If there's one video game company in the industry that knows its audience it would have to be Nintendo. Not only has the Japanese publisher been churning out hit after hit, they have been revolutionizing and leading the industry since 1983 when the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) launched in 1983 in Japan and 1985 in North America. They have moved from console to console and not looked back even once as they continue to push forward with new entries in their popular series while also introducing titles to keep it fresh.
GameZone has gathered our staff to discuss the Top 25 Nintendo published games of all time. Over a month period of time, we deliberated, we debated, we even exchanged a few red turtle shells to knock each other out of the running to nominate our favorite games, but most importantly, we gave tender care to our personal list that we reveal to you today.
Top Nintendo Games: 21-25 25 – Punch-Out!! (NES) 24 – Super Smash Bros Melee (GameCube) 23 – The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess ( Wii / GameCube) 22 – Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64) 21 – Paper Mario (N64)
Top Nintendo Games: 16-20 20 – Earthbound (NES) 19 – The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64) 18 – Super Mario Bros. (NES) 17 – Perfect Dark (N64) 16 – Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (SNES)
Top Nintendo Games: 11-15 15 – Super Mario Kart (SNES) 14 – Star Fox 64 (N64) 13 – The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES) 12 – Super Mario RPG (SNES) 11 – Pokemon Red/Blue (Game Boy)
Top Nintendo Games: 6-10 10 – Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) 9 – GoldenEye 007 (N64) 8 – The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (GameCube) 7 – Metroid Prime (GameCube) 6 – Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES)
5. Super Metroid "Super Metroid defines an entire genre – “Metroidvania” wouldn't even exist without it. But beyond being influential, Super Metroid is nearly timeless. Aside from a few quirks, it's a beautifully crafted game that's as engaging today as it was the day it came out. Opening with a simple, but surprisingly cinematic intro, it goes on to establish a sense of loneliness and otherworldly atmosphere that few games have matched." – Joe Donato
"Metroid’s sense of isolation and brooding always set it apart from Nintendo’s otherwise bright and cheery series, and nowhere was this more evident than in Super Metroid. Samus’s journey into Zebes’s proverbial heart of darkness was as moody as it was addicting to explore. Even today, few games have managed to top its blend of non-linear adventure and atmosphere." – Steve Haske
"The original Metroid blew our minds with its space combat and great twist ending (the hero’s a girl!), but Super Metroid topped it in every single way possible. The gameplay expanded with new abilities galore, and the boss battles are nothing short of epic, including a final encounter with Mother Brain that will, ironically, blow your mind. Throw in superb visuals and sound and you’ve got a worthwhile sequel." – Robert Workman
4. Donkey Kong Country "Donkey Kong Country isn't Mario – it's not as polished, and it isn't as fair. None of that matters though, because DKC is 2D platforming in its purest form. It's an ever-escalating gauntlet of punishment, backed by precise controls and great levels that keep you coming back for more. While not quite the looker it was in 1994, for those who still enjoy a challenge, it's hard to beat." – Joe Donato
"Donkey Kong Country sucked us in with incredible graphics, but its real appeal is much deeper. The trilogy of DKC games have aged incredibly well because of their perfect, nuanced platforming and clever, gorgeous levels. Donkey Kong Country stands as a testament to what Rare once was capable of, and easily floats to the top of the Super Nintendo's substantial library." – Michael Rougeau
"Rare’s innovative (for 90’s standards) 16-bit platformer really pushed the envelope, with visuals that rivaled anything that could be found on higher-end systems at the time (like the 3DO and Jaguar) and a terrific synthesized soundtrack. But it was also an awesome platformer, one packed with hundreds of hidden challenges, precise gameplay and, best of all, the original Donkey Kong, back as the complaining Cranky Kong. Brilliant." – Robert Workman
3. Super Mario World "After Super Mario Bros. 3, it seemed like the stocky little plumber couldn't have possibly become any more popular, but Super Mario World blew its predecessor out of the water in every way imaginable. The increased power of the SNES helped, but SMW's real prowess is readily apparent in every single lovingly crafted, endlessly explorable level. Secret exits, Yoshi, Star World, shortcuts and the finest-tuned platforming ever make SMW completely unforgettable." – Michael Rougeau
"For many of us, the first game we remember popping into our newly bought Super Nintendo game console was Super Mario World. This sequel expands upon the original Super Mario formula beautifully, with brightly colored graphics, a huge world to explore (have you found all the Star Levels yet?), and the ability to fly with a super cape. Best of all, Yoshi makes a splashing debut, even while he poops out 1-ups." – Robert Workman
"Mario may have lost his animal suits from part 3, but he gained one of the most beloved sidekicks in gaming – Yoshi – as he traversed a world overflowing with brilliance and charm. World was a refinement of Miyamoto's original vision, and came as close to perfection as any game could get." – Brian Rowe
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time "There were a ton of grand adventures before Ocarina of Time, but this N64 classic was one of the first to actually feel epic. Every trek across Hyrule Field felt like a journey, and boss encounters were designed to be cinematic battles that tickled the hairs on the back of your neck. Ocarina may be a bit lost in the haze of Zelda fatigue, but its influence on today's games won't be forgotten." – Joe Donato
"It’s hard to single out one thing from a game which did so much to define the modern action-adventure. Should I praise the lock-on system, the context-sensitive actions or the intricate design of each of the game’s dungeons? I could, but for me the defining memory of this game is Koji Kondo’s magical score, woven into the gameplay through the titular Ocarina of Time." – Stuart Young
"I To this day, Link’s first adventure on the Nintendo 64 stands tall as one of the greatest achievements in 3D action-adventure gaming ever created. Oh, and for the record, the Water Temple is totally awesome. Get over yourselves, noobs!" – David Sanchez
1. Super Mario 64 "A pioneer on the then-burgeoning 3D scene, the impact of Mario 64’s gameplay on the industry cannot be underestimated. By introducing a new level of exploratory depth to Mario’s already stellar design tenets, Nintendo’s use of three dimensional space—and an adjustable camera that tracked your actions in it—made gamers re-think how they played video games (it was a lot of fun, too). A true classic." – Steve Haske
"This revolutionary game took Mario from two dimensions to the confusing and delightful world of three dimensions. As always, our beloved little plumber must save that troublesome Princess. The game blazed a trail for games like Paper Mario and Super Mario Galaxy. The first time Mario flew, a whole generation of gamers canceled their weekend plans." – Shayna Gibson
"While other developers clumsily experimented with polygons, Nintendo was busy perfecting the art of three dimensions. Without a doubt, Super Mario 64 is still one of the most inventive and endearing platformers ever created, and continues to influence game design." – Brian Rowe
