Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Metroid: Nintendo is the home of the biggest franchises and a unique standard of play. RomWize re-ranks the publisher's best games by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"Pokémon X/Y on 3DS inaugurates the franchise's 3D polygon visuals and France-inspired Kalos. Mega-Evolutions, trainer customisation and Wonder Trade. A major visual turning point for the franchise."
"Monolith Soft JRPG of rare ambition, directed by Tetsuya Takahashi. Shulk wields the Monado sword against Mechon machines in a world built on the bodies of two giant gods. Massive open world in free exploration, real-time MMO-like combat without transition, fifty-hour epic narration. Imaginative fantasy art direction, memorable Yasunori Mitsuda soundtrack. Absolute Wii JRPG peak, essential."
"Skyward Sword tells the genesis of the Zelda legend, before canonical Hyrule. Watercolor art direction, Motion Plus controls essential for angled sword swings, impeccable level design between puzzles and dungeons. Soar your Loftwing between floating isles, descend to the Surface, comb Faron Woods. Moving story with Zelda as central character. Matured masterpiece of the Wii Zelda formula."
"A remaster that does justice to a classic. The verticality of its open world is still impressive for its era, and the visual overhaul rejuvenates it noticeably. The somewhat dated combat takes adjusting to, but the epic is well worth the trip."
"Pokémon X/Y on 3DS inaugurates the franchise's 3D polygon visuals and France-inspired Kalos. Mega-Evolutions, trainer customisation and Wonder Trade. A major visual turning point for the franchise."
"Direct Mario 64 sequel, tropical playground to scrub with the FLUDD water pack. Wild idea, vertiginous gameplay and tough secret stages to crack. Not the purity of its forebear but a genuine invention. Nintendo's 3D platform peak on the console."
"The most accessible entry in the series without renouncing its strategic nature: commanding your Pikmin stays a rewarding puzzle, and the companion Oatchi smooths the logistics. The new night mode and caves bring genuine variety."
"PlatinumGames delivers a frenetic action game where you steer a cop and a chained creature at once. Juggling both units is demanding yet exhilarating once it clicks, and the cyberpunk style still looks sharp on Switch."
"The color overhaul of the unforgettable Game Boy Zelda, with an exclusive color dungeon and a bonus photo grotto. The dreamlike Koholint story still ranks as top shelf writing, the dungeons still dazzle, the magic stays intact. An absolute essential of Nintendo's handheld."
"The peak of the F-Zero saga, designed by Sega and Amusement Vision under Nintendo's watch. Mind-bending speed, dizzying tracks and AI hardwired for combat. Brutal difficulty but unmatched arcade racing thrills. Still undethroned today."
"A Japan-exclusive Nintendo gem, the missing link between Zelda and SaGa. Prince Sablé turns into a frog to swim or a snake to crawl. Cutscene-style auto-combat, Metroidvania exploration, irresistible humor. A real little Game Boy wonder, absolutely worth discovering even in Japanese."
"The best Smash Bros. before Ultimate. Generous roster, abundant modes, balanced gameplay. One of the best multiplayer party games ever made. Amiibo add a collector dimension. A complete and indispensable home version."
"For the first time Zelda is the hero, and her power to copy objects and foes as echoes reinvents puzzle solving. Bursting with ideas and freedom, this top-down Zelda stays playful and inventive right to the end."
"The action keeps its signature extravagance: sumptuous combos, Demon Slave summoning giant monsters and gleefully deranged staging. The pacing sometimes scatters and the story loses the plot, but the raw thrill of combat stays at the top of the genre."
"The best entry in the series: a haunted hotel explored floor by floor, packed with gadgets for Luigi and inventive bosses. The humor, visual richness and co-op ScareScraper mode make for an irresistible ghost hunt."
"Superb HD remake of the GameCube classic. Cell-shaded art direction remains breathtaking, maritime navigation is enhanced. Welcome improvements to the original pacing. One of the best WiiU games and unmissable Zelda saga entries."
