The gaming world changes so quickly, it’s often difficult to remember what I was playing five years ago, never mind fifteen. With that in mind, I’d like to take you all on a trip down memory lane with some of my favourite 16-bit console games.
BATMAN RETURNS (Konami, Super Nintendo)
The side-scrolling beat-em-up has become something of a lost art in the computer game world recently. In the mid-90s it was all the rage, with this one in particular among my favourites.
Of course, you play Batman, taking on the Penguin and Catwoman. Whilst this game didn’t add anything groundbreaking to the genre, it ticked all the boxes well. Breakable scenary? Check. Variety of enemies? Check. Difficult end of level baddies? Check. Add into the mix a wonderful 16-bit score taken straight from Danny Elfman’s movie score and you have a forgotten classic. Holy decent-game-nostalgia, Batman!
Here’s the final boss battle:
WWF ROYAL RUMBLE (LJN, Super Nintendo)
This was a real favourite among me and my friends back when the WWF was every kids’ number one favourite thing. We used to play ‘pass the pad’, so whoever got knocked out of the Royal Rumble battle royal had to pass their joypad to the next player. Awesome days!
YOSHI’S ISLAND (Nintendo, Super Nintendo)
This might seem like an obvious choice for this list but I think it has been forgotten for a number of reasons. Firstly, it came out right at the end of the Super Nintendo’s lifespan, when people’s attention was being caught by the likes of the Playstation and Saturn. Secondly, it wasn’t strictly a Mario game, so it isn’t counted in the same family as Super Mario World (even though it was a direct sequel).
Regardless, I still adored this game and think the graphics and charm still hold up and are breathtaking even today. If you can find this in a retro shop with an old console – BUY IT. A great way to spend some time.
SUPER CASTLEVANIA IV (Konami, Super Nintendo)
Perhaps my favourite SNES game ever – even though I’ve never completed it. It’s tempting to call Super Castlevania IV a work of art. It’s beautiful. The graphics, the score, the way the game builds up as you progress through Dracula’s castle. It’s impossible to not fall in love with this game. Each sprite has been so carefully drawn, and each boss battle feels like something epic. This game is available on the Wii’s virtual console. Track it down!
