A 3DS title finally makes the list for expanding the reach of a niche but beloved franchise.

The very first Fire Emblem game was released in 1990 on the Japanese Famicom, and 30 years later that initial release was localized and reached fans around the world. But it was the series’ debut on the Nintendo 3DS that would cement it as both a staple in Nintendo’s stable of franchises and strategy... Read more...

An indie darling whose robust tale made a massive shovel-shaped imprint.

One of the most successful video game Kickstarters of all time, Shovel Knight pulled a shovel from a stone to become gaming royalty. Eventually spinning out into four total campaigns, the Shovel Knight Treasure Trove package contains dozens of hours of quality action platforming. But I want to focus... Read more...

The combination of traditional RPG and generational family story lead to an experience for the ages (spoilers ahead).

Anyone who has ever played a Dragon Quest game will be familiar with their strict adherence to tropes and mechanics of the role-playing genre. A hero destined to save the world, inns and shops to purchase items and equipment, turn-based combat rewarding experience points and gold: these have become... Read more...

Monkeyin’ around never goes out of style.

The original Donkey Kong Country was unique for its pre-rendered 3D graphics converted into a 2D platformer, and although its gameplay was pretty good at the time, it wasn’t until the sequel, DKC2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, that the series really hit it out of the park. Opinions may differ on favorite... Read more...

One tough cream puff that I could never stop taking home from the video store.

While Kirby has never received top billing from Nintendo like the Mario and Zelda franchises, its own mainline games and spin offs now number over 30, which means no one is surprised when a new Kirby game is released. Its brand of lighter platforming and charming presentation continue to find an audience... Read more...

The perfect blend of action and survival horror led to an unforgettable GameCube experience.

One of the most critically acclaimed video games of all time, Resident Evil 4 marked a major departure from all of the mainline and spinoff titles in the series that came before it. In 2005, Capcom may have been making a gamble by adding significant action elements to its survival horror franchise, but anyone who has played RE4 can tell you that this experiment paid off in spades, unlike Umbrella Corporation’s infamous projects.

Mario’s first foray into 3D showed us what was possible in a new dimension.

When the Nintendo 64 launched in North America in June of 1996, there were only two titles available for it: Super Mario 64 and Pilotwings 64. One of those is an underrated flying sim that I wish were available to purchase anywhere, and the other is a seminal 3D platformer that paved the way for... Read more...

From Zero to Hero in the ultimate Nintendo remake.

The idea of a remake or remaster became incredibly common with the advent of HD TVs and consoles. It made financial sense for companies to take titles they had already invested in and bring them to a new audience with a fresh coat of paint. Not every re-release aimed to take advantage of high-definition... Read more...

16-bit graphics, a memorable cast, and an incredible story make this RPG one for the ages.

Any re-release of Final Fantasy VI marks a worthwhile occasion to play through this seminal role-playing game. From its 14 playable characters to its fiendishly-perfect antagonist, this SquareSoft masterpiece demonstrated how important it is to fill a game world with individuals you wanted to know... Read more...

What makes the third Zelda game a perfect bridge between old and new?

In terms of titles, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is an all-timer. It alludes to time travel in a delicious pun on its plucky protagonist, but what’s even better than its supremely effective title is the game behind it. The Super Nintendo would be home to many quintessential entries, from... Read more...

What makes the Blue Bomber’s second outing an instant classic?

Minutes before the end of my 35th year of existence, I start to grow nostalgic and contemplative, as one does in their thirties. Of all topics to land on during these moments of reflection, I settle on one of my most cherished childhood games, Mega Man 2, an unforgettable masterclass in action platforming.... Read more...

Nintendo's shoddy online service continues to disappoint.

For years, Nintendo’s online offerings have been at times barebones, inferior, and baffling. But the saving grace was that they didn’t cost anything. There was no membership like Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus required. When Nintendo finally announced a paid membership required for online... Read more...