From Mario to Zelda: Iconic Nintendo Games Highlighted on NintendoTimes
Nintendo has always been at the forefront of the gaming industry, delivering some of the most innovative and beloved franchises in the history of video games. From the moment Super Mario Bros. made its debut on nintendotimes the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, the company has been shaping the way we play games, telling stories, and designing unforgettable worlds. Nintendo’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and sheer fun has resulted in a catalog of iconic titles that have captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide.
In this blog post, we will explore some of Nintendo’s most legendary franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and others, each contributing to what is now considered the gold standard in gaming. These games not only define Nintendo as a company but also set the stage for generations of players to come. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic Nintendo games that have shaped the gaming landscape.
Super Mario: The Heart and Soul of Nintendo
Super Mario is without a doubt the crown jewel of Nintendo’s gaming portfolio. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario has been Nintendo’s mascot for decades, appearing in more than 200 games across every platform released by the company. His journey began in Donkey Kong (1981), where Mario (then known as “Jumpman”) first appeared. However, it was Super Mario Bros. (1985) on the NES that truly cemented his place in gaming history.
Super Mario Bros. introduced a side-scrolling platformer that was revolutionary for its time. It established many of the hallmarks of the Mario franchise: the bright, colorful worlds, power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, and the iconic goal of rescuing Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. This was the start of a series that would evolve across multiple generations of consoles, leading to even more beloved titles like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Odyssey, and more.
Super Mario Odyssey (2017) on the Nintendo Switch takes the 3D Mario formula to new heights with open-world exploration, new mechanics like the ability to control enemies with Mario’s sentient hat, Cappy, and beautiful, creative kingdoms to explore. The success of Mario is built on its accessibility—easy for newcomers, yet challenging enough for seasoned players. This combination of accessibility and innovation is one of the reasons Mario remains at the heart of Nintendo’s legacy.
The Legend of Zelda: A Timeless Adventure
Another cornerstone of Nintendo’s legacy is The Legend of Zelda. First released in 1986, Zelda introduced players to the magical land of Hyrule, where players control the hero, Link, on his quest to rescue Princess Zelda and thwart the evil plans of Ganon. The series is known for its blend of action, exploration, puzzle-solving, and deep lore.
Over the years, Zelda has continually evolved, with each installment introducing new mechanics, gameplay elements, and innovations. The most groundbreaking entry, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) for the Nintendo 64, is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. It brought Zelda into the 3D space with an open-world design that was groundbreaking for its time.
In more recent years, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) for the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the series by embracing open-world exploration in a way never seen before in a Zelda game. Its vast, interconnected world, emphasis on exploration, and the freedom to tackle challenges in any order resonated with both new and longtime fans. The game won numerous Game of the Year awards, proving that Zelda continues to be at the forefront of game design.
Zelda has always been about immersion, adventure, and creativity, making it one of Nintendo’s most beloved and enduring franchises.
Pokémon: Catch ‘Em All
Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has become a global phenomenon, transcending video games to become a multimedia empire. What started as a Game Boy game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo has grown into a cultural juggernaut, with trading card games, television series, movies, and countless spin-offs. The core games, such as Pokémon Red and Blue (1996), have captured the imaginations of millions of players around the world.
In the main series, players take on the role of a Pokémon Trainer, capturing, training, and battling with various species of creatures called Pokémon. The objective is to become the Pokémon Champion by defeating the eight Gym Leaders and ultimately the Pokémon League.
The Pokémon franchise has seen several major releases over the years, including Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and most recently, Pokémon Sword and Shield. The games have always been beloved for their accessibility, deep strategy, and the joy of collecting hundreds of Pokémon. Pokémon GO (2016) brought the franchise into the real world with augmented reality, captivating players worldwide.
In addition, the franchise has seen multiple remakes, spin-offs, and adaptations that continue to keep the world of Pokémon fresh and exciting. Whether you’re battling it out in a tournament or trading with friends, Pokémon has become a symbol of adventure, exploration, and friendship.
Metroid: The Bounty Hunter’s Saga
While not as immediately recognizable as Mario or Zelda, Metroid has earned a dedicated following over the years for its atmospheric exploration and challenging gameplay. The series debuted in 1986 and follows the bounty hunter Samus Aran as she battles the space-faring Space Pirates and tries to prevent the deadly Metroids from falling into the wrong hands.
What distinguishes Metroid from other Nintendo franchises is its blend of platforming, exploration, and science fiction elements. Samus’s quest often requires players to backtrack through environments to discover new power-ups and unlock previously unreachable areas. The original Metroid and its sequel, Super Metroid (1994), set the groundwork for what would later become the genre known as “Metroidvania”—games that emphasize exploration and the acquisition of new abilities to unlock areas of the map.
In recent years, Metroid Dread (2021) for the Nintendo Switch revitalized the series with stunning visuals, tight gameplay, and an engaging story. Metroid remains one of Nintendo’s most innovative franchises, mixing tense, atmospheric gameplay with a compelling narrative.
Donkey Kong: The King of Jungle Action
Donkey Kong is one of Nintendo’s earliest arcade hits, first appearing in 1981. The game introduced players to the now-iconic ape character, Donkey Kong, who would go on to star in a series of games that blended platforming and action. The original Donkey Kong was a platformer where Mario (then called Jumpman) had to rescue Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong, who would throw barrels at him.
Over the years, Donkey Kong evolved into one of the most fun and challenging platformers on the market, with titles like Donkey Kong Country (1994) on the Super Nintendo bringing cutting-edge graphics and a fantastic soundtrack to the forefront. The series remains known for its tough difficulty, beautiful design, and delightful music.
Today, Donkey Kong is still featured in games such as Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (2014) for the Nintendo Switch, continuing to deliver high-quality platforming experiences.
Splatoon: A Fresh Take on Shooters
Nintendo also ventured into the world of competitive multiplayer shooters with Splatoon, first released for the Wii U in 2015. This game introduced the world to Inklings, squid-like characters who engage in turf wars by shooting ink to cover as much ground as possible. The simple yet addictive gameplay, along with its unique art style and upbeat music, has made Splatoon a favorite among Nintendo fans.
The success of Splatoon 2 (2017) and the upcoming Splatoon 3 has cemented the series as a beloved Nintendo franchise, attracting both casual players and competitive gamers alike.
Conclusion
Nintendo’s library of iconic games is a testament to its creativity, passion, and innovation. From Super Mario to Zelda, Pokémon to Metroid, and more, these games have not only shaped the landscape of gaming but have created unforgettable experiences for millions of players across the world. Nintendo’s dedication to making games that are fun, accessible, and enduring is why these titles remain as beloved as ever.
As we continue to see new innovations and advancements in gaming technology, it’s clear that these franchises will continue to evolve, bringing new generations of players into the magical worlds they have created. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Nintendo, exploring these iconic games is an experience every gamer should have.