99 Stakes

Learn About the Game 99 Stakes

Have you ever stumbled across a hidden gem on the Super Nintendo that makes you wonder how you lived without it? That’s exactly the feeling I got the first time I booted up 99 Stakes. It’s one of those side-scrolling beat ’em ups that doesn’t shout about itself with flashy marketing, but quietly wins you over with its simple charm. You and a friend can pick from four distinct warrior archetypes—each with unique strengths and weaknesses—and wade into hordes of enemies across a series of medieval fantasy stages.

What really sets this game apart is the way it lets you customize your knights mid-adventure. Between levels, you can visit a shop and spend coins on better weapons, armor, and items to buff your attacks or heal your wounds. It turns the usual beat ’em up formula into something that feels more strategic than button-mashing alone. Planning whether to upgrade your axe or shell out for extra health potions becomes a genuine dilemma—one that could mean the difference between conquering the next boss or starting the level all over again.

The progression is satisfyingly paced, too. You’re never overwhelmed with enemies at the start, but by the time you’re fighting waves of armored soldiers and giant ogres, you’ll be grateful you spent those coins wisely. And when you do hit a rough spot, teaming up with a friend makes the game feel cooperative rather than competitive. There’s a real sense of camaraderie when you pull off a double-knockdown combo or revive each other from a near-death wobble.

If you’re in the mood for some nostalgic couch co-op or you’ve been hunting for a SNES title you haven’t played a dozen times already, 99 Stakes deserves a spot in your lineup. It might not have the big name recognition of some of its genre peers, but its blend of progression, teamwork, and straightforward action makes it one of those rare finds that keeps you coming back for “just one more playthrough.”