatically. If you enjoy Bomberman in the least and like having a slew of 4-player party games on hand just because you never know when your pals might drop by, then I strongly recommend adding Spark World to your party mix. It's definitely not as great as the Super Bomberman titles, but as far as alternatives go, it gets the job done. And it deserves some rightful recognition. So here it is, 24th on the list. Well done, Bombercar, er, I mean, Spark World. Well freakin' done.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SW2-2.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SWrivals.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-bomberman-5/)

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Move out of the way, Spark World, here comes the original. Quick, think of the SNES franchise (excluding sports) that saw the most sequels? Super Bomberman. Gamers in the US got parts 1 and 2. But 3, 4 and 5 were released in Japan (3 also saw a release in Europe). These games are perhaps most notable for adding a 5th bomber to the mix, but they also feature a whole new slew of bombs and gimmicks. Really, you could put 3, 4 or 5 in this slot, but I chose 5 because I do feel it's the best of the non-US Super Bomberman titles. Not only does it feature some stages from the four previous Bomberman titles (thus making it feel slightly like a "remix") but it has a better overall battle zone selection than 3 or 4. This is aided by the 3 bonus battle zones (making for a total of 13) which is noteworthy because the code only works on a specific controller. That being Hudson's very own Super Joy Card. Well, it's either get the pad (roughly $20 these days) or plop down the $400 or so for Super Bomberman 5 GOLD edition cartridge. Yeah, I went with the controller route, and if you want the 3 bonus stages, you should too.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/sfc-joycard.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SB5Gold.jpg

Not only is there a controller-specific code, but this game also features a mad bomber option with the ability to kill someone and switch places. It brings a whole new intensity to the mad bomber option. There are also codes that will change the layout of each battle zone. There are actually four different layouts for each battle zone, which adds to the map variation and expands replay value even further than what it already would have been. (Super Bomberman 3 and 4 also has these cheat codes). There's also a hidden bomber to unlock, the Golden Bomber. Overall, you can't go wrong with either Super Bomberman 3, 4 or 5. Definitely get at least one of those sequels because it's nice having that 5th extra bomber. It's nice to have in case you ever have four friends visiting instead of three. I still have a soft spot for the original Super Bomberman, but 5 isn't too far behind. After that, 2, 3 and 4 are somewhat interchangeable.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SupBomb5Bon3.png

Upper left: Default
Upper right: 4622
Bottom left: 0413
Bottom right: 0926

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[Steven]

Being Halloween season and all, I replayed Super Castlevania IV the other night and man... it never fails to satisfy. I'd like to share a re-telling of the game plot with the help of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers... hope you enjoy it and get a little Halloween/Castlevania kick outta it :)


http://www.impawards.com/1988/posters/halloween_four.jpg


http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sayer.jpg


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"COME ON old-timer! Let's go!"
"HUR-RY UP! HUR-RY UP!"


http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sayer3.jpg
*cough*


http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sayer4.jpg
*HONK HONK*


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"Get in here old man! .... I AIN'T GOT 'TIL JUDGMENT DAY!"


http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sayer6.jpg
"Thank you."
"Anything for a fellow pilgrim. We're all on a quest. Sometimes we need help getting where we want to be."


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"HA-CHOO!"


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"Reverend Jackson P. Sayer of Dumont County, pleased to make your acquaintance."


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"How far you going, Mr. Sayer?"


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"God's country... Promise Land. Where are you heading, Mr. uh?"
"... Loomis. Haddonfield."


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"Car trouble?"


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"... Sort of..."


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"... You're hunting it ain't ya?"


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[Steven]

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"GOD DAMN YOU MICHAEL DIE DAMN YOU!"


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"YEAH you're hunting it all right. JUST LIKE ME."


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"What are you hunting Mr. Sayer?"


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"Apocalypse, End of the World, Armageddon. It's always got a face and a name.


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I've been hunting the bastard for 30 years, give or take. Come close a time or two.


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TOO DAAAMN CLOSE.


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You can't kill Damnation, mister. IT DON'T DIE LIKE A MAN DIES."
"I know that Mr. Sayer."


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"OH you're a pilgrim all right! Yeah, I saw it on your face back there in the dust. I saw it clear as breasts and blue suede shoes."
"You're sharp, Reverend."
"Speaking of which, let me tell you a story about a fellow pilgrim of ours; one that my great grandfather used to tell me....

... his name was Simon Belmont...


NOTE: CLICK on the Castlevania theme below! And read the text below. It fits perfectly to the images and text.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sX3fjpkFwk


http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SCVIntro.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SCVIntro2.jpg
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Those fools should have never revived the dark demon! But they did JUST THAT on one foul and malicious night.... the night HE CAME HOME!


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It doesn't matter where you go, Mr. Loomis. It can be Dumont County or Haddonfield; evil's all the same -- always got a face and a name. In Transylvania, a small peaceful country out in medieval Europe, there lies a legend that says once every 100 years, when the power of Christ wanes, the forces of evil revive through the prayers of those with wicked hearts. That corrupted evil manifests itself in the form of the one and only, Count DRACULA


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And with each revival, his dark power grows stronger. His goal is to turn all humanity into creatures of darkness, to be ruled under his iron fist. He has appeared in this world many times, and there are many people who fear that in his next appearance, he may well be unstoppable


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There is one group that has always been around to see that Dracula is defeated: the Belmont family. For generations the Belmonts have passed along the secrets and skills of vampire-hunting to the eldest child of the family. While many of the Belmonts have lived peaceful lives without encountering the Duke of Darkness, they remain ever vigilant. There are occasional skirmishes with lesser monsters, but the Belmont clan always manages to emerge victorious

[Steven]

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100 years have passed since the last battle between Dracula and the Belmonts. Tensions mount as Transylvanians reported mysterious sightings of odd creatures appearing under the cover of darkness. Some folks believed it was an omen while many others were convinced it was nothing more than a mere bout of paranoia. Despite the divided ties, the good citizens remained united and a curfew was invoked for precautionary reasons. Children were encouraged to stay out no later than 5 PM


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With the curfew in full effect, weeks passed without incidence. Then, tragedy struck when a farmer slept walked into town at the witching hour. The next morning, shrill screams of horror echoed across the land when only the farmer's entrails were found lying on the cobbled road by the clock tower. But rather than fleeing, the people banded together in this time of great need. On the night of Easter, a grand carnival was held in town to celebrate the resurrection of Christ


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Meanwhile, on the outskirts of town inside an old abbey, a heathenistic group held a ceremony attempting to revive the Duke of Darkness. As they carried out their ritual, dark thunderclouds descended over the countryside. The sinister group stirred itself into a frenzy of mysterious chanting and pagan dancing when a single thunderbolt struck the abbey. The ground shook violently under their feet as the abbey walls shattered. Once more, the almighty Dracula LIVES!


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The time has come for the young successor Simon Belmont to call forth the powers of good to aid him in his battle. Armed with his mystical whip, his courage and the centuries-old knowledge of Belmont family training, he sets forth on his mission... the mist clears... but the battle before Simon Belmont is only BUT beginning..."

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/sd-f-1-grand-prix/)

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Super Mario Kart meets a cast of Chuck E. Cheeses rejects. That's the best way to describe SD F-1 Grand Prix. If you were sad back in the mid '90s that there was never a Super Mario Kart 2 on the SNES, then well, this next game ain't quite that but it certainly stands as a solid alternative and an adequate companion piece to Super Mario Kart. Visually, being released 3 years later in 1995, SD F-1 Grand Prix has a leg up on Super Mario Kart. Of course it doesn't play as smoothly, but that's not a huge surprise coming from a little company such as Video System. Choose from one of 10 different cutesy animal drivers, and compete all around the world in a variety of interesting and cool looking race tracks. The game looks great and the diverse looking tracks help bring it to life.

As expected, there is a two player mode where you can select 1 of (surprise, surprise) 4 battle courses to duke it out to the death. There's also a straight laced 10 player mode (sorry, only up to 2 humans can play) where it's pure as pure can get. Not interested in such a cut and dry Grand Prix mode? Then select Crash Mode, which also pits 10 racers on a track but now there are icons littered throughout that include projectiles and the like, with the devious ability to hamper and hinder the opposition. It's Super Mario Kart 1.5 if you will. Overall, it's not as great as Super Mario Kart but as far as SNES alternatives go, this is the cream of the crop. If you enjoy kart racing games then I highly recommend SD F-1 Grand Prix. Yet another fun Super Famicom exclusive that sadly never saw the light of day in the good ol' US of A. Boy, there sure has been a lot of those on this list, eh? :p

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[Steven]

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10 years ago, October 24, 2006, this holy grail arrived at long last after a dramatic nine month odyssey

Tonight (as I write this it's October 24, 2016) marks the 10 year anniversary since my lot of 40+ Super Play issues arrived. For those who don't know, Super Play was a UK published Super Nintendo-exclusive magazine that ran 48 issues from 1992-1996. Considered the definitive SNES magazine, I fondly remember reading through the 48 issues from late October through Christmas of 2006. I look back on that time period and it holds a great deal of nostalgia for me. I was also going through my Obscure Super Famicom Impressions topic at that same time, as well as getting ready to launch my site (RVGFanatic, which went live January 2007). That time period is just incredibly nostalgic for me :)

10 years ago I posted that the Super Play issues had finally arrived. One guy actually came out to share the following:

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HOLY SH*T...

Wow. Talk about lucking out! It's mind-blowing to think... had he remembered to enter his insane bid... I might still be searching for a complete Super Play set today. Or at the very least I would have paid a whole lot more. It was truly one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" eBay wins that you'll always remember with a real deep fondness. What a great 10 years it has been. Super Play is truly the perfect companion piece to your SNES library. One of my favorite things to do in this hobby is to play a Super Nintendo game for the very first time, form my own initial impressions and then flip to the proper Super Play issue to then read their thoughts of said game. It's a blast to compare my opinion with that of theirs. Good times.

Anyone else here a proud owner? Have you read Super Play before? Feel free to share your thoughts and memories of the magazine here as well.

For additional Super Play reading material:

THE SUPER PLAY DRAMA (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/the-super-play-drama/)

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SuPlay2_zpsmhkzhovg.png http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o139/SFCGamer/SuPlay3_zpsedm5xdk1.png

SUPER PLAY'S TOP 100 SNES GAMES (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-plays-top-100-snes-games/)

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[Steven]

We're just about one day away from Halloween. It's appropriate to share an article I wrote that highlights 35 Super Nintendo games that fits in well with this time of the year. The Super Famicom countdown will continue next week but for now, we pause to celebrate the season of Halloween.

SNES HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/snes-halloween-special/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/HallSNEStitles.jpg

And if you're on a Halloween kick, here is a personal story that shares my memories of Halloween. First, my memories of the film franchise. Second, an awesome Halloween cartoon from my childhood and last, the greatest Halloween night of my life -- October 31st, 1994.

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HALLOWEEN MEMORIES (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/halloween-memories/)

[Steven]

Apologies for the 2-week delay, been super busy with work and life. Just completed a race that I've been training the past several months for. Back to 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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/dossun-ganseki-battle/)

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Dossun! Ganseki Battle feels like a precursor to Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. A Columns-esque puzzler, you select from 3 characters in the 1 player mode or 9 characters in the 2 player versus mode. Pieces drop in 3 or 2 and disappear when 3 or more like pieces are connected. Unfortunately, similar to Columns, you cannot switch pieces to lay horizontally. You can only switch them on a vertical basis. Connections are formed either vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Not all puzzle games allow diagonal connections but this one does, and it leads to some nice chain combos. When combos are pulled off, your character attacks your rival (or vice versa). I love how their sprites enlarge as they attack. Neat stuff there. It really gets you into the fighting spirit of the game. It makes it feel like it's more than a puzzle game -- it's a puzzle WAR. Like I said, this kind of feels like a beta version of Puzzle Fighter, which is meant in the most positive way possible. Remember, this was back in 1994!

In addition, the game is made further unique because it features an energy bar. Yes, in a puzzle game. There are actually two ways you can win a match. 1. The player's screen fills up or 2. Health meter hits rock bottom. I like the versatility that those two options bring. To make things even more interesting, the five different types of pieces each serve a different purpose. Some are defensive while others are offensive (of course, when connected together). Green rocks, red scrolls and yellow swords act as offensive attacks. Blue potions replenishes your health slightly (if applicable). Purple squares have no effect. Major attacks cause pieces to suspend themselves in mid-air which can really clutter the field and throw the player off his or her game. Competitive and cutthroat, Dossun! Ganseki Battle is one of the finest Super Nintendo puzzle games ever created. It's basically Columns meets Puzzle Fighter with a medieval theme thrown in for good measure. Sounds like a winning formula to me!

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[Steven]

Ah, down to the last 20!

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! (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/puzzlen-desu/)

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What's up with the Japanese including exclamation marks in their gaming titles? But hey, if a game is as enjoyable as Dossun! Ganseki Battle, or today's entry, Puzzle'n Desu!, then well, by all means. You move a cute little blob thing around the screen. Your goal? Clear any given field of all its blocks. Blocks disappear when 3 or more of the same color connect. You can only push blocks -- they travel until they come into contact with another block or obstacle. As you can bet, the later puzzles get downright brutal. I'm not a huge fan of the timer, though. I feel these games benefit best when you're free to stare at the screen as long as you can until inspiration breaks through with the resolute "AH-HA!" On the up side, it does lend the game a real sense of urgency. It's quite the rush completing a puzzle just in the freaking nick of time!

But what makes this game really special is its 4 player battle mode. The main story mode also allows 3 friends to join you -- now how many action puzzle games do you know of that allow such an option? But my favorite thing about this game is hands down the battle mode. There are ten battle arenas to pick from, and most of them are littered with various gimmicks that would make any Bomberman title proud. It never felt so good before to push a block across the screen and crush a loved one. Yup, nothing says good times quite like that. Unfortunately, for some wacky reason this mode can only be experienced with 3 other friends in tow. It's a shame there isn't an option to play against 3 computer-controlled opponents. But hey, I suppose we're lucky to get the game mode at all. I dare say I might even enjoy it a tad more than any of the Bomberman titles. If only there was an option to disable the timer as well as being able to play against 3 computer-controlled opponents in the battle mode, Puzzle'n Desu! would undoubtedly have ranked even higher on this list than #20.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/sutte-hakkun/)

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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.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/gundam-wing-endless-duel/)

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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.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/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.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SuperBaseball1000b.gif
Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 (SNES, 1991. Japanese title Super Ultra Baseball)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Ultra-Baseball-Jitsumeiban-J-h1C_00002.png
Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban (SFC, August 28, 1992)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Super-Ultra-Baseball-2-J_00007.png
Super Ultra Baseball 2 (SFC, July 28, 1994. AKA Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 Part 2)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Ultra-Baseball-Jitsumeiban-2-J_00018.png
Ultra Baseball Jitsumeiban 2 (SFC, December 22, 1994)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Ultra-Baseball-Jitsumeiban-3-J_00008.png
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

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ProYakBat2.png
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!"

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ProYakBat3.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/ProYakHome.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/bs-zelda/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BSZelda3-e1479452565827.png

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.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BSZelda10-e1479452972931.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/deae-tonosama-appare-ichiban/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DTAI-CT2.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DTAI-CT.jpg

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.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DTAI-2-6.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DTAI-6-10.jpg

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/umihara-kawase/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/UmiEx4.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/UmiExit4.png

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.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/UmiSolve.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/UmiBoss4.png

[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.

http://thegg.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/the-complete-snes.jpg

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

THE COMPLETE SNES BOOK AND COMPENDIUM (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thesubcon3/the-complete-snes-collectors-book-and-ultimate-gui)

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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/clock-tower/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ClockTower20.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ClockTower9B.jpg

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.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ClockTower38.jpg http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/SNES-Scissorman3.jpg

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/mega-man-bass/)

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFoCom5.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFo32b.png

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!

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFo42b.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFo12b.png

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...

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFoDisc5.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFoDisc5b.png

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.

http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFo30.png http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/RoFo40.png

[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-soukoban/)

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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.

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[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.

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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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/super-fire-pro-wrestling-x-premium/)

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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.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/godzilla-kaijuu-daikessen/)

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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!

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/otoboke-ninja-colosseum/)

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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?

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/doremi-fantasy/)

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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.

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[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 (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/zen-nippon-pro-wrestling-trilogy/)

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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.

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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.

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[Steven]

Down to the final five!

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

#5: TSUYOSHI SHIKKARI SHINASAI TAISEN PUZZLE-DAMA (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/tsuyoshi-shikkari-shinasai-taisen-puzzle-dama/)

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In the early 2000s I bought a rare Saturn puzzle game by the name of Chibi Maruko Chan No Taisen Pazurudama. It became one of my instant favorites. The bright colors, the whimsical atmosphere and the charming characters really brought that puzzle game to life for me. So when I found out in 2006 that Konami made its "prequel" for the Super Famicom, I knew I had to see if the first game had the magic touch as well. I dare call Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai Taisen Puzzle-dama Konami's best kept SNES secret. It plays like an early beta version of Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. Select from one of 10 characters, each with their own block patterns, and duel it out to the death. The combos can get rather insane. It's not uncommon to pull off (near) double digit chain reactions. Match 3 (or more) like color faces to make a connection. Think Puyo Puyo but much more forgiving since it's 3 to match rather than 4. It's also made more forgiving because debris come in the form of imprisoned pieces. When you make a match next to an imprisoned block, it releases whatever piece is inside. You can thereby imagine the insane domino effect this may achieve. Sure, some may say it's way too easy to fall into big combos rather than skillfully and masterfully crafting them, but it also makes the battles a bit unpredictable. Skill still wins out (most of the time) but there's a certain luck and timing factor that plays a role too, and I like that actually.

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Unlike many of the other games on this countdown, Tsuyoshi is going for peanuts even in 2016. Literally. I see two copies selling on eBay for a BIN price of $2 as of this writing. Two freaking bucks! It's definitely worth that and more. However, the game isn't without a few blemishes. One, it's a bit weak in the graphical department. Now I know puzzle games aren't known for their impressive visuals generally speaking, but the somewhat drab looking green background seen here isn't all that appealing. Thankfully though, the character animations in the background help to negate this negative somewhat. You feel their emotions when they're celebrating a big combo as well as when they're wincing in pain and anguish. Secondly, the pieces aren't as operational as in other puzzle games. You know how when you have two pieces going down a narrow column you can usually switch them, right? But in this game, once you go down a column where you're sandwiched in-between blocks on either side there is no more switching allowed. This may annoy puzzle fans who are used to a little more operational freedom with their blocks. However, it's not a deal breaker for me (obviously since I have it ranked this high). It's still an awesome puzzle game despite these two small blemishes. And in my book it's one of the best SNES puzzle games ever made. It's probably not a stretch to suggest that this is arguably the best Konami SNES game hardly anyone ever talks about.

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The even superior "sequel" on the Sega Saturn

[Steven]

FINAL FOUR! I'll list the top 3 later this week -- either Thursday-Saturday or Friday-Sunday.

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
5: Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai Taisen Puzzle-dama

#4: TETRIS BATTLE GAIDEN (http://rvgfanatic.com/wordpress/index.php/tetris-battle-gaiden/)

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Released on Christmas Eve of 1993, Tetris Battle Gaiden is the best Super Famicom puzzle game never to hit North American shores. If it did back in 1994, there's no doubt in my mind this game today would have been more fondly remembered and heralded as one of the system's finest two player games. It's Tetris with a quirky twist. Choose from one of eight characters. Each one has four different skills and abilities. These skills are activated when you acquire points and decide to "cash in." To acquire said points, you must clear a line containing a crystal. Some blocks contain a flashing crystal. Each cleared crystal grants you one point, and up to four can be held at any one time. The skills and powers range from defensive measures to offensive attacks. Another interesting feature: players share pieces from one queue rather than two. That means you can "steal" a piece your opponent may desperately need. This makes paying attention 3-4 moves in advance all the more critical. Few things are as satisfying as "blockblocking" your opponent. To snatch that long tetris piece right before they can is a true thing of beauty. Well, maybe that's second only to sabotaging the competition with one of your special attacks!

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To top the package off, there are two other modes available: classic Tetris with none of that crystal business (for the purists out there who prefer their Tetris sans gimmick) and Rensa. Rensa is where gravity is taken into account and pieces fall if suspended in mid-air (except crystal pieces). This can produce some nice chain reactions. These three game modes are unique enough to make it feel like three games in one. Throw in the eight characters and a total of 32 skills and powers... and what you have is an amazing game bursting with insane replay value. To further enhance the overall appeal of the game, the visuals are impressive for a puzzle game. Bright, bold and rich colors along with some amazing art work makes it one slick looking puzzler. The music is pretty catchy as well and there are a few tunes I'm particularly fond of.

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How do you make Tetris, a proven classic formula, even better? Bullet Proof Software showed us how. Give us the original Tetris mode but then throw in two drastically different modes, toss in eight playable characters with their own unique special skills and of course round everything off with a dash of that impeccable Japanese charm. While I love me some classic Tetris, the "Battlis" mode here really makes for some entertaining contests that breathes new life into the Tetris brand. If you for whatever reason have yet to play this and you enjoy Tetris in the least, it's a no brainer to try. I can't guarantee you'll like it as much as I do -- I know a few folks who just couldn't connect with either the Battlis or Rensa modes. But hey, there's always the classic Tetris mode if you're more into a no frills kind of Tetris. Myself, I love the added crazy gimmicks of Battlis/Rensa. And it's nice to know I'll always have the original mode in my back pocket for those days I'm feeling super old school. Tetris Battle Gaiden, as far as puzzle games on the Super Famicom go, is the cream of the crop and in a class all its own.

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Super Play loved it, ranking it #24 on their Top 100 SNES games list

[celerystalker]

Pretty sure I can figure out most of the rest from having read your site and what hasn't popped up yet... there's good stuff coming either way!

I'd have to disagree about this being the best non-US puzzler, though... I love me some Super Nazo Puyo!

[Steven]

Pretty sure I can figure out most of the rest from having read your site and what hasn't popped up yet... there's good stuff coming either way!

I'd have to disagree about this being the best non-US puzzler, though... I love me some Super Nazo Puyo!

I think one is pretty obvious but the other two are shocking choices. You can call them bracket busters, heh. As for Super Nazo Puyo, I like that one too and can easily see how you prefer it above all other SFC puzzlers. For me though, it's not too far different from Kirby's Avalanche (which I enjoy a good deal). I tend to prefer the more "unique" SFC titles. There's nothing like Tetris Battle Gaiden on NA SNES so that scores extra brownie points with me. If there were no Kirby's Avalanche then Super Nazo Puyo would have easily made this list.

[celerystalker]

I think one is pretty obvious but the other two are shocking choices. You can call them bracket busters, heh. As for Super Nazo Puyo, I like that one too and can easily see how you prefer it above all other SFC puzzlers. For me though, it's not too far different from Kirby's Avalanche (which I enjoy a good deal). I tend to prefer the more "unique" SFC titles. There's nothing like Tetris Battle Gaiden on NA SNES so that scores extra brownie points with me. If there were no Kirby's Avalanche then Super Nazo Puyo would have easily made this list.

The thing for me about Super Nazo Puyo is the hundreds of unique puzzle setups and adventure mode. It's actually a really similar format to Battlis... classic Puyo Puyo with all new modes that really switch it up. Both are great, though. Looking forward to those bracket busters... curious if they'll be ones I have. SNES is my favorite as well, and it's always fun to see what games other big fans enjoy, and I've enjoyed your content for years.