In 1995, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was still Nintendo’s premier console. However, the Nintendo 64 was released a year later. Therefore, ’95 pretty much served as the end of the SNES era.
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Well, various developers made sure the console didn’t go out with a whimper, as a lot of good games were released for the system during the year. Plus, there were some solid Game Boy titles, too. So, overall, Nintendo had a decent year in terms of games. Now, all of those titles are about to turn 30 years old. Here are some of the most notable ones hitting that landmark.
8
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
- Released
-
October 4, 1995
- Developer(s)
-
Nintendo EAD
- Publisher(s)
-
Nintendo
- ESRB
-
E For Everyone
By this point, the world has seen plenty of games where Yoshi serves as the main character, but the first was Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. The character of Yoshi had debuted in Super Mario World as an ally to Mario, but the sequel made Yoshi the star.
In this platformer, the green dinosaur goes on an adventure to reunite Mario with his brother Luigi. The red hero needs Yoshi’s help because he’s only a baby, as this is a prequel. So, the style of gameplay isn’t what you traditionally see in a Mario game, as the little dinosaur plays differently from the plumber. However, the gameplay remains at the same high standard.
7
International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
FIFA did exist in the mid-90s, but the series was still in its infancy. Therefore, other football (aka soccer) games had a chance at being number one. Two titles that gave it a decent shot were International Superstar Soccer and its sequel, International Superstar Soccer Deluxe.
The Deluxe one came out in 1995, and it provides an enjoyable football simulation. Of course, it isn’t as deep or visually appealing as modern football games. Yet, it was really good for its time, and many people still remember it fondly.
6
Secret Of Evermore
Secret of Evermore
- Released
-
October 1, 1995
- Developer(s)
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Square Enix
- ESRB
-
e
Square (the predecessor to Square Enix) released some really good games in 1995, including the action RPG Secret of Evermore. This title isn’t one of their most well-known projects, especially these days, but it was an amazing game for its time.
It revolves around a boy and his shapeshifting dog who explore Evermore, which is a world consisting of distinct realms. Upon release, it was praised for its impressive graphics and art style, even if it’s fair to say they haven’t aged perfectly. Yet, the story still holds up well.
5
Mega Man 7
Mega Man 7
- Released
-
March 24, 1995
- ESRB
-
e
The Mega Man series had been already around for a while by 1995, and was starting to show its age by the time Mega Man 7 rolled around. As such, it didn’t get completely rave reviews upon release. Yet, it’s still a terrific game and one of the best titles to land on a Nintendo console in 1995.
Like the other games, it’s a 2D side-scrolling adventure that mixes platforming sections with a bit of action. It doesn’t re-invent the Mega Man wheel, but it’s an enjoyable game nonetheless.
4
Final Fight 3
For those in the West, Final Fight 3 wasn’t released until 1996, but it did come out in ’95 for those in Japan. Like others in the series, it did not live up to its title, as this wasn’t the ‘final’ fight since more games came out after it. That said, Final Fight 3 did feel like the last true Final Fight game.
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As with its predecessors, the game is a 2D side-scrolling beat ’em-up without much story and context to what you’re doing. You just need to progress forward and beat up anyone in your way. This premise works well and is plenty of fun.
3
Kirby’s Dream Land 2
Kirby’s Dream Land 2
- Released
-
March 21, 1995
- Developer(s)
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HAL Laboratory
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- ESRB
-
E
Kirby only debuted in 1992, so the round, pink hero was still a relatively new character by the time Kirby’s Dream Land 2 was released in 1995. Therefore, this game helped raise the profile of the future star.
It’s a classic 2D Kirby platformer, so there is plenty of running, jumping, flying, and, of course, inhaling things. The protagonist can make use of several different abilities and can use a few animal friends for assistance, too. While it might not be the best Kirby game of all time, it’s a solid entry that was a big improvement over the original title.
2
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest
- Released
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November 20, 1995
- Developer
-
Rare
- Publisher
-
Rare
- ESRB
-
t
In 1995, Gamers were treated to one of the best Donkey Kong games ever in the form of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. Interestingly, it’s also one of the few titles that do not include Donkey Kong as the protagonist.
Instead, he serves as a damsel in distress or, more accurately, an ape in need of assistance. So, you play as Diddy and Dixie Kong, who make their way through a litany of exciting and well-designed levels to save the face of the series. Despite the lack of Donkey Kong in the lead role, it’s a classic platformer.
1
Chrono Trigger
- Released
-
March 11, 1995
- ESRB
-
T for Teen: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
The most highly regarded Nintendo game to come out in 1995 was Chrono Trigger. It’s still regarded as one of the best RPGs ever. Even games today that cost far more and are technically superior struggle to match the greatness of Chrono Trigger.
Part of the game’s brilliance comes from it’s characters. Each one of the main crew is entertaining and well-written. As such, they each help make the overall narrative even more captivating. On top of that, Chrono Trigger has a fantastic soundtrack, solid combat, and a stunning art style. So, the game basically ticks every box required for an exceptional role-playing game.
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