Top 10 Hardest SNES Games

This game didn’t get the attention it deserved upon it's release, but has since gone on to become a cult classic. In fact, IGN retrospectively ranked it as the 48th best SNES game ever. It’s a classic B horror film translated into a run and gun video game, complete with wacky over the top stage names like "Warehouse of Evil Dolls" or the oh so 'punny' "Fish and Crypts". It also succeeds in preserving the heart of any good horror flick, in that it’s really tough to survive. It’s hard enough saving your own skin, but attempting to rescue your many helpless neighbors seriously ups the difficulty level. 48 levels of gore plus bonus stages will keep you plenty busy.

Newbies to this game struggle to clear the first three obstacles, let alone the many more spike-filled pits standing between them and the princess. This was the start of a long-running successful franchise, and it began with a steep learning curve. First released on the Apple II computer, “Prince of Persia” won multiple awards for it’s impressive design and animation work. It’s been called “equal parts brilliant and infuriating”. Level-specific time limits are one thing, but when you’re given just 90 minutes to complete an entire game, you never really have time to think. Nothing is simple in this platformer, as you navigate staggeringly complex levels riddled with traps, switch-controlled doors, and nearly impossible jumps.

What this franchise lacked in original character designs (can you say Ninja Turtles?) it more than made up for with exceedingly tough yet wildly fun gameplay. Thankfully the difficulty level in Battlemaniacs was substantially lower than that of its original NES predecessor - but that game was nearly impossible to beat, so it’s really not saying much. Each level in Battlemaniacs presents a unique style of gameplay ranging from your standard sidescrolling beat ‘em up, to punishingly tough high-speed racing levels, or... snake riding. Yes, you heard correctly. In the “Karnath’s Revenge” stage, you have to balance and hold on for dear life as a massive snakes wind up the level. It’s a tough as it sounds.

When this game came out, it meant reassembling the team of neighborhood friends who helped you beat the first Donkey Kong Country. Hopefully some new kids had moved onto the block with serious skills, because Diddy’s quest made DK’s adventures look easy. What made it so tough? Let’s start with “Animal Antics”. Navigating Squawks through the maze of spiky brambles, against fierce, suddenly changing winds was brutal, and it was just one part of a long level. “Toxic Tower” was another tough lesson in video game humility. How could anyone keep their cool in that environment? The likelihood of running headfirst into a zinger was significant. The level designers at Rare didn’t pull any punches in this consistently challenging sequel.

Earthworms lead hard lives. Hiding from hungry birds, avoiding death by hot concrete after a rainstorm or, you know, fighting the forces of evil in their battle suits to save “Princess What’s Her Name”. Both the original “Earthworm Jim” and this sequel nailed the balance between challenging platforming and unique, entertaining level design. But “Earthworm Jim 2” introduced other gameplay elements into the mix. This constant switch up of gameplay kept the experience fresh and exciting. For example, “The Vili People” stage takes away Jim’s weapons, forcing players to navigate him through a series of explosive obstacles. Things got more complex thanks to new gameplay mechanics, like Snott, Jim’s new sidekick/parachute. That final obstacle course race with Psy-Crow? Brutal!

This was a unique game in that it bounced players back and forth between sidescrolling platforming action and a city-building simulator. Oddly enough, the combination works, thanks to the fact that developers seemingly put equal effort into both modes. Not only are both well-designed, but challenging. Each area of the game contains two sidescrolling levels, which, although not punishingly difficult, are far from easy, especially the bosses or “lieutenants”. The simulation is satisfyingly nuanced, and we guarantee that your growing civilizations will flounder a few times before you get the hang of the various mechanics. Ultimately, the challenge of “ActRaiser” lies in the fact that it forces players to master multiple gameplay modes - an uncommon and complex challenge on the SNES.

This franchise clearly prides itself on producing consistently difficult games. And this particular entry is one of the toughest - arguably second only to “Castlevania III” on the NES. As with all Castlevania games, it’s extremely hard, but fair. Enemies seem faster than your character Richter Belmont, so you have to perfect your timing with the limited movements at your disposal. Mastering the evasive backflip maneuver is crucial to your survival, as is the timing of your attacks with the whip and sub-weapons. Dracula X levels are all about excess - Too many enemies, traps and spiked platforms hitting you in quick succession, ensuring that, if and when you reach a boss fight, you’re going in seriously drained of health.

You know what’s tougher than fighting your way through hordes of demon spawn? Doing it twice! As the knight Arthur, you’re charged with rescuing the princess from Emperor Sardius. But after facing staggering obstacles to reach his castle, you discover that the only weapon capable of beating him, the Goddess Bracelet, was hidden at the beginning of the game. Back to square one! Our hero is a bit of a frail one... Despite the upgradeable armor and shield, a single body hit from an enemy will leave you fighting in your boxer shorts - a second hit and you’re dead. Offering some of the most well-designed platforming ever to grace the SNES, this game is as respected as it is challenging.

Capcom

It’s a simple fact of gaming - On any given console, if you’ve got a Contra title available, it’s going to be more hectic, overwhelming run and gun fun than you can handle. Also, it’s going to be insanely tough. Speedruns for this game should come with seizure warnings. For the uninitiated, we recommend playing the “easy” setting. It will more than challenge you. And if you survive, “normal” and “hard” introduce new boss attacks, alternative attack patterns, and even upgraded forms. Taking advantage of the SNES hardware, this is the first Contra console release to rival it’s arcade counterparts, with advanced movesets, making for more complex gameplay style and diverse levels that included motorcycle chases, and top-view stages.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.



“Super R-Type” (1991)
Irem



“The Lost Vikings” (1993)
Blizzard Entertainment, Interplay



“Space Ace” (1994)
Absolute Entertainment, Digital Leisure,

Cue the Imperial March - we’re setting the difficulty level to “ominous”. When Super Star Wars came out in 1992 it was met with critical acclaim, although some fans criticized it as being too hard. Well, the sequel only got tougher. Taking control of Luke, Chewbacca and Han Solo has never been more fun, or frustrating. Honestly, It’s hard not feel like the characters had an easier time in the movie. Enemies never let up, especially in the snow levels. The bosses, are massive. Considering the game drops you straight into a super hostile setting, the learning curve isn’t steep, it’s a vertical line. But mode 7 never looked better on SNES than in the Battle of Hoth.

Do you agree with our list? What’s the most challenging SNES games you’ve ever played? For more memorable top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.