The Super NES Classic Edition is a must-have for Nintendo fans, or for anyone who grew up as a gamer in the 90s. Not only does it look really good next to all of your other gaming collectibles, but it’s also an incredible value. You get twenty classic games (plus one that was never released before!) for $79.99 ($99 if you are Canadian like me), which is one heck of a rebate if you remember that Nintendo used to charge eight dollars for SNES games on their various Virtual Consoles. All of this fun can be yours… if you can find one.

While you are waiting for the next batch of SNES Classics to become available for pre-order at your favourite online retailer, there’s only one logical thing to do: Rank the games included! Everybody has their favourite, and everyone is dying to let you know just why their top five is better than your top five. As an avid retro gamer myself, I’m feeling the same urge to put these classics in a numbered, well-organized list, finally putting some order in this batch of games Nintendo just released for our enjoyment. Otherwise, how would I know which games should be played first, before the other, less deserving titles?

Do you agree with this decidedly unscientific list? Is your favourite game ranked unfavourably? Let us know on our Facebook page, because after all, there’s no use in doing this if we can’t tell each other just how wrong we are.

21 The Almost-Golf Game

In the category of “Most Unnecessary Game On A Classics Compilation,” Kirby’s Dream Course has to take the cake. Sure, it showcases one of Nintendo’s most beloved mascots, but have you seen this game in action? You must navigate Kirby around every level in such a way that he can defeat every enemy on screen, before guiding him to the course’s hole in what is nothing more than a strange approximation of golf. The primitive isometric graphics and the forced 3D perspective were quite the achievements for its time (it was released in 1994), but the gameplay is slow and plodding. Of course, there isn’t any bad game included on the SNES Classic. Kirby’s Dream Course might be a bit of an afterthought, but it’s still enjoyable in small batches. It’s just surprising that a wacky golf game would deserve inclusion over, say, Donkey Kong Country 2. Or Chrono Trigger. Or...

20 A Knight In His Underwear

I have a feeling that this game was included as an example of just how frustrating video games used to be. As an early SNES title, it still carries on some of the designs which used to be commonplace in the 8-bit era: unforgiving gameplay, a difficult learning curve, and a paltry reward in the end. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is famous for the fact that it requires players to complete the game twice to get the real ending, and that Arthur loses his armour after a single hit, effectively spending most of the game in his underwear. The level design and the enemies are both great, but Arthur’s double jump is hard to control, as it is impossible to change direction in mid-air. Doing so might go against every laws of physics, but it is a feature available in most platformers of that time. It’s all right as a historical curiosity, but it’s not worth all the effort necessary to get to its disappointing end.

19 A Whole Lot Of Explosions

The original Contra for NES is an absolute classic, combining difficult but fair level design with non-stop reflex-based action. Contra III: The Alien Wars isn’t bad (remember, there’s isn’t really any bad game in this compilation), it just feels like a reheated version of its predecessors with some additional fireworks. The technological advancements made between the NES and SNES allow Contra III to include some top-view stages which take advantage of the now-famous Mode 7. Otherwise, the levels are slightly more ambitious than those of Contra, and the graphics are closer to the arcade version, but it doesn’t do anything different enough to make it essential. If you do decide to tackle this challenging game, it’s over in a relatively short time despite the tough gameplay.

18 The Practice Run

Released in early 1993, Star Fox was an anomaly: it showcased polygonal graphics on a console that was obviously straining to produce them. That feat was accomplished by the inclusion of the brand new Super FX chip in every cartridge, which effectively boosted the console’s power. This dazzling display of technology came with a price: Star Fox features a noticeably low frame-rate, but the fact that the game remains exciting despite the slow-motion action is a testament to its effective game design. The real reason why the game is ranked so low: Star Fox 64 was basically the same game, but with better graphics and faster gameplay. Star Fox is historically significant, but it doesn’t hold up the same way some of the upper-echelon games of the SNES Classic do.

17 "Let Me Win. I've Lost So Many Times I Forgot How Winning Feels."

If you enjoyed Punch-Out!! for NES, then Super Punch-Out!! will be right up your alley because it’s just a souped-up version of the original: bigger boxers, better graphics, and new patterns to learn. Think of it as an expansion pack: the rules remain the same, but the opponents change.

With that said, it’s one really well-made expansion pack, and it includes some of the most memorable characters of the franchise: Gabby Jay makes his only appearance here, and Bear Hugger is finally introduced to console gamers. The graphics are gorgeous, with the game sporting some of the biggest sprites ever seen on the SNES. It’s a love-letter to 16-bit artistry, and it’s easy to learn. It might not be enough to hold your attention for long, but its visual appeal and addictive gameplay just might make you spend more time on it than you expected.

16 Crack That Whip

Super Castlevania IV is like an improved version of Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts. Both games feature supernatural enemies and a dark, gothic setting, but Super Castlevania IV has the better graphics, the better controls, and more importantly, it doesn’t kill you in two hits only to send you back to the start of the entire game. Still, it keeps players on their toes with a time limit for each level, making sure that you don’t have too much time to think about what you are doing. So why isn’t this game ranked higher? Because frankly, it isn’t even the best Castlevania game, even if you limit yourself to the numbered entries, and because Konami made much better games for SNES: one only has to think about Turtles in Time, or Sunset Riders, none of which made it to the SNES Classic.

15 Fast And Futuristic

As a launch title for the SNES, F-Zero was the perfect illustration of how big the jump from 8 to 16-bit was. To this day, the game’s sense of speed is exhilarating, and as one of the first examples of Mode 7, it makes great use of rotating backgrounds. These are impressive tracks, featuring all sorts of twists and turns, and shortcuts that can be exploited by more experienced players. There are two reasons why this game is this low on the list: First of all, it is single-player only, and while the computer is a challenging opponent, there isn’t much to come back to once every course has been cleared. Secondly, there is a much better racing game included with the SNES Classic, and it’s coming up in a few spots.

14 The Essential Kirby Experience

For any fan of Kirby who might be reading this, Kirby Super Star will be the first game you play when you turn on your brand new SNES Classic. The game itself is a compilation of shorter games, most of which never stray far from the platforming style. Still, it features one wacky racing game, as well as a solid dungeon-explorer called “The Great Cave Offensive.” For sheer diversity, Kirby Super Star cannot be beat. However, there’s no denying that even the toughest Kirby game is rarely more than an introduction-level platformer in terms of difficulty, so experienced players might be looking for something that fights back a little more. Still, there’s a lot of fun to be had here, and there has to be at least one of the eight mini-games included which will tickle your fancy.

13 For The First Time Ever

The one thing that Star Fox 2 has over Star Fox is the fact that, unless you used some less-than-legal means, there is little chance that you have ever played this title before. The uniqueness of the experience lands this on-rail shooter almost at the middle of the list, but it is still held back by the same things that made me rank Star Fox near the bottom: It is still slow, and it is still kind of ugly despite the technological advancement it meant for that era. It does introduce some new features to the series, such as the ability to transform your Arwing, or the addition of five extra playable characters, but it is the first chronological appearance of team Star Wolf which makes this one really special. Play it for the appreciation of its history, but there are still much better Star Fox games easily available.

12 The Originator Of A Genre

The Mario Kart series has become synonymous with frantic multiplayer gameplay, and Super Mario Kart is the one that started it all. It is still just as fun today as it was when it was first released, and you will feel right at home the first time you shoot a red shell at your opponent. The one blemish on this game’s otherwise spotless record: those who have grown up alongside the series will find the drifting mechanic to be very different than what they are now accustomed to, and it might take a while to get reacquainted with the game’s sluggish controls. Still, the course design remains top-notch, and it’s easy to see how something that is this much fun could become so popular over the years.

11 Role-Playing Greatness

Final Fantasy III (actually the sixth one in the series) is an undisputed landmark in the realm of role-playing games. The plot and characters are still as memorable today as they were in 1994, and the soundtrack is one of the best the SNES has to offer. There is one thing however which has not aged as gracefully as the story or music: Those annoying random encounters. Encountering invisible enemies at random on the world map might have been the standard at the time, but since then, most RPGs have moved away from that mechanic to make traveling around the game world a more pleasant experience. The unnecessary grinding in certain sections of the game is also grating, but Final Fantasy III remains a must-play over two decades after its original release. It will keep you busy for weeks.

10 Fighting Perfection

Newer titles in the series might have more characters and more advanced mechanics, but I would argue that Street Fighter 2 Turbo achieved perfect balance. Some characters might feel overpowered at first, but one must look at it as a game of rock-paper-scissors: every character is weak to at least one other fighter, and with enough time spent mastering the different fighting styles and special moves, it becomes possible to best your opponent no matter the circumstances. It is a true test of skills, but at the same time, new players can still get reasonably far on button mashing alone. In that regard, it is one of the many SNES Classic games which are perfect for parties. Anyone can get a visceral thrill from a last-second comeback victory with minimal practice, but you can still assert your dominance if you spend enough time learning the proper technique.

9 The Peculiar One

Earthbound is a peculiar game with a particularly devoted cult following, and it’s easy to understand why. As one of the few role-playing games to be set in what is more or less “modern times,” it presents characters which are not typically featured in such grand adventures. The story is a touching one, with a psychic boy who learns to control his abilities with the help of his friends, while at the same time repelling an alien invasion of Earth. Its humorous and creative writing is one of the best examples of successful localization for a SNES game. The only downside: It might be just a bit too dense for some players, as its cheery exterior hides a steep level of difficulty. Also of note is the game’s soundtrack, which was directly influenced by musicians such as Brian Wilson and John Lennon.

8 A Series High

We are now entering the truly elite tier of games included on the SNES Classic. It is hard to find anything wrong with Super Metroid. After all, it is probably the best entry in the entire series, and it features some of the best music ever composed for a 16-bit console. My only qualm with the game is its obtuse level design, but some might see it as an additional incentive to explore the gorgeous environment. You will need to make note of areas you have seen and the strange structures you have visited, as some of them might only be attainable once you have acquired the proper power-up. The boss battles and story are still more than enough to pull in players, however, as Super Metroid is one of the most cinematic games released for SNES, with cutscenes that just might make you shed a tear.

7 The Revival Of The Ape

Quite simply, Donkey Kong Country is one of the most gorgeous games ever made for Super Nintendo. It’s not just about the pre-rendered graphics; the entire atmosphere created by the designers, from the lush jungle of the initial stage to the tranquility of the underwater levels, is a masterpiece of immersion. The music plays a big role in pulling the player into Donkey Kong’s world. DKC’s soundtrack is one of best not only for SNES, but in all of gaming history period. The levels are challenging but fair, the enemies are memorable. Levels such as “Mine Cart Madness” or “Stop & Go Station” redefined what was possible in platform games. It might look childish if you only judge it by its cover, but Donkey Kong Country still remains one of the best example of the platformer genre at its pinnacle.

6 Double The Fun

Secret of Mana is a pure joy to play. It has some of the most beautiful graphics and music available on SNES, but it’s the multiplayer aspect which truly pushes it over the edge. The game can be played simultaneously with a friend, and the endless fun that comes with playing an action RPG cooperatively makes you wonder why it has not become a standard feature in the genre. Quite honestly, I could keep praising the game’s story and its massive environments, but it’s the two-players component which puts Secret of Mana so high on the list. Imagine playing one of the early The Legend of Zelda titles with the help of your best friend. Finish this game before the HD remake hits your PS4 so you can see what the hype is all about.

5 The Successful Spin-Off

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island managed to remain timeless by eschewing modern computer-generated graphics to concentrate on an hand-drawn aesthetic. The result is a game which is as gorgeous today as it was over twenty years ago. It’s no wonder that the Yoshi series grew from a simple spin-off to its own full-fledged franchise. The original will show you why it’s still the best: The controls are smooth and intuitive, and the level design takes a slight detour from your usual linear platformer design by integrating minimal elements of backtracking and maze-like structures. Finally, the boss fights push the SNES hardware to its absolute limit, featuring gigantic versions of regular enemies. Shigeru Miyamoto could have rested on his laurels and given us more of Super Mario World, but instead, he went back to the drawing board and gave us a completely unique experience.

4 The Best Of The Blue Bomber

Some people argue that Mega Man’s best outing was the NES’ celebrated Mega Man 2. I would argue that Mega Man X took the formula and perfected it, not only featuring the beloved weapons-collecting gameplay, but adapting it to the sensibilities of the 90s. The enemies are bigger and more detailed, and the level design is similarly improved by the capabilities of the SNES. And the soundtrack? It features some of the best music to ever come out of a cartridge. It's that good.

If you think that the game is too easy once you figure out the rock-paper-scissors logic behind the boss encounters, wait until you make it to Sigma’s lair. You’ll witness first-hand how a game can be both simple to learn yet impossible to master. Mega Man X showed the Blue Bomber at his best, and he arguably never flew this high again.

3 A 2D Masterpiece

The first game ever released for SNES just might be one of the best. By the time of its original release, the Super Mario formula had already been set in stone, and yet, Super Mario World managed to introduce enough new elements to wow long-time players as well as newbies. Its most famous contribution to video games history is the first appearance of Yoshi, Mario’s reptilian steed with an insatiable appetite. The game manages to be easy enough for beginners to make it all the way to Bowser if they stick to the regular path, and yet, it is filled to the brim with secrets such as the Star World and the Special World, which are tough enough to make seasoned gamers lose their hair. Super Mario World is an absolute classic, and there just might not be a better 2D Mario game out there.

2 Legendary

Featuring ten dungeons and two mirrored worlds, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past worked within the limitations of a 16-bit system and still managed to make its map feel infinite. The epic adventure of Link, which spans two realms, would still be the best Zelda game ever released if it wasn’t for this year’s Breath of the Wild. It is one of the few games on the SNES Classic which will grip you for more than a few days, as a complete playthrough might keep you busy for an entire month. The dungeon design is still unequaled in any Zelda games to this day. It’s no surprise that Nintendo was able to revisit the game’s world without much change in A Link Between Worlds and still get a brand new experience out of the deal. It’s simply one of the best video games of all time, so get playing already.