enigmatic_alex44
Whenever a game uses "middleware," I expect mediocrity. Just see how poor TLOU looks.
I finally finished Majora's Mask 3D and am starting up Wind Waker HD (having finished the original version on Gamecube years ago) and my goodness this game is stunning looking. It's amazing how well the art style holds up two gens later with just a bit of polish and the controls are still spot on. I got up to Forsaken Fortress... my least favorite part of the game ngl so I took a break.
The hour and a half I've played has reminded me of what I feel is Nintendo's most experimental time with it's main IPs. Namely what they did with Mario, Zelda, Kirby, Star Fox and Metroid during the Gamecube days.
Mario Sunshine gets a lot of flack but I always like it better than Mario 64. It controls as well, but the FLUDD mechanics were unique and fun. I love how they took one theme, a tropical island, and made it the theme for the whole game. Instead of the typical grass world, ice world etc. everything was tied around that theme: haunted hotel at the beach, boss battle on a roller coaster etc. The entire game was so chill, including the final boss being
lol plus it introduced us to the lovable Bowser Jr. who has become a series staple.
Metroid going first person was a move many were dismissive about (I remember reactions to early previews) but my goodness it resulted in one of the best first person experiences I've ever played in Metroid Prime and it's sequel. Metroid Prime was the height of the series imo and the fact it played so radically different but felt so similar to what Metroid should be was an amazing achievement.
Wind Waker of course was met with a lot of derision as well at first, wtih people hating the "baby" art style. I thought it looked adorable, but of course when it came out the game became an instant classic and the graphics were beyond charming. Sailing the seas was a lot of fun which also made the world feel huge, like you could go anywhere at any time. WW also remains the most unique game visually in the series.
Kirby's Air Ride and Star Fox Adventures were also radical departures from the series' norms. Star Fox became a traditional Zelda clone for the most part, and it's personally the only Star Fox game I've really enjoyed (not a popular opinion I know). Kirby's Air Ride was a bit simplistic but it was a charming racer. Speaking of racers, that reminds me that Double Dash is still the boldest change in the Mario Kart series, with the double racer feature that hasn't returned in future installments.
I'd love for Nintendo to take it's series in bold new directions again, I feel they were at their most experimental peak during the Gamecube era. I've loved their first party offerings on the Wii U, but I'd love for their "big names" to take some risks again, even if it's just a new visual aesthetic for the next game in whatever series (Mario, Donkey Kong, etc.). Splatoon felt like a Gamecube era game to me for example so I know they def still have it in them.
What are your thoughts?
The hour and a half I've played has reminded me of what I feel is Nintendo's most experimental time with it's main IPs. Namely what they did with Mario, Zelda, Kirby, Star Fox and Metroid during the Gamecube days.
Mario Sunshine gets a lot of flack but I always like it better than Mario 64. It controls as well, but the FLUDD mechanics were unique and fun. I love how they took one theme, a tropical island, and made it the theme for the whole game. Instead of the typical grass world, ice world etc. everything was tied around that theme: haunted hotel at the beach, boss battle on a roller coaster etc. The entire game was so chill, including the final boss being
giant Bowser in a hot tub
Metroid going first person was a move many were dismissive about (I remember reactions to early previews) but my goodness it resulted in one of the best first person experiences I've ever played in Metroid Prime and it's sequel. Metroid Prime was the height of the series imo and the fact it played so radically different but felt so similar to what Metroid should be was an amazing achievement.
Wind Waker of course was met with a lot of derision as well at first, wtih people hating the "baby" art style. I thought it looked adorable, but of course when it came out the game became an instant classic and the graphics were beyond charming. Sailing the seas was a lot of fun which also made the world feel huge, like you could go anywhere at any time. WW also remains the most unique game visually in the series.
Kirby's Air Ride and Star Fox Adventures were also radical departures from the series' norms. Star Fox became a traditional Zelda clone for the most part, and it's personally the only Star Fox game I've really enjoyed (not a popular opinion I know). Kirby's Air Ride was a bit simplistic but it was a charming racer. Speaking of racers, that reminds me that Double Dash is still the boldest change in the Mario Kart series, with the double racer feature that hasn't returned in future installments.
I'd love for Nintendo to take it's series in bold new directions again, I feel they were at their most experimental peak during the Gamecube era. I've loved their first party offerings on the Wii U, but I'd love for their "big names" to take some risks again, even if it's just a new visual aesthetic for the next game in whatever series (Mario, Donkey Kong, etc.). Splatoon felt like a Gamecube era game to me for example so I know they def still have it in them.
What are your thoughts?
