Top 10 Nintendo Games of the Century (So Far)
#10: “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” (2014)
Top 10 Donkey Kong Country Levels
With its work on the “Metroid Prime” series, Retro Studios established itself as a trustworthy developer. And when the studio revitalized “Donkey Kong Country” in 2010, it proved it could handle any genre. But 2014’s “Tropical Freeze” improved on their Wii title in every aspect. It followed the Kong family fighting off arctic invaders who had frozen their island. The level design was near perfect, providing incredibly tough but satisfying challenges for platforming fans. Gameplay was also improved with the addition of the pogoing Cranky Kong and the hovering Dixie Kong. Its high difficulty may have turned some away. But for those in search of pristine mechanics mixed with gorgeous environments, there was no better platformer that year.
#9: “Fire Emblem: Three Houses” (2019)
Fire Emblem: Three Houses Review - Fire Emblem Fans Only? | MojoPlays
“Three Houses” is the 16th overall entry in this tactical RPG series, but Nintendo still found ways of making it feel fresh. The story follows a mercenary who takes a teaching position at a monastery. Here, they must choose to teach one of three opposing nations, each with its own unique characters. Though initially set during peacetime, the story eventually jumps ahead five years to war. Balancing your team’s strengths and weaknesses with different weapons, battalions, and abilities is immensely satisfying. “Three Houses” also carried over various features from previous entries, like the option to turn off permanent death. Though your character is essentially a blank slate, your team members make the narrative soar, and the branching storyline brings wonderful replayability.
#8: “Xenoblade Chronicles” (2012)
Xenoblade Chronicles: Everything You Should Know
From one wartime RPG to another. The first entry in this open-world series was set on the back of two deceased titans. It follows Shulk, a citizen of the Bionis, seeking revenge for an attack on his colony by the machine race of the Mechonis. The action-based battle mechanics provide combo opportunities between Shulk and your party members. But there were also more unique features, like Shulk’s precognitive system and each party member’s aggro ring, that help the gameplay really stand out. Exploring the world was also engrossing; a fascinating day-and-night system impacts various in-game events, quests, item availability, and enemy strength. If you missed it the first time around, you can always check out the remaster on Switch.
#7: “Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver” (2010)
How Pokémon Became a Global Phenomenon: Video Games
Remaking the best entries of a beloved RPG franchise is no small feat, but Game Freak managed to pull it off. The original versions of these 2nd generation Pokémon titles gave us better gameplay mechanics and inventive new creature designs. The remake brought expected touch ups to graphics and music, but notably gave players the option to hear the classic chiptunes instead. There were also new minigames like the Pokeathlon, which utilized the DS’s touchscreen, and Voltorb Flip, a mix of “Minesweeper” and “Picross.” The DS’s then-new WiFi functionality did away with Game Boy Color’s required link cable and connected to 4th generation games “Diamond,” “Pearl,” and “Platinum.” “HeartGold” and “SoulSilver” are, in the eyes of many, the best versions of the best Pokémon games.
#6: “Metroid Prime” (2002)
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Since “Metroid” skipped the Nintendo 64, players didn’t know what to expect from the first 3D entry. Luckily, Retro Studios and Nintendo knocked it out of the park. The switch to first-person put us in the shoes of the famous bounty hunter, Samus Aran, as she ventured to a ruined planet crawling with dangerous creatures. While there were plenty of elements that made it a good first-person shooter, the gameplay showed that the developers hadn’t forgotten the series’ exploration-heavy roots. Scanning creatures and plants told players more about the environment while searching all the nooks and crannies of the planet led to rewards. “Metroid Prime” ushered in a new era for the adored IP, one that we’ll hopefully return to soon (“Metroid Prime 4”).
#5: “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” (2020)
Top 10 Things Animal Crossing: New Horizons Doesn't Tell You
Each entry in Nintendo’s massively popular life simulation series has improved on what came before it. With “New Horizons,” players begin with almost nothing. And it’s by far the best decision Nintendo has made for the franchise. Putting us in charge of a deserted island allowed for a level of customization not seen in previous “Animal Crossing” titles. Choosing locations for villager homes and other island facilities, terraforming the terrain, crafting furniture and items are all features that help you make your town exactly what you want it to be. While the special events applied via updates have been a bit lackluster, they show that Nintendo is dedicated to ensuring players keep coming back for more.
#4: “Super Mario Galaxy 2” (2010)
ALL 3D Super Mario Games Ranked - MojoPlays
Nintendo has released several fantastic “Mario” titles so far this century, such as “Super Mario Odyssey” (xref). But “Galaxy 2” is not only one of the best sequels Nintendo has ever produced, but one of the best 3D platformers of all time. It wasn’t just a continuation of the original “Galaxy” that we loved — the level design was more vibrant and the new power-ups made for an extremely fun playthrough. The cloud mushroom let players create their own platforms and the rock mushroom had Mario rolling through obstacles. Plus, the inclusion of a world map and the fan-favorite Yoshi just enhanced everything that was already great about its predecessor.
#3: “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” (2017)
Top 10 Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Highlights! WatchMojo Review!
For frantic, exciting couch multiplayer, there’s nothing quite like “Mario Kart.” The eight entry’s original Wii U version was the system’s best-selling title. The deluxe version, which includes all DLC and a new battle mode, is the Switch’s best-selling title. So, that should tell you something about how truly remarkable “Mario Kart 8” is. The tracks, which are fantastic in design, are also gorgeous thanks to the game’s dazzling art style, while the toe-tapping soundtrack is sure to get stuck in your head. Furthermore, everything is bolstered by pitch-perfect gameplay. Various weight classes, carts, and tires bring a level of variety. Different environment types and chaos-inducing items make each race delightfully hectic, especially when playing online. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” can please just about any Nintendo fan.
#2: “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” (2018)
Top 10 Biggest Changes In Super Smash Bros Ultimate
“Super Smash Bros. Melee” (xref) provided the monumental building block for Nintendo’s fighting series. But “Ultimate” really is the ultimate version of the formula. Every single fighter that has appeared in previous games is here. New characters like Inkling, Simon Belmont, and Ridley make for excellent fan service, while nearly every stage is here with a ton of wonderful music. The single-player World of Light has you move around a board game-like map, collecting fighters and unlocking spirits of Nintendo’s past. In short, it’s a celebration of everything Nintendo —as well as their partnerships with other developers. And the gameplay, which is easy to pick up but hard to master, is just as intense as ever. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Splatoon 2” (2017) Nintendo’s Cartoonish Take on Competitive Multiplayer Shooters “Super Mario Maker 2” (2017) A Build-Your-Own Mario Extravaganza “Luigi’s Mansion 3” (2019) The Second Fiddle Turns Hero Anew in a Haunted Hotel “Wii Sports” (2006) The Game That Made the Wii a Star “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” (2004) Mario + Crafts = RPG Classic
#1: “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017)
10 Games To Play If You LOVE The Legend of Zelda
“The Legend of Zelda” is Nintendo at its best; each new release feels like a gift to fans (xref). But “Breath of the Wild” is really something special. Its open world is packed to the brim with secrets, quests, interesting characters and beautiful moments. The physics-based gameplay offers a variety of ways to fight enemies and solve puzzles. Upgradeable armor sets, recipes for health and stat boosts, and piles of weapons, some with elemental powers, make it feel like a genuine adventure. Hyrule has never looked so stunning and Link’s enemies have never been more daunting. With so much variety in what to do and where to go, it’s one of the most freeing experiences we’ve ever had playing a video game.
