One of the most
dominant criticisms of any Nintendo Console is the lack of ''mature''
games. While the Nintendo 64 still had several adult oriented games
even from Nintendo affiliated developers (Perfect Dark, GoldenEye,
Conkers Bad Fur Day) the support has grown weaker and weaker with
each new console. Mostly because the third Party support has grown
weaker in general, but also because Nintendos own ventures in that
direction weren't successful. So for today let's take a look at these
ventures, why they didn't work and what kind of ''adult'' games
Nintendo should focus on instead.
But first let me
briefly address the term ''adult'' games. In it's core this is a
stupid label, but sadly one that has proved itself persistent in the
modern game industry. In itself it's completely irrelevant to a games
quality, but not to it's success. Games still haven't completely
grown out of this stigmata of being seen as child toys. Under this
light the the term ''mature'' or ''adult'' game is a way of telling
people: Look! Videogames aren't child toys These are games Adults can
enjoy.
Which is pretty
stupid, because as an Adult you should be able to enjoy any game you
like, no matter what's genre or age rating it has. But I digress. In
this article we'll take a look at games that deal with more adult
oriented storylines and tone. So let's start right away with a game
from the GameCube era.
Geist:
When Geist was
first announced it created a lot of buzz. Even in the Year 2003 a
game that wasn't a new entry in one of Nintendos known Franchises was
seen as huge news. And the concept of the game was worthy of such
buzz. To this day Geist remains on of the most innovative shooters I
know. The concept is simply but genius. The player takes control of a
ghost, who is able to possess objects, animals and humans. Each of
this hosts offers a special talent you can use. Engineers can operate
machines, while Rats fit through narrow passages. This allows for
(theoretically) many different approaches to solve problems. However
in order to possess a living creature it has to be frightened
properly beforehand. This way you'll work your way up from inanimate
objects to animals and finally humans.
The interesting
concept is pretty well done with many different options to scare
people and take control of them. Sadly it becomes a very generic
first Person shooter once you posses an armed guard.
The Story was also
pretty generic. A evil company that performs inhumane tests. The
usual deal. But still it marked one of the last ventures of Nintendo
into the ''adult'' Territory. In it's day it got mixed reviews and
also performed lackluster saleswise.
Disaster: Day of
Crisis
After their
acquisition in 2007 by Nintendo this was the first major project by
Monolith Soft under their new owner. It was quite an interesting game
mixing rail shooter and adventure elements. It focused on the real
danger of a major natural catastrophe, while also mixing it with a
simultaneously happening Terrorist attack. Surviving, saving
Civilians and pushing back the Terrorists are the main goals of this
game.
As a Wii game it
also heavily focused on integrating the Wii-Mote into the action.
Each and every action is performed via motion controls, which is
great at first, but also can become quite tedious.
Just like Geist
Disaster: Day of Crisis received mixed reviews and lackluster sales.
Now why did these
two games fail? Both were new IPs with fresh Ideas and a mature
approach. One of them even released on one of the most successful
consoles of all time during it's heyday. Yes both were a mixed bag
quality wise, but that should not held them back as much as it
(seemingly) did. In my opinion the Problem is pretty simple. These
games didn't appeal to Nintendo Fans. It is well known that most
Nintendo fans rarely ever leave their comfort zone and purchase games
that aren't classic Nintendo franchises, but Splatoon showed that
there is potential for new IPs, even Shooter games, within the
fanbase. The Problem with Geist and Disaster wasn't that they were
''mature'' it was that they were adult games. Now before I explain
this in detail let us take a look at a mature game that worked well
on Nintendo consoles.
Metroid Prime:
After several
years and a whole console cycle of absence this game marked the
return to glory for Samus Aran. For the first time players could
explore the world through her eyes in full 3D. Many call this game a
milestone in the same vein as Super Mario 64 or Ocarina of Time and I
think they are totally right. Metroid Prime perfectly transferred the
feeling of the 2D titles into 3D. Talon IV, the Planet Samus explores
during this game, rivals even Planet Zebes in my opinion. Stepping
out into the Phenandra Drifts and listening to it's music is an
experience that, to this day more than 12 years later, is
unparalleled to me.
Also the
Storytelling in this game is excellent. The world Samus explores is a
hostile one. The former civilization of Talon IV lies in ruins, but
through the newly introduced Scan Visor she can learn what happened
to them. Metroid Prime delivers a deep and quite dark backstory via
it's atmosphere and details, but you'll have to work for it.
So why did Metroid
Prime work, while Geist, Disaster and others failed? Well the obvious
answer would be because it's part of a well known franchise, but I
wouldn't agree on that. Before it's release the Metroid Franchise had
a long pause. Super Metroid released nearly 12 years prior. The
franchse was as dead as it is today. No the key to Metroid Prime
success, apart from being an excellent game, was another one.
The atmosphere in
this game is very mature without becoming exclusive to adults.
A 12 year old can
enjoy the game as much as an adult, even though he may not appreciate
all the details. A father can play this game with his younger daugher
without worrying about the violence or other adult themes.
This also proves
true for other successful ''mature'' Nintendo games. The Legend of
Zelda: Majoras Mask deals with some very heavy themes and imagery,
but also presents itself in such a way that a younger audience still
can enjoy the game, while their parents can delve deeper into it.
In my opinion the
key to a successful ''adult'' Nintendo game is not losing their
focus. Games should be fun for everyone. Adult games can be
successful on Nintendo consoles, but they may have to work a little
harder for it.
So what are your
thoughts on this topic? Which adult games on Nintendo consoles have
left a lasting impression on you?
And as always
thanks for reading
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