200 Best Nintendo Games (Part 6) – Touching is Good

Part Six: 2006 – 2010

147) Super Paper Mario
Developer(s) Intelligent Systems Nintendo SPD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii
Release: NA: April 9, 2007 / JP: April 19, 2007
Genre(s) Action role-playing, Platforming

Even if the idea to enmesh a strangely tragic love story into a Mario game doesn’t necessarily work terribly well with the general light-heartedness of the series, Super Paper Mario still manages to circumvent this handicap via sheer gameplay prowess. The notion of taking an inherently 2D series and introducing it to the 3rd dimension is inspired, and one that remains silly and charming even as the plot takes a series of predictable and overzealous turns toward its conclusion. While the story may suffer at times, the gameplay is only strengthened by the introduction of a screen rotation mechanism, which allows you to literally see the world in an entirely new way. Multiple playable characters and a lovable art style only add more value to this somewhat underrated gem. (Mike Worby)

148) Mother 3
Developer(s) Brownie Brown/HAL Laboratory
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Game Boy Advance
Release: JP: April 20, 2006
Genre(s) Role-playing

Mother 3, like its predecessors, is a game out of time and place. Its pixelated graphics and standard turn-based battle system betray its 90s development roots, while its evocative script is more reminiscent of the heartfelt and contemplative indie games from the 2010s. What makes it a timeless classic, however, is its razor-sharp focus on our most universal sentiments and values that tie us all together, regardless of our superficial differences.

Starting off with a burning village and the death of a set of twins’ mother, Mother 3 takes the player on a grand external and internal journey. Playing the roles of lead designer, director, and writer, this is clearly the brainchild of auteur Shigesato Itoi. Like all his work, this third entry in the Mother series straddles the line between the dark and the whimsical. But this is arguably Itoi’s darkest game, telling a story of meaningful character growth versus selfish (and often ruthless) industrial and capitalistic “progress,” and in its nitty-gritty attention to detail, clearly communicated worldview, and empathetic style of play, it can almost feel like a “game for change,” with actual narrative depth and nuance. To this day, it remains an influential game even to Western developers. Games like Undertale play similarly with JRPG norms to show how much life there can still be in the supposedly stale genre if their creators are bold, brilliant, and deeply human enough.

This Japan-exclusive GBA classic from 2006 has yet to see a Western release, much to the chagrin of its diehard fanbase. Instead, those craving an end to the Mother trilogy have had to rely on an outstanding (but unofficial) fan translation online. Only time will tell whether or not we’ll ever see a proper Stateside release, but Nintendo has been on a hot streak lately, giving fans almost everything they’ve been asking for. Perhaps 2018 will finally be the year Reggie breaks out that Porky pin he’s been polishing for over a decade. (Kyle Rentschler)

149) Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Developer(s) Game Freak
Publisher(s) The Pokémon Company
Platform(s) Nintendo DS
Release: JP: September 28, 2006 / NA: April 22, 2007
Genre(s) Role-playing

Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire almost took me out of the game. With too much water, too many HMs, little in the way of new mechanics, and my least favorite Pokémon designs up to that point, I thought that my time with Pokémon had come to an end. I had caught all of ‘em that I was ever gonna catch. Then news of Diamond and Pearl started to get out. As excitement built, I still felt my time with Pokémon was over. Cover art was teased, and people were selecting their game, but I still didn’t budge. Finally, my brothers told me to give it one more shot. They both wanted Diamond; they needed someone to help them complete the Pokédex by picking up Pearl. I eventually consented (I liked Palkia better anyway), and I am glad that I did. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl completely revitalized my love and fervor for the series. Five time periods of the day kept everything feeling variable, while the second screen Pokétch app, made possible by the Nintendo DS design, added a layer of convenience, not to mention that these games had Wi-Fi functionality for the first time. On top of the same great, addicting gameplay, an engaging locale, and some of the most inspired Pokémon designs since the franchise started, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl not only reinvigorated my interest in the series, but also rapidly became one of my favorite Pokémon titles of all time. (Tim Maison)

150) WarioWare: Smooth Moves
Developer(s) Intelligent Systems Nintendo SPD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii, Wii U (Virtual Console)
Release: JP: December 2, 2006 / NA: January 15, 2007
Genre(s) Party, Rhythm

WarioWare: Smooth Moves takes the fast-paced gameplay and bizarre aesthetic found in previous titles and improves upon it with fantastic motion controls and an addictive multiplayer suite. Each of the game’s 200+ microgames feels amazing using the Wiimote, especially when they are completed in rapid succession. While the single-player mode brings all of the creativity and the charm that fans of the series have come to expect, it’s the multiplayer mode that sets this title apart. As a party game, Smooth Moves gets everything right. The rules are kept simple and the gameplay remains just as engaging, making it a breeze for players of any skills level to jump in and have a blast. The microgames themselves are so random and strange that they are bound to elicit laughter after only a few rounds of play. It’s a title that is sure to be on rotation at social gatherings for many years to come. (Zack Rezak)

151) The World Ends With You
Developer(s) Jupiter/Square Enix
Publisher(s) Square Enix
Director(s) Tatsuya Kando
Platform(s) Nintendo DS
Release: July 27, 2007
Genre(s) Action role-playing

Bizarre doesn’t even begin to describe The World Ends With You. Developed by the Kingdom Hearts team at Square Enix, with character designs by the (in)famous Tetsuya Nomura, came a game set in modern day Shibuya, Tokyo of all places, where the stats of your gear are affected by the current fashion trends of the populace. It sports a mind-boggling battle system that not only requires the simultaneous use of touch and button inputs, but also simultaneous monitoring of both of the original DS’ two screens. Combine this with a hip-hoppin’ soundtrack that can only be remotely compared to the Persona franchise, and you have a game that sounds more myth than real.

But The World Ends With You is real, and the JRPG genre is better for it. While the battle system is akin to learning how to pat your head while rubbing your stomach while playing the xylophone with your feet and a harmonica with your mouth, it is an immensely rewarding experience once mastered that is entirely unique from any other game. Players can also manually lower their levels from their current max, making them weaker but able to reap better item rewards from battles in turn. This allows for a degree of flexibility in difficulty not seen in many other games.

The story is a topsy-turvy, twisty, roller-coaster of a ride that never once becomes predictable or bland. The colorful characters — both aesthetically and personally — and downright infectious soundtrack instill life and passion into the beating heart that is Shibuya. The World Ends With You is bizarre, but it’s that bizarre nature that makes it stand out from the crowd in the best way possible. (Matthew Ponthier)

152) Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
Developer(s) Retro Studios / Nintendo
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii
Release: NA: August 27, 2007
Genre(s) Action-adventure, First-person shooter

The release of a new Metroid is usually an event, but after the resounding success of the first two entries in the Prime series, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was anticipated with a little more hype than even Samus may have been used to. Touted as an experience to compare with mega-shooters like Halo, developer Retro Studios definitely went bigger for the end of their saga, with more action, scripted events, actual character interactions complete with voice acting, and a planet-spanning story involving phazon infection and the return of the legendary bounty hunter’s darker twin. Despite the emphasis on the epic, however, the game still feels like a Metroid should, with atmosphere and puzzle-solving taking center stage in a meticulously crafted universe. Wii games are rarely praised for their beauty, but the skill of the art design behind Prime 3‘s gorgeous planets, from the ancient mechanical sky city of Elysia to the bristling thorn jungle of Bryyo, nearly makes one forget they are playing on an under-powered system. Loaded with details that breath life into the varied environments, scanning every inch of these bizarre alien worlds tells the story better than any cutscene could.

The console’s unconventional controllers meant developers had to rethink how to handle certain genres, but thankfully for first-person shooter fans, Retro Studios provided a handy tutorial for classic running-and-gunning remote-and-nunchuck gameplay that proves to be not only a decent substitute for traditional methods, but in some ways superior. Simple and intuitive, pointing the Wiimote allows for the quicker precision aiming necessary to penetrate armor and find those glowing weak spots, while other motion-based actions help cast the illusion that players are actually inside Samus’ power suit. Tossing out the grapple beam and ripping away a Space Pirate’s laser shield feels awesome, soldering maintenance panels with the plasma beam satisfies a mechanical urge, and pushing back and forth to activate a pump switch..well, maybe satisfies another urge. Regardless, it’s easy to see why Nintendo adopted the scheme for the series’ compilation release. Blasting away as a badass intergalactic bounty hunter never felt better, and Metroid Prime 3 is a fantastic sendoff for an incredible trilogy. (Patrick Murphy)

153) The Legend of Zelda: The Phantom Hourglass
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Daiki Iwamoto
Platform(s) Nintendo DS
Release: JP: June 23, 2007 / NA: October 1, 2007
Genre(s) Action-adventure

After the initial backlash that Toon Link wasn’t the strapping bad-ass that fans had been hoping to see in their new Legend of Zelda game, folks actually began to warm up to the little guy, which is why it wasn’t too terribly surprising to see him get a spin-off set in the same timeline as The Wind Waker, and following on the events of that game directly. The Phantom Hourglass keeps the sailing mechanics and a few of the items from the previous adventure, but changes things up dramatically in many respects.

First and foremost, the game can be played almost entirely using the stylus of the Nintendo DS. Though this is initially jarring, credit must be given for how organic this choice feels after the initial shock of the change wears off. Speaking of the stylus, players can also use it to mark their map and even make notes on it to help them with side quests and cartography. Lastly (and most impressively), during certain events — like boss encounters — both screens will be utilized simultaneously, creating the unique experience of fighting a boss across two visual plains, with no lag or faltering in the mechanics of the game.

Though Phantom Hourglass‘ reputation is somewhat marred by its insistence that you return to a central dungeon several times throughout the adventure for some repetitive exploration, it still holds up remarkably well otherwise, and is rightly remembered as one of the best titles on the Nintendo DS. (Mike Worby)

154) Super Mario Galaxy
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii
Release: JP: 1 November 2007 / NA: 12 November 2007
Genre(s) Platforming

Super Mario Galaxy is not only the best title on the Nintendo Wii, it is the single greatest example of what the entertainment medium of gaming has to offer. It is the definition of a masterpiece: unprecedented level design, an endless stream of imaginative and creative ideas, and (most importantly) a rock-solid gameplay system that stands head and shoulders above every other 3D title, period. Galaxy is the culmination of everything Nintendo EAD Tokyo has learned from years of game development. The awe-inspiring orchestral soundtrack and second-to-none visuals create an experience that simply does not age. All of this is backed by a staggering amount of content in the form of collectible stars that are represented as completely unique challenges. Nintendo has once again succeeded in highlighting the best of what games have to offer. There is no over-reliance on narrative, no over-complicated gimmick that tries too hard to be unique; it is the quintessential gameplay experience, perfected. (Zack Rezak)

155) No More Heroes
Developer(s) Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher(s) Marvelous Entertainment / Ubisoft
Platform(s) Wii
Release:  JP: December 6, 2007 / NA: January 22, 2008
Genre(s) Action-adventure, Hack-and-slash

Through much of its life cycle, the Wii was erroneously labeled a “kiddie console.” While the designation is somewhat understandable with Nintendo’s family-friendly history, the Wii housed some exceptional mature titles. Admittedly there weren’t many, and while consequently many of the earliest M-rated games on Wii stood out like a blood splatter on a white sheet, none did so quite like Grasshopper Manufacture’s No More Heroes. Not only was the game one of the earliest M’s on the Wii (which certainly drew attention), but it’s the sort of hard-M, hyper-violent, ultra quirky type of title that only auteur game director Suda51 (Killer7, Shadows of the Damned, Lollipop Chainsaw) could come up with.

The game follows Travis Touchdown, a huge anime and wrestling nerd who finds himself a ranked assassin in the United Assassins Association after taking a hit job for some quick cash from the attractive Sylvia. Left to fight for his life, the top-ranked assassin position, and an after party with Sylvia, Travis has to rise to the occasion and ascend from typical otaku to badass to survive. By making Travis a gamer/anime nerd, he’s immediately one of the most relatable protagonists in all of gaming, and I’ve never felt like such a badass vicariously while playing a game. Part of that shared experience comes from the brilliant blend of typical button controls and motion controls. Swinging the Wiimote when prompted results in satisfying, gruesome death blows, and grabbing enemies and then making a tossing motion with Wiimote and Nunchuk executes a stunning wrestling move. No More Heroes was designed very specifically for the Wii, and it works in the best possible way.

While an unnecessary, sparse open world and repetitious side missions slow some of the game’s pace down, the standard level designs and boss battles are designed stupendously, all brought to life with the gorgeous, cell-shaded art direction. Many of the game’s weaker moments — such as side missions — help establish the game as a celebration of cinema and gaming, and create the hysterically stark contrast between Travis as an assassin and Travis as an asinine average Joe. The only thing NMH has more of than blood is humor — not only in dialogue and suggestive content, but also in small touches, like saving the game by using the toilet. Vibrant, hilarious, with plenty to unlock and achieve, the ridiculously fun, blood-soaked missions make No More Heroes one innuendo-fueled fight you won’t soon forget. (Tim Maison)

156) Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Developer(s) Game Arts / Sora Ltd.
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii
Release: JP: January 31, 2008 / NA: March 9, 2008
Genre(s) Fighting

The third installment in the Super Smash Bros. series of crossover fighting games is the first game in the series to expand past Nintendo characters by allowing players to control third-party icons such as Snake, the gritty soldier from Konami’s hugely popular Metal Gear series, and Sega’s longtime unofficial mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog. Among the other new characters playable in the game are Meta Knight (the sword-wielding nemesis of Kirby), Pit (the angelic archer from Kid Icarus), Zero Suit Samus, and Wario, who surprised everyone with his incredibly deadly attacks. But Brawl‘s biggest addition was its Wi-Fi Connection support, which surprisingly functioned really well at the time. Add on the introduction of the level editor, the gorgeous full-motion cut-scenes, and the utterly astounding soundtrack (which will probably go down in history as one of the greatest), and you have yourself a game that is completely engrossing and wholly entertaining from beginning to end. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is one of the great multiplayer titles of the generation, and a game that will forever stand the test of time. (Ricky D)

160) Monster Hunter Tri
Developer(s) Capcom Production Studio 1
Publisher(s) Capcom
Platform(s) Wii
Release: JP: August 1, 2009 / NA: April 20, 2010
Genre(s) Action role-playing

What could be more fun than taking down a giant monster with a team of three of your friends (or complete strangers)? Monster Hunter Tri was the first time Capcom brought the hunt to a Nintendo platform, and it was just as epic as players were expecting. Even though the Wii wasn’t known for its online gaming functionality, Tri manages to include a fully-featured online suite. Lobbies, voice chat (albeit with the dreadful Wii Speak), and keyboard support are all included, making it easy to communicate with other players.

Tons of new monsters are added to the mix, including underwater fights that control surprisingly well. A fully featured single player mode is also included, but it pales in comparison to getting a full team together. Tri was successful enough to convince Capcom to make future installments for Nintendo platforms, mainly the 3DS. It’s one of the most important entries in the franchise, as the online suite felt up to par with what was being offered on rival consoles. Even though it only includes around 30 monsters, it feels huge because of the amount of time it takes to put one of them down. Online events and special guests made it easy to sink hundreds upon hundreds of hours into this multiplayer masterpiece. (Zack Rezak)

161) Sin & Punishment: Star Successor
Developer(s) Treasure Co., Ltd.
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Atsutomo Nakagawa
Platform(s) Wii, Wii U
Release: JP: October 29, 2009 / NA: June 27, 2010
Genre(s) Rail shooter

Treasure is one of those rare development groups that seems like they can do no wrong. This offshoot company of ex-Konami reps has been programming popular and niche hits since Gunstar Heroes in 1993. The original Sin and Punishment was a Japan-exclusive Nintendo 64 title that became a cult classic in the world of imports. In 2007, Nintendo released the game in North America and Europe for the first time through the Wii’s Virtual Console market. It received critical praise from plenty of review sites, and its reception led to the creation of Sin & Punishment: Star Successor.

Star Successor‘s story takes place several years after the original game. It follows Isa, the son of the first game’s protagonist, and Kachi as they try to evade an overprotective Earth government. Kachi is a godlike figure, originally sent by her masters to wipe out humanity. She has a change of heart upon spending more time with them. Isa was originally pursuing her for the government he was employed by, but decides to help her escape when he finally confronts her. The story is short and confusing at times, but the game pulls from a lot of different sci-fi inspirations such as Blade Runner and Neon Genesis Evangelion (which was a huge influence on the first game). While the story might feel second-rate, Treasure is a company known for their unique and interesting styles of gameplay, and Star Successor lives up to this standard.

Star Successor is an on-rails shooter with a surprising amount of depth to it. While the game capitalizes on the Wii’s motion controls, it also has other layouts with the classic controller and even the GameCube controller. Each scheme feels great, and that’s a testament to how good the design is. The two playable characters both have different play styles; Isa has stronger bullets but lacks the ability to lock onto targets, while Kachi has weaker bullets but can lock on to target as long as she’s aiming in their general area. The game also features a two-player scenario where someone with a second controller can provide backup fire to the other person on screen. Combat is hectic, and enemies and their bullets fill the screen with effects similar to bullet hell-style shmups. Isa and Kachi come with ranged and melee attacks, the latter of which serves more as a defensive tool than offensive. The two protagonists can cut through terrain, enemies, bullets, and even reflect larger projectiles back at enemies by using the energy swords equipped to their guns.
Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is one of the most enjoyable arcade experiences exclusive to the Wii thanks to its unique and varied gameplay. (Taylor Smith)

162) No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle
Developer(s) Grasshopper Manufacture
Publisher(s) Ubisoft
Platform(s) Wii
Release: NA: January 26, 2010
Genre(s) Action-adventure, Hack-and-slash

The sequel to No More Heroes, No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle, is a tale of revenge full of bitter executions, as protagonist Travis Touchdown returns once more to the fictional Santa Destroy, California to target and eliminate the wretched ranks of the UAA (United Assassins Association). The game targets the flaws of the first title and does them in, all in a highly satisfying way. When Travis first climbed the ranks of the UAA, it was mostly for sex, but in Desperate Struggle the fight is personal, and in this darker, more vicious sequel, Travis doesn’t intend to play nice. Despite being slightly darker tonally, NMH2 loses none of its charm or humor; in fact, many of Travis’s outraged taunts are laugh-out-loud funny. The fun, frantic combat has also returned with some pleasant additions. Players will still need to keep Travis’s beam katana charged by shaking the Wiimote, making fights a fun balancing act between taking swings and keeping Travis’s only defense active. Now, however, players can switch between four progressively unlocked styles of beam katana, including a duel-wielding version like on the cover of the game. The excellently designed missions and boss encounters have also returned, with some unexpected, fun variation that I won’t spoil here.

Thankfully absent is the harmless but tedious open world from the original game. More importantly, the entry fees to fights are also missing, so side missions and mini games are no longer mandatory to progress the narrative. Instead, the mini-games are optional, used to power Travis up or to collect cash that can then be spent in customizing his appearance in cool or humorous ways, along with other fun features. All of the mini-games take the shape of fun, 8-bit arcade-style games that are quicker and more enjoyable than their predecessor’s equivalents, and feel genuinely rewarding while providing a fun diversion from the regular missions. As a sequel, NMH2’s narrative feels a little less original, but it’s a streamlined experience that delivers everything players loved from the original in spades. Colorful, artistic, quirky, funny, bombastic, and overall outrageously enjoyable, No More Heroes 2 is a prime example of what all video game sequels should strive to be, and offers more evidence that Travis Touchdown is one of the best protagonists in recent memory. Do yourself a favor and play No More Heroes as well, if only so you can play the better-designed No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle immediately after. (Tim Maison)

163) Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Developer(s) Good-Feel / HAL Laboratory
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii
Release: JP: October 14, 2010 / NA: October 17, 2010
Genre(s) Platforming

Kirby’s Epic Yarn is the Wii’s testament to the potency of joy, combining excellent-feeling mechanics in combination with just the overall cuteness that a game can have. Although the game is in a similar vein to a side-scrolling Super Mario Bros game, Kirby’s Epic Yarn does push the boundaries of cuteness.

Graphically, the fresh look of Epic Yarn helps Kirby become even more loveable with its creative use of cloth and textiles that pulls and stretches the world in all sorts of directions, similar to what Paper Mario did with paper. Interactive, interesting, and innovative are three “I’s” that could describe the graphical look of Epic Yarn. The core game sticks to a 2D side-scrolling base, but that doesn’t stop it from being interesting. More than just a visual masterpiece, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is a solid and cute platform game that is perfect when experienced in co-op with a casual player. With some great hardcore similar games like New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Donkey Kong Country Returns on the Wii, this alternative choice is all but superfluous. (Katrina Lind)

164) Donkey Kong Country Returns
Developer(s) Retro Studios
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii, Nintendo 3DS
Release: NA: November 21, 2010
Genre(s) Platforming

What does it take to make a perfect platformer? Is it a careful balance of jumping physics? Brilliant level design? Or is it a difficulty curve that takes your skills to the absolute limit? Whatever it is, Donkey Kong Country Returns has it in spades. As the successor to the much-beloved SNES series, Retro Studios had some ape-sized shoes to fill when they took on the monumental task of bringing back Donkey Kong Country after a nearly 15-year hiatus. Luckily for fans, much like their high-pressured revitalization of the Metroid series with Metroid Prime, Retro nailed everything that made Donkey Kong Country great in the first place, and even improved upon it.

In fact, Donkey Kong Country Returns may be the quintessential DKC game, and that’s saying something. If you’re a fan of classic platformers and have yet to take on this mammoth of a challenge, you owe it to yourself to set aside some time. (Mike Worby)

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