Summary
Sometimes it’s nice to play a game that brings out our inner child, feeling pangs of nostalgia for simpler times with no jobs, taxes, and other responsibilities. That’s not to say that games where players control children can’t be impactful, as one need look no further than the likes ofBrothers: A Tale of Two SonsandThis War Of Mine.
Nintendo’s juggernaut console of the early 1990s, the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), is home to several games with child protagonists which are fondly remembered to this day. From movie tie-ins to some pioneering classics, there are some much-acclaimed titles, ranked here by their general popularity and influence.
10Magic Boy
A Magical Platformer
The star of 1993’sMagic Boyis a young wizard’s apprentice called Hewlett, who must help his master return to human form.A 2D platformerwith 32 levels and 32 bonus levels, there is nothing particularly revolutionary about the game, but nothing wrong with it either.
Across the four game worlds: Sand Land, Wet World, Plastic Place and Future World, Hewlett must stun enemies with his magic wand and throw them into the basement below. The art style is vibrant and there are plenty of collectibles and power-ups on offer, so this may appeal to a few platforming fans.
9Home Alone
A Peculiar Movie Tie-In
The wildlypopular Christmas filmwas ported to many different platforms, each with slightly different gameplay, but roughly the same idea of avoiding Harry and Marv, while setting traps to stop them from burgling the family home. The SNES version includes some platforming with spiders and ghosts to evade, and a boss battle in the basement.
Kevin McCallister is the child protagonist in question inHome Alone, and he went on to star in the far inferior sequel game too. Many reviewers were critical of the game, especially the high price point at the time, but it’s a fun time for players who want to control young Kevin and foil the plans of the “Wet Bandits.”
8Pinocchio
A Real Puzzle
Another movie tie-in game, this time coming over five decades after the classic Disney animation of the same name,Pinocchioloosely follows the story of the film. The young wooden marionette must do good deeds and save the carpenter who created him, Geppetto, as he hopes to one day become a real boy.
Reviews varied between mixed and positive, with many feeling that the game lacked challenge or substance. The short length also caused some gripes, but overall, it’s a safe and solid platformer aimed mostly at children and players looking for a more laid back experience. The story is timeless, and the soundtrack is pleasant, as expected.
7Madou Monogatari: Hanamaru Daiyouchienji
Japan Exclusive Magical Adventure
While it may appear to be a regular JRPG with its turn-based combat and cutesy aesthetic,Madou Monogatari: Hanamaru Daiyouchienjiwentagainst conventions of the timeto create something more unique. Controlling 6-year-old Arle Nadja, players will wield her magic to fight monsters as she seeks eight Secret Stones that can grant a wish.
Unofficial translations are available, but the majority of the story is told through images anyway, and Arle’s stats, such as health and magic, are shown with images at the bottom of the screen. Some players may recognize characters fromPuyo Puyo, which interestingly originate from this series.
6Soccer Kid
Association Football Youth
Platforming isnot the obvious choicewhen it comes to translating the beautiful game to a video game, but somehowSoccer Kidachieved this back in 1993. Also known asKid Kleets, the titular character must traverse three levels in each of England, Japan, Italy, Russia and the United States, while collecting pieces of the broken World Cup and some soccer cards.
Just to add to the weirdness, the primary antagonist is a pirate alien called Scab, who broke the famous trophy in his attempt to steal it. While this game may not appeal to all soccer fans, it’s certainly a unique spin on the genre, allowing players to bicycle kick and header their way to victory against enemies.
5An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
The Best Movie Tie-In With A Child Protagonist On SNES
At around 12-years of age, young Fievel Mousekewitz ofAn American Tail: Fievel Goes Westis one of the older protagonists on this list. Star of the film of the same name, he strives to save his family from the evil Cat R. Waul, wielding a pop gun to fight off enemies in the Wild West in the 1890s in this platforming game.
Despite being aimed at younger children, it is slightly difficult at times, perhaps frustratingly so. The background details were praised, as well as the attractive art-style and smooth controls, and of the movie tie-ins on offer with child protagonists, this is certainly the best.
Many may take issue with the inclusion of Relm Arrowny on this list, as she is merely one of fourteen playable characters inFinal Fantasy 6, but the game was developed with the idea that they are all main characters.At just 10-years-oldand being arguably the most powerful mage in the game, she is quite popular withFinal Fantasyfans.
Aside from Relm’s credentials as a child protagonist,Final Fantasy 6is a superb game and is essential for any JRPG aficionado. While it may live in the shadow of the seventh mainline entry in the series, many fans will argue that this is one of the best, if not the best,Final Fantasygames.
Another controversial entry, since Baby Mario is not necessarily the protagonist, but the story is all about reuniting him with his brother Luigi after the latter was kidnapped by Kamek. The other star ofSuper Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Islandis potentially a child too, with many arguing the dinosaur’s age to be around 12 in this game.
As anall-time classic platforming game, it has to be included and would probably upset many people if it wasn’t. Spawning theYoshispin-off series and being the last 2D platformer in theMarioseries for over a decade, it was heralded as one of the greatest games ever made at the time, which many would still argue to this day.
Another game to subvert many JRPG traditions,EarthBoundtells the story of Ness and his ensemble cast of friends, all in their teenage years, as they battle the likes of piles of vomit and aliens. A sequel toMother, which was initially released exclusively in Japan, it didn’t immediately catch on in North America, becoming a cult classic.
The cast of characters is particularly praised in this game, and Ness is a fan favorite combatant in theSuper Smash Bros.series. Apart from that, every aspect of the game is lauded, from the setting, humor and story to the sublime soundtrack, so it’s no wonder the game earned high ratings from reviewers.
The boy who never grows up, Link, is said to be a teenager inThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, where he must once again save the kingdom of Hyrule. Link, the chosen hero, mustobtain the Master Swordand defeat the demon king Ganon, who has been imprisoned in the Sacred Realm, corrupting it and transforming it into the Dark World.
Returning to the top-down format of the much beloved first game, this was an instant hit and introduced many staples of the series going forward, such as the aforementioned Master Sword. Often placed highly in lists of the best SNES games, Nintendo games, or all video games, it is a must-play title for anyone wanting to take control of a child protagonist.
