Summary
For over five decades,Nintendohas been one of the key pillars of the video game industry, gaining worldwide recognition in the 1980s that has persisted to this day. Responsible forsome of the best consoles ever made, as well as many all-time classic games and best-selling franchises, the company has shown no signs of slowing down thanks to recent success with the Nintendo Switch and its successor.
Throughout the decades, some games have stood out as particularly noteworthy. Whether they were recognized as such in that moment or not, they have stood the test of time as the most important releases in the company’s history, thanks to a variety of critical factors, such as creating an entirely new genre or innovating on previous trends. These are some of the most important games Nintendo has produced throughout its history.
Starting with arguably the most important game ever made,Super Mario Bros.both revolutionized and revitalized the ailing video game industry. Thehighly anticipated console debutof the mustachioed plumber certainly lived up to the hype, innovating in level design and gameplay mechanics, as well as making Mario a household name.
Establishing many hallmarks of the platform genre, the game sold tens of millions of copies and has been remade or re-released on almost every Nintendo console in the decades since. Super Mario is perhaps the most recognizable and iconic multimedia character, and it’s largely thanks to the influence ofSuper Mario Bros.on the NES.
The originalDonkey Kongwas a smash hit in arcades worldwide, bringing international attention to Nintendo. This debut outing isone of the toughest games in the series, but remains a cultural icon that has been referenced countless times over the years and stands firmly as one of the best arcade games ever made.
Another pioneer of the platform genre,Donkey Kongis said to be the first game to feature jumping as a core mechanic. It also introduced the now iconic characters of Mario (known here as Jumpman) and the eponymous gorilla, as well as Pauline, who has gained more prominence in recent times. WithoutDK,Super Mariomight never have existed.
It may not be the original, butSuper Metroidis the game that kickstarted the series and established many foundations of the metroidvania genre. The alien world of Zebes is perfectly crafted, filling players with a sense of dread through its atmosphere, intricately designed interconnected world, and the feeling of isolation that persists throughout proceedings.
The gameplay, art design, and music are all timeless, and the game is a major inspiration for modern-day indie classics likeAxiom VergeandHollow Knight. It can be challenging, but not unfair to players, rewarding those who are observant and persistent. The game also encourages exploration with the perfectly paced unlocking of abilities that allow Samus to reach new areas.
Though not the first in the series,Mario Kart 64is the game that laid the foundations for the future of the series and established it as a bestseller that anybody can pick up and play. It doescontain a few divisive tracks, but it was the first to feature 3D graphics and popularized multiplayer with up to four players enjoying chaotic split-screen action.
Not only did it influence future installments ofMario Kart, but racing and multiplayer games in general, thanks to the focus on social interaction and its simple gameplay mechanics. Modern players tend to find it a little rough around the edges in terms of graphics, but the racing and battle mode gameplay is timeless.
Perhaps the most influentialZeldagame and definitely a pioneer of 3D games in general,The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timeis one of the most iconic video games ever made. Featuring some of themost intriguing dungeons in the series, it established the formula of the franchise going forward with its sublime storytelling and its blend of exploration with puzzle-solving.
Not only did its primitive 3D open-world captivate audiences at the time, but the revolutionary Z-targeting allowed lock-on combat and other context-sensitive actions, which have since become a staple in many video games. The inclusion of Epona as a rideable mount was also groundbreaking, with horse riding becoming a key component of many historical and fantasy open-world games afterward.
Another genre-defining 3D game for the Nintendo 64 isSuper Mario 64, the Italian plumber’s first foray into the third dimension. Once again, Mario sets the standard for the platform genre, establishing many core elements from level design philosophy and dynamic camera angles to highly diverse movements with the use of the analog stick.
Though the camera is difficult to maneuver for players with modern sensibilities, it allowed unprecedented levels of exploration at the time and completely immersed players in the game world. Many 3D platformers follow the blueprint ofSuper Mario 64for world and level design, encouraging exploration to find the secrets scattered throughout and containing hub worlds similar to Princess Peach’s Castle.
Pokemon Red and Blueare Game Boy classics that took the world by storm, spawning multiple sequels, spin-offs, dedicated trading cards, and a popular anime series, among countless other things. Not only did these games introduce the nowiconic original 151 pocket monsters, but they also established the core gameplay loop that has remained relatively similar in all subsequent releases.
Rooted in traditional JRPGs, players venture out into the Kanto region, collecting Pokemon, training them in battles, and challenging gym leaders spread throughout the world. Three decades after the initial launch, combined sales of the original games are still by far the most in the franchise, and they are still enjoyable to pick up and play today.
It may seem simplistic, butWii Sportsis a major reason for the success of the Nintendo Wii. Packaged with every console, it is one of the highest-selling games of all time, and helped to attract millions of new players to video games withits easy-to-pick-up controls, interactivity, and inclusiveness.
The five sports on offer are all easy to play and have dedicated training modes to improve skills and get a workout in the process, and there is a surprising level of skill required against higher-level AI opponents.Wii Sportswas a gateway for many new players thanks to its emphasis on games being fun and bringing together families or friends in local multiplayer.
The importance ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis largely down to timing, since it launched during the early days of a worldwide global pandemic when people had to isolate themselves. Many people staved off loneliness by coming together online inACNH, meeting friends online, exploring their islands, doing activities together, and trading with them.
Many people at the time chose to host events in the game, like birthday parties, since they could not meet in real life, ensuring a feeling of normalcy during a difficult time. Even without this context, it’s still a highly regarded game that allows players to bring out their creative sides and improve their emotional well-being with wholesome gameplay and vibes.
A launch title for the Nintendo Switch,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildmade the hybrid console a must-have thanks to its bold innovations in open-world design. Encouraging exploration with rewards in every direction,whether riding a horse, traveling on foot, or gliding through the sky, Hyrule is incredible and can be freely traversed without limits.
There is also freedom of creativity with each puzzle or problem having multiple potential solutions thanks to Link’s unique abilities, which were enhanced in the sequelTears of the Kingdom. Multiple open-world games released in the years since have been influenced byBotW, and it is still regarded as one of the best games ever made.
