10 Nintendo Franchises That DESERVE A Comeback
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VOICE OVER: Johnny Reynolds
WRITTEN BY: Johnny Reynolds
It's an unfortunate fact that Nintendo is sitting on far too many great, dormant IPs that deserve a comeback. For this list, we'll be looking at Nintendo franchises that have been gone from the spotlight for too long. Our list includes the “Kid Icarus” Series (1987-2012), the “F-Zero” Series (1991-2004), the “Wave Race” Series (1992-2001), “Sin and Punishment” Series (2000-10), and more!
Script written by Johnny Reynolds
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re showcasing 10 Nintendo Franchises That Deserve A Comeback. Nintendo has a ton of great franchises, but for this list, we’ll be looking at those that have been gone from the spotlight for too long. Which Nintendo IP do you want to see return the most? Is there one we left off? Share your thoughts in the comments!
To be fair, “Star Fox” has received a new entry more recently than most other dormant series. But that was the Super Nintendo title, “Star Fox 2,” released 22 years after cancellation. Before that was 2016’s “Star Fox Zero,” which we don’t think is controversial to call nobody’s favorite. And that was the first new entry in 10 years. “Star Fox” is a terrific space-fairing, rail-shooter series, and we don’t just mean the crown jewel that is “Star Fox 64.” There are plenty of ways Nintendo could branch out and freshen things up while retaining what makes the series great. Switch players did get “Star Fox'' missions and characters in Ubisoft’s “Starlink,” but they were shoehorned into the plot and only made us hunger for a new game more.
Nintendo seems to be content on only making sports games that star Mario at the moment, despite owning several great ones like the “1080°” series. But if we could choose one sports series to return, it would be “Wave Race.” Although it’s only received three games, they’re each boatloads of fun. The N64 entry was a blast to play, with its pristine water physics offering a greater challenge than one might think. The GameCube’s “Blue Storm” didn’t exactly break the mold save for a unique weather system, but we still poured hours into it. Perhaps a jet ski racing game would be a hard sell that Nintendo would rather not deal with. But we would be there to support it on Day 1.
Don’t get us wrong, “Arms” was a surprisingly fun alternative. It both sold and reviewed well, so who knows if Nintendo would consider a new “Punch-Out!!” over a sequel. But logic doesn’t always play into what we want, which is to see Little Mac return and whoop all kinds of butt in the arena. Ever since the original, players have enjoyed taking the underdog up against intimidating boxers with unique fighting patterns. The satisfaction of mastering and overcoming each of those patterns is what makes each game so much fun to play. The series has been quiet since the Wii era. But as Nintendo purchased that entry’s developer, Next Level Games, in 2021, we’re still holding out hope it will return someday soon.
“Star Fox” may be Nintendo’s most popular rail shooter series, but it’s not the only great one. The original “Sin and Punishment” on the N64 didn’t receive an American release until Wii’s virtual console, letting more experience how awesome it really was. It then got an equally well-received sequel on the same console in “Star Successor” and then…nothing. Critical darlings don’t always sell well, which is likely why we’ve never gotten a third game. Additionally, it’s not as if the rail-shooter genre is exactly hot right now. But some developers have successfully managed to blend it with other elements, like PlatinumGames’ “Nier: Automata.” The gameplay of “Sin and Punishment” is fast, frantic, and undeniably cool, so we’d hate to see it fall further into obscurity.
The NES’ “Kid Icarus” seemed like it could’ve spawned its own decades-spanning franchise like many other games of the console. While it technically did, it’s only ever gotten two sequels: a 1991 Game Boy entry and the 3DS’ “Uprising.” To us, that is a genuine shame. The original was an early example of combining video games with Greek Mythology, an aspect the franchise sadly didn’t get a chance to truly capitalize on while others did. 2012’s “Uprising” was a really great revival; the quick-paced action was invigorating and Pit received much-needed characterization as a charming jokester who constantly broke the 4th wall. Maybe Nintendo thinks it’s too niche to take a chance on, but the series certainly has a passionate cult following.
We admit the chances of “Chibi-Robo!” making a return anytime soon is pretty slim, but that in no way diminishes our desire to see it make a comeback. Debuting on the GameCube, the original put you in the shoes of a tiny, adorable robot. You’d wander around a house, helping the family who lived there as well as a bunch of toys. Needless to say, it was overflowing with charm and kept players smiling throughout. It got a DS sequel two years later, placing the fun outdoors. Sadly, the last two games in the series deviated from the formula; “Photo Finder” focused heavily on the 3DS’ AR feature while “Zip Lash” was an action sidescroller. Neither sold or reviewed particularly well, but we’d welcome a return to form with open arms.
We’re sure there’s a great number of non-casual gamers who don’t care to see the return of “Nintendogs.” But from a simple money-making standpoint, we’re completely confused as to why the series was cut down in its prime. The DS entry came in several different versions, each coming with different adorable pups for you to start with. The cute activities completely sucked players in, leading to a sequel on the 3DS that let cat people join in on the fun. Collectively, these games sold over 28 million copies, making it a better seller than “Yoshi,” “Metroid,” and “Fire Emblem.” With the Switch’s better graphics and gameplay advancements, we know Nintendo could craft a worthy new entry and that it would sell like hotcakes.
Of all the forgotten IPs in Nintendo’s catalog, “F-Zero” is one fans bring up more often than most. One particular fan even purchased $40,000 worth of stock in 2022 just so they could ask Nintendo about it. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, “F-Zero” was the intensely fast and highly difficult alternative to Nintendo’s other racers. While Captain Falcon has continued to thrive in “Super Smash Bros.,” his series hasn’t been seen since the GBA’s Japan-only “Climax” in 2004. The previous year saw the release of what is arguably the best in the series, “F-Zero GX” on the GameCube. There have been several spiritual successors over the years, but we’d really love to see Cap back on the track.
There are already a TON of great RPG franchises on Switch, but we believe there’s always room for more. “Golden Sun” got three games across the Game Boy Advance and DS and they were all genuinely great when it came to its turn-based combat, puzzle mechanics, and world-building. Since 2010’s “Dark Dawn,” developer Camelot has stuck to making entries in the “Mario Golf” and “Tennis” franchises. But it would be fantastic to see the studio get to tackle something with more meat. One could argue that with big names like “Fire Emblem” and “Xenoblade,” as well as more niche titles like “Live Alive” and “Triangle Strategy,” that the genre is a bit crowded. But as they’ve each found success, we’d say “Golden Sun” could, too.
There was a time when the “Mother” series was underappreciated, but that time has long since passed. “EarthBound,” the second entry in the series, is one of the most beloved RPGs in existence, let alone among those owned by Nintendo. When “Mother 3” wasn’t brought to the US, fans took it upon themselves to translate it. Those who love this series love it with all their being, such as Toby Fox, who was inspired by it to create “Undertale.” Since that’s one of the most popular indie games of the last decade, we have no idea why Nintendo hasn’t yet capitalized on it. There’s clearly a market for the “Mother” series to do well in. And we are far from the only ones who would eat up a new entry.
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re showcasing 10 Nintendo Franchises That Deserve A Comeback. Nintendo has a ton of great franchises, but for this list, we’ll be looking at those that have been gone from the spotlight for too long. Which Nintendo IP do you want to see return the most? Is there one we left off? Share your thoughts in the comments!
“Star Fox” Series (1993-2017)
To be fair, “Star Fox” has received a new entry more recently than most other dormant series. But that was the Super Nintendo title, “Star Fox 2,” released 22 years after cancellation. Before that was 2016’s “Star Fox Zero,” which we don’t think is controversial to call nobody’s favorite. And that was the first new entry in 10 years. “Star Fox” is a terrific space-fairing, rail-shooter series, and we don’t just mean the crown jewel that is “Star Fox 64.” There are plenty of ways Nintendo could branch out and freshen things up while retaining what makes the series great. Switch players did get “Star Fox'' missions and characters in Ubisoft’s “Starlink,” but they were shoehorned into the plot and only made us hunger for a new game more.
“Wave Race” Series (1992-2001)
Nintendo seems to be content on only making sports games that star Mario at the moment, despite owning several great ones like the “1080°” series. But if we could choose one sports series to return, it would be “Wave Race.” Although it’s only received three games, they’re each boatloads of fun. The N64 entry was a blast to play, with its pristine water physics offering a greater challenge than one might think. The GameCube’s “Blue Storm” didn’t exactly break the mold save for a unique weather system, but we still poured hours into it. Perhaps a jet ski racing game would be a hard sell that Nintendo would rather not deal with. But we would be there to support it on Day 1.
“Punch-Out!!” Series (1984-2009)
Don’t get us wrong, “Arms” was a surprisingly fun alternative. It both sold and reviewed well, so who knows if Nintendo would consider a new “Punch-Out!!” over a sequel. But logic doesn’t always play into what we want, which is to see Little Mac return and whoop all kinds of butt in the arena. Ever since the original, players have enjoyed taking the underdog up against intimidating boxers with unique fighting patterns. The satisfaction of mastering and overcoming each of those patterns is what makes each game so much fun to play. The series has been quiet since the Wii era. But as Nintendo purchased that entry’s developer, Next Level Games, in 2021, we’re still holding out hope it will return someday soon.
“Sin and Punishment” Series (2000-10)
“Star Fox” may be Nintendo’s most popular rail shooter series, but it’s not the only great one. The original “Sin and Punishment” on the N64 didn’t receive an American release until Wii’s virtual console, letting more experience how awesome it really was. It then got an equally well-received sequel on the same console in “Star Successor” and then…nothing. Critical darlings don’t always sell well, which is likely why we’ve never gotten a third game. Additionally, it’s not as if the rail-shooter genre is exactly hot right now. But some developers have successfully managed to blend it with other elements, like PlatinumGames’ “Nier: Automata.” The gameplay of “Sin and Punishment” is fast, frantic, and undeniably cool, so we’d hate to see it fall further into obscurity.
“Kid Icarus” Series (1987-2012)
The NES’ “Kid Icarus” seemed like it could’ve spawned its own decades-spanning franchise like many other games of the console. While it technically did, it’s only ever gotten two sequels: a 1991 Game Boy entry and the 3DS’ “Uprising.” To us, that is a genuine shame. The original was an early example of combining video games with Greek Mythology, an aspect the franchise sadly didn’t get a chance to truly capitalize on while others did. 2012’s “Uprising” was a really great revival; the quick-paced action was invigorating and Pit received much-needed characterization as a charming jokester who constantly broke the 4th wall. Maybe Nintendo thinks it’s too niche to take a chance on, but the series certainly has a passionate cult following.
“Chibi-Robo!” Series (2005-15)
We admit the chances of “Chibi-Robo!” making a return anytime soon is pretty slim, but that in no way diminishes our desire to see it make a comeback. Debuting on the GameCube, the original put you in the shoes of a tiny, adorable robot. You’d wander around a house, helping the family who lived there as well as a bunch of toys. Needless to say, it was overflowing with charm and kept players smiling throughout. It got a DS sequel two years later, placing the fun outdoors. Sadly, the last two games in the series deviated from the formula; “Photo Finder” focused heavily on the 3DS’ AR feature while “Zip Lash” was an action sidescroller. Neither sold or reviewed particularly well, but we’d welcome a return to form with open arms.
“Nintendogs” Series (2005-11)
We’re sure there’s a great number of non-casual gamers who don’t care to see the return of “Nintendogs.” But from a simple money-making standpoint, we’re completely confused as to why the series was cut down in its prime. The DS entry came in several different versions, each coming with different adorable pups for you to start with. The cute activities completely sucked players in, leading to a sequel on the 3DS that let cat people join in on the fun. Collectively, these games sold over 28 million copies, making it a better seller than “Yoshi,” “Metroid,” and “Fire Emblem.” With the Switch’s better graphics and gameplay advancements, we know Nintendo could craft a worthy new entry and that it would sell like hotcakes.
“F-Zero” Series (1991-2004)
Of all the forgotten IPs in Nintendo’s catalog, “F-Zero” is one fans bring up more often than most. One particular fan even purchased $40,000 worth of stock in 2022 just so they could ask Nintendo about it. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, “F-Zero” was the intensely fast and highly difficult alternative to Nintendo’s other racers. While Captain Falcon has continued to thrive in “Super Smash Bros.,” his series hasn’t been seen since the GBA’s Japan-only “Climax” in 2004. The previous year saw the release of what is arguably the best in the series, “F-Zero GX” on the GameCube. There have been several spiritual successors over the years, but we’d really love to see Cap back on the track.
“Golden Sun” Series (2001-10)
There are already a TON of great RPG franchises on Switch, but we believe there’s always room for more. “Golden Sun” got three games across the Game Boy Advance and DS and they were all genuinely great when it came to its turn-based combat, puzzle mechanics, and world-building. Since 2010’s “Dark Dawn,” developer Camelot has stuck to making entries in the “Mario Golf” and “Tennis” franchises. But it would be fantastic to see the studio get to tackle something with more meat. One could argue that with big names like “Fire Emblem” and “Xenoblade,” as well as more niche titles like “Live Alive” and “Triangle Strategy,” that the genre is a bit crowded. But as they’ve each found success, we’d say “Golden Sun” could, too.
“Mother” Series (1989-2006)
There was a time when the “Mother” series was underappreciated, but that time has long since passed. “EarthBound,” the second entry in the series, is one of the most beloved RPGs in existence, let alone among those owned by Nintendo. When “Mother 3” wasn’t brought to the US, fans took it upon themselves to translate it. Those who love this series love it with all their being, such as Toby Fox, who was inspired by it to create “Undertale.” Since that’s one of the most popular indie games of the last decade, we have no idea why Nintendo hasn’t yet capitalized on it. There’s clearly a market for the “Mother” series to do well in. And we are far from the only ones who would eat up a new entry.
