This list of the best multiplayer SNES games is aimed at those who wish to revisit their memories, and once again indulge in these retro classics with their friends by their sides. The SNES or the Super Nintendo Entertainment System which was known as the Super Famicom in Japan was released back in 1991 as a successor to the NES. This fourth generation console gave developers the liberty to infuse their games with advanced graphics and sounds, and its stunning ability to reproduce 16-bit visuals has bestowed us with some utterly mind-blowing games. Among all those, we’ll only be focusing on the multiplayer titles which the console had on offer. With its ability to support two controllers, the Super NES proved to be a great platform for developers to dish out excellent two-player games. We’ve chosen some games here which we think are the epitome of what the SNES has on offer in the form multiplayer experiences. Without wasting any more time then, let’s take a look at these games.
1 – Super Double Dragon
Super Double Dragon is a successor the awesome NES classics from the Double Dragon series, and it has been equipped with the same kind of madness which made all these games such massive hits. You are allowed to play as martial artists Billy and Jimmy who need to deal with the Shadow Warriors gang with an aim of rescuing a female instructor who has been kidnapped by them. This cooperative side-scrolling beat-’em-up has been designed in a neat manner, and possesses some really challenging scenarios you can treat yourselves to.
2 – Zombies Ate My Neighbors
Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a run and gun game released in 1993. Playing as Zeke and Julie, you are tasked with rescuing your neighbors from monsters who’ve invaded their area. This uniquely horror offering also lets you utilize a number of weapons and power-ups during your escapades. The co-op gameplay in the title is extremely enjoyable thanks to its well built levels which encourage team work. Zombies Ate My Neighbors can now also be played on the Wii’s Virtual Console.
3 – Contra III: The Alien Wars
Here’s an offering that will be truly hard to resist for any multiplayer game fan. With complex level designs, more enemies, new abilities for the main characters, fresh gameplay scenarios and a lot more, Contra III: The Alien Wars expanded upon its predecessors’ offerings in an excellent manner. This title is a grand game in every sense of the term, and was a staple for any SNES owner back in the day. Later it was ported to the Game Boy Advance, whereas now it can also be played on the Wii or the Wii U through their respective Virtual Console sections.
4 – Super Mario Kart
Super Mario Kart was released for the SNES by Nintendo in 1992, and it’s still considered one of the finest racers of all time. It’s the first in the series, and it successfully managed to establish the concept of having characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and other Nintendo games racing against each other in karts. Super Mario Kart’s multiplayer mode allows two gamers to partake in cups or race against each other, whereas there’s even a special Battle Mode which asks them to defeat their opponents by utilizing power-ups, destroying balloons and more. This game can be played now on the Wii.
5 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
As far as side scrolling beat ’em ups go, few titles manage to come close to what this beauty from Konami has on offer. Versatile levels filled to the brim with breathtaking multiplayer gameplay have been incorporated into it. Each playable character among the four mutated turtles has its own strengths and weaknesses which makes for a great team experience. Derived from its 1991 arcade original, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time presents you with unforgettable experiences.
6 – Secret of Mana
The SNES era saw a sudden boom for the JRPG genre, and Secret of Mana was one among the many awesome role-playing extravaganzas that the console had to offer. Developed by the masters over at Square, Secret of Mana allows the second player to jump in and out of the game as per their wish. And this is not the only innovation it introduced. Instead of adopting a traditional a turn-based battle system, it grabbed a real-time one which makes use of a unique Ring Command menu system. This game can now be played on the Wii as well as on iOS devices.
7 – Goof Troop
1994’s Goof Troop succeeded in setting new standards for the action-adventure genre. Based on the popular TV series of its time, it is one of the earlier games to be designed by Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami. Goof Troop features puzzle-filled levels which need to be navigated in order to confront and defeat bosses. Its multiplayer component allows you to play as Goofy and his son Max.
8 – Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
For fans of fighting games, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 should definitely manage to provide a great experience. Incorporating the famous lineup of MK fighters, it delighted us with its utterly polished mechanics. Fresh moves and fatalities form part of this offering, apart from enthralling visuals and the same kind of bloody violence which the series is known for. Two-player battles are made extremely enjoyable by this truly magnificent offering.
Conclusion:
With that we wrap up our roster of the best multiplayer SNES games. Hope you liked our take on the topic. Do drop in your opinions on these games before leaving.