Super Strike Gunner is one of those SNES shooters that flew under the radar but still packs a solid punch. You're piloting this beefy fighter jet, blasting through waves of enemy crafts and dodging bullet hell patterns before they even called it "bullet hell." The first stage throws you right into the action—no lengthy tutorials, just you, a spread shot, and some surprisingly aggressive enemy formations.

What I like is how it balances arcade-style chaos with tight controls. Your ship moves just right—not too floaty, not too stiff—and the power-ups actually feel worth grabbing. The music’s got that classic SNES synth-rock vibe, too. Not gonna lie, some of the later levels get brutal, but in that satisfying "one more try" way.

If you’re into 16-bit shooters that don’t hold your hand, this one’s a solid pick.