The second that the SNES Classic Mini was announced, a flood of thoughts came to mind. There’s just so much to unpack from some good ol’ Nintendo marketing. For one, the official name for the gadget is Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It’s doubtful anyone will call it that.  Then there’s the fact that some franchises, like Star Fox and Kirby, receive two slots. That last one wouldn’t be a problem, if the SNES Classic Mini didn’t also have fewer slots than its predecessor, the NES Classic Mini. While Nintendo’s previous gadget came with 30 games, the newest one only has 21 slots filled. And people already thought the first iteration could’ve offered more.

So, let’s at least fill up those few spots with what Nintendo missed on their, admittedly pretty robust, line-up. We’ll have to forgo items where rights, current popularity or sale potential might be an issue, since that’s the harsh reality of these compilations. That means there’s no SimCity or Chrono Trigger, as much as those titles would make sense.

Here’s 9 games that should be on the SNES Classic Mini, but aren’t. They probably needed the room to produce more units this time. Right?

 

 

1. Super Smash TV

Would you buy this for a dollar? You better. Smash TV is sort of a quintessential title when it comes to what’s now mostly referred to as a twin-stick shooter. Hailing from an arcade background, like many a release on the SNES, this was the counterpart to Contra, a perfect supplement, as it were. Fast and brutal, just like games should be, Super Smash TV pits crowds of assailants upon players, who go from room to room, just trying not to get overwhelmed. The whole is molded in a dystopian game show with big prizes and big money, but only if you live.

 

 

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time

It’s baffling how few beat ‘em ups the SNES Classic Mini has, considering how popular the genre was at the time. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time makes the cut, not only because TMNT is totally rad, but also because the gameplay slightly varies with boarding sections, including some pseudo F-Zero action. Additionally, the TMNT license is in the pits right now; it would benefit from reminding people how glorious it once was. To cap it off, this release also has a Versus mode, for some extra fun. Just a couple of bros, duking it out in the sewers.

 

 

3. Axelay

Same as with beat ‘em ups, there’s also a lack of classic shoot ‘em ups. And no, the two Star Fox games don’t count; it’s not the same. Again, it’s hard to make a choice, when things like Parodius or R-Type have made such an impression. Axelay, however, stands out in a few ways. The peculiarly altering perspective, the disturbingly weird art design at times, the groovy music; this is all prime shmup territory. There never really was a game that modeled itself quite like Axelay ever again. That’s reason enough to be the flagship for this genre. Can we reboot Axelay while we’re at it, please?

 

 

4. Unirally

Unirally is the racing game everyone remembers and loves, but no one ever thinks of when it’s time to list the many nostalgic memories the SNES created. Alternatively, you may know this as the wrong name, Uniracers. Stunt racing with unicycles, no one could imagine it would be this thrilling, but it was. There was even a full gameplay system dedicated to pulling off sick tricks, to the point that some stages were just vert ramps. Unirally screams of the 90s, with hard colors and a cheesy rock soundtrack. Even the game’s box itself was a bright blue.

 

 

5. Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen

When there are only 21 slots, some genres are going to be fully overlooked. Roleplaying games (RPG) like Final Fantasy III are welcome, but they do not cover the spread alone. Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen is a master class of design in tactical RPG land; so stunning in appearance, so intricate in its gameplay. This strategic monster was unparalleled for its time and its name has been dormant for quite some time now, bar a remake on PSP a long while ago. This could’ve stunned people buying the SNES Classic Mini to know that such a giant existed on the console.

 

 

6. ActRaiser

ActRaiser was another game to elevate its genre. What comes off as just a standard beat ‘em up in fantasy setting, somehow was able to shove a builder simulation in there as well? Aside from kicking butt and defeating bosses, the player also guides a little angel on a world map, where they’re tasked with building and managing towns. If SimCity is off the table anyway, why not slip it in there in an action game; trick the masses. It’s not like Square Enix has done anything with this title since. There are at least three games on the SNES Classic Mini we’d gladly replace to get ActRaiser instead.

 

 

7. Shadowrun

Another game to show just how grand the SNES could be, Shadowrun inspired a generation This thing put grim cyberpunk RPG on the map for many people and felt incredible to play in its day. It’s remembered so fondly that, many years later, the creators were able to resurrect the franchise with several successful releases. They probably wouldn’t mind at all to have people discover where it all started. These days, it would be easy to connect to popular items like Fallout or even Grand Theft Auto. Who wouldn’t want to play the SNES version of that?

 

 

8. E.V.O.: Search for Eden

Ok, we’ll be the first to admit that no one is buying a SNES Classic Mini for E.V.O.: Search for Eden, but indulge us for a split second. Just take a look at this game and try to sit there, telling us this wouldn’t be a must play. This reminder of games like Spore is side-scrolling adventure where players control increasingly odd creatures and traverse even weirder planes. You’re a fish now, you’re a lizard now; you’re some sort of flying goblin. Millions of years will pass, as players try to munch and smash their way into Eden; a true epic.

 

 

9. Pocky & Rocky

There’s an adorable girl and raccoon in this game. Do you need more? Seriously, look at the raccoon. Now imagine that raccoon shoots little leaves and shakes it booty to deflect bullets. There’s also a competent blend of shooter and action adventure elements in there. Don’t be lulled by cuteness though, there’s definitely a challenge to this game. Enemies are all over the place, in a multitude of forms. To cap it off, Pocky & Rocky also has a thoroughly Japanese style, which branches off a little as well. It’s a damn fine game. You should play Pocky & Rocky.

 

 

While writing this, several preorders for the SNES Classic Mini have come online and were subsequently sold out in mere minutes. It’s probably safe to assume that the device will do well, even with fewer games on offer and at a higher price. Nintendo fans sure love buying Nintendo products.

That said, feel free to think long and hard as to what game managed to slip through the cracks. We tried hard not to have too much overlap, but it’s totally possible that your personal favorite didn’t make the cut, so let us know in the comments.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed (@Daavpuke)