What are the best overlooked 8/16-bit classics for a retro setup?

[William72]

I'm setting up a dedicated retro gaming corner with a CRT and my old consoles, and I want to curate a definitive list of must-play classics beyond the usual Mario and Zelda titles everyone mentions. I'm particularly interested in discovering the best retro games of all time from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras that have exceptional gameplay mechanics or atmosphere that still holds up today, regardless of their commercial success at the time. I recently played through Chrono Trigger for the first time and was blown away, which made me realize how many gems I might have missed. What are your personal, perhaps less obvious, favorites from systems like the SNES, Genesis, or even earlier that you think every enthusiast should experience? I'm looking for games with tight controls, inventive design, and that special magic that makes them timeless.