5 Best SNES Shooters That Still Hold Up Today

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The Super Nintendo came out before first-person shooters became popular on computers, so shooting games on the system were quite different from what most people are used to today. But that didn’t mean fans of the genre were left wanting! The SNES had a good selection of both classic arcade-style shooters and light gun games. While these games might seem simple compared to modern titles, they offer a great look back at what shooting games were like on the SNES in the 1990s.

Here are five SNES shooters that still hold up today.

5) Star Fox

While Star Fox 64 later became much more popular, the original Star Fox still holds a place in gaming history. It was a groundbreaking title for Nintendo, being one of the first to utilize polygon graphics thanks to the Super FX chip. Even though the gameplay isn’t amazing by today’s standards, its historical significance remains.

Luckily, Star Fox is a fantastic game. You can play it from either a third-person or first-person perspective, and your choices actually matter. The campaign has multiple paths, which adds to its replay value. While Star Fox 64 is definitely better, the original is still worth playing, if only to experience some of the innovative ideas Nintendo had during the SNES era.

4) U.N. Squadron

Okay, so U.N. Squadron is a classic side-scrolling shooter, and it’s actually based on a manga series. It’s a bit of a bummer though – if you’re playing the US version, you won’t see any of that manga stuff. Still, it’s a really solid shooter from Capcom, kind of like 1942, but they did tweak a few things and add their own spin to the gameplay.

One of the best features is a life bar, letting you withstand multiple hits before your plane is destroyed. You can also choose from three unique pilots, each with their own aircraft. Adding to the strategy, you can buy upgrades between levels. This extra layer of depth makes U.N. Squadron a game that’s easy to pick up and play again.

3) R-Type III: The Third Lightning

R-Type III continued the popular series and introduced a new feature: Forces. These allowed players to customize their ships with different weapon combinations and upgrades, adding variety to the gameplay. The game also improved upon the classic R-Type experience fans already enjoyed.

Honestly, this game really stood out as one of the best shooters on the SNES. It was way more challenging than others, and they seriously upgraded the graphics and sound. Adding those new Forces really opened up the strategy, making it a super compelling package that critics and players both loved. And playing with a friend in the two-player mode? Forget about it – pure fun!

2) Wild Guns

I’ve always thought we need more video games set in the Wild West. There are plenty of fantasy and war games already, and this genre doesn’t get enough attention. Luckily, games like Wild Guns from the ’90s scratched that itch. It’s true that Wild Guns blends Western themes with sci-fi robots, but it’s a really fun combination.

This shooter is short, with only six levels, but it’s surprisingly challenging – you likely won’t beat it quickly on your first try. The boss battles are especially intense. Luckily, you can play with friends, which makes the game both easier and more enjoyable. While it didn’t become a huge series, it’s now readily available thanks to the 2016 remake, Wild Guns Reloaded.

1) Axelay

Konami made many excellent shooting games, and while Gradius is the most popular, Axelay is also fantastic and deserves more recognition. It was created by Kazuma Kitaue, known for his work on Super Castlevania IV. Interestingly, many people on the Axelay team later formed the studio Treasure, the creators of Gunstar Heroes. This game has a rich history and a talented team behind it, making it a true gem that deserves more appreciation.

Fans rave about Axelay‘s impressive array of weapons and its fantastic music. You have plenty of choices for attacking enemies, ranging from weapons that fire in multiple directions to a powerful cannon that fills the screen. The game also keeps things interesting by switching between horizontal and vertical scrolling. And if you manage to beat Axelay, it loops back to the beginning – but Konami makes the second time through much more challenging!

Those who managed to beat Axelay twice were shown a message hinting at Axelay 2. Sadly, the sequel never materialized due to poor sales. Thankfully, the original game was re-released on Virtual Console, though it’s now difficult to find. Hopefully, it will become available on Switch Online in the future.

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2026-04-30 00:11