The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES, is celebrating its 35th anniversary. While many players recall its iconic library of classics, the SNES collection on Nintendo Switch Online also offers a chance to unearth some of the console's more unusual and often overlooked titles.
Cosmo Gang The Puzzle
A unique take on the falling block puzzle genre, Namco's Cosmo Gang The Puzzle offers a space-themed experience distinct from its contemporaries. The core gameplay involves clearing lines with falling 2x1 blocks, each adorned with aliens, metal, or arrow symbols. Clearing lines requires strategically arranging metal blocks, but eliminating aliens demands precise use of arrow blocks. When an arrow block is placed adjacent to an alien, it clears the alien and travels along connected alien blocks in a cardinal direction, clearing them as it goes. However, this path is interrupted by metal blocks. This mechanic introduces a layer of strategic planning akin to games like Puyo Puyo, making it a surprisingly engaging title that can easily consume more time than intended.
Mario and Wario
Developed by Game Freak, Mario and Wario is a peculiar title that initially stands out due to its starring role for the villain Wario and its reliance on mouse controls. In the game, players control Wanda, a fairy-like character tasked with guiding an unseen Mario, Princess Toadstool, or Yoshi to the end of each stage. Wario's mischief has obscured the heroes' vision, and Wanda must use her wand to interact with the environment. The game's primary peculiarity lies in its control scheme, which mandates the use of the SNES mouse peripheral. This control method proves to be a significant impediment, making it difficult to keep pace with the characters and often leading to a stressful experience. While the game's visual direction is appealing and it shows potential as an early prototype for titles like Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the cumbersome mouse controls make it a challenging recommendation.
Uncharted Waters: New Horizons
Koei's Uncharted Waters: New Horizons stands out as a deep and engaging simulation game set during the Age of Exploration. Players choose from several adventurers, each with unique scenarios and goals centered around sailing the globe, building a reputation through exploration, trade, or naval combat, and acquiring artifacts. The game offers significant replayability due to the varied starting characters and their distinct narratives, such as Otto Baynes or Ernst Von Bohr, who approach the era's challenges from different perspectives. It blends elements of management simulation with naval combat and exploration, presenting a surprisingly gritty and complex experience that delves into the historical period with considerable depth.
Wild Guns
Natsume's Wild Guns offers a fast-paced arcade-style shooting gallery experience that blends Western and steampunk aesthetics. Players take on the roles of Clint the Cowboy or Annie, armed with guns, lassos, and special weaponry. The game features stages populated with a mix of traditional Western elements and futuristic adversaries, including robots and tanks. Despite its seemingly simple premise, Wild Guns provides frantic action that is both challenging and accessible, making it a surprisingly fun addition to any SNES library.
Amazing Hebereke
Amazing Hebereke is a charming and quirky fighting game where players control cute animal characters battling on a fantasy island. The objective is to defeat opponents in a series of rounds, progressing through a tournament bracket. While not a deeply complex fighter, it offers a surprising variety of combos and special moves, making it approachable for players who may not typically enjoy the genre. The game's relaxed atmosphere, characterized by pastel colors and gentle music, contributes to its unique appeal as a casual beat-'em-up.
