16-BIT KONAMI GAMES
KONAMI WAS ON FIRE DURING THE NINETIES, RELEASING A SOLID NUMBER OF HITS ACROSS THE SNES AND MEGA DRIVE. HERE ARE TEN WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
SUPER CASTLEVANIA IV
■ It may just be a reboot of the original NES classic, but it’s a reboot that is filled with memorable boss encounters, some genuinely mesmerising setpieces (that spinning tunnel, travelling across the swinging chandeliers) and plenty of Mode 7 trickery. While its graphics can sometimes feel overly gaudy, it boasts one of the finest soundtracks you’ll hear on the SNES.
AXELAY
■ While the SNES is often criticised for its weak shmup library, offerings like Axelay still prove said library shouldn’t be ignored. A fusion of traditional side-on stages and thrilling into-the-screen levels, Axelay is not only a masterpiece of game design and challenging boss battles but also stands out due to its sensational aesthetics. It’s criminal that the promised sequel never appeared.