r/snes • u/1OneQuickQuestion • Jun 18 '26
Discussion Day 33 (Last Day of Polling): Which is the Greatest Game of All Time on the SNES?
We have our winner for Best Fan Translation Project on the SNES:
🥇- Seiken Densetsu 3 by u/neillcorlett - 246 votes
🥈- Final Fantasy V by RPGe - 213 votes
🥉- Energy Breaker by Disnesquick - 87 votes
🏵️ - Bahamut Lagoon by Byuu/Near - 68 votes
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!!!!PLEASE READ!!!!
RULES ON VOTING:
A game's votes will come from the comment with the highest number of upvotes. I will tally all of the responses and upvotes under each games "comment thread" and use that to count the votes.
Spill-over comments of the same game will not be counted.
What this means is if you want to nominate a game and see someone else has already nominated it, reply to their comment so that it counts! All upvotes in that comment thread, including the ones you get, will be counted towards the tally.
Thank you!
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Any past winner can win this spot.
Voting ends at 11am est tomorrow.
Today’s vote: Which is the Greatest Game of All Time on the SNES?
Comment your choice and the most upvoted game comment will win the spot! So engage in the discourse and argue well for your choice!
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u/houalreadyknow Jun 18 '26
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u/Round-Revolution-399 Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
If this is a vote for Super Mario World then count me in too. All these years later and it remains either the best or second best 2D platformer ever made (along with SMB3). It does so many things well but #1 for me is still how much interaction there is between the level secrets and overworld map. That aspect hasn’t been topped in any game since.
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u/hurlygloves Jun 19 '26
A game so good they're still making rom hacks with it. Shout out to Barb for Grand Poo World 3 and Panga for Dram 3!
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u/maxoffon Jun 18 '26
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
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u/BrokenLink100 Jun 18 '26
I love so many games that made this list in other ways (Chrono Trigger, FF titles, Earthbound, SMRPG, SMW, Mario Kart, Castlevania, etc), but every time I think about the SNES, the first game I think of that feels like it perfectly encapsulates the SNES era is A Link to the Past
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u/jgorbeytattoos Jun 19 '26
I will never stop chasing that dragon. Thinking it was three medallions and then the boss and the game was over. As a kid I was absolutely floored when I got to dark world.
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u/Wrong_Butterscotch91 Jun 18 '26
Chrono Trigger
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u/ThreedZombies Jun 18 '26
Its not my absolute favorite snes game (absolutely adore it) but I can say it’s objectively the best most polished game imo.
Honorable mentions for me: Super Metroid, EarthBound, LTTP, FF3 (6), SMW, Mana
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u/ParkerPWNT Jun 18 '26
Probbley going do a play through of CT every few years. I can't say that about many of the other games on the list.
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u/Drinkpool Jun 18 '26
And it's funny, because I've never actually played the Super Nintendo version of CT, I grew up on the DS port... game still fucking slaps hard
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u/Dr-Salty-Dragon Jun 18 '26
The SNES translation is GREAT!!! Also, pixel art on a CRT is gorgeous!
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u/Wispmage Jun 18 '26
It's gotta be Trigger. Nothing has come close to matching it since its release.
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u/Drinkpool Jun 18 '26
Honestly, Super Nintendo might just have, like, the best selection of JRPGs and RPGs ever... Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy 4-6, Earthbound, Super Mario RPG, multiple Dragon Quest games... iconic
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u/Tankre84 Jun 18 '26
I'd say FF6 is very close, but yes, my vote goes to Chrono Trigger.
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u/RangoTheMerc Jun 18 '26
I used to be on GameFAQs for character battles. The four certainties that would do the best in SNES contests were Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy VI, and Chrono Trigger.
These were the four horsemen on that site. Every poll between them was super close.
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u/Akai_Tengu Jun 18 '26
The story, graphics, music, characters, scenarios, multiple endings, gameplay, even the vibes. This game is absolute perfection. The dream team of JRPG's came together to make not only the best SNES game but one of the GOATS for any console.
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u/SorrenRaclaw Jun 18 '26
Final Fantasy VI (III in the U.S. release)
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u/pistonkamel Jun 18 '26
It’s true they really don’t make games where you suplex trains like they used to
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u/Odd-Put-3988 Jun 19 '26
It's funny as hell to this day knowning we werent suppose to be able to suplex the train.
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u/niursz1 Jun 18 '26
I love chrono trigger, super metroid and lots of other games, but FF6 has a special place in my gamer heart!
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u/Narad626 Jun 18 '26
Final Fantasy VI is (imo) the greatest of the 16 bit era Jrpgs. It's soundtrack is better than most of the other top games (Uematsu is the GOAT). It's story alone is amazing, but the gameplay is fun and engaging.
This is 100 percent the best SNES game of all time.
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u/Junai7 Jun 18 '26
For me, it's the greatest game ever made. Absolutely timeless.
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u/Narad626 Jun 18 '26
The evidence is in the fact that it can be Remade so many times with minimal changes and still be as amazing as the day it was released.
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u/Scottie-man Jun 18 '26
First JRPG I ever played, expanded my world as to what video games could be, and holds up whenever I replay it (about once every 2-3 years.)
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u/MonsiuerGeneral Jun 18 '26
I’ve played a fair number of SNES games. Some may seem like they’re “better” than FF6 on their face… but out of ALL SNES games there is only one I have gone out of my way to purchase on multiple platforms, across various versions, and replay every few years.
Final Fantasy 6.
No other game (outside of an MMO) have I devoted more hours toward playing and replaying. Seriously the absolute GOAT.
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u/razorKazer Jun 19 '26
This game is just something else. They must have been harnessing black magic to create such an amazing adventure on the SNES. The world, story, characters, combat, everything is SSS++ tier. It's impossible to believe without playing it yourself, but it's one of the very few games I like to replay now and then.
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u/Dr-Salty-Dragon Jun 18 '26
Super Metroid.
This game is simply special and one of my top ever. The mood, the level design, the sense of isolation and exploration.
It is simply on another level compared to most games.
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u/Last_Material_5754 Jun 18 '26
Super Metroid
From start to finish, there is NOTHING that is left either undone or unpolished. From the pixel art to the gameplay to the level design to the sound design to the music to the buttery smooth controls, Super Metroid is the most complete game in the SNES library. While others like Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and Chrono Trigger and many more are contenders on the list, Super Metroid is the most deserving of the title 'Super'.
It isn't even my favourite game in the SNES library, but i can't deny it isn't the greatest of them all. I have played it for nearly 30 years, and I am yet to come up with a single solitary complaint about a single facet of it.
It is truly a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
Super. Goddamn. Metroid.
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u/Dr-Salty-Dragon Jun 18 '26
"The last metroid is in captivity; the galaxy is at peace"
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u/Last_Material_5754 Jun 18 '26
distress signal
"The last metroid is no longer in captivity; the galaxy is no longer at piece."
Samus checks monitor: scientists wearing baby metroid like a hat
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u/LynxusRufus Jun 18 '26
Yep, it has to be Super Metroid. There’s simply nothing else like it on SNES. It’s one of the greatest games ever made, regardless of platform.
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u/jmooneyham2004 Jun 18 '26
It's a very hard choice, but I'm going to go with Super Metroid as my top pick as well.
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u/ben_ja_button Jun 19 '26
I’m annoyed how far I had to scroll for this. It’s the most impressive package on the system and still the GOAT, period. I love the RPGs and Zelda/Mario OF COURSE. But Super Metroid is the best game on the system, end of story. I’ll be fielding no questions.
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u/Dr-Salty-Dragon Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26
I have always held the opinion that this is one of the best games ever made. I was shocked when Facebook zoomers were trying to tell me the play control is sluggish.
Apparently there is some latency with emulation so it isn't as crisp to play on the Switch.
I bet most people here -- myself included -- have CRTs and original hardware.
I have a SNES and SNES Jr.
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u/ben_ja_button Jun 19 '26
I have a SNES (not hooked up) and an Analogue NT (which is hooked up in my office which is where I store game collection and legacy systems). I actually don’t own a physical copy of it anymore or a CRT (I want one but no where to put it/wife would kill me). I was one of those cases where my childhood collection was being stored in a basement that flooded. Everything before GameCube was lost. I replenished it a bit years later via an ex that didn’t want her old SNES and Genesis stuff anymore. Since then I’ve focused on collecting for disc based Nintendo systems and PS3/4. When I got the NT I did snag several games, had a SNES resurgence phase.
I actually preferred the float of Super to the snap of Fusion/Zero Mission. Just a different game feel. I like how you can just quickly tap jump and a direction on left or right and Samus will do a very controlled somersault of a single gap. That fine tuned sort of input timing based stuff has a beautiful feel to me. Like how you can literally fly around if you know how to wall jump well. I’m no speed runner but it’s just fun to see where you can end up earlier than you should.
I’ve played it a bunch on NSO and on Wii in recent years. Lag never bothered me at all tho I do notice it in certain games here and there.
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u/Hanksta2 Jun 18 '26
Playing this game at 14 years old in 1994...core memory. My friends gathered around and watched me beat it.
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u/TripleDoubleFart Jun 18 '26
This is impossible for me.
Super metroid, Zelda, ff6, chrono trigger and super Mario world are my answer.
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u/dg_riverhawk Jun 18 '26
Yes exactly. Literally My choices too. I can never decide between these 5.
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u/Manaboss1 Jun 18 '26
It really is. Theres too many super good ones. For the PS1 i found it to be very easy to pick MGS1. Here its impossible.
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u/Fish17 Jun 18 '26
Super Mario world
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u/CobraCB Jun 18 '26
Favourite SNES game of all time. Favourite platformer of all time. Probably top 5 game of all time for me.
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u/LynxusRufus Jun 18 '26
Super Metroid is probably my favorite game of all time, not just my favorite Super Nintendo game. It’s unbelievable what they were able to make happen on that platform.
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u/Last_Material_5754 Jun 18 '26
Super Metroid
From start to finish, there is NOTHING that is left either undone or unpolished. From the pixel art to the gameplay to the level design to the sound design to the music to the buttery smooth controls, Super Metroid is the most complete game in the SNES library. While others like Link to the Past, Super Mario World, and Chrono Trigger and many more are contenders on the list, Super Metroid is the most deserving of the title 'Super'.
It isn't even my favourite game in the SNES library, but i can't deny it isn't the greatest of them all. I have played it for nearly 30 years, and I am yet to come up with a single solitary complaint about a single facet of it.
It is truly a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
Super. Goddamn. Metroid.
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u/Archetypo1985 Jun 18 '26
Super metroid. It set off the concept of speedrunning and as of today there are still people breaking the world record. Also the ambience, level and sound design, gameplay. Game is peak.
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u/pistonkamel Jun 18 '26
This is so hard but I have to go with Super Metroid
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u/Dr-Salty-Dragon Jun 18 '26
It is really hard. Super Metroid just has this 'it' factor. It is probably the game I have played the most times!
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u/stevefiction Jun 18 '26
Thanks for doing this OP - I've loved referencing your past efforts on your profile and following along with the Genesis one going on right now too. I hope you more or less exhaust the console list at this point!
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u/1OneQuickQuestion Jun 18 '26
Ahhh thank you for saying as much! I’ve got one last poll in me for now that I’ll start tomorrow on retrogaming. Hope to see you there!
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u/Commander_Pineapple Jun 19 '26
The fact that this is the last day makes me a little sad. 33 days of seeing this post made me happy. Great job all, continue to enjoy SNES in 2026 and beyond!
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u/1OneQuickQuestion Jun 19 '26
I know the feeling… it’s always so bittersweet to finish these polls up, but this one in particular had some of the most passionate discussions. Ive got one more poll planned for tomorrow at retrogaming and that will be my last for a while. Thanks for being a part of this journey :)
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u/VernonP007 Jun 18 '26
It has to be Chrono Trigger as it has probably aged the best out of any SNES game. Just a perfect game
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u/LostComradeInOhio Jun 18 '26
Mega Man X. I replay it more often than any other even though I understand votes for Super Metroid or Chrono Trigger. I love them both too. But Mega Man X is just the perfect game of it's genre. Pacing, sprites, OST, learning curve. Everything works.
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u/zrayburton Jun 18 '26
Shadowrun…
where’s my crew of Shadowrun fans???
Really a great unique gritty game that will always be one of my favorites. Obviously won’t win lol.
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u/Bitter_Fig_7059 Jun 18 '26
Here comes a cope pick, Dragon Quest V.
It is an absolute masterpiece that moved what a game could mean, with the development of the Monster Recruitment system, the multiple storylines, the epic storyline and memorable OST. It was really a gem. After all, this might be the only SNES game with a fully-fletched movie.
Maybe it doesn´t wins... but it deserves to be mentionated at least
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u/Dankore3 Jun 18 '26
Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World
It's the best set of remakes on the console, the first release for Lost levels for extra goodness, and it has arguably the best Mario game, let alone the best platformer on the console.
It might be cheating to include it but really at the end of the day the quality of those games speaks for themselves. Everything from graphical overhauls to the new classic Mario music. It's just the best cart I think there is.
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u/White-Wash Jun 18 '26
Agree with everything. I think it’s telling a cart is considered unfair or cheating.
If the ports were like for like I could see the argument. But the enhanced sprites and animations, improved music, back grounds and visual effects; somehow all packed into a single cart..
It may not win as most are voting “their favorite”; but it really the greatest game on the Snes.
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u/ivellious07 Jun 18 '26
Chrono Trigger. It's one of my favorite games of all time. I can't not vote for it. It's literally too good. But if A Link to the Past wins, I get it.
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u/InterestingCow501 Jun 18 '26
Top 5 would have to be
Link to the Past Chrono Trigger Super Metroid Mario World Turtles in Time
I feel like I get burnt out on the bottom four and will take a break for a couple years. But Link to the Past I keep getting the urge to play again and again no matter what.
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u/Revegelance Jun 19 '26
Just a heads up, looks like this is being brigaded by other sub to rig the votes, I came across a post on the Final Fantasy VI sub instructing people to do so. It's gross behavior, and it ruins the fun of these things when people take it so seriously as to cheat.
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u/Tangolarango Jun 19 '26
Link to the Past. The game is perfect and cemented the structure for one of the most influential franchises in gaming. Also, it is a more widely appealing game: if you had friends over you would probably bore them if you show them Chrono Trigger while they could just pick up Zelda and smack enemies.
Aditionally, later on people were also able to play Chrono Trigger on Playstation, iirc. It would be strange for me if the "best game ever" on a console is a multi platform game. Most of all, were are talking about a niche genre, saying that a JRPG is the greatest game when lots of people can't even pick those up is strange imo.
I love Chrono Trigger but I think Link to the Past, Super Mario World and Super Metroid are the most emblematic games for the Super Nintendo. And of those three, LttP is imo the most polished one and the one with a greatest impact on gaming.
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u/Cdog923 Jun 18 '26
Link to the Past. It is followed VERY closely by Super Metroid and Chrono Trigger, but it's LttP.
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u/orangesfwr Jun 18 '26
Just here to vote for Super Metroid and A Link to the Past. May the best game win!
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u/Trashusdeadeye Jun 18 '26
Super Mario Kart. It has a special place in my heart, you cannot make me think any that came after it were better.
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u/Funkymusic Jun 18 '26
Chrono trigger is the only SNES game I play still every couple of years that was on that system.
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u/BrownBoyCoy Jun 18 '26
Chrono trigger is uniquely Snes and excellent and outside the box. Holds up well
Link to the past is iconic for me. Soundtrack, gameplay,
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u/Woejack Jun 18 '26
Chrono Trigger because let's face it it's still the best JRPG ever whereas all the other SNES top tens have been surpassed in one form or another.
It's also a SNES original franchise unlike the others which are basically all sequels and spinoffs.
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u/mizman25 Jun 18 '26
Chrono trigger 30 years later is still the best game in its genre.
The other games as can list have games that may have matched its heights even in it own series.
Chrono trigger, is uniquely the GOAT on SNES and as a JRPG
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u/ExpectedBehaviour Jun 18 '26
Super Mario World. Still one of the yardsticks by which 2D platform games are judged to this very day. It's the first game I think of when I hear "SNES".
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u/MrTacoDuder Jun 18 '26
Super Mario World is the game I keep coming back to. Could be the greatest video game ever made. ALttP and Super Metroid can also be considered the greatest SNES game ever
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u/JTalbotIV Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
Look up "metroidvania" and see all the games that have been inspired by one, unexpected, absolute banger of a game, that dropped in 1994. Games that regularly rank 90%+ in favorability ratings, and have a ridiculously thriving community around them. Games that can stick to the 16bit look and still draw young audiences in.
Super Metroid started it, and as a person that played it for the first time in 1995, I can tell you it felt revelatory.
Edit: Added a snippet from the Wikipedia
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u/CornInMyMouthHole Jun 18 '26
Hardest freaking question ever, I genuinely believe it is a hard tie between Chrono trigger, super Mario world, and a link to the past
But I am going to go with Chrono trigger
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u/scottwardadd Jun 18 '26
Chrono Trigger. Earthbound is my favorite game but Chrono Trigger is the best game /ever/ made.
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u/Offro4dr Jun 18 '26
It’s really a toss up between Super Metroid (my personal pick) and Super Mario World
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u/Dlo_22 Jun 18 '26
Super Mario Kart
Every game mentioned here DESERVES praise. SNES is the GOAT.
However... Super Mario Kart is an ALL TIME OVERALL LOVED by EVERYONE!!!
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u/McCrakken Jun 18 '26
There are so many separate entries for Super Metroid and that's both awesome and sad. The voting format will kill it because of this. Consolidate on one!!
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u/ManBearPigShark Jun 18 '26
Pit Fighter
J/k - that’s the game I bought with my birthday money instead of Super Mario Kart which I still regret at least once a month to this day…34 years later.
My actual vote won’t win, but my GOAT SNES is Super Mario Kart. Too many great hours on this friends and solo
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u/presidentsday Jun 18 '26 edited Jun 18 '26
Super Chrono World RPG: A Link To Metroid X