We already published the list of best SNES games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best SNES action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the SNES definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the SNES and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Super Street Fighter II
- Release Data: Capcom, 1994
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Super Street Fighter II is one hell of a game and is one of the best arcade to SNES translations.
The combos are incredibly easy to pull off and the game controls like a dream.
All in all, Super Street Fighter II is one of the best fighting games on the SNES and it holds up incredibly well years later.
#24. Gradius III
- Release Data: Konami, 1991
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
Gradius III was one of the first shooters for the SNES and years later remains one of its best.
And if you happen to be a fan of the Gradius series then you’re unlikely to be too disappointed with this, even if it is a little rough around the edges.
#23. Sunset Riders
- Release Data: Konami, 1993
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
Sunset Riders is the ultimate item of cowboy glamorization, where the good guys ride across barren deserts and explore small towns, blowing away hundreds of bandits popping out of saloons.
It is bright, colorful, fantastically well animated, with superb music and sound.
It understands its place as a Western game and within the run-and-gun genre.
#22. Axelay
- Release Data: Konami, 1992
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
The game looks like it’s not even trying.
The superb music, the ahead-of-their-time graphics, the all important heart-stopping final boss encounter—Axelay convinces us that this was all done very nonchalantly.
One of the best shooters for the SNES and one of the top shoot ’em ups of all time.
#21. Street Fighter II
- Release Data: Capcom, 1992
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Beloved for all the right reasons, the colorful visuals and standout character models add so much to the experience.
Also, it has incredibly memorable music and the sound effects are absolutely on point.
The thwack of punch, the shout of ‘Hadouken’ or the cry of a fallen opponent is something every Street Fighter II fan would recognize in an instant.
#20. R-Type III
- Release Data: Irem, 1994
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Horizontal
R-Type III is the first title in the series exclusively for consoles.
Both the level and boss designs take into account of the SNES’s scaling and rotation capabilities, making them feel naturally challenging without being weird.
Overall, R-Type III is excellent, one of the best shooters on the SNES.
#19. Street Fighter II Turbo
- Release Data: Capcom, 1993
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Street Fighter II Turbo remains one of the most influential video games ever made, and one of the few that can boast it created an entire genre.
And also, mechanically, Street Fighter II Turbo is a big jump over the original Street Fighter II.
All in all, Street Fighter II Turbo is the quintessential retro Street Fighter experience.
#18. Super Castlevania IV
- Release Data: Konami, 1991
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
With solid level design, innovative combat mechanics, and an overall beautiful look, Super Castlevania IV is certainly one of the most unique and game-changing entries in the series.
Obviously, if you’re a fan of the franchise, this is a must-have.
It’s a solid action game and a decent platformer with gratifying combat if you’re a patient person.
#17. Firepower 2000
- Release Data: Sales Curve Interactive/SunSoft, 1992
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Compared to most shooters on the market, Firepower 2000 has a different feel but is no less great.
This is one of the better shooters for the SNES, which is surprising as it was released so early.
If you love vertical shooters but you haven’t played Firepower 2000, it’s time to correct that problem.
#16. Earthworm Jim
- Release Data: Shiny Entertainment/Takara, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Overall, Earthworm Jim is an awesome 90’s action platform game that has just enough quirkiness to be unique.
It’s fun, funny, and still holds up well to this day.
However, the game is very difficult in the later stages though, so be warned!
#15. Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
- Release Data: Sculptured Software/Victor Interactive Software, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Return of the Jedi is the best looking, most balanced, and all-around complete package of the three games in the series.
Not only those who enjoyed the previous release should pick this one up, but those who have not played any game in the series are advised to play this one first because of its more forgiving difficulty curve.
#14. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
- Release Data: Konami, 1992
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time is a fun game, particularly with two players and, most especially, for fans of the franchise who can appreciate how faithfully it represents its material.
But it also didn’t do anything out of the ordinary for the genre, and the inconsistent attacks do detract a little from the experience.
#13. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Aside from the few new features, Donkey Kong Country 3 is pretty much just like the second game.
Many people haven’t played this one, but if you liked the previous two, you won’t be disappointed.
One would argue that it’s slightly worse than Donkey Kong Country 2, but it is still very much worthy of your attention.
#12. Out of This World
- Release Data: Interplay, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Out of This World is certainly well worth a look, and was a very unique game for its time.
The quirky artwork and emotive soundtrack are as immersive today as they ever were.
Players looking for a fast-paced action game might get frustrated with the trial and error nature, but those who like puzzles are in for a rewarding experience.
#11. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
- Release Data: LucasArts/Konami, 1993
- Genre: Action » General
If shooting everything in sight and blowing stuff up is your thing, you’re going to love this unusual Super Nintendo action title.
It might be a little on the strange side, but any time you’re given the opportunity to shoot a zombie in the face with a bazooka, you know you’re in for a real treat.
#10. Super Star Wars
- Release Data: Sculptured Software/Victor Interactive Software, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Because of its popularity when it was new it will no doubt please many former fans on nostalgia alone.
And as a series it only seems appropriate to play this first entry before moving on to the superior second and third entries.
But newcomers to the series should be prepared for relentless, unfair punishment.
#9. Kirby Super Star
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 1996
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The difficulty is a bit on the easy side, but as anyone familiar with the series should know by now, difficulty is certainly not what the Kirby games are about anyway.
It won’t take you long to see why Kirby Super Star is widely regarded as the best release in the series once you dive into these entertaining adventures.
#8. Contra III: The Alien Wars
- Release Data: Konami, 1992
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This really is a great game and deserves to be played by any fan of the retro console and the series.
It is lots of fun playing solo but it shines even more brightly when playing two player co-op. Highly recommended!
#7. Demon’s Crest
- Release Data: Capcom, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The ability to play the levels in different orders, not to mention the free-roaming feel of the game make it seem like an RPG at times.
The fact that it’s also chock-full of gameplay elements just further makes the title enjoyable.
It’s fairly safe to say that if you loved the Ghosts ‘n Goblins franchise, you’re going to love this spin-off.
#6. Star Fox
- Release Data: Argonaut Games/Nintendo, 1993
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Rail
Star Fox was the first release in a new series that Nintendo fans now hold dear and it ranks amongst the very cream of Nintendo’s long list of gaming glory.
Basically, it is a pinnacle game; not just for the 16-bit era of gaming but for the entire gaming world.
#5. Mega Man X
- Release Data: Capcom, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Mega Man X is one of the strongest action/side-scrollers in video game history and a title that more than lives up to the Mega name.
Not only does it capture everything that was great about the original NES series, it also manages to add a wealth of new ideas to the mix without taking anything away from the overall experience.
#4. Donkey Kong Country
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1994
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
You’ll be having such a great time that having to retry again and again never feels like a chore.
It’s a very rewarding game and the wonderful pre-rendered 3D graphics hold up so well.
And although it’s not in the same league as the sublime Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country still ranks as one of the better SNES platformers.
#3. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 1995
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Donkey Kong Country 2 may prove frustrating for some younger or less dedicated players.
For those who enjoy a challenge this is probably one of the best games for the SNES.
And if you’re looking for a diverse platformer that’ll take you a while to finish, look no further than Donkey Kong Country 2.
#2. Super Mario World
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1991
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
While many retro games can claim to be a classic, not many are a solid gold masterpiece.
Super Mario World is a masterclass in side-scrolling platforming design, to the point that modern 2D game developers should be encouraged to study it as a pre-requisite of mastering their craft.
#1. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
- Release Data: Nintendo, 1995
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is a shining example of what a good platform game should be.
It’s both familiar, yet original. It’s rich and complex, yet also simple to master.
This game is the perfect showcase for what made the SNES such a great system.
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See also: Best Game Boy Games & Best N64 Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which SNES action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
