The Super NES was the successor to the popular 8-bit NES, which left it with something to live up to. It was the second 16-bit console of the time, along with Sega's Megadrive.
Technically, it was the most advanced of the two. It boasted 3d capabilities, with a fx chip, and also had special effects like mode 7. Ultimately, there was a disparity between them, and the more advanced Super NES games could not be rivalled.
The overall speed of the Super NES games was a little slower however. This was one area, that slight slow downs in faster paced games could effect the game-play a little bit. It was not however, a serious issue.
Upon launch, the Super NES had the first and possibly best Mario game, Super Mario World. This was Mario in 16 bit for the first time, and introduced Yoshi the dinosaur along with capes and less linear levels. For me, it was the finest 2d platform games of the era.
This would give the console a sound basis for further great games by Nintendo and others. Star Fox would show case the 3d graphics of the console, in a star ship shooting game. Super Mario Kart, would go down a classic racing game, with Mario characters racing against each other via a number of tracks using mode 7. It was undoubtedly one of the consoles best games. Another, had to be Zelda a Link to the Past, which was one of the consoles biggest hits.
The console did not lack third party support either, once the obvious potential of the console was recognised. Square would release some great rpg games, like Secret of Mana. Konami were a big supporter, and provided a variety of good game titles like Turtles, and Mega Man. You cannot forget the big impact Capcom had either, with their perfect conversion of the arcade hit Street Fighter 2, which would become one of the big sellers for the Super NES. Street Fighter 2, Turbo and Super Street Fighter gave the console easily the best combat games, which many believe was a factor in its popularity.
Later, Rare's Donkey Kong Country would demonstrate what the console could really do. Not groundbreaking original, but graphically it was par excellence for a 16-bit machine with detailed rendering and backdrops. The game was a big hit, and would lead to further sequels.
The one thing you can say is that the price of certain more advanced titles could reach as much as 70 pounds. Even in a cartridge based era, this was overly steep and legal pressure actually pushed them down a little.
However, given its technical superiority, despite some competition, it generally became the 16-bit console of choice. With the strong Nintendo games, supported by a good amount of third party titles, it provided good choice and quality games. It proved itself to be the best 16-bit console ever.
