Star Fox Classic
Best Super Nintendo shoot 'em ups
The Matrix has 57 shoot 'em ups on file for the Super Nintendo, released between 1991–1997. 25 of them support multiplayer, including 6 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the SNES come first, with lesser-known picks further down.
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Typical commitment: quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun). Tip: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Space Invaders Classic
Contra III: The Alien Wars Classic Co-op
Desert Strike Classic
Zombies Ate My Neighbors Classic Co-op
Super R-Type Classic
Pocky & Rocky Co-op
U.N. Squadron Co-op
Ghoul Patrol Co-op
Sunset Riders Co-op
A.S.P. Air Strike Patrol Deep cut
Cannon Fodder Deep cut
Choplifter III Deep cut
Cosmo Gang the Video Deep cut
Darius Force Deep cut
Hyper Zone Deep cut
Pop'n TwinBee Deep cut
R-Type III: The Third Lightning Deep cut
Strike Gunner S.T.G Deep cut
Super SWIV Deep cut
Air Cavalry Deep cut
BlaZeon Deep cut
Jungle Strike Deep cut
Operation Thunderbolt Deep cut
Parodius! From Myth to Laughter Deep cut
Spriggan Powered Deep cut
Tin Star Deep cut
X-Zone Deep cut
Acrobat Mission Deep cut
Galaxy Wars Deep cut
Ganpuru: Gunman's Proof Deep cut
Shien's Revenge Deep cut
Syvalion Deep cut
The Hunt for Red October Deep cut
Caravan Shooting Collection Deep cut
Feudal Bros: Tonosama #1 Deep cut
