10 Surprisingly Great Nintendo Games That Exceed Expectations

Nintendo has long been celebrated for its exceptional video games that redefine gameplay mechanics and challenge the status quo. This company is often lauded as a leading light in game development, consistently pushing the envelope of what gaming can achieve.

The iconic Super Mario Bros. series exemplifies Nintendo’s influence on the platformer genre, continually raising the bar. Furthermore, the recent release of Tears of the Kingdom has introduced technological advancements that outshine even those aimed at more powerful hardware.

However, not every title from Nintendo has enjoyed unblemished success. Several games have had to navigate past stigmas associated with their gameplay decisions or struggles to engage certain audiences.

The following Nintendo games have surpassed expectations, winning hearts despite the odds stacked against them. Whether they were developed internally by Nintendo or published by the company, their existence has undoubtedly enriched the gaming landscape.

10 Kirby Air Ride

Shooting Star

Although the Kirby franchise gained significant traction through its platforming roots, its debut on the GameCube as a kart-style racer was unexpected. This game prioritized accessibility over intricate skill sets, leading many to deem it as designed for younger audiences, somewhat dismissively.

However, everything changed with the introduction of City Trial mode. This game mode transformed the experience into a dynamic mix of strategy and chaos. Players compete to assemble the best vehicle possible while collecting power-ups and trying to catch legendary components to enhance their ride.

The competitive element becomes intense as you face off against three other players, all vying for power-ups and attack opportunities, which adds a thrilling layer to the gameplay.

9 Star Fox Adventures

Star Fox: Legend of Zelda

Originally conceived as a separate action-adventure title named Dinosaur Planet, the game saw a rebranding when Nintendo decided to add the Star Fox character roster. The game initially featured Timber from Diddy Kong Racing, with gameplay elements strongly resembling The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time but evolved to bring in Fox McCloud.

Despite its divergence from the traditional Star Fox gameplay experience, Star Fox Adventures surprisingly delivered an enjoyable adventure, arguably surpassing the quality of newer installments in the franchise.

8 Mario Party

Blisters on my palms

It remains a mystery who envisioned a Mario-themed board game, yet the resulting game has offered countless hours of fun—possibly at the expense of blisters caused by enthusiastic gameplay! Mario Party brings a traditional board game experience to the digital realm, incorporating engaging minigames that keep players entertained.

Success in these mini-challenges rewards players with coins, which can then be exchanged for stars, making it a race to gather the most stars by the end of the game. While not groundbreaking in its mechanics, Mario Party continues to deliver enjoyment. The latest installment, Super Mario Party: Jamboree, proves that the series remains fun and lively.

7 Star Fox 64

Ready for duty

Star Fox 64 holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, yet it’s crucial to note the similarities it shares with the original title. Unlike other Nintendo franchises that have consistently innovated with each release, Star Fox remained true to its roots.

That said, this sequel vastly improved on its predecessor, delivering updated 3D graphics, engaging voice acting, and introducing the rumble feature, which enhanced the overall gameplay experience. Even with its flaws, like the less-than-ideal underwater level, Star Fox 64 remains an exhilarating title.

6 Wave Race 64

Soak up some sun

As a fan of the Nintendo 64, I have a soft spot for Wave Race 64, even if its concept seems more akin to a tech demo. The game effectively captures the exhilaration of jet ski racing, providing a near-flawless simulation experience.

Despite its simplistic premise, the game is surprisingly entertaining. The controls allow players to perform jumps off of waves and navigate sharp turns with ease, showcasing the potential of Nintendo’s technology at the time.

5 Luigi’s Mansion

Spooky time

Launching the GameCube with Luigi’s Mansion as a key title was a bold move. Although it was initially met with lukewarm reception, its innovative gameplay and impressive graphics soon won over many players.

The game, rooted more in action-adventure mechanics than traditional platforming, managed to capture a unique charm that extended beyond initial expectations, resulting in two delightful sequels.

4 Pokemon Snap

Gotta snap ’em all

Since its inception, the Pokemon franchise has thrived, including spin-offs like Pokemon Snap. Designed as a photography adventure game, it took the concept of capturing Pokémon in their natural habitats to a whole new level.

While the gameplay may seem limited and the experience relatively short, the pursuit of improved scores keeps players returning for more. Like many iconic Nintendo titles, the fun lies in its replayability and charm.

3 Pokemon Conquest

Gotta conquest ’em all

Surprisingly, Pokemon Conquest, a crossover with the Nobunaga’s Ambition series, managed to carve out its own niche in the tactical RPG genre. By combining familiar Pokémon characters with strategic gameplay, it offered a unique experience that Nintendo should explore further.

The potential for more games leveraging the strategic elements present in Pokémon’s combat is significant, yet Pokemon Conquest remains a standout title on the Nintendo DS.

2 Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem

Deep into that darkness peering

As a publisher, Nintendo took a chance on Eternal Darkness, and it paid off. This game stands out for its mature themes and horror elements, deeply rooted in Lovecraftian lore, presenting players with unsettling experiences through the ingenious Sanity Meter.

Moreover, it serves as a reminder of what Silicon Knights was capable of when partnered with Nintendo, as their subsequent efforts fell flat in comparison.

1 Wii Sports

Wii would like to play

Despite its status as one of the most successful games ever, Wii Sports surprised many merely by being bundled with the Nintendo Wii. While it was meant to showcase motion controls, its design also walked the line of a tech demo.

Yet, what matters is that its engaging gameplay has solidified its place as a classic. The game never pretends to require precise motion tracking; rather, it excels in deliverable enjoyment, inviting everyone to partake in fun.

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