Nintendo's ongoing franchise renaissance

[BooDestroyer]

So it would seem that in recent years, we've been getting a lot of big games from Nintendo, particularly over many of their franchises.


Back in 2008-2009, we were not really getting anything from them. That period was bone-dry. We were all clamoring for more, but we didn't know what was out on the horizon for Nintendo.

Come E3 2009, things started to pick up! The return of 2D Mario on the consoles, and multiplayer with it! The unexpected sequel to Super Mario Galaxy! A new Metroid title!


And then there was E3 2010. The explosion that started it all. And still going on.

The 3DS arrived, with a ton of new games (unfortunately for them, most of them took a while longer to get out there). And then came the fan favorite franchises all over the place: the return of Kid Icarus, DKC, Kirby platforming on the consoles...

We also got the best Animal Crossing to date (improved over City Folk in every way), an also unexpected sequel to Luigi's Mansion, the return of Pikmin, top-down Zelda getting a return to form on the 3DS... Even one of their new things, Rhythm Heaven, made a name for itself even more on the Wii. Oh, and we just got the return of Star Fox a while ago!

There's also been the downsides too: the oversaturation of Mario platformers; 3D World looks like it was the last of that. However, 3D Land/World introduced new ways of playing by using the 2D rules in 3D, at least.



So, what do you think could have caused Nintendo to go this all-out with their franchises like this? Do you think it will still go on for many more years, or come to a stop a little later?

[The Banjonator]

While I admit they have been doing a good job utilizing more franchises, the past few years haven't really been what I call a renaissance as much as it is just... average. At best. Save for Splatoon and New Leaf, everything they've done this generation has just felt "safe" I guess. Not that it's bad. But nothing particularly as mind blowing as Mario Galaxy or Metroid Prime.

[BooDestroyer]

I would think that the whole Mario series has been on the "safe" side lately, but that's another story entirely.

[Banjokun]

Its just going to get worse kid.

I've seen it, okay I didn't see it but I know what's going to happen and its not good.

[Solid Snix]

Originally Posted by Yiffgurl

i agree that a lot of modern games from them have felt safe (i think i'd categorize acnl as that too), but at least super mario maker is really good

Let's not forget Splatoon.

[The Banjonator]

Splatoon is probably their only real positive change from this generation. Simple, but very fun and creative.

[Esteban Colberto]

Insider leak: The next game in the Splatoon series will be called

Spoiler: (highlight to view)

Splatoon 2: Amiibo Splash.

What? No, not "Spla2oon" or variations of such, that would be silly

[I-am-scott]

As long as Nintendo keeps making good games I'll keep buyin!! I havent played my wii u much but still I love my nintendo systems!