Mazinger Z on SNES is one of those classic anime-to-game adaptations that actually gets the vibe right. You play as Kouji Kabuto piloting the iconic mech, smashing through Dr. Hell's forces with rocket punches and breast fires (yes, that's really an attack). The controls feel a bit stiff at first—typical for early 90s platformers—but once you get used to the weight of the mech, plowing through enemy robots is oddly satisfying.

Levels alternate between side-scrolling action and these weird first-person shooter segments where you blast incoming missiles. The sprite work nails the retro anime aesthetic, though some of the enemy designs look like they were pulled straight from a Saturday morning cartoon. Fair warning: the difficulty spikes hard around the third stage when those bat-winged mechs show up.

If you grew up with the manga or just love chunky retro mecha games, this one's a solid time capsule.