Category Archives: 2024
Games That Are TRAPPED on the Wii U!
With the last major Nintendo Switch Direct behind us, it’s getting safer to say these games will not be coming to the Switch. And yes, I’m using the phrase “stuck on Wii U” or something to that effect. But sure, the Switch’s successor could always port these games, but that’s no fun. So we’re suspending that for this video. A lot of these games were already unlikely to come over due to the game pad, even though we’ve seen companies rework their games before. So let’s look at some games that are stuck on the Wii U.
Let’s get the elephant of the room immediately, Zelda Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. I’ve been saying all along not to believe these rumors. And now 4 years later I feel vindicated. I don’t really like being negative. But let’s call a spade a spade. These games were rumored originally during the early days of Covid. The theology kinda makes sense. It was Covid. Nintendo was really relying on ports and remakes during the shutdown. Around a similar time, Zelda was celebrating its 35th anniversary. Mario had it’s 3D All Star Collection and some other goodies. Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess and Wind Wakers name started getting tossed around like a modern take on the Gamecube’s Zelda Collection. But there was never any real traction from Nintendo. Just fans shouting prayers into the dark hyrule sky. With every Direct, the rumors and mumbling for this collection would ebb and flow. Sometimes, you’d forget these rumors exist. Other times, you couldn’t escape it. I’ve long believed every Zelda game should be playable on the Switch. But I doubt we’re getting a gamecube feature added to NSO or these games getting physical releases on the Switch at this point. So I think it’s safe to say the HD versions of these games are stuck on the Wii U forever.
That brings us to Xenoblade Chronicles X. Personally, I did really want this ported over to the Switch. If I’m going to play a lengthy JRPG, I’d just prefer to play them on the Switch. I’m not giving up hope that this could be announced as a final shot in the arm for Switch on the way out the door, but I also don’t think it’d hurt sales to just be a Switch Successor title. Still I like the idea of all the Xenoblade Chronicle games being on the same console.
Next is Kirby. This is one of the few Kirby games that just didn’t click with me immediately. I was excited for the amiibo capabilities and I did like the first few levels. I’m just more of a Kirby on the ground kinda guy. I’m always down for a Kirby port don’t get me wrong. I was really hoping for one of the DS/3DS games personally. Still this was always a long shot. It doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal of Forgotten Lands. The playstyle with the stylus and Gamepad would have to had a major overhaul. I guess none of that was in the cards for our pink puff.
Staying on the “jaded entry of a beloved franchise” brings us to Star Fox Zero. The Gamepad gave this game a unique cockpit view that many people wondered how it would translate over. Overall, Star Fox Zero was not held with any esteem. So it was always more likely that we would get a new Star Fox more than a remake. And with how low the sun has gotten on the Switch, it’s looking like a lock that Star Fox will just be passed over for the Switch’s life span. At least Star Fox 64 is playable on the NSO N64 expansion.
Nintendoland is another misunderstood Wii U title that was always doomed to stay on the Wii U. And honestly, this belongs on the Wii U. As one of the best examples of why the gamepad is the most underrated controller of all time. The mini games are awesome. Is this truly a 60 title? No. But imagine if they remade it and added Splatoon, Pokemon, and Bayonetta to the list of attractions. It would have been awesome. Which is why I would have loved to see a sequel on the Switch.
With the announcement of Mario and Luigi Brothership, the ship has officially set sail on Paper Mario Color Splash. This post has probably outed me as a Wii U apologist. If it hasn’t, then the segment probably will. Color Splash is another misunderstood Wii U title. I know, I know. I sound like a broken record. Hard-core Paper Mario fans hated this game, but it really isn’t that bad. But again, I never expected to see this ported over. Until this year, I don’t think any Paper Mario games had been remade. I never thought they would remake TTYD, let alone Color Splash. And it’s also true. The original three Paper Mario games are just peak Paper Mario. So I think if they were ever going to remake a Paper Mario game, Color Splash was always going to be low on their list. One thing I’m happy about with Paper Mario is that we got a new title in Origami King and a Remake in Thousand Year Door. Color Splash is just an unfortunate victim of being the 4th or 5th best game in such a beloved franchise.
Here’s one you probably weren’t expecting, Devil’s Third. This game is technically published by Nintendo so I figured we would count it today. If you don’t follow Wii U collecting, this is the most infamous Wii U ever. Arguably the rarest, most expensive and dumbest game on the console. I say in half jest. It is one of two Wii U Games I don’t own. Did part of me hope it would get a Switch release and maybe that would lower the price? Maybe. Since it has escaped me to this day, I don’t have a lot to say about it. But again, it was published by Nintendo. They seem content to leave it stranded on the Wii U.
Lastly, today was the game I thought had the best shot. Probably the best Wii U exclusive left. Yoshi’s Woolly World. I’m super nostalgic for this game. It was an instant classic the day it came out. It’s one of the better modern day side scrollers and couch co-op games. This is the game I wanted brought over more than any other title mentioned today. If you own a Wii U and don’t own this one, I recommend grabbing now because I think it’s safe to say this title is trapped on the Wii U.
So there you go guys. These are the major games published by Nintendo left to rot on the Wii U. Of course, unless you’re a Wii U collector, fan and enthusiast like myself. Then you can play these games any time you wish. Almost makes me feel bad for all the filthy Switch owners. Again, I’m partly kidding. I own both consoles and love both. But keep this guide in mind while you’re out game hunting, because unless you grab a Wii U you’re missing out on some real bangers like Wind Waker HD, Twilight Princess HD, Nintendoland and Yoshi’s Woolly World. So did I miss any other Wii U exclusives? What’s your favorite game mentioned today? Let us know down below. Don’t forget to subscribe. We will see you in the next one.
Side Characters Who Got Their Own Games!
Side Characters Who Got Their Own Games!
The main character can make or break a video game. Sonic is one of the most simple, yet perfectly designed characters. His ability, attitude, everything about him helps set the tone for the level design. It helped him stand out against Mario. Compare that to Tails. Tails is good and all, but he doesn’t bring the same punch Sonic does. He’s clearly designed to be a side character. But what happens when those characters designed to be side characters get the spotlight? Today, let’s look at 4 times understudies got called up to the big stage.
We will start with Luigi. Perhaps the most iconic side character of all time. He started off as the player 2 option back in the day. He was just an off color Mario really. However, over time he got his own identity. He was taller and slender than Mario. That became symbolic with his movement, where he was better at jumping than Mario, but with less precision. He also was characterized as a little bit of a scaredy cat. This is what makes Luigi’s Mansion a perfect setting for Luigi to shine. Nintendo leaned into Luigi’s chicken demeanor. Luigi’s Mansion stars Luigi winning a Mansion filled with ghosts. He must overcome his fear in order to save his brother, Mario. It’s awesome to see Luigi develop as more than just a player 2 option. He’s really blossomed over the last few decades.
Daxter
Daxter was a wise guy, smart mouth punk through the Jak and Daxter franchise. It’s funny to me that the first game is titled Jak and Daxter. But the rest of the franchise drops the Daxter part. I feel like this is because of the complete tonal shift from Jak and Daxter to Jak 2. Daxter was the cute animal sidekick. Which was appropriate for a 3D platformer. When it shifted to a more dark, gritty adventure game, the emphasis moves from a lovable duo, to the titular hero. Well, Daxter would go on to get his own game. What’s interesting about this is they put him on the PSP. I assume this is because he’s a side character. It just fits more on Sony’s handheld. Now, Daxter is a really awesome 3D action platformer that I think does blend the two styles of games pretty well. Though, it does feel like a slightly darker version of Jak and Daxter. So I think it’s cool when Daxters name gets back on a game, it gives those classic PS2 vibes.
Shadow the Hedgehog
Shadow is an interesting one. I never played Sonic growing up. I was more of a Mario guy. However, I’ve always loved Sonic’s supporting cast. Knuckles and Shadow were so cool looking. I remember begging mom to rent Shadow the Hedgehog. And she let me. Boy, was I surprised. I was 11 when it came out. You’d think I’d be at the right age where a gritty, explosive, high octane adventure would be screaming my name. But this game did not click with me well at all. I really could not have played more than a level or two. Maybe this is because it’s still more or less a Sonic game? I still like Shadow as a character, but I just couldn’t get into the game. I don’t know if it was because of GTA3 or what, but it felt like every franchise around this era wanted this gritty mature vibe to them. It makes sense not wanting Sonic to be the lead in this title. It kinda goes against the lovable brand Sonic had spent the last decade building up, meaning Shadow was a perfect fit here.
Diddy Kong
Last today is Diddy Kong. He started off as Donkey Kong’s sidekick in Donkey Kong Country, a 2D side scrolling action platformer. He’s fun with an awesome design. Diddy Kong would get a chance to shine early in his gaming career. He became the main character in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest. A sequel held in very high regards. Im sure it helped that Donkey Kong’s name was plastered on the box. A few years later, he would land his own title on Nintendo’s new console, the n64. Diddy Kong Racing stood out against Mario 64. It had an open world, boss fights, new characters. It was a fresh spin on Kart racers in the face of the titan that was Mario Kart 64. Impressively enough, a lot of people say they actually prefer Diddy Kong Racing over Mario Kart 64. Making it, in my opinion, a very successful spin-off. Diddy Kong has remained active in the gaming world. He’s a playable character in the Smash Brothers series. He’s still at DKs side in the Donkey Kong Country series. He was even a playable character in DK64. His Flagship racer even got ported over to DS. While he’s remained relevant in gaming, it is still hard to see a new Diddy Kong Racing game getting greenlit if even F-Zero can not get one. Not to mention, Rare, Diddy Kong’s creator, has gone on to live at the farm up north.
A fun part about doing this topic is seeing all the ways or reasons they try out the side characters. Luigi and Diddy Kong got completely different genres than their main protagonist counterparts. Daxter was used on Sony’s handheld, PSP. While Shadow was used to test out a more teenage centric edgy attitude. It’s neat to see some of these ideas played out. So guys that does it for part one. What’s your favorite game or character listed today? And which characters should be in part 2? Don’t forget to subscribe. We will see you in the next one.
My June 2024 Nintendo Direct Predictions!
June is rapidly approaching, which means we’re getting closer to the next Nintendo Direct. The general expectation is that 2024 is going to be filled out with ports and remakes. I actually agree with this for the most part. I’m not sure we’re going to get any super major releases between now and Christmas. We know Pokemon Legends will be a headliner going into 2025. But what does Nintendo have in store for 2024? So today we’re going to talk about the games I think Nintendo could roll out in the order of likeliness I think they’ll happen.
Remember, you can watch this in video form over on my channel Dahubbz: https://youtu.be/cILzndCDf-E
Let’s start with an Honorable mention. Fire Emblem. Keep in mind, I’m not the biggest Fire Emblem fan, so I’m not the best source of information for the series. However, it’s been over a year since the last release. Fire Emblem also seems to be on a tear through the Switch’s lifespan. If Nintendo is in need of one last home run for the holiday season, a Fire Emblem game could be that hit. Not to mention, Fire Emblem Genealogy of War has supposedly been rumored for a while. But again, it’s not a franchise I follow very closely.
Okay. Now time for #5. Super Mario Odyssey 2. This is wishful thinking at this point. I loved Odyssey. It’s one of my favorite games of all time. I really wanted it to get a sequel. The only mainline 3D Mario game to get a sequel is Super Mario Galaxy 2. Which was also released on the Wii like Galaxy 1 was. So my theory for almost a decade has been, if we’re getting Odyssey 2, it’s gonna be on the Switch. if we get to another console, it’ll be a completely new idea (like Sunshine to Galaxy or Galaxy to Odyssey). It’ll sting a little more considering we never got DLC either. I just really wanted a new adventure in the Odyssey game engine.
However, with the Mario 3D collection out, I think finally getting Galaxy 2 on the Switch is a very real possibility.
#4 Kirby Planet Robobot- I am a huge Kirby fan. However, this game has always escaped me for one reason or another. I’d love to see it get brought over to the Switch. I’m not sure if there’s any mechanics that would be exclusive to the 3DS that couldn’t be brought over. That’s one reason I’m not buying into Star Fox Zero or Kirby and the Rainbow Curse being brought to the Switch. Kirby is another franchise that has had a great showing on the Switch. Be it new releases, remakes or eShop exclusives, Kirby is a very active franchise and I think it could do well this holiday season.
#3 Xenoblade Chronicles X. I think it is likely that we will get a Wii U port. There’s plenty of games getting tossed out at this point, but I think Xenoblade Chronicles X makes a lot of sense. For starters, the name. Xenoblade Chronicles means something to a lot of Nintendo’s die hard RPG fans. I also think the rest of the Xenoblade Chronicles series is playable on Switch, so it’d make sense to have it on the console as well. I really don’t think this is a bad option to have for a Christmas- like release. Maybe this would compliment a bigger Pokémon/Zelda/Metroid like release. Either way, I think this is a solid option.
#2 Twilight Princess/Wind Waker HD. Feels like I’ve been skeptical of this rumor for 5 years now. And I still kind of am. Before I disregarded it saying Skyward Sword needed to be brought over to the Switch first. We’ll, that has now happened. I’d still prefer Ocarina of Time coming to the Switch first, but that’s a personal preference. Honestly, I’m reaaaalllly rooting for Oracle of Ages and Season to get released in a single cart. I feel like that game needs the port more than both Ocarina of Time and TPWW combo. But here’s an idea no one is talking about, A Link to the Past. I get it, it’s a 2D classic. How do you go about porting this sucker over. Keep it 2D? Then can you really get away with charging $60? Give it the Link’s Awakening treatment? Then risk the potential backlash from purists who hate the art style? Yeah, I think the Twilight Princess, Wind Waker HD will probably be the safest option as it won’t be polarizing or feel like a betrayal of the classics. With Nintendo saying no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom, I’m really interested to see what Nintendo does with Zelda moving forward.
#1 Metroid 2 and 3 combo pack- This is my sure fire bet for the Switch this year. I saw someone say it would be weird for Metroid 1 to get a standalone release and then combo 2 and 3. I’m going to reference Pikmin for why I actually think it makes sense. Nintendo released Pikmin 3 as a hold over until Pikmin 4 was ready. Then as we approached Pikmin 4, we got 1+2 as a combo. It’s this line of work that makes me think a combo pack is absolutely possible. Not to mention if you want Metroid Prime 4 as your Switch launch title or big holiday release next year, we’ve got to get these Prime remakes on the road. I just think it makes all the sense in the world. However, is a Metroid Prime 2&3 combo pack enough to carry them through the holidays? I’m not sure.
I think it’s very likely we also see another Gamecube game get ported over- Luigi’s Mansion 1. Luigi’s Mansion 2 and 3 are available to play on Switch, so we really need to get the first one on the console before we move on to the Switch’s successor.
There you have it. You think Nintendo could announce anything spicy? Any new games, remakes we won’t see coming, or DLC? Mario Wonder and Pikmin 4 could be strong candidates to get DLC as well. Let me know what you think Nintendo will do! Thanks for watching. Have a great day.
My cat, Elizabeth, has passed away.
Hey guys. Yall know that sometimes I use this blog as a timestamp, snapshot in time of my life. My cat passed away last night at the vet. Her lungs collapsed, causing her breathing complications. She had to be put on a ventilator. She was already too critical at that point to run tests on her. She seems to have died from heart complications.
I got her shortly after starting the blog. It was around the fall of 2015. So she was roughly 9 years old. She was deeply loved and will be missed. My daughter is 2 and is able to bound with them. She had trouble saying Elizabeth, all she could say is “Biscuit”. So the name did stick. Of course, since we’ve left the vet my daughter has asked me 15 times “Where’s Biscuit”. Elizabeth’s sister cat has tumors and will be meeting with a specialist Tuesday to discuss options, as this would be her second surgery in 8 months.
It’s wild to think they were healthy and carefree in October. Now they’re both getting worn down. Time flies too fast sometimes.
My wife and I were just reminiscing about the day we got them, Eevee and Elizabeth. My wife wanted a calico cat. Well, it just so happens a massive litter of short black hair cats were dropped off the same day we went to the shelter. My wife picked her out her calico cat. The person running the shelter said if we took one of the black cats, we could get both for free. So we went back to grab a second cat. She asked me which one to get. I told her to get the cat that seemed the most eager to come with us. She reached her hand into the cage and pulled out Elizabeth. Our life was forever changed that day as Elizabeth became my cat. She was moody and filled with angst, but she was mine.
I miss you, Elizabeth.
Pokemon Go’s latest Master Ball Event is Live!
The Master Ball has always been one of the most iconic items in gaming history! It’s stature remains in tact with Pokemon Go. The Master Ball, for those of you who do not know, can catch any Pokemon without fail. Again, this ability is how it works in the mobile Pokemon experience as well. So it’s great for catching legendaries and those that roam or flee often!
This event is broken into 4 parts. The first part looks like this:
– Catch 250 Pokemon
– Use 150 Berries to help catch Pokemon
– Make 100 Nice Curveball Throws
So that’s the first part. Are you guys excited for the event? And better question, what are you using your Master Ball on?
Every Time Luigi is Playable in a Main Line 3D Mario Game!
Mario has gone on many adventures through the decades. More times than not, his brother, Luigi, is there to give a helping hand. Today, we’re looking at every time Luigi is playable in a Main Line 3D Mario Game.
Mario’s first foray into 3D space was back on the Nintendo 64 with Mario 64. Now, despite all the playground rumors about how L was real, Luigi does not appear in the game. However, almost decade later, Mario and crew would return to Peach’s Castle in Super Mario 64 DS. This time around, Luigi would be playable. I guess L was real after all!
Super Mario Sunshine would skip Luigi altogether. Don’t feel bad for him though, as he got his own game in Luigi’s Mansion! That’s moving up in the world. So now we hop over to the Wii, here he is playable in two more titles, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. He starts out as an NPC Mario must first rescue. Then, as an unlockable, he becomes a fully playable character.
Meanwhile on the Wii U, Luigi would be a playable character on Super Mario 3D World alongside Mario, Peach, and Toad. That’s good company!
Lastly, in Super Mario Odyssey Luigi leads the fun mini game “Luigi’s Balloon World”. Though, he is not playable.
So there you have. A brief look at everytime Luigi is a playable character in a 3D Main Line Mario Game! Thanks for reading everybody. Have a great rest of your day!
What was the first video game to scare you? (Ask Reddit)
Reddit asked “What was the first video game to scare me?”
Here’s my answer!:
My dad played the OG Resident Evil games when I was a kid. I can’t say they messed me up or anything. Years later, I rented RE4 to play on my own. Didn’t take too long to get jumped by a villager and have Leon decapitated, and I was thinking, “Yeah, maybe this isn’t for me”.
Let me know what was the first game to scare you?
There a video fork of this topic on my YouTube shorts and Instagram reels. So feel free to follow me over on those sites and watch the videos. Thank you guys so much!
Video Game Compilations!
Video Game Compilations
Compilations are super neat and some of my favorite items in my collection. There is a convenience to compilations. Having so many games in a single package has always fascinated me. I think my earliest experience with compilations was the Legend of Zelda Collector’s Edition on Gamecube. Boy, is this thing awesome! It combines 4 Zelda titles into one tiny disc. It’s got the two from the original NES as well as Majora’s Mask on N64. But far and away the prize jewel here is the demo of Wind Waker. I don’t think this collection could get any better. Oh, my gosh this thing even has Ocarina of Time on it!
This compilation is truly insane with the game choices.
I mentioned Zelda being one of my first experiences with gaming compilations. However, these video game collections predate even that. While I couldn’t find any concrete resource for what the oldest compilation is, I’m sure we all think of the same game when we think about compilations, Super Mario All-Stars.
All Star Collection came out in 1993. I came out in 1994. So I wasn’t around when it came out. But I can only imagine the hype of having the first 3 Mario games plus the Lost Levels thrown in for good measure on one cart. Mario was a gaming force that swept the entire world. It revitalized the gaming industry and put Nintendo on the map. Nintendo found a way to repackage the same games and create an unbeatable value proposition for its consumers. They didn’t want the end of the NES to be the end of classic Mario. So they ported over all the original Mario games in one collection. However, Nintendo went the extra mile and gave the fans a real treat. The Lost Levels.
For those of you who don’t know, this was the original sequel for Mario 1. However, it was deemed too difficult for Western audiences. Thus, our Mario 2 looks a lot different. This Super Nintendo compilation was the first time we here in the states got to play this previously Japanese exclusive.
I love when compilations have bonuses like unreleased games, unlockables, or any new ways to play old games. Look at the SNES Mini. It gave us Star Fox 2. Star Fox was revolutionary with its mode 7 graphics. Nintendo was quick to get Star Fox 2 in development. Well, around this time, the 5th generation of gaming had launched. Real 3D graphics were officially here. Plans for Star Fox 2 were scrapped and never seen again. Fast forward over 20 years, and the SNES Classic releases with all your favorite Super Nintendo titles: A Link to the Past, Earthbound, Super Mario World, Super Metroid. The gang was almost all here. Wait a second. What is that? Star Fox 2 gets an official release on the SNES classic!? Those are the kinda announcements that make compilations something special!
That gets us back to the Super Mario 3D All Stars. What a controversial collection. Let’s break it down some.
There is no need to hop from the N64 to Gamecube to Wii. Another awesome aspect is that the console these compilations are being released on are more than likely going to be the latest and most up to date consoles. This means you get all the benefits of modern consoles. Online leaderboards, HD graphics, achievements and trophies, and in the case of the Switch, portability. This means you can start your day playing Super Mario 64 in bed and stroll down to the local park and play Super Mario Sunshine without ever changing consoles. A lot of people dunked on the Super Mario 3D collection for Nintendo putting in the bare minimum effort, and well, yeah, they’re technically right. There’s not a lot in the way of extras. I would have liked for Mario 64 to have had the mini games from the DS version as unlockables. Or maybe an HD version you could switch between for new fans and purest. And I guess asking for Mario Galaxy 2 was asking for too much. Still, the ability to freely switch between 2 of the best games ever made and Sunshine with added mobility is still a strong case for why this is one of my favorite compilations of all time.
Okay, how about we look at another compilation on Switch. The Spyro Reignited Trilogy. This is what I wanted Mario 64 to look like. Spyro looks and feels amazing here on the Switch. The Spyro Trilogy was a special treat for classic and new 3D platformer fans alike. With the awesome iconic levels of the past with a fresh coat of paint, this was a match made in Heaven. They even went back and added skill points to Spyro 1. These serve as achievements and add some fun side quests to do while revisiting a favorite you know super well. The only bad thing to complain about here is that they only put the original Spyro on the cart. Spyro 2 and 3 are digitally downloaded.
We’ve talked about how these collections are perfect for replaying old favorites. But what about the opposite side of things – franchises you missed completely. For me, that’s the Klonoa collection. Klonoa on PS1 and PS2 are expensive! For the pair , you’re looking at about $400. Not to mention, they’re some of the harder titles to find on their respective consoles. The Switch rerelease helped allow thousands of players to discover the wondrous world of Klonoa for the first time. It’s a blast. This version added a new difficulty mode, the Easy mode. This is a welcomed addition for people who aren’t crazy about difficulty in video games and just wants to enjoy the game. Plus, some of the platforming alone is difficult enough without even mentioning the damage aspect of the game.
We’ve been talking a lot about Nintendo compilations , but Sony has had some bangers, too. The one that comes to my mind is the Ratch and Clank Trilogy collection. This is, without a doubt, maybe my favorite compilation of all time.
It’s just so good. You get one of the best trilogies in all of gaming. The Ratchet and Clank series on PS2 now moved to the PS3. Trophies are here. Graphics are updated. And all 3 masterpieces in one collection. To me, this perfectly embodies what makes these collections must own for fans.
The last compilation to talk about today is the Kirby’s Dream Collection. I wanted this compilation so bad as a kid and never got it.
So it was one of the first games I grabbed as an adult. Having 6 Kirby games on one disc was enough. But this game killed it with the extras. I’m going to quote the most trusted source in all the internet land for this, Wikipedia. So shout out Wikipedia! Kirby’s Dream Collection also features 13 new challenge stages based on those found in 2011’s Kirby’s Return to Dream Land.[3] An additional museum section features box art and video spotlights for every game in the Kirby series released through 2012, along with three viewable episodes from the anime television series Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (“Kirby Comes to Cappy Town”, “Crusade for the Blade”, and “Waddle While You Work”).[2] In addition to the game disc, the package includes a booklet that highlights Kirby’s history and provides behind-the-scenes trivia about the series, as well as a soundtrack CD containing 42 music tracks from past Kirby games and three new arrangements by the HAL Laboratory sound team. – per Wikipedia.
What’s not to love about that? And compilations in general, really. Every time the Switch gets a new collection, I get excited. I think about how the Baten Kaitos and Etrian Odyssey just got collections released semi recently. I’d love to add them to the collection eventually. Let me know if you guys have the same fondness about these collections as I do. And tell me, what’s your favorite video game compilation. Let me know down below!
The Most Controversial Zelda Titles of All Time!
Zelda has been around for over 35 years. Original debuting on the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1986. It launched as a bold and large take on the adventure genre. Perfectly encapsulating what it meant to go on such a large scale quest. You tackled dungeons. You get heart containers to grow stronger. And you found many of the iconic weapons still found in the series today. Shout out to our last video over the underutilized items of the series. Go check that out after this video. All this to say, Legend of Zelda 1 laid the blueprint for how to do perfect Zelda games. All the team had to do was update the graphics and game design with each new installment. Boom, you got a legendary franchise on your hands. What could wrong over those 35+ years? Well, as you will see today, plenty. We’re looking at the times Zelda releases didn’t quite hit the mark. Here’s the most controversial Zelda titles!
#5 Breath of the Wild
Honestly, I feel like this game is retroactively controversial. Sure, there was a lot of excitement and suspense building up to its release alongside the newest Nintendo console, the Switch. Development took ages. It’s development took 5 years following the release of Skyward Sword on the Wii. It was originally designed for the Wii U, and was it’s last major release. However, as we discussed, it came on as launch title for the Switch. So a Swan Song for one console and a triumph birth for another. Still, Breath of the Wild was touted as breaking away from the traditional Zelda formula. It was open world and nonlinear, harkening back to Zelda on NES. The Switch was also reported to be returning to cartridges over the much preferred blu ray disc. Gamers were happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time. Breath of the Wild was a breath of fresh air for many Wii U and Switch owners. It spawned its own sub genre of games trying to rip it off or take heavy influence from it. Tears of the Kingdom would drop as a sequel almost a decade later. With the Zelda team saying this was essentially the new Zelda formula. It left many players reminiscing about the old Zelda. Players got fatigued with the new style. Even though Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are critically acclaimed, I think old school players are scared the days of Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time are dead.
#4 Majora’s Mask.
This one is going to be a mixed bag. You’re trying to follow up one of, if not the greatest games of all time. That’s a tough one. I actually respect the heck out of what the team tried to accomplish and what they created. But Majora’s Mask just isn’t for me. I don’t like the gloomy overtones, the three day cycle, and the design philosophy of the game. Now, that makes it stand out. You either really love the game or just don’t care for it. And it’s wedged between Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time on one side and Wind Waker and Twilight Princess on the other side. It definitely stands out with the environment and the masks.
Now the hilarious part to me is that Majora’s Mask got a remake on the 3DS. I really enjoy it. In my opinion, it fixes a lot of what I don’t like about the N64 version. A lot of that has to do with the handbook aiding in the side quest. As well as the ability to save being way easier. Not to mention, on the 3DS, you can just close the system. Yet, a lot of the N64 truthers don’t like the remake. Meaning, one way or the other, you probably really enjoy one or the other and have disdain for the other, which is interesting.
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#3 Skyward Sword
I’ve never met another person who says Skyward Sword is their favorite Zelda game. In my opinion, being stuck on the Wii just didn’t help it. It was locked behind motion controls. I remember popping it in back in the day, only to be denied by the Wii itself because I didn’t have the motion plus feature. I eventually played it on the Switch and did enjoy it. I’ve never played the Wii version, but it does feel like more people complained than praised it. The Switch version is pretty good if you find a copy. It’s worth noting that this is the last of the traditional formula Zelda games. As a result, I think in time this game might get a cult following.
#2 Zelda 2: Links Adventures
Zelda 2 struggles from being a Zelda game. Almost anybody’s argument who defends this game starts with “If this wasn’t a Zelda game, people would love it”. Maybe. But that’s part of what lands it on this list, and this high as well. On one hand, Zelda wasn’t exactly an established property at this point. Zelda had only been out for about a year by the time we got the sequel, Link’s Adventure. But it did bring back exploration, dungeons, and sword based combat. However, the gameplay was side scrolling. It was an RPG now, and the overworld is just weird. There’s no way you played Zelda 1 and was excited when you got this. Talk about breaking away from the Zelda formula. Honestly, if Zelda had been more of an established IP at this point, maybe I’d put this at 1. As it stands, there’s one Zelda game that’s release was more perplexing, disappointing, and controversial than all the rest. And that game was…
Before we reveal number 1, be on the lookout for polls on the Youtube. You can help sway videos/polls by voting in those polls!
#1 Wind Waker
Majora’s Mask may have had a hard time following up Ocarina of Time, but Wind Waker is the red headed step child of Zelda games. The tone on the N64 was dark, gritty and mature. What the heck is this?
Wind Waker changed the tone up completely. Dropping dark color palettes for bright, vibrant beach aesthetics, large sprawling fields conquered by horseback were replaced by never-ending, overbearing sea traversal. Not to mention, it has got to be one of the weirder looks for Ganon. Now, Wind Waker came out in a time in my life where I didn’t mind the art style. However, in hindsight, I can see people feeling bamboozled. Especially after the now infamous Gamecube trailer. Nintendo was finally embracing disc based formats. People were beyond thrilled to see what the Zelda team would cook up for the new hardware. The tech demo gave every fan hope they were getting the next epic in the Zelda franchise. This is to say nothing of peoples theories of cut content and empty spaces. This entry has everything to do with the tonal shift and misdirection of the tech demo. That alone has Wind Waker firmly in the lead for the most controversial entry in the series!
Guys, you ever make a top 5, write your script, plan out the whole video, and then remember you completely forgot a game existed!? That’s right, boys, we’re adding a new number 1. And boy howdy. It’s a doozy. Mostly because it’s a threefer!
#1 Zelda on CD-i
I’ve convinced myself that Philips CD-i is a fever dream. I mean, just look at these graphics.
That’s probably why I tried to suppress these games. Yeah, somebody cooked these games up, and God Bless Em. Zelda got a grand spanking three shots at the CD-I. Featuring questionable cutscenes, a return to 2D side scrolling graphics, and lacking any Nintendo quality, these jokers have got to be the most notorious Nintendo games ever. I won’t bother recapping Nintendo’s fallout with Sony and the disastrous relationship with Philips. Yes, it is truly one of the most industry changing of all time. And all we have to show for it is this.
Okay, so that’s officially the list. What’s your 5 most infamous Zelda games in your opinion? Let me know down below!
Da_Hubbz 