Top 16 Bit Games: A Collection of Classics

I never thought I'd write a "top ten" list, but I figure that out of the over three hundred articles I've written for this site I'd be safe with this list that will probably contain around ten entries. 16 bit systems are certainly a thing of the past, a relic of the early 1990s that someone with an X-Box would think came out of the 1970s. However, the 16 Bit systems (namely Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo) were responsible for some of the most enjoyable and visually impressive games of all time. This list is devoted to naming and giving honor to some of the best in the bunch. They are in no particular order.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

The Sonic franchise was not only Sega's answer to the immensely popular Mario Brothers franchise, but also contained that company's most enduring characters. At its core, Sonic the Hedgehog was essentially Mario, but faster. A lot faster. The 360 degree loops, the breakneck speed, the pinball-like hedgehog, and a wonderfully interactive world gave gamers a new dimension into gaming. Sonic 2 improved by leaps and bounds over the original Sonic the Hedgehog by creating massive and diverse levels, a challenging new special stage, and a ridiculously fun two player head-to-head mode. Released right around the time Super Nintendo entered the 16 bit scene, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 remains a milestone in gaming.

Donkey Kong Country

This game probably still deserves the title of most visually gorgeous game ever made. The folks at Rareware were universally lauded as visual geniuses for creating such a lush world. The rendering techniques, shading, lighting, and faux-3D made Donkey Kong Country a game that visually dwarfed anything that had previously been released on any console system. This game isn't just eye candy though. It is one of Nintendo's most challenging games and contains over a hundred unique levels that will test a gamer's thumbwork and problem-solving to the bitter end. A huge plethora of secret areas and levels ups the replay value on this gem even higher.

Sonic and Knuckles