Nintendo is one of the best video game companies out there that has consistently made fun, interactive story-filled games for an extremely long time. They have been on the cutting edge of gaming and created characters that are still as important and easily recognizable as they were 20 years ago.
With all this being said, and with their recent new release of Kirby: The Forgotten Land, it's important to look at just what games define this company's work in the hearts of everyone who loves them. According to Ranker, fans have their set favorites.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
While there are some things that only die-hard fans know about Super Smash Bros. Melee, everyone knows that it is one of the most iconic party video games of the past two decades. It was released in 2001 as a multiplayer game where friends can pick from a slew of different characters, who all have different abilities, and fight in a 2D arena until only one remains.
This game is still quite a sensation, although most people tend to go for the upgraded version of this original game, which is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. There is no other game in the world that is quite like Smash Bros. and that's why fans of Nintendo love it.
Super Metroid
Super Metroid came out in 1994 as a 2D action-adventure game and it is the third installment of the Metroid franchise. The level design of this game is incredible and revolutionary as it has 6 maps that loop back into each other to create a seamless gameplay experience.
Overall, what makes this game better than its two predecessors is its smooth mechanics and the fact that it's so entirely immersive. Though it might be a little short for most modern gamers, it is considered one of the most flawless games that Nintendo has ever released.
Mario Kart 64
While Mario Kart 64 might not be the most high-tech game today, it took the classic racing game idea and added powerups, disables and other fun abilities that make it both challenging and a different experience every time it's played.
Mario Kart today has gone through many evolutions, but it all started with this seemingly simple concept idea. Not to mention, because Rainbow Road has remained one of the most memorable features of Mario Kart games, and the newest version has 3 different Rainbow Roads for players to race on.
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros., which has one of the best sibling duos, is the predecessor to Mario Bros., but it is the first game in the the line of Super Mario games. After being released in 1985, with the classic story of Mario and, in 2 player mode, Luigi, going to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser.
This 2D platformer really set the stage for the rest of the franchise and introduced new obstacles and powerups that are now included in practically every Mario game including the mushrooms, plants with teeth and the storyline of saving Peach from Bowser.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is one of the newest games on this list, but it makes sense considering the cultural reset that came with this open world game. Breath Of The Wild has a great story, but what makes it exciting is that it a game that is meant to be enjoyed through exploration and it doesn't give away the whole plot at the start.
This game also influenced other gaming companies to work on their own open world games or to make new ones. Today, many of the most popular recent games have been open world and Breath Of The Wild is no doubt part of the reason they're here to stay.
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past is an exploration game that has a little bit of everything including a sweet story, a big map, fighting and even some interesting puzzle-solving. Though it's been out for over 30 years, it's still considered one of the best Legend Of Zelda games.
This game has hours and hours of playing time and it does resemble, although only in appearance, the early Pokémon games with its 8-Bit-like design. While it might not be able to compete with some of the realism and openness of Breath Of The Wild, it led the way for that game to be made.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 is the first 3D Mario game with an open world. It incorporates all the fun elements that fans of the Mario games have come to enjoy, while adding texture so that players can feel more immersed in the action of the game itself.
Not only was this a monumental achievement back in 1996 when the game was released, but it made for one of the most fun Mario games yet. It had more complex mechanics and kept the visually pleasing aesthetic that makes it easy to spot as Nintendo and difficult to put down.
Super Mario World
Super Mario World follows Mario as he tries to save Princess Toadstool in Dinosaur Land from Bowser and his minions, the Koopalings. This 2D platformer adds onto what the previous Mario games have offered and developed a new aesthetic that feels more clean.
Not to mention, this game adds some new features including the ability to save progress, flawless controls and Yoshi, who makes traveling much easier for Mario. With this being said, some players think it may be too easy, but it does make the game more accessible for younger children who are just getting introduced to video games.
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time is the first Zelda game with 3D graphics and it came out in 1998. The game follows Link as he tries to save Hyrule from Ganondorf, who has turned Hyrule into a barren wasteland.
It's considered one of the best Ninendo 64 games because it's long, challenging and the story is really engaging and complex. Not to mention, for the time, this game had a super high level of realism that made players feel like they were actually in the world.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3, which has some awesome hidden areas to explore, came out in 1988, but it is still considered one of the best video games ever made because, as a 2D platformer, it adds challenges to every level that make it difficult, but not frustrating and it introduces new powerups that become a mainstay.
In the game, Mario is able to take on different animal suits that give him special abilities like flying and being indestructible. It was way ahead of it's time and the game still stands up today as something that is noteworthy in the video game world.