Nintendo—the gaming powerhouse that brought us the royal mustache of Mario and the elven charm of Link. But what about those under-the-radar titles, the deep cuts in the Nintendo playlist? Let’s be honest; it’s not all about the Marios and the Zeldas (blasphemy, I know). This article is dedicated to those unsung heroes, the lesser-known Nintendo franchises that are the gaming equivalent of that awesome indie band you want everyone to know about but also kind of want to keep as your secret.
1. EarthBound (Mother)
An RPG that doesn’t take itself too seriously, EarthBound is a cult classic. Sure, it features young kids taking on cosmic horrors, but it also has pizza delivery and “fuzzy pickles!” What’s not to love? It’s a weird, quirky game that most people know as “that game Ness from Super Smash Bros. is from.” Seriously, give it a try. It’s about time we get another entry in this series, don’t you think?
2. Pikmin
Combining real-time strategy and puzzle-solving elements, Pikmin has you leading a horde of adorable, plant-like creatures in a quest for survival. While it has its share of fans, this franchise is still often overshadowed by Nintendo’s more flagship titles. Also, who can resist the undeniable charm of Captain Olimar and his tiny troops?
3. F-Zero
You love Mario Kart. Great. But have you ever tried F-Zero, the high-octane racing game that takes Mario Kart’s Rainbow Road and cranks the danger and speed up to eleven? No? Well, hop in. Your pilot’s license awaits.
4. Advance Wars
Before Fire Emblem swept you off your feet, Advance Wars was the go-to Nintendo strategy game. Set in a world of endless conflict, it’s up to you to command an army and bring peace to the land. Sadly, the franchise has been MIA since 2008, but the tactical joy it brought us still lingers.
5. Custom Robo
Who doesn’t want to customize their robot and duke it out in arenas? While not as deep as other RPGs or as flashy as more modern games, Custom Robo offered solid gameplay that definitely deserves a revisit.
6. Sin and Punishment
A rail shooter game that’s as fun as it is hard to find. Developed by Treasure, it’s a challenging and fast-paced game that became a cult hit but never broke into the mainstream. Maybe it’s time for a revival?
7. Elite Beat Agents
This rhythm game for the DS could be seen as a precursor to titles like Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan. With its wacky storyline and catchy tunes, it’s a shame this gem never received a proper sequel.
So next time you’re scrolling through the eShop or dusting off an old console, give one of these lesser-known titles a shot. Not only will you have a blast, but you’ll also be one of the cool kids who knew about these franchises before they (hopefully) make a big comeback.
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