Many gamers to this day still renown Nintendo's 16-bit console as one the high watermarks of gaming; a golden era for not just the big N, but for video games as a whole. The early 90s home of Mario was in an all-out battle royale with rival Sega, duking it out for 16-bit supremacy for much of the decade. This tough competition pushed the Japanese gaming juggernaut, and their third-party peers, to crank out a seemingly endless array of charming and addictive games for the SNES. While its success trajectory would take a slight dip compared to the game changer that was the NES, the machine still sold a more than respectable 49 million.

It certainly helped that the usual lineup of popular, colorful ips was well represented, and with slicker graphics to boot. Though the big N's franchises were also supplemented with a healthy dose of 2nd and 3rd-party games arguably unmatched in both quality and quantity for a Nintendo console, even today. An increasingly diverse palette of universally appealing games populated the library – particularly on the platformer, action, and RPG fronts.

With so many excellent games though, it's easy for a lot of quality software to get lost in the shuffle, and the SNES certainly had plenty that fall into this category. Whether it was a case of a lack of marketing, a strange premise, or simply being overshadowed by the Nintendo heavy hitters, the SNES had more than its share of hidden gems. Conversely, a console with so much hype and nostalgia surrounding it is also bound to have its overrated duds, or games that, upon revisiting, have aged like milk rather than fine wine.

With this list, we'll be examining some of the greatest examples of both.

30 Bad: Super Scope 6

via: gamesdatabase.org

Playing games with a giant plastic bazooka might seem like a neat idea, that is, until you've actually tried fumbling around with this large, cumbersome accessory. It's especially a lame experience when playing through these rather basic minigames that were supposedly meant to help push sales of these things. This managed to move millions of units, though this likely a result of people caring more about the gun than the games it came bundled with.

The games include a couple of Tetris clones, along with a few other shooters whose simplicity rivals that of freemium mobile titles. Yeah... This is no zapper Duck Hunt bundle...

29 Best: The Lost Vikings

via: emuparadise.me

Yes, before Blizzard became the gaming empire they've morphed into, they created an obscure title on the SNES called The Lost Vikings. That this company was developing for Nintendo platforms in their early days is odd enough. Yet, it's even weirder to see this studio create such an overlooked game, especially when comapared to their massive hits like World of Warcraft and the Diablo series.

This game cleverly interweaves puzzle, exploration, and platforming gameplay and contains an enjoyable co-op mode that suits the concept well. You're given 3 Vikings, whose unique abilities can be utilized to overcome a plethora of obstacles throughout each of the imaginative stages.

28 Bad: Super Mario All-Stars

via: gametripper.co.uk

Mama mia! How can a revamped SNES title featuring classic Mario games possibly be viewed as "bad" by any stretch of the imagination? Before you shout "blasphemy!" allow me to give this the proper context...

It isn't that Super Mario All-Stars is a horrible compilation, though it leaves something to be desired. For one, this package features little new content (outside the formulaic and frustrating Lost Levels from Japan, and a brief Super Mario 3 multiplayer battle). Additionally, the overall aesthetic and physics/mechanics have all be slightly watered down from the NES style to fit the more cutsey, surface level Super Mario World style.

Personally, this game achieves little more than leaving me yearning for the true NES classics after playing.

27 Best: Kirby's Dream Course

via: Gamesdatabase.org

Marking one of the few Nintendo-made titles on our list, Kirby's Dream Course gets somewhat lost in the shuffle, as it resides under the large shadow of hype that many direct towards the more popular Kirby Super Star. While that game is a solid platformer, this underrated gem runs with another unique feature of the charming pink puff ball; his ability to roll.

The game features a basic, yet appealing premise, requiring you to aim Kirby and launch him across a plethora of unique courses into sporadically placed baddies, and eventually into a hole. If Kirby were an enjoyable game of mini golf, Kirby's Dream Course would be it.

26 Bad: Star Fox

via: gonintendo.com

The original Star Fox falls under the category of a game that hasn't aged too well, rather than being a straight up "bad" game.

Back in the early 90's, Nintendo's pseudo 3D graphic funtionality, termed "Mode 7", was all the rage, and many renowned it for the epic visuals it showcased for its time. Though, one you've stripped away this poorly aged aesthetical gimmick (and the charming gibberish chirped by your animal pals), you're left with a pretty average space shooter. The controls can be a bit finicky and tough to wrestle with, and the content is somewhat slim. The N64 sequel did just about everything better anyway; not the least of which was an included multiplayer mode.

25 Best: Batman Returns

via: youtube.com (Media Pool)

While the 1992 film from which this beat 'em up was based recieved pretty mixed reception, this SNES title proves to be surprisingly fun and enduring. Take the Final Fight sidescrolling button mashing formula, and you essentially have Batman Returns for the SNES. That's not a horrible thing though, considering how enjoyable those fighting games still are. The game contains some pretty aesthetics, cool cutscenes, detailed animation (for 16 bit standards), and satisfying combat mechanics. If only there was a multiplayer mode (with Robin?), this could be one of the best beat 'em ups in the SNES library.

24 Bad: Dragon Quest I & II

Via: Youtube (davidvinc)

Now don't get me wrong – the early Dragon Quest games are pretty decent RPGs, at least for NES standards. But therein lies the issue here; this package of DQI & II are naught but ports of these archaic JRPGs, which, even by the standards of the SNES era, show their age immensely. It also doesn't help that these first two entries in the Dragon Quest series were on the weaker side compared to the more fleshed out and interesting sequels that came after them – the exceptions being VI and arguably VII.

23 Best: Wild Snake

via: gamefabrique.com

You'd think that a game from which the creator of the iconic puzzle phenomenon, Tetris, would be more widely known. But alas, Alexey Pajitnov's previous work has ironically overshadowed this similarly addictive but overlooked '94 puzzler, Wild Snake.

Rather than matching up and arranging simple blocks ala Tetris, this time we're tasked with matching similar colors and types of snakes. The kicker here is that the snakes slither around until they hit a final resting point when placed, adding an interesting new dynamic to the basic puzzle gameplay. You've also got the satisfying ultimate weapon – the King Cobra – who plows through everything in its path.

22 Bad: Donkey Kong Country 3

via: gamefabrique.com

Poor Donkey Kong Country 3 – despite existing as a semi-decent platformer in its own right, it has the misfortune of being compared to its far more successful and together older siblings, DKC1 and 2. While the first entry was a groundbreaking introduction, and the 2nd added tons of depth, this 3rd iteration took things a little too far.

The odd feature of whacking the backs of armored Kremlins holding up DK coins as a shield in order to nab them felt chore-like, for one. The once smooth, intuitive platforming gameplay is all but missing here, giving way to annoying gimmicks, backtracking, and ridiculously tough gameplay.

21 Best: Uniracers

A split screen race in unirally

It's surprising how much fun can be had fumbling with such a goofy concept of zipping around and flipping midair as a simple unmanned unicycle. Yet, when you realize that the developers of the original Lemmings and GTA titles were responsible for its development (then called DMA Design), it tends to make more sense.

This game had it where it counted – tons of fast-paced action, awesome music, and satisfying, tight mechanics. Being flung off ramps and successfully landing a combo of tricks, as your vehicle speeds ahead, proves a massively pleasing endeavor.

20 Bad: Mario Paint

via: gamecrate.com

It's tough to knock this one too hard, considering just how different it is. In a way, it plays the role of a sort of primitive visual and musical creation software, which was not too common or accessible in the early 90s. By the superior technological standards of today, this "software" (you can barely call this a game) is almost unplayable in how primitive and boring the premise is.

But even by the meager technological standards of the early 90s, Mario Paint has many areas of blandness, which, without the Mario overlay, would look and feel even more dull. It's also pretty pointless, as you can't really export any of your "work."

19 Best: Sunset Riders

via: cafebazaar.ir

Man, do I have some fond memories gunslinging Old West style with my buddies rocking Wild Guns back in the day. Surprisingly, though, I seem to be one of a select few kids of the 90's who claim to have these recollections.

If you loved Turtles In Time (and really, who doesn't?), it's certainly worth giving this similar sidescrolling action shooter a look. And if you enjoy some cheeky Old West themes and can get over the crazy difficulty, this proves to be one of the most solid action shooters on the SNES this side of Contra 3.

18 Bad: Yoshi's Island

via: kotaku.com

It's tough for me to trash this game, as I really did have some good times with it growing up. Though removing the Mario-colored nostalgic glasses and reexamining Yoshi's Island from a critical, unbiased eye, it really did have its flaws.

Of course, the excruciatingly annoying wailing of Baby Mario every time you got hit is a key mark against it, though it went beyond this. The overly cute aesthetics, which clashed with some deceptively grueling gameplay, made for a spinoff to Super Mario World that was harder to get into than that game. The aiming mechanic could be tricky to wrestle with, and scavenging for all those collectibles - flowers, hidden red coins, etc. often felt like a chore.

17 Best: The Adventures Of Batman And Robin

via: youtube.com (GameIsJustAStart)

Really? Another Batman game? I know, reader, but it really is warranted. This title is similarly a blast to play, while at the same time containing its own unique style that separates it from Batman Returns. The colorful aesthetic and smooth animation makes you feel like you're playing through the animated series from which it's based. The combat mechanics are surprisingly detailed and satisfying to pull off. The environments are amusing and diverse, as is the lineup of boss battles, featuring a bunch of the iconic villains from Batman lore.

16 Bad: Killer Instinct

Maybe it's me, but I can't help but feel that the hype for this overrated fighter by Rare was inflated mostly for it being one of the more violent titles on a platform rife with kid-friendly games. Though, it's not like Killer Instinct was too unique outside of its more gritty themes – there were a number of brawlers populating the libraries of consoles in the early to mid-90s. Thus, Killer Instinct didn't really stand out on the gameplay front. The game is known for its more complex combos, which some may view as a plus, though it could also turn off many seeking a more basic brawler.

15 Best: The Legend Of The Mystical Ninja

via: gamefabrique.com

It's perhaps easy to see how this obscure aciton platformer could get overlooked by a Western audience, with its heavy emphasis on Japanese themes. But to those who discovered this hidden gem, these odd thematic quirks are part of Legend of the Mystical Ninja's charm. It also doesn't hurt that the game has some solid mechanics and endlessly fun, amusing gameplay.

In addition, it offers some of the greatest co-op multiplayer gameplay the SNES has to offer, and even some mindlessly enjoyable minigames. It's just too bad the N64 sequel didn't quite live up to the stellar and appealing quality found in this game...

14 Bad: Pilot Wings

via: ihateloadingscreens.wordpress.com

Much like Star Fox, the original Pilot Wings has the misfourtune of being compared to its far more dynamic sequel, which translates much better on the graphically superior N64. The game can feel somewhat awkward to control, especially if you've been weened on the much smoother N64 controls. Many of the tasks required of you can feel like a burden, with how tough they can be to pull off. The jetpack is at least a bit more fun and intuitive, but the planes – which you'll be spending the most time in – can be tricky to fumble around with.

13 Best: Zombies Ate My Neighbors

via: apkpure.com

Pound for pound, when it comes to multiplayer gems on the SNES – at least those that allowed for simultaneous play – Zombies Ate My Neighbors might be one of the most underrated SNES games. As you gathered from the title alone, the game never takes itself too seriously; though that doesn't mean it isn't wrought with some creepy and intense heart-pounding moments.

The gameplay is particularly grueling, even when playing with a squirt gun-wielding buddy at your side. Not only do you have to evade an endless horde of wandering zombies, but you have to grab keys, and seemingly helpless neighbors along the way.

12 Bad: Earthbound

via: en.softonic.com

Bring on the torches and pitchforks, diehard fans – I stand by this one. I do come with an admitted bias of turn-based RPGs, particularly the older, more archaic variety. Yet even those who prefer this style have to admit Earthbound comes with a particularly dull and slow-paced combat system that often forces you to sit back and mindlessly mash buttons to basic backdrops.

I get that the themes are unique and often bordering on crazy or avant-garde, though the convoluted, grindy gameplay itself isn't so hot, and hasn't aged all too well. It all tends to feel more like some obscure NES RPG, rather than the gem fans hype it up to be.

11 Best: Secret Of Evermore

via: pixelopinions.com

Turning things on their head, let's examine a SNES RPG that gets far less attention than it should. It makes sense in a way; Secret of Evermore largely feels like a Secret of Mana clone. Yet, the fact that this manages to be the only title developed in house by Western Square developers at least gives it a unique quality that makes it stand out.

The game certainly holds similarities to Mana in a mechanical sense – though this isn't a bad thing considering how good that game is. And in addition, Evermore does come with a more interesting and often cheeky narrative, a unique magic system, and some truly colorful, imaginative environments to boot.