Hey everyone! As many of you know (or for those who don’t), I consider myself to be somewhat of a nerd, haha! I grew up playing video games. I have always loved the escape that they’ve provided me. And they actually hold a special place in my heart because my grandma actually was the one that taught me how to play them. So many of my cherished childhood memories with my grandma involve video games. She had a little back room at her house where we would sit and eat Nacho Cheese Doritos with Fritos Bean Dip while we played Mario, Tomb Raider, Donkey Kong and more. We would play for hours and hours until my grandpa came back to check if we were still alive back there, haha!
My grandma was one of the most important people in my life. I truly believe that she shaped the person I am today when she introduced me to The Lion King on Sega Genesis. And it just went on from there. So, I’ve decided to dedicate this post to her. So let’s get to it. In this post, I’ll talk about my top ten favorite video games for the Sega Genesis or Super Nintendo. Also, just as a side note, some of these games I still have and play on either my Nintendo Switch or on our Retro-bit Super Retro Trio HD which allows you to play NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis games all on one system!
Video Games #10-8
10. Earthworm Jim – Sega Genesis
This action/ shooter game was one that I remember playing a lot not only with my grandma but with my uncle. I remember this game for the weird elements that it had like using Jim’s head like a whip or a helicopter and the funny catchphrases that he had. It was just a weird and out there game that I played for hours.
9. Super Mario World – SNES
Super Mario World is actually the game where Yoshi was introduced to the Super Mario franchise!
8. Bubsy – SNES
This is another game that I grew up playing with my grandma, mom, sisters, etc. We all loved this game and even had all of the codes for the levels written in a notebook, haha! This is one of those side scroller games that is silly and perfect for young kids or adults alike.
Video Games 7-5
7. Shining Force – Sega Genesis
This game is a turn-based strategy meets RPG game. Essentially, throughout the game you’re fighting to gain allies for the Shining Force so that you are able to defeat Kane and Darksol who are invading the land of Rune. This was one of the games I actually played with my dad and watched him play a lot.
6. Super Mario RPG – SNES
This game was one of the first video games I actually remember watching my grandma open for Christmas. It is also turn-based and takes a different approach to the same Mario storyline we all know and love.
5. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island – SNES
This game was one I played ALL THE TIME. Basically, this is the prequel to Super Mario World where you star as Yoshi and you are taking Baby Mario to rescue Baby Luigi who has been kidnapped by Baby Bowser. This is another perfect game for younger kids.
Video Games 4-3
4. Sonic the Hedgehog 2– Sega Genesis
This game was another one that I started out played at my grandma’s and I would borrow it all the time from her. In this game, Sonic, with his special dash ability, and Tails, with his ability to fly, team up to try to defeat Dr. Robotnik.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – SNES
My grandma actually had this game still in the box along with several others. But this is one of the games I was supposed to inherit from her. In this game, you play as Link who is trying to rescue Princess Zelda and the Seven Sages from the evil forces of Ganon, the main villain in the Zelda series.
Video Games 2-1
2. Donkey Kong Country 2 – SNES
Donkey Kong Country 2 is probably my all time favorite game in the entire Donkey Kong series. In this game, you play as Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong while you move from land to land trying to defeat Kaptain K. Rool who has captured Donkey Kong. My all time favorite levels in this game are the roller coaster ones.
1. Super Mario All Stars – SNES
This is my all time favorite SNES game because it combines so many of the old NES Mario games into one. My absolute favorite was playing Super Mario 3. I remember my grandma used to get so mad because us grandkids would use the flute to warp to different worlds and she thought we were cheating.
Honorable Mentions
These games just barely missed the cut but are still great games that bring back lots of memories for me.
1. Disney Video Games – Aladdin, The Lion King, Toy Story, The Magical Quest: Starring Mickey Mouse
(I do not own the rights to any of these images.) There are too many great Disney games to list them all individually in this post, but I think these all are at the top of my honorable mentions. I spent SO long playing all of these games when I was younger. Some of them I still play to this day!
2. Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose
This was one I remember my mom actually playing a lot. In this game you play as Buster from Tiny Toon Adventures in different situations presented like you’re making a movie. Some of the levels in this game feature a haunted house, a football game, the wild West and more.
3. Mortal Kombat II
I love the Mortal Kombat franchise. My favorite characters to play were always Kitana or Mileena. I eventually went from playing this to playing the Playstation version which is a lot of fun too.
4. Paperboy 2
This is a fun game to just pass time. It’s a top scrolling game where you try to deliver newspapers to the neighborhood without breaking windows, getting bit by dogs, or getting run over by stray lawn mowers or baby carriages. It’s a silly game that kept me occupied for hours.
5. Speedy Gonzales: Los Gatos Bandidos
Now, I know there is some controversy about this character from the Looney Toons franchise. However, this was still a fun game that I played for hours and hours as a kid. In this game you play as Speedy Gonzales who is trying to free other mice throughout different areas. The mice have been captured by a group of cats called Los Gatos Bandidos.
In Summary
These video games are so special to me because they bring back so many childhood memories. I remember playing them all the time with my grandma. She loved video games and introduced me to them. She made me the person I am today through sharing her love of new technology with me.
Which games are your favorite? Comment down below to let me know! Also, if you enjoyed reading this, make sure you subscribe to Growing Up Garlicky. You can also find other great posts on my Fun and More page or check out any of the links posted below. Thanks everyone!
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