Today's players live in an age where game companies and developers are constantly trying to push how realistic and groundbreaking their graphics and visuals can be. While that's certainly an amiable goal for the industry, there's truly something to be said for the throwback look of yesteryear.
The fourth generation of gaming consoles like the SNES and the Genesis, came with some of the most incredible titles the industry has ever known. Even legions of modern titles have reverted to using these retro-inspired graphics to bring out new, fan-favorite titles. Either way, the beauty of sprites and pixels is one that never goes out of style.
Dragon Quest XI (2D Mode) (2017)
Most traditional RPGs, especially JRPGs, recognize that their 16-bit era was their golden age. And even though the Dragon Quest franchise has seen many updates and has jumped through many of the same hoops as its peers, the series still returned to its roots with Dragon Quest XI's 2D mode.
The standard version is without a doubt an absolutely gorgeous vision of a traditional swords-and-sorcery fantasy with absolutely breathtaking visuals, but the 2D mode reflects the undying nature of the classic series. When gamers hear the term "JRPG," this should be the image that comes to mind.
Donkey Kong Country (1994)
While its visuals might be somewhat dated by today's standards, Rare's design for Donkey Kong Country and its sequels were truly ahead of the game. Though only slightly pixelated, the designs and character models for the game do look three-dimensional and less like their bit-sprite brethren.
That being said, it's highly unlikely that most modern developers will return to this aesthetic choice anytime soon. But at least it helped display what 16-bit can do.
CrossCode (2015)
The indie faction of the gaming industry is absolutely bursting with retro-inspired titles, but one of the most beautiful games that truly understood what the era was all about has to be CrossCode. The game takes the top-down adventure formula of a Zelda game but mixes it with a futuristic sci-fi element seen in games like Phantasy Star, creating a unique yet familiar hybrid.
It's a gorgeous quest that feels like it would be right at home with the best the SNES had to offer, but it still maintains modern mechanics. Simply put, Radical Fish Games understood the assignment.
Yoshi’s Island (1995)
There's a certain underappreciated element to Yoshi's Island on the SNES. While its graphics and visuals are deceptively childlike, behind all the Shy Guys, fluffy clouds, and crayon-inspired color palate lies a truly ingenious and enjoyable platforming experience.
Coming off the heels of Super Mario World, the game offers a different twist on the traditional Mario formula by not only introducing Yoshi as the main character but providing larger and more complex levels to explore. It's packed to the brim with personality and fun that deserves more acclaim.
Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past (1991)
The Zelda games have been longtime favorites since Link first stepped onto consoles in the '80s, but A Link To The Past is a title that has held a heavy influence on dozens of titles that followed. Although it relied on the top-down style of the original, it was one of the first games that truly realized the kingdom of Hyrule on a visual level.
Although the purple hair was an odd design choice, the formula, puzzles, and bosses all came together in perfect harmony to create a fantasy quest with a 16-bit style. Since then, games like Blossom Tales and Hyper Light Drifter have followed Link's call to adventure.
Sonic Mania (2017)
Those who grew up with Sonic the Hedgehog will know that his career took an odd turn once he and his Mobian friends crossed over into 3D games. Both Sega and the fans know that Sonic does his best work when he's right at home in a fast-paced platformer, thus Sonic Mania was born.
The game essentially offers the best of the best of Sonic's classic titles. From Green Hill Zone to Metallic Madness, longtime fans of the Blue Blur will have plenty to love.
Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night (1997)
Symphony of the Night was a very ambitious title for the Castlevania series that not only redefined the series but helped shape the age of Metroidvanias. At the time, it had one of the biggest worlds presented in a platform game, especially considering the second half turns Dracula's castle completely upside down.
Needless to say, the game has more than a sterling reputation. Through its gothic imagery, solid combat, and immense exploration elements, it's become the standard by which many Metroidvanias are judged.
Chrono Trigger (1995)
Considered by many to be one of the greatest RPGs ever made, Chrono Trigger truly pushed the envelope as to what the genre could do. Blending so many themes and motifs such as sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk, and historical fiction together resulted in one of the most distinctive titles on the SNES.
With so many flavors of epicness, multiple endings, and various paths to adventure, it's no wonder the game has cultivated such a reputation. And all with a classic visual style seen in many of Square's established RPG hits.
Super Mario World (1990)
Mario has probably the longest and most expansive career out of any video game character but if there was one title that everyone should play, it has to be Super Mario World. The launch title for the SNES was one of the sharpest and most imaginative platformers of the era, and elements of Mario's adventure in Dinosaur Land continue to appear in his games decades later.
It was the plumber's definitive adventure, sporting the acrobatic platforming and expansive worlds that the series is known for today. For fans that didn't grow up in the '80s, this is perhaps one of the best starting points to pick up Nintendo's landmark franchise.
Super Metroid (1994)
While the original game on the NES might have introduced players to Samus Aran and her adventures across the galaxy, Super Metroid defined her position and power with one of the most impressive 16-bit titles around. Considered by many to be a crowning achievement for the SNES, Super Metroid set a new standard for gaming.
The first half of the Metroidvania title, Samus's trip to the planet Zebes is an incredibly atmospheric experience reminiscent of one of the Alien films. The isolated environments and monsters around every corner of its twisting and turning world truly grant the players a surprisingly immersive experience from a 16-bit title.