History Gush / Nintendo

** ''Twilight Princess'' is definitely a great sendoff for the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube. It pushes the system to its absolute limits with incredible lighting and effects programming. Hyrule Field in this game is immense, and it's a wonder Nintendo got the game to run at the framerate it does because of the sheer amount of enemies present at one time. The music is also quite good, especially the randomized Hyrule Field music (such a randomized system, using snippets of MIDIs, is actually CPU-intensive, at least on earlier consoles). The dungeons, except the first and the last one, are very well thought out (especially the Snowpeak Ruins). though the combat isn't as fluid as in ''The Wind Waker''.

** ''The Wind Waker'' has one of my favorite visual styles to date. In my opinion, it's an artful blend of cel-shading and realistic effects, such as distortion and light-mapping (the distortion is still impressive to this day). In fact, although the game doesn't have very many high-poly models, it is still forced to run at 30 frames per second because it's cel-shading system, along with a fully dynamic cloth simulation system, pushes the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube to its absolute limits. Along with ''VideoGame/NiNoKuni'', ''The Wind Waker'' is one of the only cel-shaded games to imitate the look of a proper multi-million dollar animation production (most other cel-shaded games try to imitate the simpler look of television animation, which isn't as impressive or detailed). In fact, Nintendo consulted a retired Toei Animation employee for inspiration with the graphics style, explaining why the game looks so different from other cel-shaded games. With the Dolphin emulator's high-definition rendering this game is even more amazing to look at, especially with anti-aliasing on.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast''. The mythic awesomeness of that incarnation of Hyrule really paved the way for the 3D wonders to come. From the very beginning, when Link is awakened by a psychic plea from the titular heroine, to the claiming of the [[SwordOfPlotAdvancement Master Sword]], to the rescue of said heroine, to the final showdown with the [[LargeHam Pig of Evil]] himself, it's all fantastic. And then there's all the smaller moments: the ShipTease between Link and Zelda, the poignant moments at the end of certain sidequests (you remember how you got the flute, right?), the pwnage of Blind when you outwit him...this was epic storytelling back when consoles were still struggling with storytelling at all. And of course, the gameplay is still unique and well-done. Overhead 2-D gaming was pretty much all shooters and turn-based RPG adventures...and Zelda. The formula was attempted by a few gutsy developers, but on one ever really managed to capture the magic. And this troper doesn't have the nostalgia filter on -- I first played LTTP on UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole fifteen years after the game was first released. Even after the rightly-beloved Ocarina, there are fans who still believe that Link to the Past is still the best Zelda ever. I may not be one of them, but it's definitely one of the best ''games'' ever, period.

* The ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'' games are pure awesome from start to finish. The copy abilities, the stories, everything.Even the spinoffs have [[@/DrPepper42 this troper]] coming back for more time and time again. SugarBowl or no, you can't deny the fun Kirby provides. After you see Wham Bam Jewel for the first time, you'll never be saying it's kiddy again. Then we get the two best games I have yet played on the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS. Kirby Squeak Squad, with the best story ever, involving cake, thieves, and treasure, and then Kirby Super Star Ultra, which is Kirby Super Star, but a whole lot more.

* ''VideoGame/ChibiRobo'' is an overlooked gem for the UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube which provides a quirky artstyle and a fun world to explore, definately worth it if you happen to own a Gamecube or Wii.

* ''VideoGame/YoshisIsland'' is an awesome game that doesn't get enough love. The game mechanics such as the flutter jump and the revamped "health meter" (which, aside from possibly one bonus level, practically prevents you from dying) really makes the game unique and enjoyable, and the multiple collections present an excellent challenge for HundredPercentCompletion. Some may say that the game is [[NintendoHard cruel at times]], especially in its sequel on the DS, but for me, it makes beating the game 100% all the more enjoyable.
** ''VideoGame/YoshisIsland'' has one of the best soundtracks in the history of video games. There is simply no argument.
** ''VideoGame/YoshisIsland'' could be considered the series SugarWiki/{{Heartwarming|Moments}}.

*** I never would have thought I could see [[Franchise/MetalGear Solid Snake]], [[Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda Link]] and [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros Yoshi]] together without at least one of them looking out of place. [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosBrawl I was wrong.]]

* Okay, so we've gotten this far, and the only reference to [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSpiritTracks Spirit Tracks]] is one comment claiming that it's a rehash of Phantom Hourglass. ''How have we accomplished this?'' Not to knock on PH or anything-- [[Tropers/{{Blazichu}} I'm]] one of the tropers gushing about WW/PH Link, after all-- but even ''I'm'' not willfully blind enough to overlook some of the flaws, and and I definitely fit into that particular branch of FanDumb. Spirit Tracks fixed almost every one of the issues that people had with Phantom Hourglass, like the Temple of the Ocean King-- and did it in a ''very'' troper-friendly, BetterThanABareBulb way. ''Everything'' in the standard Zelda formula is [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] or subverted. Princess get kidnapped? Well, yes [[spoiler: but that doesn't mean she's a useless DistressedDamsel]]. ClothesMakeTheLegend? Yeah, but-- as was the case in Wind Waker-- Link doesn't like them, either, and the logic behind wearing them is completely reasonable. There's more to say, but I have other angles to gush about. Like the music. How can you go wrong with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iscr5Bx__3c tracks]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArYATx19u0I like]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk_xjIFlfZA these?]]

** It's almost been a whole year since launch, and people ''still'' haven't mentioned ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates''? The games are bloody fantastic, packing some of the best and most well-balanced gameplay the series has seen in years, alongside the music, characters and visuals being a ''major'' improvement over ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'' in this troper's opinion. Heck, even though I'm in the minority, I even enjoyed the story of Fates, with my favorite being Conquest. Seriously, it's an extremely well-done tale of revolution and war, and at the very least, it tries something new and unique from the standard Fire Emblem formula. ''Conquest'' alone would be this troper's Game of the Year, but ''Birthright'' and ''Revelation'' are all amazing too! The games are just amazing when you break it down, and I don't care [[BrokenBase what the fandom says next]], Fates is easily the best game of 2016 for me.

* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness: Sanity's Requiem'' is in dire need of a rerelease or some kind of follow-up, so that more people are able to experience its unique brand of polish. The presentation is just so spectacular: true to its Creator/HPLovecraft inspiration, playing it is like curling up by a crackling fireplace with a good book, with Edward Roivas narrating each chapter's introduction not unlike an old radio drama like ''Suspense'' or ''The Whistler''. To this day, it still occupies a niche of its own in Nintendo's vast library of [=IPs=], and I pray that they will give it the attention it deserves soon.

** A defining moment in every Legend of Zelda game is the ending, and this game didn't just tie up an entire franchise worth of theories, it then made the battle against a beloved villain (Ganondorf) 100 times more awesome, difficult, and filmish. Not to mention Demise summoning THUNDER in his second stage... It looked like The Creation of Adam for a while, rather suiting since it's the first game in the timeline right now... Want. So much want.

** I'm with you all the way on ''DK64''. [[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No joke, no exaggeration,]] the DK Rap actually made me ''choke'' with laughter the first time I saw it. Plus, the epic soundtrack by Grant Kirkhope is amongst my favorites in Nintendo history. One of my other personal favorite games in the ''DK'' series might just surprise you: ''VideoGame/DonkeyKongBarrelBlast'' is an insanely underrated game and one of my favorite DK spinoff titles in spite of its flaws, with an interesting concept of DK and pals using rocket-powered barrels to race, an impressive soundtrack, and notably one of the last games in the ''DK'' franchise to feature [[BigBad King K. Rool and the Kremlings]]. Say what you will about ''Creator/{{Paon}}'', but their final entry in the series managed to impress me on all cylinders.

* No mention of ''{{VideoGame/Splatoon}}'' yet? Nintendo is great at reinventing genres but who expected them to take on competitive online shooters? And it works! The game has all the Nintendo charm you'd expect with the strategic depth you'd hope from the genre.

* ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'' is, without a doubt, awesome. But not just the game--full JustForFun/MadeOfWin points must also be given to the folks at Starmen.net, who turned out a majestically professional, funny, touching, fun-to-read fan translation that puts a lot of ''official'' game scripts to shame. But to the game itself. The ActionCommand[=/=]combo system is ''brilliant--''lots of people already press buttons to the tune of the game music, so making it an official part of the game was a fantastic idea. And what music it is! The soundtrack blew this troper out of the water, and it's remarkably high-quality for a GBA soundtrack. The graphics are slick, colorful, and pretty fantastically animated for their simplicity. It's also ''fantastically'' emotional, being laugh-out-loud funny, [[TearJerker tear-jerking]], shocking, and lots of other big words, even in the tiniest moments. The optional scene you see if you [[spoiler: return to Wess with Duster in your party]] moved her more than something that out-of-the-way ought. And it's a nicely paced RPG to boot, and manages to avert the "everyone's levels are diiiifferent!" problem that plagued ''Videogame/EarthBound'' and--well, pretty much every other RPG ever.

** [[@/LKArtillery This Troper]] agrees so much, she doesn't think it's even possible to have any further feelings of agreement. This game is a [[spoiler:''fucking'']] masterpiece. Strange, funny and heartrending, indeed. I smiled, I teared up, I gasped, I laughed, I was awed, I felt determined, I felt odd, I yelled, I danced, I felt nostalgia, I despaired, I cried sissy tears, and finally, I felt resolve. In that order. There's so much to this game... While Videogame/{{Earthbound}} was one of the greatest old-school games, Mother 3 is the indomitable master of mood whiplash, and it works! It just does! You, reading this now, you need to get the most readily available translation and just ''play it''. [[spoiler: Also, for those of you who have only played Brawl, you will feel like horrible, horrible people for calling Lucas a cry baby. Seriously. He's the Woobie to end all Woobies...]]

* The original ''Videogame/{{Earthbound}}'' had its haters, but it was truly one of the most underrated games of its time. A fun, innovative game, a quirky storyline, and lots and lots of humor.
** This troper loves ''Videogame/{{Earthbound}}'' because of the incredible humor, great plotline, relative lack of difficulty with some challenges for people that want them, and a lack of many of the major frustrations that plagued its predecessor. The simple graphics add to the cheery overworld flavor, while still swapping over to a darker undercurrent when needed (ESPECIALLY in the Cave of the Past). This game is truly one that I love with all my heart.

* ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles'' is incredible. The soundtrack is gorgeous, the graphics are great, all the characters are wonderful, and the story is amazing. You know those stories in movies or books where earlier moments have a whole new meaning on rewatch or reread? Every. Single. Cutscene. in the game is like that. You know how some games will have CutscenePowerToTheMax? Xenoblade doesn't do that at all. If you see a new power in a cutscene, the character just learned a new art. Also, You know how some games show really cool areas in cutscenes that you can never go to in game? Not here. If you can see it, you can go there. Pretty much the only exception is an area that was cut late in development and even then, it's being brought into the remake. Oh, and did I mention that it originally almost didn't get localized in the US? It went from localization difficulties, other development issues, and being a somewhat obscure Wii title to having a port to the New 3DS, getting on the Wii U eshop, a spin-off on the Wii U, a sequel on the Switch, a prequel to that sequel, and an upcoming remake!

** On that note: ''VideoGame/PokemonMysteryDungeonExplorers of Time and Darkness''. You have to love an [[GettingCrapPastTheRadar E-rated game]] that winds up on the NightmareFuel article, and also anything that can make you cry like a kindergartener even as you mutter, [[LikeYouWouldReallyDoIt "Like you were really going to do it."]]

*** And then there's the Star Fox comics in Magazine/NintendoPower, ''especially'' those revolving around the old games. Who'd thought Nintendo would be GettingCrapPastTheRadar or add some ParentalBonus in there? Not to mention, it turns the games' ExcusePlot into a thoroughly awesome tale, with fitting characters to back it up ([[LeeroyJenkins FARAAAAA PHOOOEEENIIIIX!]]

* ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'' is, without a doubt, awesome. But not just the game--full JustForFun/MadeOfWin points must also be given to the folks at Starmen.net, who turned out a majestically professional, funny, touching, fun-to-read fan translation that puts a lot of ''official'' game scripts to shame. But to the game itself. The ActionCommand[=/=]combo system is ''brilliant--''lots of people already press buttons to the tune of the game music, so making it an official part of the game was a fantastic idea. And what music it is! The soundtrack blew this troper out of the water, and it's remarkably high-quality for a GBA soundtrack. The graphics are slick, colorful, and pretty fantastically animated for their simplicity. It's also ''fantastically'' emotional, being laugh-out-loud funny, [[TearJerker tear-jerking]], shocking, and lots of other big words, even in the tiniest moments. The optional scene you see if you [[spoiler: return to Wess with Duster in your party]] moved her more than something that out-of-the-way ought. And it's a nicely paced RPG to boot, and manages to avert the "everyone's levels are diiiifferent!" problem that plagued ''Videogame/{{Earthound}}'' and--well, pretty much every other RPG ever.

** [[Tropers/MightyFan217 This troper here]] has had numerous runs in with UsefulNotes/{{Depression}} over the various years of my life, but each time things took a downward spiral, ''Pokémon'' as a whole always helped lighten the mood on a bad day. Back in my early years of school, ''Pokémon Yellow'' and ''Pokémon Silver'' were unofficially my first ever ''Pokémon'' games up until owning a copy of ''Pokémon Ruby'' made me experience a new region and many other fantastic elements in the games that would come. Then ''Pokémon Diamond'' came along and helped reshape my point of view at the time; while it was the cause of me almost dropping out of the franchise in favor of ''Monster Hunter'', when I finally beat ''Diamond'' with my loyal Torterra and my other in-game team {{Mons}}, after all of the [[ObviousBeta technical issues]] the game threw my way, and how hard Cynthia was even with my strategy in mind, the moment I had finally officially beaten what I personally consider to this very day to be the hardest ''Pokémon'' games is such a CatharsisFactor that permanently re-established my love for this franchise. All the way into ''Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon'' I still admire many of the things that first started with ''Diamond and Pearl'' and even appreciate the brand new [[TheReveal reveal of Solgaleo and Lunala]] [[spoiler:[[{{HSQ}} being part of an evolutionary line, a first in Legendary Pokémon history]].]] The battle with either [[spoiler:Mother Beast Lusamine]] or [[spoiler:Ultra Necrozma]] in either ''Sun and Moon'' or ''Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon'' respectively makes for an amazing ClimaxBoss either way you choose it to be. Don't even get me started on the last detail I've noticed all too well; [[CueTheFlyingPigs Virtual Console Gen I and Gen II actually are capable of finally being transferred to Gen VII, after having been unable to connect to Gen III due to hardware issues!]] To this day, however, there has only been one way I can give this entry a proper BookEnds; in ''Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon'', I knew I had to use Island Scan on a specific day and island because the one Pokémon I've cherished the most is available to catch that day, the one I've finally determined to be a part of the evolutionary line considered my most favorite Pokémon of all time; [[spoiler:[[WhamLine Grotle, the direct pre-evolution of Torterra]]; the one Grass Starter that revitalized my interest in the ''Pokémon'' franchise forever ever since I first used it against Cynthia.]] I will and I shall forever cherish ''Pokémon'' as a part of me and my entire life; [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog this is who I am!]]

* ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'' is, without a doubt, awesome. But not just the game--full JustForFun/MadeOfWin points must also be given to the folks at Starmen.net, who turned out a majestically professional, funny, touching, fun-to-read fan translation that puts a lot of ''official'' game scripts to shame. But to the game itself. The ActionCommand[=/=]combo system is ''brilliant--''lots of people already press buttons to the tune of the game music, so making it an official part of the game was a fantastic idea. And what music it is! The soundtrack blew this troper out of the water, and it's remarkably high-quality for a GBA soundtrack. The graphics are slick, colorful, and pretty fantastically animated for their simplicity. It's also ''fantastically'' emotional, being laugh-out-loud funny, [[TearJerker tear-jerking]], shocking, and lots of other big words, even in the tiniest moments. The optional scene you see if you [[spoiler: return to Wess with Duster in your party]] moved her more than something that out-of-the-way ought. And it's a nicely paced RPG to boot, and manages to avert the "everyone's levels are diiiifferent!" problem that plagued ''Videogame/EarthBound'' and--well, pretty much every other RPG ever.

** [[@/LKArtillery This Troper]] agrees so much, she doesn't think it's even possible to have any further feelings of agreement. This game is a [[spoiler:''fucking'']] masterpiece. Strange, funny and heartrending, indeed. I smiled, I teared up, I gasped, I laughed, I was awed, I felt determined, I felt odd, I yelled, I danced, I felt nostalgia, I despaired, I cried sissy tears, and finally, I felt resolve. In that order. There's so much to this game... While Videogame/EarthBound was one of the greatest old-school games, Mother 3 is the indomitable master of mood whiplash, and it works! It just does! You, reading this now, you need to get the most readily available translation and just ''play it''. [[spoiler: Also, for those of you who have only played Brawl, you will feel like horrible, horrible people for calling Lucas a cry baby. Seriously. He's the Woobie to end all Woobies...]]

* The original ''Videogame/EarthBound'' had its haters, but it was truly one of the most underrated games of its time. A fun, innovative game, a quirky storyline, and lots and lots of humor.
** This troper loves ''Videogame/EarthBound'' because of the incredible humor, great plotline, relative lack of difficulty with some challenges for people that want them, and a lack of many of the major frustrations that plagued its predecessor. The simple graphics add to the cheery overworld flavor, while still swapping over to a darker undercurrent when needed (ESPECIALLY in the Cave of the Past). This game is truly one that I love with all my heart.

* ''Super Smash Bros for Wii U'' is one of the best games, ''period''. It has the biggest soundtrack in Nintendo history, the best new stages coupled with some the best stages from the first three games. Also, the roster. This game has Nintendo characters from almost ''all'' (''Mario'',''Pokemon'',''Legend of Zelda'', ''Donkey Kong Country'', ''Animal Crossing'', ''Kirby'', and ''Metroid'', ''Star Fox'', ''F-Zero'', ''EarthBound'', ''Fire Emblem'', ''Kid Icarus'', ''VideoGame/WarioWare'', ''Pikmin'', ''Punch-Out!!'', ''Wii Fit'', ''Xenoblade'') franchises ''and'' also third party games! There are also: 8 PLAYER SMASH, custom moves, and Amiibos. Especially amiibos, never before have we been able to get figurines of characters like Fox [=McCloud=], Pit, Little Mac, Lucina, Shulk, Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, Ganondorf, Samus Aran, etc. * (Figurines of characters like Mario, Luigi, Link, Pikachu, Kirby, and Sonic are common.)

* ''VideoGame/F-Zero'' is one of the best series of racing games ever, it has a colorful cast, high-speed racing, insane course design, memorable soundtrack. Basically, this is the closest one can get to perfection in the racing genre.

This was the one of the first times that a game series allowed you to fight, or even encounter a previous protagonist. And back in the day, the only way you would know what was coming is if you bought a game guide, or someone else spoiled it for you. Most of us ''never'' saw it coming. And he was just there. Waiting for you. No fanfare at all. Hell, he was hardly even foreshadowed. Sure, you heard [=NPCs=] talk about the legendary trainer that stopped Team Rocket in its tracks, but you never expected to ever see him. But he was there. And true to the series' tradition of having a MuteProtagonist, he doesn't say a word. The best TrueFinalBoss any game series has ever had.

** [[Tropers/{{Blazichu}} I'm]] right there with you guys-- with the possible exception of ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankFutureToolsOfDestruction'', Wind Waker is the only game I've played more than a dozen times-- and it still hasn't gotten old. We've already covered gushing about the graphics and storyline, but I have to add that the soundtrack may be the series' best. From the title theme to the epilogue, every track was unique to the island/dungeon it was found in, and suited perfectly to that purpose; this means that, even if you don't know the name of what you're listening to, you're still perfectly capable of identifying the track. On top of that, it was also the debut of [[CaptainObvious WW]] [[SugarWiki/GushingAboutCharactersYouLike Link]], who stands apart from all of his counterparts: a BadassAdorable... who also happens to be a KnightTemplarBigBrother, [[TheUnchosenOne and initially had no intention to save the Great Sea]]. His semi-frequent ButtMonkey moments (on top of being [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments hilarious]]) just make his [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome awesome moments]] even better. The very best part: his method of dealing with [[spoiler: Ganondorf]]. Unprecedented in a Zelda game, and only attempted once since.

* Another ''[=WarioWare=]'' game, specifically ''[=WarioWare=] Gold'', deserves mention here. Who knew that ''[=WarioWare=]'' of all series could get some really good voice acting in its cutscenes?[[note]]Mona in particular is voiced by Creator/StephanieSheh, who also voices a character in [[Tropers/SparkPlugTheTroper this troper's]] [[Anime/{{Tamagotchi}} favorite anime]]. He didn't see ''that'' coming at all, and now that's his favorite ''[=WarioWare=]'' character because of it.[[/note]] And its cartoony art style seems cool too.

* ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'' is, without a doubt, awesome. But not just the game--full JustForFun/MadeOfWin points must also be given to the folks at Starmen.net, who turned out a majestically professional, funny, touching, fun-to-read fan translation that puts a lot of ''official'' game scripts to shame. But to the game itself. The ActionCommand[=/=]combo system is ''brilliant--''lots of people already press buttons to the tune of the game music, so making it an official part of the game was a fantastic idea. And what music it is! The soundtrack blew this troper out of the water, and it's remarkably high-quality for a GBA soundtrack. The graphics are slick, colorful, and pretty fantastically animated for their simplicity. It's also ''fantastically'' emotional, being laugh-out-loud funny, [[TearJerker tear-jerking]], shocking, and lots of other big words, even in the tiniest moments. The optional scene you see if you [[spoiler: return to Wess with Duster in your party]] moved her more than something that out-of-the-way ought. And it's a nicely paced RPG to boot, and manages to avert the "everyone's levels are diiiifferent!" problem that plagued ''Videogame/EarthBound'' and--well, pretty much every other RPG ever.

** It's almost been a whole year since launch, and people ''still'' haven't mentioned ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates''? The games are bloody fantastic, packing some of the best and most well-balanced gameplay the series has seen in years, alongside the music, characters and visuals being a ''major'' improvement over FireEmblemAwakening in this troper's opinion. Heck, even though I'm in the minority, I even enjoyed the story of Fates, with my favorite being Conquest. Seriously, it's an extremely well-done tale of revolution and war, and at the very least, it tries something new and unique from the standard Fire Emblem formula. ''Conquest'' alone would be this troper's Game of the Year, but ''Birthright'' and ''Revelation'' are all amazing too! The games are just amazing when you break it down, and I don't care [[BrokenBase what the fandom says next]], Fates is easily the best game of 2016 for me.

*** As someone who's played the absolute hell out of TTYD many times as a youth, and consider it one of my favorite games on the GameCube...for some reason, I just like [[VideoGame/PaperMario64 the first game]] better. Yes, the second game improved on what made the first game great, gave us unique scenarios, more developed characters, and a darker story, and was overall the better game, but you cannot deny the charm of the game that started this subseries. It had familiar settings, yet handled them in a way that felt somewhat fresh and had a lot to offer. It also helps that this game had probably [[SugarWiki/VisualEffectsofAwesome the best presentation]] [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic out of the entire N64 library]], especially when you look at Cloudy Climb, Star Haven, and pretty much the ''entirety'' of Shiver Valley. And above all, it was fun. Every boss fight was unique and challenging in its own way, which would carry over into the sequel, and none of them felt like they were treading old ground. The ending is the most worth it: a long, challenging final dungeon that uses all your skills to get further, a tough, rewarding final boss, and an ending that's equal parts charming, hilarious, and beautiful. Seriously; that ending still of Mario and Peach watching the fireworks always brings a tear to my eye...