Top 5 Nintendo Enemies

What is a hero without his villain? It's a widely accepted truth that the nemesis is as, if not more, important as the protagonist of your story. But what is a villian without his henchmen? The upcoming remake of Mario & Luigi Superstar Sage intends to shed some light on that question in the new mode Bowsers Minions. Because even the most powerful evildoer can't do all by himself.

So I'd like todays toplist to be about the henchmen. The everyday evil guys. You may stomp them without a second thougt, but that is exactly their job. They exist as stepping stones for the hero, to elevate him. While the endboss waits hin his castle, they are out there doing the hard work. Everyday.

Not every enemy has to be a fire breathing dragon or an eldritch abomination. Often its the simple everyday enemies that leave the biggest impression. Their simplicity is what makes them iconic. Just like a fancy five star menu is perfect to top an amazing day, but for our everyday breakfast we love to return to the simplicity of our cereals or a simple marmelade sandwich.

So to start this years months of evildoers and villians I want to honor the everyman of evil. The hard working lakey that makes sure it's masters dreams of world domination are realized.

5: Waddle Dee

Source

Kirby is a monster. It's time we all face the truth and accept this cute looking pink ball as the eldritch abomination that he is. An all devouring monstrosity that is never satisfied. Anyone who blocks his path will surely fall victim to the endless void inside his stomach. So to stand against him you need the most fearless and elite of warriors. That's what makes the Waddle Dee all the more impressive. Sadly their bravery is hardly ever rewarded.

As King Dedede guys for everything one can often see them performing mundane tasks, but they are also the first line of defense against the endless pink hunger. Because they don't give Kirby any special powers when consumed they are often spared the horrific fate of digestion and instead spit out as projectiles to kill their friends and family.

As you can see the life of a Waddle Dee isn't an easy one, which makes them all the more impressive. Time and time again they face Kirby with dutiful dedication. They never back down and without them Kirbys adventure simply wouldn't feel whole. And that earns them a spot on this list.

4: Kremling

Source

I love Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and I can say that I thought the Snowmads to be awesome and unique villians. But let's be honest. Even though they were really great the can't compare with the original thiefs of Donkey Kongs Bananas. The Kremlings belong on this list because of their diversity. These crocodile bastards manage to pull of a militaristic look, crazy scientists and even Pirates. Because of that it felt like you faced fresh enemies during each and every of the three original Donkey Kong Country games. And that's what elevates them above the Snowmads. While the nordic animals had the viking look perfectly nailed down, it's hard to imagine them as anything else. The Kremlings don't share this problem.

So let's talk about, what is my favourite game in the series and among the top five games of all time for me, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddys Kong Quest. Not only was Crocodile Isle an awesome and creepy location to visit, but the Kremlings adapted too. While they were mostly bland crocodiles in the first title, here they showed just how diverse they could truly be. From the fake legged Pirate to creepy ghosts. They filled the location with life (or in the case of Kackle unlife).

3: Shy Guy

Source

I know that Shy Guys debuted in, what was originally a game called Doki Doki Panic, and of course I know, that this game got turned into Super Mario Bros. 2 for the West. Still the game that really established Shy Guys was the, in my opinion, best game of all time Yoshis Island. Shy Guys, just like Kremlings, show a lot of diversity, while you travel across the Islands various regions. But that is not all there is to them. Shy Guys are part of one of the biggest mysterys in gaming. What exactly are they hiding behind their mask? We know that Luigi got a brief glimpse and it left a lasting impression on him.

Source

Is it a horrific face? Or no face at all? Nintendo probably won't answer the question, but this only increases the appeal of the Shy Guys. And one more thing. Not only are they mysterious, but also some of them show awarness of their role and standing in the universe. While Paper Mario: Color Splash for the Wii-U may not be regarded as a high point for the series, it was still a solid game that showed of the great versitility of the Shy Guys. One of them left a lasting impression on me, and yes it was the one, who has a long and peaceful conversation with Mario on the Sunset Express.

Source

As you can see the Shy Guys are more than their Mask and they definitely deserve a spot on this list.

2: Goomba

Source

And of course the same applies to our next entry. While Bowser may be the King of the Koopas his most iconic servants are without a doubt the small brown walking shiitake mushrooms. Interestingly even though they are the first enemy encountered in Mario Bros. they were the last to be designed. Originally the common green Koopa should fill their role, but early playtesters said that they were too difficult to defeat for a beginner. Becasue of that Miyamoto designed and enemy that could be defeated by one single stomp. And by that one of the most iconic video game henchmen was born.

Goombas are the perfect first enemy. Very easy to defeat, but not completely helpless. And interestingly they have a pretty rich backstory, even though you'd have to look outside of the Mario Jump'n'Runs for that. Especially the first two Paper Mario Games did a great job to flesh out the Goomba race. Locations like Goomba Village or Rogueport show them in other roles as the simple ground troop of Bowsers army. Of course this is, and always will be, their main role, but just like with the Shy Guy on the Sunset Express it's nice to see that there is more to them.

1: Metroid

Source

After seeing the Goombas only on the number 2 spot it was clear that Number one had to be something special. An enemy that managed to surpass all the others with ease. And I'm not only talking about power wise, evne though the Metroid would win here with ease too. No it's the simple fact that no other ''basic'' enemy managed to have the entire series they come from named after them. Goombas will always be part of the Mario Universe, while Kremlings belong to Donkey Kong. But here it's Samus that is part of the Metroid Universe, even though she is the main heroine.

Metroids simply are the full package. They are iconic, unique and formidable foes. In my opinion they even manage to outshine most of the series ''big'' villians, except for Ridley of course. Because nothing is cooler than a huge purple Space Dragon. But back to the Metroids. Not only are they extremely dangeorus, even for veteran Space Warriors like Samus Aran, because of their ability to drain the energy of every living organism, but their immunity to most damage, except freezing temperatures, makes them next to impossible to beat without special equipment.

They were so dangerous that one game is entirely focused on killing every last one of them. And even after that they regularly pop up in the series. For that tenacity the Metroids surely deserve the first place on this list.

But what about you? What kind of enemies are your favourites? Is it because you enjoy fighting against them or are there other reasons? Whatever your answer is let me know it in the comments.

And as always

thanks for reading

Top 5 atmospheric Games on Nintendo Consoles

Happy and colorful. That is the image that Nintendo has cultivated over the years. And that's the way they are seen by the general public. Just take a look at their two latest big new IPs, Splatoon and ARMS, and you'll see it for yourself. Now of course there is nothing wrong with that, and that's the last thing I would want to imply. But this image, as true as it is, leads to one simple problem. At least in my eyes. People tend to see Nintendo as just that. It's just a kids and family company. And this will and should always be Nintendos main identity. But to say Nintendo is just that is very, very wrong.

When I say to you, think of a typical Nintendo title, most of you probably going to have a very specific picture in mind. But what people tend to forget, when thinking of Nintendo games, is that there is more than just the Happy and colorful fassade. There are countless games for Nintendo consoles with thick atmosphere. Of course this doesn't exclude happy and colorful ones, but most people tend to forget that. When you think of an atmospheric game you probably think of something dark and brooding. Which is a damn shame because atmosphere can come in all shapes and colors. So today I'd like to focus on this topic. I hope you'll enjoy my little collection of atmospheric Nintendo games.

5: Xenoblade Chronicles X

Source

For me this game is still one of the best games on the Wii-U and it's a damn shame that so few people have played it. Luckily Xenoblade Chronicles 2 looks just as promising, so maybe this time around more people get to enjoy the creative worlds that Monolith tends to create. Because if there is one thing that this studio excels at, then it's creating imaginative worlds with rich atmosphere. And while the original Xenoblade had some really cool areas, which has to be expected of a game set on two gigantic titans, Xenoblade Chronicles X really took the cake for me. Becaues it was one of the few games that managed to create truly alien feeling areas. While venturing through Sylvalum or Noctilum I never had the feeling that something like this could exist on earth. Together with the genius music this created an alien atmosphere that has yet to be replicated by another game for me.

Source

There is hardly anything comparable to the feeling of soaring through the Noctilum with your Skell. The titanic beasts and awe-inspiring enviroments just suck me in. Or the contrast between the calm serenity of Sylvalum and the deadly beasts that inhabit it. The other three continents int the game, Oblivia, Cauldros and Primordia, don't manage to live up to that standard fully, but they are just as beautiful. Especially at night.

Sadly that rich atmosphere is sometimes interrupted by the gameplay. I'm not talking about battles or the like, but things like collectibles being small blue crystals floating on the overworld instaed of actual things. Picking up an actual plant from the ground or simply driving over a bluy crystal symbolizing it, is a huge difference. Especially in the atmosphere department. Still the awe-inspiring enviroments will (hopefully) let forget about such minor hiccups.

4: Zombi U

Source

Everytime I mention this game I praise it. But it's simply that good. Especially for being a launch title on the Wii-U. Coming from a time when Ubisoft still was fully behind Nintendo this game sought to do what Red Seel on the Wii couldn't. Showing of the new unique capabilities of the console and create a good title in the process. What we got is still one of the best Horror titles on any console. Ubisoft managed to do the unthinkable and make Zombies menacing again. And they did it with one simple trick, which also was responsible for the great atmosphere of the title. The perrfect use of the Wii-U gamepad. I have already talked countless times that Zombi U used the problem of competing screens to it's advantage. By not pausing the game when you open the inventory and forcing the player to look onto the gamepad they create a threatening atmosphere where you never can relax. Just how a Horror Game should feel.

Zombi U is the perfect example that you don't need the latest tech and best graphics to create an atmosphere that sucks you into the game. It uses the limitations and possibilities of it's hardware perfectly. That's also the reason why the port of the game for X-Box, PlayStation and PC didn't truly work in my eyes. Zombi U only works fully on the Wii-U, but here it creates a horror atmosphere that doesn't allow you to relax even one second.

3: Metroid Prime

Source

You can't talk about atmosphere without mentioning one of the most atmospheric game series of all time. Even with it's limited tools on the NES and SNES Metroid always managed to suck you into it's alien worlds. The feeling of isolation mixed with the greatness of Samus Aran truly created an unique atmosphere. So when the series made the jump to 3D enviroments it continued to do exactly that. Metroid Prime was a huge risk for Nintendo. Not only was the series on a more than seven year hiatus, but the preceding game also was one of the greatest of all time. So could Talon IV keep up with the creepy and alien atmosphere of Planet Zebes?

To answer this question quickly. Yes it could. Retro masterfully reimagined Metroid as First-Person title, and while Talon IV may not feel as alien as Zebes at first glance, it is an absolutely stunning and atmospheric place to visit. Even now more than a decade later.

The one thing Retro absolutely nailed on their first try with the Metroid Series was the feeling of lonelyness. Exploring Talon IV always feels dangerous, but never out of your league. After all your Samus Aran.

One of the main reasons for the great atmosphere of the title is, without a doubt, the switch to first-Person. This creates a much stronger connection with the game. Metroid Prime manages to make you forget your surroundings and completely sucks you into it's alien world. And any game that still manages that more than a decade after it's release deserves a place on this list.

2: Resident Evil 4

Source

In 2002 Capcom announced the Capcom 5. Five exclusive titles for the Nintendo Gamecube. Among those was one game in particular that created a lot of buzz. Resident Evil had been a PlayStation exclusive series up until then. But after releasing the excellent Remake on the first title on the GameCube the wind seemed to change. And so the excellent Resident Evil 4 was created from the ground up as GameCube exclusive. (Ironic because nowadays nearly each available platform on the market got a port of this game.)

After the third title in the series and the spin-off Code: Veronica the Resident Evil franchise was in a tight spot. The games, great as they were, had started to feel stale. Because of that game creator Shinji Mikami decided that the gameplay of the series needed a rework. The result was, and still is, one of the greates horror titles ever.

So what is so great about the atmosphere in Resident Evil 4? Well I could talk about how great the game sill looks or how the varied and detailed enviroments or rural spain suck you in. But the thing that truly creates the great atmosphere, at least for me, are the enemies. No longer are you fighting brainless Zombies, but infected villages and cul people. And while the Las Plagas parasite has made them obedient towards the cult, it hasn't turned them into mindless Zombies. They behave quite dynamically and adjust to your strategy. And that's what makes this game so atmospheric.

1: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Source

Never ever before have I lost myself to such an extent in a virtual world. Only Skyrim and my first time playing World of Warcraft in 2005 come close to the feeling that Breath of the Wild created. When the game was first introduced in 2014 I couldn't completely believe Nintendos promise of a truly open game, where you could tackle problems from any possible angle. But I happily admit how wrong I was. Not only did Breath of the Wild create the most ''open'' Open world so far, but it also has showed me the limitations other, similar, games have. Awkwardly jumping up a mountain in Skyrim now feels so much worse after experiencing the climbing system in BotW.

To me the game is the complete package where presentation and gameplay perfectly work together to create the single best atmosphere in any game I've played so far.

An important factor in that is the genious muscial score, that is praised far to less when talking about the game. Yes the score is very withdrawn, but that's exactly the idea. It is only there to emphasize the world. Take the Hebra Mountains as an example. The sparse music there serves to pull you in and emphasize the feeling of cold- and lonelyness that these mountains emit. Also when the Score wells up from time to time it feels that much more intense and special.

If you've never played Breath of the Wild it's hard to describe but the ability to go wherever you want simply changes everything. When playing Breath of the Wild I don't have the feeling that I'm playing a game, instead it truly feels like an adventure. An Adventure everyone should experience for themselves.

So what games manage to suck you in with their atmosphere? Which games let you forget the fact that you're playing a game? I really love to hear your answer. So let me know in the comments.

And as always

thanks for reading

5 times Nintendo dropped the Ball with Metroid

This week it's finally time. Seven years after the last ''proper'' release in the series we're getting a new Metroid game. Of course it's not completely new, but ''just'' a remaster of Metroid 2 for the Gameboy, but if you compare both games directly it's like night and day. Metroid: Samus Returns is not just a remaster with better graphics, but a true remake build from the foundation that was Metroid 2. With new areas and more story this game will be worth it even if you know the original in and out. Or at least that's what I hope. The definitive answer will arrive on the 15^th of September when the game finally launches.

Still in the past Metroid fans didn't have it easy. Even though Samus is often considered as one of the big three Nintendo figures, together with Link and Mario, she is by far the character with the fewest appearances. Also Nintendo hasn't been handling her all to well in the past. And while I'm sure that Samus Returns and the upcoming Prime 4 will be a return to form for her, it can't be denied that Nintendo has had several missteps in Metroids long and storied history.

So before we, hopefully, return to a positive outlook for the Metroid series let us delve one last time into the dark pits that was the Metroid series in the last couple of years. Hopefully by looking back at the darkness behind us the light at the end of the tunnel will shine even brighter.

So without further ado here are the five times Nintendo has dropped the Ball with Metroid.

5: Metroid Prime Pinball

Source

Metroid is a series that has a very unique atmosphere. No matter which game you play all perfectly translate the feeling of being alone in space perfectly to the player. So what is the natural idea for the first Spin-off game in the series? If your answer is a Pinball game because of Samus Morph Ball then I think I hate you. Metroid Prime Pinball was released in 2005 in NA (or 2007 in Europe) for the Nintendo DS. It was a commercial failure selling only 6,228 copies during it's first month, but more importantly this was the first proper Spin-off game the Metroid series recieved. Not only that but it felt more like a cheap cash in, than a full fledged game. Nearly all reviews criticized the lack of variety and content.

Not to say that the game was bad, but a series with such a long history clearly deserved more. Metroid Prime Pinball is a perfect example on how to cheaply cash in on a huge IP. In todays market it would probably be a phone game, created to make a quick buck. Still some of the redeeming qualities the game has, are the fact that it's actually a pretty good pinball game and fans of the Metroid series will recognize many details on the different tables.

Still the fact remains that the first proper Spin-off the Metroid series recieved should have been something more thematically appropriate. A stealth based game where you play a Federation Spy or maybe a team based shooter with some federation forces.... which brings us to...

4: Metroid Prime Federation Force

Source

Hach Metroid Prime Federation force... you were so young and innocent. But you were also delivered to us at the worst possible time. You just can't hope that Fans, who have been waiting for a new game in a franchise, will take lightly to a spin-off game using a completely different art style and having little in common with the main line entries. Federation Force has been doomed from the start, which is a pity because the game wasn't that bad. It's not great by any means, but it is a solid team shooter. It was a solid Spin-off and certainly more thematically fitting than a Pinball game.

Then why is it higher on this list? The answer is simple. When Metroid Prime Pinball was released it was between Prime 2 and 3 during one of the best peroids for being a Metroid fan. As a result the game was mostly ignored or accepted as a fun oddity. When Federation Force released it had been six years since the last proper Metroid title. And that title was Other M.

So the first Metroid title after a full console cycle was a game where you didn't even play Samus. And while I did say that the game wasn't half bad there is one glaring flaw, which I simply can't ignore. Earlier I said that Metroid is a game series with a strong and rich atmosphere. And that is the one thing that Federation Force is severly lacking. The Chibi Artstyle they chose for this adventure simply doesn't mix well with the idea of a Metroid title.

So in conclusion the game came at the worst possible time and with the worst possible art style. Which is a damn shame because otherwise I'm sure it would've been a success. So in the end Nintendo is to blame for the fall of Metroid Prime: Federation Force

3: Not celebrating the 25^th anniversary

Source

2011 was a huge year for Nintendo. During e3 they celebrated 25 years of Zelda with a live orchestra and later that year Skyward Sword, the biggest Zelda releas up to that point, came out for the Wii. And Nintendo really went all out to make the 25^th anniversary of the Zelda series as big as possible.

Another series that celebrated it's 25^th birthday during that year was Metroid. Of course you wouldn't know because Nintendo did absolutely nothing to remind you of that fact. No concerts, no release, not even a sale of older titles on the e-shop.

Hey Samus thanks for 25 years of service and staring in several of the most critically aclaimed video games of all time. Here's a friendly handshake. Now back into the closet with you.

Metroid is often ranked among the most important Nintendo franchises. Even though it doesn't sell huge quantities of games it has an extremely high standing among the more hardcore gamers. A demographic in which Nintendo doesn't have the strongest standing. Metroid is one of the few possibilities to garner the attention of that crowd. By not celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Metroid series Nintendo let a perfect opportunity got to waste to promote their brand as something more than just a casual paradise.

2: Metroid Other M

Source

Metroid Other M started with a bold vision. Giving Samus a voice. But along the way it seems like Nintendo forgot that she also has to say something with that voice. When Other M was released Voice Acting was still a novelty in Nintendo titles. Metroid Prime: Corruptoin had been the trail blazer three years earlier. Samus, however, had remained silent during the course of that game. And looking back this was the right decision.

Before Other M we never knew what Samus was thinking. So we had to fill that with our own imagination. Luckily her actions did speak for her. We got to know Samus as a badass bounty hunter, who gets the job done. Even when faced with immense danger she never backed down, but instead bravely faced it head on.

Well now we know she proabably was haunted by self doubt during all those encounters. Other M has many problems, but by far the biggest has to be Samus characterization in that game. I get that they intended to maker her a flawed character for a more engaging story. After all it's hard to connect with a superhuman, but they overshot that goal by a long mile. Other M currently sits nearly at the end of the Metroid canon. When the game takes place Samus not only had been a soldier in the galactic federation, but also an accomplished bounty hunter and hero for several years. She has survived two encounters with Mother Brain, exterminated the Metroids and defeated Dark Samus. And still one meeting with her old superior turns her back into the insecure and, to be honest, dumb girl she was many years ago?

To say Metroid Other M has been pretty damaging to Samus character would put it lightly. At this point everything about that game should be forgotten and burried.

1: Not doing enough with (and for) the franchise

Source

Between Super Metroid and Metroid Prime were nearly 8 years and between Other M and Federation Force still 6 years. And if you count Metroid Prime 4 as the next ''true'' Metroid game then it's even more. As you can see Metroid has always been a series with ups and downs. Which is a huge shame considering the great potential it offers.
It's often said that Nintendo lacks appeal for more mature audiences. It even goes so far that some people love to suggest transitioning games like Zelda into a game for adults. I think a darker Zelda is always among the top of wishes when a new game in that series is announced.

What people tend to forget is that Nintendo already has a franchise with a dark atmosphere and the possibility for a deep story. And they just ignore it.

Even though there lies so much potential in the Metroid series. Not only in the mainline games, but also in spin-offs and merchandise. Of course Samus is no Mario, so seeing her go cart racing or having a nice Boardgame with Ridley would not fit into the tone of the series, but games like Federation Force, ill recieved as it was, prove that there are great possibilities for Spin-Off games in the series. And not only that. Metroid would be a great fit for adaptiation in a different Medium. Expanding the backstory of the galactic federation in a series would be interesting to see.

Generally speaking the lack of Metroid in all of Nintendos merchandise is just baffling. While you see Mario around every corner and each GameStop has at least two copies of Zelda Monopoly in store you're hard pressed to finde any trace of Samus outside her own games. And that is a damn shame.

Where do you think Nintendo dropped the Ball with Samus? What would you do differently? Let me know in the comments

and as always

thanks for reading

Top 5 Metroid Games

Metroid Fans didn't have it easy the last couple of years. The last real game in the series we got was 2010 Metroid: Other M, which was mechanicaly fine, but really put a dent into Samus image as badass bounty hunter. Or to say it bluntly. The Gameplay was good, but the story really sucked. Apart from that the only other Metroid Title, apart from Virtual Console releases of older games, was the universally lambasted Metroid Prime: Federation Force.

I've already talked lots about this game in the months leading up to its release. While it was an okayish game in the end, it was released (and announced) during the most unfavorable timeframe imaginable. But the failings of Other M and Federation Force aren't todays topic. Today we're going to focus on the good parts.

Like I said at the beginning the last couple of years haven't been easy for Metroid Fans. Luckily this changed during this years e3. Not only did we get the conformation that Metroid Prime 4 is in development for the Nintendo Switch, no we also get a classic 2D Metroid for the 3DS. Given it's only a remake of Samus first mobile adventure on the GameBoy, but it looks like it's greatly enhanced.

So to honor the return of the first female badass of video games I plan on focusing on the Metroid series this month. I won't dub September Metroid Month because I'm not sure if I'm going to repeat it next year (unless Metroid Prime 4 releases during that timeframe), but at least for this year the month of September will mostly be dedicated to Samus Aran.

And what better way to start this exciting Metroid Celebratin than with a list of the five best Metroid titles.

5: Metroid

Source

Every game which names a complete genre deserves a spot on such a list. Couple this feat with the introduction of a female protagonist (huge news at that time) and you have one of the most influantial games of all time. Metroid didn't only convince the Metroidvania genre, but also it got everything right about it on it's first try. Of course if you play it today you'll dearly miss some of the quality of life improvements implemented in later titles of the genre, but the building blocks are all there and function perfectly. A huge, hostile world that opens up piece by piece as you aquire new weapons and abilities. The feeling of isolation and lonelyness that defines Metroid.

Generally speaking the atmosphere is one of the strong points of this game. Of course it can't compare to later entries in the series, but if you compare it with other games of that time the first Metroid oozes atmosphere. The obvious inspiration the developers pulled from Alien is obvious, but if you take one Science-Fiction Movie as model, then there is nothing wrong with choosing one of the best and most iconic ones out there.

Also one thing I just have to mention when talking about the first Metroid is the fact that Samus is a women. Of course this is basic knowledge nowadays, but in 1986 (or 1987/88 in the US/Eu) this was still a huge revelation. Even more so because it was only revealed to the player after you beat the game in under five hours of playtime. A fact that further improved the replayability of the title.

Today the original Metroid may seem a little bit antiquated, but luckily Nintendo released an excellent remake for the GameBoy Advance, called Zero Mission. It contains the same game layout but improved the graphics by a lot and enhanced the backstory further. So if you want to experience the best version of the game I would recomment Zero Mission, but the original also still works today.

4: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Source

By the time the Wii was announced Retro Studios was already seen as a new Rare for Nintendo. And while the Austin,TX based developers weren't creating titles in the quantity that Rare did for the N64, they nailed the quality part. After shocking the world by taking Samus in a completely new direction with Metroid Prime they intended to end their trilogy with a bang. And what a bang it was. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption has his rightful place among the best games for the Nintendo Wii, even though it was released during the first year of the Wiis existance.

The amazing thing about this is that Corruption absolutely nailed motion control. It showed how a shooter had to work on the Wii. After games like the first Red Steel were pretty lackluster this was the first time that the Wii showed that Motion Controls could work outside of casual titles. The transition from Gamepad to Wii-Mote wasn't without hiccups. Complexity had to be reduced. For example, Corruption didn't offer different beam weapons anymore, but Retro managed to wipe away this flaw by doubling down on the core strengths of the Prime Series.

Metroid Prime 3 was designed to be the end of the Prime series and this is a fact that you at each corner. Everything feels bigger, more urgent and generally more important. For the first time in the series there is voice acting. Altough Samus herself remains silent. (A good decision as we have seen through Other M) This time she isn't saving one planet by herself, like in Prime and Prime 2, but working together with other bounty hunters and the galactic federation to save a whole star system and win a war.

And while the classic Metroid atmosphere is weakened by this, it still comes through. During your infiltration of the Space Pirate homeworld and especially on the G.F.S Valhalla, which is the closest the series has ever come to the Alien Movie franchise.

Generally speaking Corruption was a fitting end for a trilogy. On it's own it may be slightly weaker, but after playing through the other two Prime games it is the great ending for a great trilogy of games and a fitting fourth place on this list.

3: Metroid Fusion

Source

After 8 years Samus finally returned in full glory with this game. The time between Super Metroid in 1994 and the release of this title and Prime also wasn't easy for fans. The only appearance Samus had on the N64 was her role in Smash Bros.
So excitement for the first proper Metroid title in 8 years was pretty high. Even more so because it was developed by R&D 1 the original developers of the series.And still to this day it marks the final release in the series, chronologically speaking.

Like Other M Fusion offered on a more linear manner of exploring the space station and focused more on it's story. But unlike Other M here it worked. In many cases Other M often feels like a weaker version of Fusion. In both games you explore a space station with different biomes, but in Fusion the exploration, while still beeing guided, simply feels more natural.

Also we shouldn't forget about the hidden star of the game. The primary antoganist Samus-X or simply called SA-X. A doppelganger created when the X parasite infected Samus Varia suit. It is an enemy with all the same capabilities that Samus has at her prime, but noe of the moral concerns of a human. In other words it's a damn frightening bastard. And it's hunting you. The encounters you have with SA-X are among the most terryfying and intense moments I've experienced in Video Games so far. It let's you feel your utter helplessness. Something that is new for Samus. So far she had been the Hunter. And while there were many challenging encounters in her past, she was always powerful enough to handle them. But this time you're completely helpless. SA-X is you at your peak. Something that samus is far removed from during this game.

Metroid Fusion ranks among the best GameBoy Advance games and even though you may see it a the first step that lead to Other M this has nothing to do with the fact that Metroid Fusion is a great game and one of the best examples of the Metroidvania genre.

2: Super Metroid

Source

Talking about great examples from the Metroidvania genre. Her is the best one. It's no wonder that Super Metroid can often be found towards the top of best games of all time lists. Generally called the best SNES game by many the 23 years since its release in 1994 have done absolutely nothing to hurt this title. It's still as damn good as it was then.

During Metroids entry I said that the game got the concept of a great Metroidvania game right on it's first try. Well if the original Metroid introduced the concept then Super Metroid perfected it. I would go as far and say that even after 23 years this game is still the best of it's genre.

There are several factors at play to achieve that status. First and foremost it's Planet Zebes. The main base of Space Pirate operations is a beautifully crafted horrific world. It's dangerous and deadly around every corner. The enviroments are oozing with atmosphere and the great Sprite work secures that this is still as true today as it was in 1994. For me only one other game manages to create a better feeling of isolation and dread, while still maintaining a wish to explore every nook and crany of this alien world.

So Zebes is a dangeorus and hostile world, but luckily you're Samus Aran. I think this is the game that fully cemented Samus as one of the greatest female characters in gaming. And it did it without her uttering a single word. It did it fully through gameplay. The way Super Metroid allows you to approach the world and it's monsters. The tools it gives you to survive in this enviroment. All this forms Samus and how you see her. Even though she is alone on a world full of enemies she is fearless. Super Metroid shows Samus as what she is. The best Bounty Hunter in the Galaxy.

Now we have talked about the great gameworld Zebes and the great Character Samus, but don't worry I have saved the best for last. The Gameplay. And what more can I say except it's freaking great. During Fusions entry I said that the game focused on a more linear way of exploring the gameworld. Well Super Metroid is the complete opposite. Yes the world still opens up piece by piec via the acquisition of new power ups, but how you combined those pieces is completely up too you. That is one of the reasons why Super Metroid is still the Go-To game for speed running. The order in which you go for the necessary upgrades is a puzzle that you have to solve before even starting your run. Simply said Super Metroid is a game that you can play again and again and still find a new path.

1: Metroid Prime

Source

I said that only one game creates a better feeling of isolation and dread than Super Metroid. Well this is this game. When Metroid Prime came around it had been 8 years since the last proper Metroid Game. The series had been pretty dead up until then. With Metroid Fusion another classic Metroid was already in the makes for the Advance, but for the GameCube the series needed the next step. A new evolution. Luckily Nintendo found a small development company located in Austin,TX, which was wiling to take on the risk of guiding the franchise into the age of 3D. And the end result was not just good. It was good enough to spark an eternal war. Which is the better Metroid game? Super or Prime?

And while I would say that there is no right answer to this question for me it's pretty easy. I started with Prime and apart from Galaxy, The Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild no other game has been able to blow my mind like Prime did.

Atmosphere is a big part of the Metroid experience to me and no other titles does this better than Prime. The Planet of Talon IV is of of the greatest video game worlds of all time. A world that was annihilated by a catastrophic event many centuries ago. Forgotten by time and filled with hostile beasts. And Samus is completely alone.

The biggest part in creating such a perfect feeling of lonelyness is without a doubt the switch into first-person view. It made everything more intense. When you walk through the frozen wasteland of Phendrana Drifts, listening to the eerie music, it's easy to imagine yourself as the person looking through the visor. Metroid Prime is a game that further build Samus character because now you can imagine firsthand how she must feel.

But First-person view didn't only bring a dramatic increase in immersion and atmosphere, it also shook up the gameplay quite a bit. Of course the corner stones remained. The World gradually opens up piece by piece via the acquisition of new Power-Ups, but combat and and exploration got much more intense. Also with the introduction of different visors and beam types the battles gained a new strategy component.

Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. These two titles often get called the parents of 3D gaming because the showed how to perfectly transfer a 2D title into the three dimensional sphere. In that case I would call Metroid Prime the prodigial son. It's often overlooked, but just like the other two titles it is the perfect application of a great 2D concept in a 3D world. And now if you excuse me I think it's time to play through the Prime Trilogy on my Wii again.

Metroid is one of Nintendos most storied franchises. Sadly it often get's overshadowed by others. So tell me what great memories do you have of the series? What are your favourite games? Let me know in the comments.

And as always

Thanks for reading

Top Five Times Nintendo has thought outside the box

Nintendo is an interesting company. On one hand they are as conservative as it gets, but on the other they always manage to surprise us with some new inovation. I think it's this duality that has allowed them to stay relevant up to this day. They never forget their roots, but always strive to move forward. Of course they sometimes go overboard in both directions. Innovation for Innovations sake is never desirable, as is complete stillstand.

But overall Nintendo managed to achieve a good balance I think.

Still the company is mostly seen as living in the past, being stuck in their old ways. But as we fans all know this is far from the truth. Nintendo is an ever changing company with one single focus. Creating quality Video Games for us to enjoy. Now before this introduction sounds even more like a glorified press release, let me introduce todays topic to you.

Overall Nintendo is a traditonalistic company. We can always count on them releasing a new Mario Kart on a console or handheld. We always know that the next Mario adventure is on it's way, and we can be certain that a return to Hyrule is already planned. And we know what to expect from these games. Great, but familiar gameplay. But today I'd like to shine the focus on the unexpected. The decisions that took us all by surprise. Today I'd like to talk about the five times that Nintendo has thought outside the box. The times the left their comfort zone and created something truly new.

5: Breath of the Wild

Source

Who woul'dve thought that a series like Zelda, which is filled to the brim with history, would appear on a list like that. And to be honest up until e3 2016 I would've never even considered it, but then this trailer hit and changed everything.

Source

In just 3 Minutes and 19 Seconds Nintendo managed to throw everything we knew about Zelda out of the Window. A completely open World. Survival Gameplay. Breath of the Wild looked like a different game entirely. And the simple truth is, it not only seemed that way, but also felt unlike any Zelda title before once you've got to play it. The new world of Hyrule, while familiar at first sight, was something you have never seen on a Nintendo console before.

Zelda is a storied franchise with a lot of critical acclaim. Nintendo didn't need to change anything about the formula. Skyward Sword, the last truly classic console Zelda, sold well and recieved great scores. Still Nintendo and Eiji Aonuma opted to give the series a complete shake-up. It was a huge risk fundamentally changing, what is arguaby, your most important franchise so completely, but it was a risk that, in the end, payed out.

Breath of the Wild was a new start for Zelda. Like the original game in 1986 or Ocarin of Time in 1998 it has set the standard for future iterations of the series. The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is one of the best examples of Nintendo stepping outside their comfort zone. And it is glorious.

4: Virtual Console

Source

Nostalgia is a huge part of Nintendos identity. Heck if you ask the right people they will tell you that it's the only thing about Nintendo. No other gaming company can look back on such a storied history as Nintendo. For over 30 years they've been providing us with great games and great memories. But in 2005 this wasn't really the case. Apart from a Handful SNES games they had ported to the GameBoy Advance Nintendo didn't really capitalize on their long history of games. Nobody in the industry did. Everything was focused on moving forward. If you wanted to enjoy the classics you'd have to find an old console at someones yard sale. But during e3 2005 while introducing the Wii Satoru Iwata revealed the Virtual Console.

The Wii was the first Nintendo console with actual backwards compability. But instead of fullfilling the standard of being able to play games from the previous console generation they went beyond that. Via the Virtual Console the Wii was backwards compatible towards all former Nintendo consoles. Of course you'd had to buy the games again, but for many this was a small price for having all of their favourite games on one console. Now you could play A Link to the Past and Super Mario 64 back to back without the need of switching consoles.

The Virtual Console marked the first time that Nintend truly started capitalizing on the massive value of Nostalgia. It was a genius idea and proved that they were capable of adapting to a new market. The Wii was the first gaming console for a lot of people and via Virtual Console they were given the chance to catch up on over 20 years of gaming history.

3: Donkey Kong

Source

It seems hard to understand nowadays, but in 1980 the world was a very different place. And even though video games were mildly successful during that time their appeal was still very limited. They story behind the game is well known nowadays. In 1980 Nintendo of America was left with a large amount of Radar Scope arcade machines, because they failed to sell. Hiroshi Yamauchi, the president of Nintendo during that time, tasked a young designer called Shigeru Miyamoto to create a replacement game, which could be insterted into the machines to replace Radar Scope. This was Miyamotos first shot at designing a video game. He was also supervised by veteran Nintendo engineer Gunpei Yokoi (who you might know as the father of the GameBoy)

The two immidiatelly started working on a game concept that, for that time, was truly revolutionary. Yokoi and Miyamoto used the graphics as a means to characterize the hero of the game. No longer were you a faceless character, but you controlled Jumpman on his quest to save the beautiful Pauline from the brutish Donkey Kong. Not only that, but the two designers also included Cutscenes and different stages. Unheard at that time.

Donkey Kong proved to be a huge success and the jump start for Miyamotos legendary career. It revolutionized story telling in video games. And all that because Nintendo thought outside the box to find a solution for the unsold Radar Scope machines.

2: Metroid Prime:

Source

Let's see. You have one of your most iconic franchises, which hasn't seen a new release in over 8 years. You want to bring it back, but it has to adapt and change to fit into the modern gaming enviroment. Whad do you do?

If your answer is you hand the task to a newly founded american studio, which hasn't released any games so far then welcome abord the board of executives at Nintendo. Because that's exactly what happened in 2002 when Nintendo released Metriod Prime for the GameCube.

In 2000 Shigeru Miyamoto visited the studios of Retro in Austing, Texas. He wasn't impressed with the prototypes of games the studio was working on during that times, but saw a lot of potential in their Action-Adventure Game Engine. He suggested it could be used to develop a new game in the Metroid series. And that's not the only thing he did suggest. He was also the driving force behind transitioning the game into an first person perspective.

This was a bold new step. Afterall Super Metroid is often regarded as one of the best games of all time. To throw nearly everything about this game out of the window and create a new experience in Metroid Prime was a huge risk. But like with Breath of the Wild it was a risk that was very well worth taking. Next to Ocarina of Time and Super Mario 64 Metroid Prime is often named when talking about the perfect example of a 2D to 3D transition. And it has cemented it's place as one of the best games of all time. Just like its predecessor.

1: Wii

Source

In 2005 Nintendo was in a difficult position. Their days of ruing over the console market were long gone. Sony had dominated them the second time in a row with the PlayStation 2 and the Gamecube had even fallen short in defeating the new competitor X-Box. At the end of the sixth generaion the PlayStation 2 reigned supreme with over 150 Million Units followed by the X-Box with 24 and then the Gamecube with 22 Million sales. During this time Nintendo president Satoru Iwata realized something. Nintendo couldn't compete directly with Sony and Microsoft. So instead of entering the ever evolving hardware and power race Nintendo instead opted for something different. Instead of fighting for a finite amount of hardcore gamers they instead decided to tap into a completely new market of customers. People, which up until then, wheren't even considered to be possible buyers. People, who had never played a video game before. Nintendo literally jumped out of the box of pre-existing customers with the Wii.

During e3 2005 Nintendo announced the Nintendo Wii. Barely more powerful than a Nintendo Gamecube and instead focusing on motion controls. It took everyone by surprise. Instead of making games look better and bigger they introduced a completely new way to play. And the reletively weak tech had another advantage. The Wii sold for a retail price which none of the other two consoles could come even close to.

Nintendo had created the perfect storm. Everyone immidiatelly understood the appeal of Motion Gaming through Wii sports and the low price made the decission to get a Wii even easier. No matter on which side you are on the whole Motion Gaming experience in 2006 and 2007 the Wii was the thing to get. And at the end of the console generation, despite it's short comings and a lackluster support during it's latter days, the Wii reigned supreme with over 101 Million Units sold.

When did Nintendo surprise you? Did they ever? Tell me in the comments.

and as always
thanks for reading

Top 5 upcoming Nintendo Games

2017 proves to be an interesting year for Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch launched with great success, but supply shortages and a lack of big titles have seen it slow down somewhat. Of course it's still far from being a Wii-U. Everytime a new shipment of consoles hits the shelves they are sold out in a matter of hours. At least where I live. And with the release of Splatoon 2 the small software drought that plagued the console through April and May seems to be finally over. Also the future is looking more than bright.

On the other hand we have the 3DS, which, despite being at the end of its lifespan, still gets great new releases. It even got a new iteration with the New 2DS. It seems Nintendo really is standing by their word to support their dedicated handheld and don't see the Switch as a replacement.

Now focusing solely on the Software Nintendo has had a good year so far. ARMS, a completely new IP, launched with solid sales and scores from game critics and The Legend of Zelda has blown every person and their mother completely out of the water. But this year is far from over and if we take a small peek into the future we still have an exciting line-up on the Horizon.

So today I'd like to talk about the 5 Games upcoming Nintendo games you should get most excited about.

5: Mario & Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

Source

For a long time I wouldn't believe that this game actually existed. I couldn't believe it.
I'm not a big fan of the Rabbids and I probably won't get this game for exactly that reason, but despite that we all should still get excited for that release. First and foremost because the game looks really good. Well apart for the damn Rabbids. Most importantly the gameplay looks polished and like it could be a lot of fun. I'm not the first one to state that, but it strongly reminds me of X-Com, which is never a bad sign. The combat seems to be very strategical, but still the presentation makes it look really fast paced and action driven.

The Gameplay, however, isn't the only thing that looks exciting about this game. It's the implications that Mario & Rabbids: Kingdom Battle has. This is the first in a long time that Nintendo has given one of their IPs to another company. Not only that but they allowed this company to create their own crossover game. Now I'm not saying that from now on Nintendo should hand out the rights to develop their titles left and right, but if they are willing to give Mario to Ubisoft, so that they can develop a strategy game including him, they may be willing to do the same with other IPs. IPs which could truly benefit from a new angle or even just a new game in their franchise. If Nintendo is unwilling or unable to create a new entry then why not give it over to another Publisher, so that they can develop a game for the Switch. Mario & Rabbids: Kingdom Battle proves that this is now a possibility and that makes me very excited. My fingers are crossed for an Advanced War revival.

Also just look how proud the creator of the game is.

Source

4: Pokemon UltraSun/UltraMoon

Source

Probably the last proper Pokemon Games released for the 3DS these will surely be great experiences. I'm feeling that with the transition towards the Nintendo Switch Pokemon will surely change. It will be just as groundbreaking as Zelda and Mario transitioning into 3D during the N64 era. Anything less would be disappointing.

And because of that I think that UltraSun and UltraMoon will be the last hooray for the Pokemon series on dedicated Handhelds. GameFreak will cram everything they can into these titles. I have the feeling that UltraSun and UltraMoon will be the Ultimate Pokemon experience.

3: Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Source

The first Xenoblade Chronicles was one of the best JRPGs of all time. And it's spiritual successor Xenoblade Chronicles X was my personal game of the Year in 2015. So when Nintendo announced Xenoblade Chronicles 2 during the Switch event in January I couldn't believe my luck. And when they announced that the game would launch this year I lost it.

First of all the game looks great. I really love the kind of open worlds Monolith creates. And I think the decision to go full Anime style with the characters instead of a mixture like in X was the right one. Also I'm sure they'll fix the FPS issues and rough edges until release.

I'm simply looking forward to exploring this world. Because while Breath of the Wild created probably the greatest open world of all time (up until now), one thing that that the Xenoblade titles have, that Breath of the Wild lacks, is something truly unique. Don't get me wrong I love Hyrule, but something like Noctilum or Sylvalum you can't find in any other game. Monolith are experts in creating unique and alien worlds. Stepping foot into the Noctilum for the first time and hearing the amazing overworld score will forever be one of my greatest gaming moments.

And with Xenoblade 2 I'm sure Monolith will deliver once again. The trailers alone make me wanna experience this world. Just like Mira these new world simply feels awe inspiring. And it also helps that all Xenoblade Games so far were also pretty good in the gameplay department.

It's a shame that Xenoblade 2 launches in a year with Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild. Otherwise I'm sure it would be one of the main contenders for my game of the year spot.

2: Metroid: Samus Returns

Source

It's a new Metroid title. A new 2D Metroid title. Forget that it's a remake of the GameBoy game. Just look at this and tell me you're not excited.

Source

Forget Peach, Zelda and Co. For me Samus will always be the first Lady of Nintendo. And to see her (hopefully) return to form is just great.

Metroid has had it rough in the last couple of years. Metroid Other M, while mechanically good, was a storyline mess and did a lot of damage to Samus as a character. And while Metroid Prime: Federation Force may have been an okay game it cam at completely the wrong time. It felt more like an insult towards Metroid fans.

But now Nintendo seems to be back on track and intends to bring Metroid back into the spotlight were the series belongs. With the renaissance of the the MetroidVania genre in the last couple of years, mostly thanks to indie developers, this is the perfect timing to bring back one of the founders of the whole genre.

Also if the gameplay from the Nintendo Treehouse is anything to go by we don't need to be concerned for the quality of the game. Samus Returns looks and plays amazing.

1: Mario Odyssey

Source

Of course this game is number 1. After Breath of the Wild this is the biggest game of the year for anyone owning a Nintendo Switch. And while Link returned to his 2D roots with his newest game, Mario chooses a different direction. It's also a return, but instead of going all the way back it's a return to the leveldesign of one of the most important games of all time. When Super Mario 64 launched it wowed its audience with worlds that seemed endless. Super Mario Sunshine also followed in the same vein, but with Mario Galaxy 1&2 and Super Mario 3D World Nintendo steered 3D Mario titles into a different direction. The focus shifted more onto the platforming, instead of exploring spacious worlds. Of course this wasn't a bad thin, and in the end it served to make the announcement of Super Mario Odyssey all the more special.

Just like with Breath of the Wild one year before Mario just stole the show during this years e3. And once again Nintendo proved that if they change the formula of one of their established franchises, then they truly intend to knock it out of the park.

Super Mario Odyssey is a game that is fun even when you're just watching someone else playing it. The levels look so vibrant and colorful that you just want to jump in and start adventuring.

Mario has always been great, but this is the first time since the original Galaxy that I felt a rush of excitement, when watching a Mario game. Odyssey surely has the potential to be a true game changer.

So what are your most anticipated games for this year? Let me know in the comments below.

And as always

thanks for reading