Best SNES Platform Games: Tried, Tested, and Rated in 2024

The additional power the SNES had over its competition at the time meant a whole new generation of platform game could be born.

Not just the 2D type of platform seen on the ZX Spectrum, NES, and Master System, but a who new sprite filled 3D universe with more gameplay, enemies, bosses, and action.

The 16-bit console had arrived with style.

Some games were designed to be advances on earlier platform games like Aladdin, whereas others truly broke the mould, like The Legend of Zelda, and set a new revolution in style of platform gameplay.

The great thing about the launch of the SNES is that developers spent a lot of time, resource, and design cost into platform type games.

Not just to emulate those games seen in the arcades, but to better them.

In this list there are no less than twenty of the best SNES platform games of all time – and just to be sure tested and rated them all again.

Some games that captivated our every hour look very dated now, whereas now we can marvel at the sheer genius of games we may have overlooked back in the day.

Here are the best SNES platform games, tried, tested, and rated.

Super Ghouls and Ghosts

Super Ghouls and Ghosts was an absolute classic on the arcades.

Always busy with many kids hovering around, as was the original classic Ghosts and Goblins.

Sir Arthur does seem to be in the habit of seeing his fair maiden princess coming into harm’s way often.

He then has to set out in zombie and monster filled graveyards, dodging all sorts of nasties on his plight to rescue her.

Super Ghouls and Ghosts along with its predecessor were incredibly popular back in the day despite being a really difficult game to master.

Rarely did a player make it past the first level but it always had that addictive quality that kept players coming back for more despite their continued frustrations.

The controls are easy to get along with, its just the number of zombies and dead things popping up from all angles and ways that are by far the biggest problem.

The need to double jump over rocks always fascinated me, and why one jump wasn’t suitable. Oh well, the rising floor on occasions help with that.

No matter how many times you lose all lives you’ll keep wanting to come back and dish out more punishment upon anything rising from a grave before they take their revenge. I’m not sure any remake can come close to the original, but this version is a very close second.

Aladdin

Capcom, the makers behind Aladdin on the SNES, had some very stiff competition from Disney Software and Virgin Games, the makers of the Mega Drive version of Aladdin.

Being a die hard fan of the Mega Drive port for many years, this is a tough game to review.

Sure, there are similarities between the SNES and Mega Drive versions of Aladdin, but there are a lot of differences.

It seems strange to say that the SNES feels as if it’s an upgrade from the Mega Drive version, although still I feel the upgrades were more to Capcom’s detriment that success.

The SNES version though is incredibly decent and if it were not for my subconscious bias towards the Mega Drive port, I would be saying this truly is a great game.

Aladdin and his ever faithful sidekick Abu make their way across various pitfalls in Baghdad in search of apples to throw and gems to collect.

As much as Aladdin is a platform game it exists on different platform levels simultaneously with poles and building ledges to help climb to upper tiers and more bonuses, as well as baddies.

The controls are good, although not great, but the cartoon graphics stay true to Disney’s cartoon film.

Aladdin on the SNES has a lot going on at times, but it’s the randomness that keeps players coming back for more.

A great reboot and piece of Disney gaming nostalgia.

The Lost Vikings

After witnessing the bravo and extremely egotistical boasts of the Vikings in the opening sequence, the terrain they are go running off into the forest you would think sets the scene for the game.

Wrong.

After watching the dark age plights of the Vikings saying goodbye to their families in timber huts, the first level takes place on a spaceship no less, fighting aliens.

Yep, it’s the time of scene that will make you wonder what strength of beer you’re drinking if you pop in the SNES cartridge after a night out.

You’ll play as three different Vikings, each able to take three hits or shots from the aliens. After each Viking dies, they are replaced with another Viking until all three lives are lost, and the burning ship sails off into the ocean.

It’s a fun little game. It won’t win any medals or awards but its quirky and unique.

The controls are challenging to get used to and the graphics good enough. Whether it will become an addictive title or not for those picking up the game now remains to be seen.

Probably a great game to get back in to if this was a game held in high esteem back in the day.

Blackthorne

Interplay and Blizzard’s Blackthorne title is about one thing, a built hero with a gun traversing various platforms and shooting most things in sight.

For those new to the game, or haven’t played in a while, I highly recommend trying out the practice round first.

Blackthorne is a mix of platform and adventure.

In fact, at times you can talk to players in the game similar to a RPG title, but this fits perhaps better as a platform game than an RPG.

It isn’t the easiest game to pick up and go, each section requires a different button selection, and some can’t be made when holding your weapon.

There are bombs to explode at doors, ways to hide against enemy fire, ways to jump up a ledge and ways to run and jump – all require a set combination of button and d-pad selection that can be confusing and equally frustrating at times.

For those who prefer slow methodical puzzle based platforms that test your wit more than the adrenalin rush shoot ‘em up, then this game is certainly aimed at you. Once the controls are mastered the game becomes fun and addictive, but there is a learning curve to reach those levels or gameplay, and some will run out of patience.

ActRaiser

ActRaiser may have been a SNES title that passed many by in the 1990s.

Upon loading the cartridge and starting up the game there are clear similarities of Golden Axe here, but the platform element adds a different twist.

The levels are a little bit too predictable, and enemies repeat over and over again, still jumping on the hands of a tree to guide you over nettles and taking the tree log ride across the terrain is fun.

The controls are easy to master, and it is certainly a game that can be picked up and put down without the need to read complicated manuals or follow a bunch of instructions.

Walk, jump, and use your trusty sword to fight off the tree monkeys and over-sized glowing wasp things.

The game development feels a bit rush. Even the first level boss, a lightening-rod wielding knight on a noble steed, is simply called ‘Enemy’.

Nothing particularly creative there.

The graphics are good enough and resemble many of the SNES games in terms of quality. Nothing stand-out, but nothing bad either. Still for those who like a straight-forward platformer with no crazy complexities will find ActRaiser a delight.

Contra 3: Alien Wars

Konami launched this mega game set in the year 2636 back in the 1990s.

The opening sequence enough is to pull you in – the opening line from your hero character is ‘it’s time for revenge’.

That opening line alone will tell you all you need to know about how this platformer game goes.

You play the machine gun wielding hero as he finds every means possible across a destructed city, shooting everything in sight.

It’s fun, fast and exciting.

The never ending number of bullets in your gun means no hunting around for extra ammo, although shoot the spacecraft down and grab the bonuses such as invisibility and different ammo for your gun.

It isn’t an easy game by any means.

There is a multitude of things going on in every screen from robots to shoot, bullets to jump over and machine guns appearing from nowhere in the ground to try and blast you to pieces.

The controls though are good and smooth, even if the combination of everything going on will take a while to master.

Clearly a lot of thought and time were taken by Konami when developing Contra 3.

Graphics are typical of SNES fast paced shoot ‘em ups and it is a game that you will want to play at least twice.

Super Mario World

If ever there was a classic Nintendo game, it would have to involve Mario somewhere.

There have been an endless number of games in the Mario franchise, and Super Mario World is up there as a true classic of a game.

What is humorous is that even the SNES version, which was still early in all the number of Mario games launched since, states that ‘Princess Toadstool is missing again!’.

I don’t know if I have come across a maiden so inept of learning her lesson the first time, and if she is a princess, where are her guards!

That said, if Bowser wasn’t up to his usual tricks, we wouldn’t have this classic on our hands.

Super Mario World introduces Yoshi, which can be rescued on one of the first stages, but be warned, he spooks easily!

The usual jump and bounce type of platform that Mario is associated with will leave fans impressed.

It is a fun classic, well thought out and the puzzles, screens add ons and bonuses are a real treasure.

Sometimes it’s difficult to set the Mario games apart, as they are all so similar yet all so different.

The controls are easy, graphics are atypical for Mario games and do not disappoint.

Super Mario World is the type of game you switch on and later wonder where the last 6 hours went.

The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda needs no introduction.

Generally cited as one of the best adventure games to launch on any console.

The Legend of Zelda on the SNES is a top-down 2D game which in its way resembles Pokemon on the GBA.

The story has been told many times before about Zelda, so without wanting to go into the history of the story we’ll focus on the gameplay.

The Legend of Zelda isn’t a pick-up and put down game. Many hours need to be invested before the game can really be enjoyed.

Incredibly expansive with puzzles galore and brain power required.

If you do purchase a version online ensure its in the correct language. Many Asian versions crept in to both the U.S. and UK without an English narrative making the game impossible to play.

Controls are easy, but they would be playing a game like Zelda. Its an effortlessly classic game for all those who take the time to really get to grips with it.

Graphics are good for a SNES, although not amazing and it can be incredibly addictive after a while.

Super Metroid

After an incredibly long arduous interactive intro video, the player is able to start the game.

Super Metroid is incredibly passionate about the back story to the game and are not afraid to keep the player waiting.

The first stage is the Space Colony.

Here there are a set of simple platform levels to navigate until reaching a huge bird-dragon type monster who has just stolen the last captive Metroid.

Although the creature can’t be beaten and takes off after a showdown, what is great is the panic and adrenalin rush of trying to escape the space colony within the 1 minute auto-destruct sequence.

This, and getting closer to the hatch, sees the space colony shift and tilt and implode as you get closer to the exit.

Super Metroid isn’t the atypical platform game.

Without an army of baddies to shoot the player needs to navigate the various scenes and attempt to solve puzzles that throughout the level unlock areas.

It can be a frustrating game at times, and requires patience than adrenalin, but those who do stick it out say openly Super Metroid is one of their all-time top 10 games.

Make of that what you will. Controls are relatively straight forward, although the buttons are perhaps a little ‘off’. Graphics and gameplay are very good for the SNES. Very well designed and developed.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Released a full four years after the original Super Mario World, this prequel starts at Yoshi’s Paradise Island and sees baby Mario being born or hatched.

Yoshi’s job is to protect baby Mario at all costs whilst navigating the usual blocks, mounds and enemies.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Castle takes on a more cartoonish version that the original but that doesn’t always detract all players from enjoying this one.

For example, Island 1-1 has Yoshi and baby Mario grabbing enemies and making them lay eggs for you to collect.

The art and design are of a unique style, which is why this game really stands out from the others. The developers have gone for a tradition Mario theme but injected some real unique touch.

Just make sure not to lose baby Mario in a bubble as the birds from the sky swoop down and take him, decreasing the number of remaining lives.

It’s a very cute and unique adaptation to the Mario and Luigi empire and worth playing for its overall likeability – even for big kids in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse

Having Capcom behind a Disney title, especially featuring the loveable Mickey Mouse, is always going to have time, thought and money put into it.

Most Disney games won’t be earth shattering and will always focus on a target younger audience where the game will be purchased simply because of the Disney name behind it.

With the exception of the brilliance that is Aladdin, many Disney games are bought, discarded, and generally forgotten.

But, what about The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse?

The game starts innocently enough with Mickey playing ball with his friends in the park.

Goofy throws a mean pitch, which catches Mickey a glancing blow on the head before Pluto runs off to find it.

With Goofy’s promise to return Pluto safely, but going in completely the wrong way, it’s up to Mickey to retrieve his beloved pooch.

After slipping on a cliff’s edge Mickey finds himself in all sorts of bother and danger to fulfil his mission, rescue Pluto from the hands of the nasty Emperor Pete and head home.

This typical Disney platform is actually quite enjoyable.

It’s a simple, as expected, game but there is definitely an element of fun to be had dodging the caterpillars and finding hidden rooms.

It isn’t quite on par with Aladdin of course, but its quite addictive in its way.

Batman Returns

Fortunately, Batman Returns didn’t take the route Batman Forever did with its video type characters, which never really worked that well on 16-bit consoles.

Batman Returns though sticks to traditional sprites and creates a game, well rather like Final Fight.

The fight sequence and characters all resemble Final Fight characters, although with the likes of Slim Clown, Fat Clown and Biker, the naming convention could have steered toward the more imaginable.

Video representations of Michael Keeton in the open sequence and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman at the end are nice touches.

There isn’t anything wrong with the game itself. It plays and handles well.

The controls don’t necessarily feel right though and could have been designed better, but it is one of only a small number of negatives to complain about.

The fighting sequence at the start can become a little repetitive, but fans of Final Fight and Batman will surely love this combo.

Graphics are good too.

Hagane: The Final Conflict

Hagane sits within a middle ground between a futuristic platform and futuristic puzzle game.

When it launched, I think it was a little misunderstood, hence later being crowned a hidden gem.

It isn’t a shoot ‘em up by any stretch of the imagination, although as a player you are armed and ready to shoot through portal doors and such, but each section links to another by a series of portal doors.

Some doors lead to dead ends whereas other will appear locked until you can solve the clues and puzzles to open them.

Picking this up again after so many years is really tough. Trying to understand the logic of the game, and which pieces of the puzzle interconnect with others isn’t something you’re going to achieve in an hour of playing.

It’s probably why the game was lost on so many kids who unexpectedly received it as a gift at Christmas.

Controls are ok but could be better. Graphics are decent and there is certainly a lot of thought put in by the developers to create a challenging puzzling platformer, but perhaps they tried a little too hard here. Get to grips with it and it will be as addictive a game as you’re likely to find.

Donkey Kong Country 2

The path to the start of Donkey Kong can be traced back almost 50 years now.

That giant ape that stood on top of the platform throwing barrels at poor Mario on his way up to rescue the Princess.

The Donkey Kong franchise is almost as lucrative as the Mario franchise, and here we see a sequel to the original Donkey Kong on the SNES, it wasn’t the last either.

In this game though we focus on Diddy Kong and his quest.

The game starts aboard a pirate ship where scurrying mice and the weirdest walking alligators patrol the poop deck and try to stop Diddy in his tracks.

Bananas galore and coins to collect, and all manner of barrels and obstacles to circumnavigate, oh and also a rhino to find and create havoc with aboard the ship.

It’s a fun game.

It can feel a little slow when playing with movements slow and precise rather than fun and frantic.

Navigating Diddy around the various levels is pretty easy and the controls are response. The graphics are cute, fun, and well thought out. Whether serious platform fanatics will feel completely challenged by Donkey Kong Country 2 is another matter, but it is most definitely a game worth having in any SNES platform collection.

Mega Man X

Capcom launched Mega Man X for the SNES way back in 1993.

Being a Capcom title usually means great development from a devoted team, and great graphics all-round with fun playability.

Did Capcom hit a home run with Mega Man X on the SNES?

The action comes think and fast playing Mega Man X from the first level at the bridge.

Many robots intend to destroy and blow up the city getting in the way as Mega Man launches into a tirade against all on comers.

The graphics are great with fine detail backdrops, great sprites, and great gameplay.

When losing a life, the player returns to where they left off, rather than at the start or particularly starting place, which helps keep the momentum going.

The robots often position themselves in to awkward to reach areas of the screen requiring a combo of running, jumping and firing whilst the city is ablaze all around.

It’s conversions like this that kept the Mega Man franchise alive.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time

This Konami title from 1992 is the first TMNT titles launched on the SNES.

Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Leonardo along with their faithful teacher Splinter are once again fighting battles with Shredder, Krang and their army.

Most of us in our 40s will instantly be familiar with the 4-way arcade machine of the same name back in the 80s and 90s in which every kid used to flock around.

No idea why, but Donatello in the purple was always the most chosen turtle.

Scene 1 starts in the Big Apple at 3am.

It’s a great conversion that although could not compete with the arcade version, it does stand rather well on its own.

The graphics are great, and the onslaught of the baddies present enough of a challenge to keep the game Interesting.

The controls aren’t perfect, and at times it can be challenging to manoeuvre your turtle the way you want to, especially when bosses like Baxter appear.

The second level, Alley Cat blues starts to resemble the arcade version a little more, and where we first see April, who has been taken (again!).

It’s a fun game, and for some reason almost all TMNT have you coming back for more.

Cowabunga!

The Ninjawarriors

With a game title like The Ninjawarriors it wouldn’t take much imagination to understand what this Taito platformer on the SNES is all about.

The mission is to defeat the evil Bangar and all his henchmen set out to take you down.

Players can choose to fight as Ninja (male ninja warrior), Kunoichi (female ninja warrior) or Kamaitachi (a fierce looking ninja android).

The game is, dare I say, a little easy.

It’s a great SNES port that wouldn’t look out of place in the arcades, albeit it would be more challenged to get you to part with your money, but the attention to detail in the platforms and background are a nice touch.

All three ninja warriors are essentially androids with more than a karate chop up their sleeves.

As well as having cyber arms they have power backs to blast off, fly and carry around built in chain like weapons for attack.

This isn’t your run of the mile Shinobi type game, that’s for sure.

The controls are delight, and as mentioned the graphics are decent.

The enemies aren’t much of a challenge though, and it’s relatively easy to get through the first level on one life alone.

To really take advantage of the game’s addictive qualities a tougher level option needs to be selected, not ‘Normal’.

Suggested Reading: Best SNES Racing Games, tried and tested!

Donkey Kong Country

The second Donkey Kong Country title on the list, and this one the first title in the trilogy for the SNES.

This time the focus is primarily on Kong himself, but Diddy isn’t too far behind. The Rhino is here too.

The game feels a little faster than the sequel and has a great number of hidden caves and levels to explore. The best is the barrel pinball level.

Donkey Kong Country is a real fun platformer on the SNES.

The time limit adds an adrenalin rush to the game overall, as you race Kong and Diddy through as many snakes, alligators, and gorilla enemies as you can.

Watch out for the spike bees though, these can’t be felled with a simple jump upon and should be jumped over.

The graphics are ace for a SNES port, and gameplay really fun. Better than Donkey Kong Country 2, but only marginally.

Super Mario All-Stars

Super Mario All-Stars isn’t just a game, it’s a compendium of a selection of Mario games including Super Mario (1985), Super Mario: The Lost levels (1986), Super Mario 2 (1988), and Super Mario 3 (1990).

That’s four games in one!

It makes Super Mario All-Stars hard to review as the cartridge contains four separate games and of course an accumulation effect of a bunch of great and classic Mario games is going to score high marks.

These aren’t just games, these are a classic everlasting legacy of an era gone by when consoles and home arcade began to take over living rooms everywhere, until bedroom TVs were a thing and then dominated kids lives in their bedrooms.

Many hours played and many hours enjoyed.

It’s hard to pick the best game of the bunch as they are all good in their own unique way.

For pure nostalgia it’s hard to beat the class Super Mario from 1985, where it all began.

This famous cartridge is a must for any SNES, platformer or Mario fan.

Super Castlevania IV

Simon Belmont is the new generation of the Belmont family set out (once again) to destroy Dracula.

The Belmont clan must be getting fed up with his foe continuously returning by now, and their responsibility to tame him.

The scene opens with nightfall and Dracula, as a bat, emerges from his grave. The story tells of how every one hundred years good weakens and evil forces gain power.

Armed with his whip, Simon enters Dracula’s castle in search of his advisory – and the game begins.

Super Castlevania can’t compete with the likes of the PSP or PS1, which took the game to a whole new level, and despite the limitations of the SNES the development of this game does feel a little rushed.

The skeletons literally slide back and forth and remain in the same pose, unless they are throwing a bone at you, and the sprites of the background clash a little with the foreground making the distinction tough at times.

Castlevania is a game that sold through its franchise and its name, but this title may be more so for die hard fans of the series.

It isn’t a bad game, and a great platformer as a game by itself, but as part of the Castlevania legacy, it does lack in some areas.

That said, the graphics are decent and the controls reasonable.