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[Sadist]

About the voting:

• Voting ran from June 29th through July 29th 2016.
• Number of ballots: 369 ballots counted
• Number of games: 284
• Points awarded: 7300
• Neogaf Top 50 Games of all Time (2012)
• Voting thread 2016 here!
• HM = Honourable Mention!

01. [N64][3DS] The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time (490 points, 9 HM)

So much has been said about this game that I almost feel its impossible to say anything more. Its easy to take this game for granted, but it laid the core foundation for the formula that kept Zelda going for three generations. Its revolutionary lock-on mechanics are used by games even today and feel like an invaluable asset in action games. It also had the novel time travel mechanic that helped give the world a lot of depth and lent itself to the story quite nicely. This game felt in every sense of the word "epic" when I played it on N64 and fully delivered on being the best adventure of its time.

02. [SNES] Super Metroid (362 points, 9 HM)

To me this is as good as it gets; the game I point to when people ask: is there a perfect game? The atmosphere, music, pitch perfect-controls (it's the Mario 64 of Metroids), level design. As a series it's been slipping a lot these last few years to the point where I'm not sure I even want a new Metroid from them when it's clear they don't understand what makes traditional Metroid so damn good. This is Nintendo firing on all cylinders and that makes it the best game ever made by anyone.

03. [N64][DS] Super Mario 64 (354 points, 15 HM)

It's incredible that this game came out in summer 1996. Just incredible. In my opinion it's Nintendo's biggest design and technical achievement ever. It utilized the console 100% on day one. This game still plays as well today as it did back then thanks to its highly refined analog controls. There's something about the momentum of Mario's motions that I don't think has even been replicated in later titles, it just feels so perfect. The whole castle, its courtyard and rooms, its paintings, the worlds beyond and the 120 stars... this game will be talked about beyond my lifetime as an important note within videogame history.

04. [Wii] Super Mario Galaxy (336 points, 16 HM)

Although I mentioned 1 game per franchise, I feel like the 3D Mario games are vastly different than the 2D variants. Without the timer and flagpole-ending it's a much slower pace, exploration game. As a side note, I haven't had a chance to play SMG2 yet (but that'll be remedied later this year). To me, this is the best 3D Mario game, and while I do love Mario 64, this one feels like a natural evolution of that game. With the enhanced graphics, great tunes, and refined gameplay, this one rises to the top.

05. [GC] Metroid Prime (315 points, 12 HM)

Metroid was significantly later to the 3D party than say Mario and Zelda, so much so that the impressiveness of transitioning the series into 3D could've been lessened by the time it arrived. Yet Retro's work creating the atmospheric world of Tallon IV to support the unique and at the time not so common "metroidvania" formula brought the Metroid franchise back with a vengeance setting off an entire sub series that took the series from a lengthy hiatus to having the clout for a pinball spin off of all things. A different type of first person game for its time favouring exploration and discovery over the combat, where many expected it to fall it instead stood tall and for my money is still the definitive Metroid experience edging out its SNES predecessor.

06. [SNES] Super Mario World (302 points, 8 HM)

Serious contender for best game of all time. The ingenuity in the level design on display here is second to none. Also the game play was freaking perfect and the graphics and music just fit everything going on so damn well. Also, Yoshi.

07. [SNES] The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (266 points, 13 HM)

Link to the Past has remained at the top of my favorite games from the moment I first played it back when it was released. I still play it every now and then and it remains as brilliant as I remembered. The gameplay is simple but addicting and the perfect pacing of the puzzles makes the game enjoyable experience from start to finish.

08. [N64][3DS] The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask (255 points, 12 HM)

Not only did Majora's Mask have the near impossible task of following up to Ocarina of Time, but it was released near the end of the Nintendo 64 lifecycle when most consumers were looking towards the next generation of systems. Despite all the forces against it, Nintendo somehow managed to pull off one of the most unique and engaging games of all time by doing something completely different than its predecessor. Majora's Mask creates a setting that is so dark and so fascinating it's hard to not get sucked in emotionally. Watching the people of Termina is both mesmerizing and depressing as you watch them all react to their impending demise as the world is crashing in around them. The blend of amazing Zelda style gameplay paired with tremendous side characters, stories, and quests creates one of the most amazing game experiences of all time. No game has ever replicated what was achieved in Majora's Mask and not only does it stand as the greatest Nintendo game of all time, but likely THE greatest game of all time. It simply cannot be overlooked.

09. [NES] Super Mario Bros. 3 (218 points, 13 HM)

This is my first game ever played, what a start in the media ! This platformer is still untouched and I don't think it ever will, problably one of the most "perfect" game I ever played.

10. [Wii] Super Mario Galaxy 2 ( (209 points, 22 HM)

Both galaxy games are great and are just plain and simple fun. But I much preferred the sequel with its tighter level design and new powers. I also really enjoyed the green star hunt as a post-game, as it forced you to really explore the levels to their fullest.

11. [GC] Super Smash Bros. Melee (173 points, 14 HM)

12. [GC][Wii U] The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker (167 points, 15 HM)

13. [Wii][N3DS] Xenoblade Chronicles (139 points, 6 HM)

14. [SNES] Earthbound (129 points, 4 HM)

15. [Wii U][3DS] Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS (123 points, 10 HM)

16. [SNES] Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (122 points, 7 HM)

17. [GC] Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door (115 points, 13 HM)

18. [GB] Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal (114 points, 5 HM)

19. [GB] Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow (113 points, 6 HM)

20. [Wii U] Mario Kart 8 (106 points, 16 HM)

21. [Wii U] Splatoon (105 points, 12 HM)

22. [GB] The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening (94 points, 13 HM)

23. [Wii U] Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze (93 points, 12 HM)

24. [Wii][GC] The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess (81 points, 9 HM)

25. [SNES] Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy's Kong Quest (76 points, 12 HM)

 

[Sadist]

26. [N64] Goldeneye (73 points, 12 HM)

27. [GC] F-Zero GX (65 points, 7 HM)

28. [3DS] Kid Icarus Uprising (63 points, 8 HM)

29. [GBA] Mother 3 (55 points)

30. [N64] Banjo-Kazooie (54 points, 10 HM)

31. [NES] The Legend of Zelda (54 points, 6 HM)

32. [Wii U] Pikmin 3 (53 points, 9 HM)

33. [3DS] The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds (51 points, 9 HM)

34. [Wii U] Bayonetta 2 (50 points, 9 HM)

35. [N64] Star Fox 64 (47 points, 19 HM)

36. [SNES] Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (46 points, 10 HM)

37. [N64] Mario Kart 64 (43 points, 9 HM)

38. [NES] The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (41 points, 2 HM)

39. [Wii U] Super Mario 3D World (40 points, 12 HM)

40. [DS] Pokémon Heart Gold & Soul Silver (40 points, 3 HM)

41. [GC] Animal Crossing (40 points, 1 HM)

42. [SNES] Donkey Kong Country (39 points, 7 HM)

43. [Wii U] The Wonderful 101 39 points, 6 HM)

44. [NES] Super Mario Bros. (38 points, 7 HM)

45. [GC] Fire Emblem Path of Radiance (38 points, 5 HM)

46. [N64] Perfect Dark 37 points, 5 HM)

47. [GC] Metroid Prime 2 GC (36 points, 4 HM)

48. [SNES] Super Mario Kart (34 points, 5 HM)

49. [N64] Paper Mario (33 points, 8 HM)

50. [Wii] The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword (33 points, 5 HM)

Others:

51. Fire Emblem (GBA) 32 points,9 HM
52. Fire Emblem Awakening (3DS) 31 points, 6 HM
53. Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (DS) 29 points, 2 HM
54. Warioware Inc. Mega Microgames! (GBA) 29 points
55. Super Mario Sunshine (GC) 28 points, 3 HM
56. Pokemon Ruby/Saphire/Emerald (GBA) 28 points, 3 HM
57. Eternal Darkness (GC) 26 points, 2 HM
58. Animal Crossing New Leaf (3DS) 26 points, 2 HM
59. Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn (Wii) 26 points, 1 HM
60. Super Mario Maker (Wii U) 25 points, 2 HM
61. Kirby Super Star (SNES) 24 points, 3 HM
62. Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U) 24 points, 3 HM
63. Pikmin 2 (GC) 24 points, 3 HM
64. Mario Kart DS (DS) 22 points, 6 HM
65. Pikmin (GC) 22 points, 5 HM
66. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii) 22 points, 4 HM
67. Metroid Fusion (GBA) 20 points, 8 HM
68. Fire Emblem Fates (3DS) 20 points, 1 HM
69. Metroid Zero Mission (GBA) 19 points, 5 HM
70. Sin and Punishment: Star Successor/Successor to the Skies (Wii) 19 points, 4 HM
71. Wii Sports (Wii) 19 points, 4 HM
72. Tetris (GB) 19 points, 1 HM
74. Advance Wars (GBA) 17 points, 6 HM
75. Waverace 64 (N64) 16 points, 5 HM
76. Metroid Prime 3 Corruption (Wii) 16 points, 2 HM
77. Advance Wars Dual Strike (DS) 16 points, 2 HM
78. Mario Kart Double Dash (GC) 15 points, 5 HM
79. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii) 15 points, 2 HM
80. Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES) 14 points, 2 HM
81. Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen (GBA) 14 points, 1 HM
82. Punch-Out!! (Wii) 13 points, 7 HM
83. Elite Beat Agents (DS) 12 points, 7 HM
84. The Legend of Zelda Oracle of Ages/Seasons (GBC) 12 points, 3 HM
85. Golden Sun (GBA) 12 points, 1 HM
86. F-Zero X (N64) 11 points, 8 HM
87. Tetris Attack (SNES) 11 points, 4 HM
88. The Legend of Zelda the Minish Cap (GBA) 11 points, 2 HM
89. Golden Sun 2 The Lost Age (GBA) 11 points, 1 HM
90. Wario Land 4 (GBA) 10 points, 5 HM
91. Wii Sports Resort (Wii) 10 points, 2 HM
92. Picross 3D (DS) 10 points, 2 HM
93. Metroid (NES) 9 points, 1 HM
94. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (DS) 9 points, 2 HM
95. Super Mario 3D Land (3DS) 9 points, 1 HM
96. Punch-Out!! (NES) 9 points, 4 HM
97. Super Mario Land (GB) 9 points, 2 HM
98. Star Fox (SNES) 8 points, 8 HM
99. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (NES) 8 points, 4 HM
100. Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan (DS) 8 points, 3 HM
101. Wario Land 2 (GB) 8 points
102. Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 (SNES) 8 points
103. Advance Wars II Black Hole Rising (GBA) 8 points
104. Kirby's Adventure NES) 8 points, 1 HM
105. Pokemon Black 2/White 2 (DS) 7 points, 3 HM
106. Mario Kart Wii (Wii) 7 points
107. Warioland Super Mario Land 3 (GB) 7 points, 3 HM
108. Rhythm Heaven (DS) 7 points
109. Mario Kart 7 (3DS) 7 points
110. Kirby's Air Ride (GC) 7 points, 1 HM
111. Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Saphire (3DS) 7 points
112. Hotel Dusk Room 215 (DS) 7 points, 2 HM
113. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble (SNES) 6 points, 6 HM
114. Banjo-Tooie (N64) 6 points, 4 HM
115. Fire Emlem Genealogy of the Holy War (SNES) 6 points, 3 HM
116. Pokemon Black/White (DS) 6 points, 3 HM
117. Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins (GB) 6 points, 3 HM
118. Rhythm Heaven Fever (Wii) 6 points, 3 HM
119. Metroid II Return of Samus (GB) 6 points, 2 HM
120. Nintendo Land (Wii U) 6 points, 1 HM
121. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of the Sky (DS) 6 points
122. Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon (3DS) 6 points
123. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii) 5 points, 5 HM
124. Wario Land 3 (GBA) 5 points, 2 HM
125. Yoshi's Wooly World (Wii U) 5 points, 2 HM
126. Luigi's Mansion 2 Dark Moon (3DS) 5 points, 1 HM
127. Kirby's Dreamland (GB) 5 points
128. Tetris DS (DS) 5 points
129. Diddy Kong Racing (N64) 4 points, 8 HM
130. Donkey Kong 64 (N64) 4 points, 5 HM
131. 1080 Snowboarding (N64) 4 points, 3 HM
132. Animal Crossing Wild World (DS) 4 points, 3 HM
133. Pokémon Snap (N64) 4 points, 3 HM
134. Hyrule Warriors (Wii U) 3 points, 3 HM
135. Super Punch-Out!! (SNES) 4 points, 2 HM
136. Pilotwings 64 (N64) 4 points, 2 HM
137. Killer Instinct Gold (SNES) 4 points, 1 HM
138. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE (Wii U) 4 points, 1 HM
139. Rhythm Tengoku (GBA) 4 points, 1 HM
140. The Last Story (Wii) 4 points, 1 HM
141. Kirby's Canvas Curse/Power Paintbrush (DS) 4 points, 1 HM
142. Chibi Robo! (GC) 4 points, 1 HM
143. Advance Wars Days of Ruin (DS) 4 points, 1 HM
144. Pokémon Colosseum (GC) 4 points
145. Fatal Frame V (Wii U) 4 points
146. Pandora's Tower (Wii) 4 points
147. Warioware Smooth Moves (Wii) 4 points
148. Warioland (Virtual Boy) 4 points
149. Endless Ocean 2 Blue World (Wii) 4 points
150. MaBoShi: The Three Shape Arcade (Wii) 4 points
151. Kuru Kuru Kururin (GBA) 4 points
152. Luigi's Mansion (GC) 3 points, 5 HM
153. F-Zero (SNES) 3 points, 5 HM
154. Super Smash Bros. (N64) 3 points, 4 HM
155. Kirby's Dreamcourse (SNES) 3 points, 3 HM
156. New Super Mario Bros. U (Wii U) 3 points, 3 HM
157. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GC) 3 points, 2 HM
158. Kirby's Return to Dreamland (Wii) 3 points, 2 HM
160. Excite Truck (Wii) 3 points, 2 HM
161. Pushmo (3DS) 3 points, 2 HM
162. Super Paper Mario (Wii) 3 points, 1 HM
163. Meteos (DS) 3 points, 1 HM
164. Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga (GBA) 3 points, 1 HM
165. Excitebike (NES) 3 points, 1 HM
166. Rhythm Heaven Megamix (3DS) 3 points, 1 HM
167. Donkey Kong (NES) 3 points, 1 HM
168. Polarium Advance (GBA) 3 points, 1 HM
169. Mario Tennis (N64) 3 points
170. Animal Crossing City Folk (Wii) 3 points
171. Mario Golf Advance Tour (GBA) 3 points
172. Super Mario Bros. 2 The Lost Levels (NES) 3 points
173. Fire Emblem New Mystery of the Emblem (SNES/DS) 3 points
174. Fatal Frame IV (Wii) 3 points
175. Mario Party 4 (GC) 3 points
176. Pokemon Trading Card Game (GBC) 3 points
177. Pokemon Trading Card Game GB2 (GBC) 3 points
178. Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64) 2 points, 3 HM
179. Warioware Twisted! (GBA) 2 points, 3 HM
180. Pokemon X & Y (3DS) 2 points, 3 HM
181. Mario Party 2 (N64) 2 points, 2 HM
182. Blast Corps (N64) 2 points, 2 HM
183. Star Fox Zero (Wii U) 2 points, 2 HM
184. Jet Force Gemini (N64) 2 points, 1 HM
185. Metroid Prime Pinball (DS) 2 points, 1 HM
186. Kirby's Dreamland 2 (GB) 2 points, 1 HM
187. Captain Toad Treasure Tracker (Wii U) 2 points, 1 HM
188. Warioware inc. Mega Party Games (GC) 2 points, 1 HM
189. Pilotwings Resort (3DS) 2 points, 1 HM
190. Nintendo World Cup (NES) 2 points, 1 HM
191. Donkey Kong (NES) 2 points, 1 HM
192. Mario Party (N64) 2 points, 1 HM
193. Mario Kart Super Circuit (GBA) 2 points
194. Kirby's Tripple Deluxe (3DS) 2 points
195. Waverace (GB) 2 points
196. Kid Icarus (NES) 2 points
197. New Super Mario Bros (DS) 2 points
198. Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories (Wii) 2 points
199. Art Style: ORBIENT (GBA) 2 points
200. Ice Climbers (NES) 2 points
201. Chibi-Robo! Clean Sweep (DS) 2 points
202. Famicom Detective Club II (SNES) 2 points
203. Star Tropics (NES) 2 points
204. Kirby 64 The Crystal Shards (N64) 2 points
205. Panel de Pon (SNES) 2 points
206. Mario Tennis (GBC) 2 points
207. Pokemon Stadium (N64) 2 points
208. Tetris (NES) 2 points
209. Balloon Fight (NES) 1 points, 2 HM
208. Codename: S.T.E.A.M. (3DS) 1 points, 2 HM
209. Fire Emblem Fuuin No Tsurugi (GBA) 1 point, 1 HM
210. Fire Emblem the Sacred Stones (GBA) points 1, 1 HM
211. Kirby's Pinball Land (GB) 1 point, 1 HM
212. Warioware Touched (DS) 1 point, 1 HM
213. Popeye (NES) 1 point, 1 HM
214. Stretchmo (3DS) 1 point, 1 HM
215. Teleroboxer (Virtual Boy) 1 point, 1 HM
216. Wii Fit U (Wii U) 1 point, 1 HM
217. Mario Paint (SNES) 1 point, 1 HM
218. Metroid Other M (Wii) point 1 point, 1 HM
219. Mother (NES) 1 point, 1 HM
220. New Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS) 1 point, 1 HM
221. Mole Mania (GB) 1 point, 1 HM
222. Mario Superstar Baseball (GC) 1 point
223. New Super Luigi U (Wii U) 1 point
224. Mario Golf World Tour (3DS) 1 point
225. Mario Party 3 (N64) 1 point
226. Mario Party DS (DS) 1 point
227. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Blue Rescue Team (DS) 1 point
228. Star Fox Assault (GC) 1 point
229. Wii Party (Wii) 1 point
230. Tetrisphere (N64) 1 point
231. Picross DS (DS) 1 point
232. Art Academy Lessons for Everyone (3DS) 1 point
233. Uniracers (SNES) 1 point
234. Super Tennis (SNES) 1 point
235. Takt of Magic (DS) 1 point
236. Another Code Two Memories (DS) 1 point
237. Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 (DS) 1 point
238. Dr. Mario WiiWare (Wii) 1 point
239. Tennis (GB) 1 point
240. Drill Dozer (GBA) 1 point
241. Game & Watch Gallery 3 (GB) 1 point
242. Donkey Kong Jr. (NES) 1 point
243. Game & Watch Gallery 4 (GBA) 1 point
244. Fortune Street (Wii) 1 point
245. Pokémon Stadium 2 (N64) 1 point
246. Tetris DX (GBC) 1 point
247. Kung Fu (NES) 1 point
248. Kirby Nightmare in Dreamland (GBA) 1 point
249. Style Savy Trendsetters (3DS) 1 point
250. Galactic Pinball (VB) 1 point
251. Battle Clash (SNES) 1 point
252. NES Remix (3DS) 1 point
253. Super Mario Strikers (Wii) 4 HM
254. Sim City (SNES) 3 HM
255. Duckhunt (NES) 2 HM
256. Nintendogs (DS) 2 HM
257. Disaster Day of Crisis (Wii) 2 HM
258. Crashmo (3DS) 2 HM
259. Donkey Kong '94 (GB) 2 HM
260. Pilot Wings (SNES) 2 HM
261. Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball 2 HM
262. Kirby's Epic Yarn (Wii) 2 HM
263. Stunt Race FX (SNES) 2 HM
264. Waverace Blue Storm (GC) 1 HM
265. The Legend of Zelda Phantom Hourglass (DS) 1 HM
266. Yoshi's Story (N64) 1 HM
267. Mario Golf (GBC) 1 HM
268. Pokémon Puzzle Challenge (N64) 1 HM
269. Pushmo World (Wii U) 1 HM
270. Pokken Tournament (Wii U) 1 HM
271. Pokemon XD Gale of Darkness (GC) 1 HM
272. Pokemon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire (GBA) 1 HM
273. Big Brain Academy (Wii) 1 HM
274. Lego City Undercover (Wii U) 1 HM
275. BOXBOY! (3DS) 1 HM
276. F-Zero Climax (GBA) 1 HM
277. Wario Land the Shake Dimension (Wii) 1 HM
277. Endless Ocean (Wii) 1 HM
278. Nintendo Badge Arcade (3DS) 1 HM
279. Orbital (GBA) 1 HM
280. Custom Robo Arena (DS) 1 HM
281. Metroid Prime Hunters (DS) 1 HM
282. Crosswords (DS) 1 HM
283. Bit Generations (GBA) 1 HM
284. Pocket Card Jockey (3DS) 1 HM

 

[Sadist]

Facts:

1) 284 games are mentioned, those include;

• Wii: 37
• Nintendo DS titles: 34
• Nintendo 64 titles: 31
• Gameboy Advance titles: 31
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System titles: 28
• Nintendo 3DS titles: 27
• Nintendo Gamecube titles: 25
• Gameboy titles: 24
• Nintendo Entertainment System titles: 24
• Wii U titles: 23
• Virtual Boy titles: 3

2) In the Top 50, the most popular games are on…

• 1. N64 with 9 games
• 2. GC with 9 games
• 3. SNES with 8 games
• 4. Wii U with 8 games
• 5. Wii with 5 games
• 6. NES with 4 games
• 7. 3DS with 3 games
• 8. GB with 3 games
• 9. GBA with 1 game
• 10. DS with 1 game

3) Wait, 51 titles? Yes, while Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is mentioned the most, almost the same game appeared on 3DS.

4) Talking about handhelds, only 8 handheld titles are mentioned in the top 50. The majority of games in the top 50 appeared on home consoles.

5) Another fun fact; while many voters mentioned a lot of DS (34) and GBA (31) titles, only Pokémon Heart Gold & Soul Silver and Mother 3 were able to reach the Top 50. Which is pretty interesting because Heart Gold & Soul Silver are remakes of the original Gold and Silver (GB) which placed higher on the list. Mother 3 on GBA was never released in the west, so it being the only GBA game in the Top 50 is fun to see.

6) Tough luck for the Wario- and Kirby franchises yet again; both characters don’t have a single solo game in the Top 50. Just like four years ago. The highest ranked games in those particular series are Warioware Inc. Mega Microgames! (GBA, 29 points) which is 54th on the list and Kirby Superstar (SNES, DS, 23 points and 3 HM) is number 61. Better luck next time lads.

7) Like four years ago, The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time (N64/3DS) is number one. This time it received 490 points from voters.

8) The top 10 remains almost the same compared to four years ago. Nine out of ten titles re-appear four years later. The only game who left the top ten is Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (SNES). The Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask (N64/3DS) replaces it in this 2016 edition. I assume that’s because of the 3DS remaster/re-release last year.

9) The following titles disappeared from the top 50 when you compare the 2012 list with the 2016 list:

• New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
• Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
• Fire Emblem (GBA)
• Advance Wars (GBA)
• Pikmin 2 (GC)
• Wave Race 64 (GC)
• Metroid Fusion (GBA)
• Tetris (GB)
• Super Smash Bros. (N64)
• Mario Kart DS (DS)
• Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)
• Metroid Zero Mission (GBA)

- The following titles are newcomers in the top 50;

• Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS
• Mario Kart 8 (Wii U)
• Splatoon (Wii U)
• Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
• Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)
• Pikmin 3 (Wii U)
• The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
• Bayonetta 2 (Wii U)
• Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
• The Wonderful 101 (Wii U)
• Metroid Prime 2 Echoes (GC)

10) Top 5 titles regarding platforms

Top 5 NES :

Super Mario Bros. 3
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda II Link's Adventure
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2

Top 5 Gameboy

Pokémon Gold & Silver
Pokémon Red & Blue (Green, Yellow)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
Tetris
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons

Top 5 SNES

Super Metroid
Super Mario World
The Legend of Zelda a Link to the Past
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Earthbound

Top 5 N64

The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time
Super Mario 64
The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask
Goldeneye 007
Banjo-Kazooie

Top 5 GBA

Mother 3
Fire Emblem
Warioware Inc. Mega Microgames!
Pokémon Ruby, Saphire, Emerald
Metroid Fusion

Top 5 Gamecube

Metroid Prime
Super Smash Bros. Melee
The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker
Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door
The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess

Top 5 DS

Pokémon Heart Gold & Soul Silver
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl & Platinum
Mario Kart DS
Advance Wars Dual Strike
Elite Beat Agents

Top 5 Wii

Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Xenoblade Chronicles
The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword

Top 5 3DS

Kid Icarus Uprising
The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds
Fire Emblem Awakening
Animal Crossing New Leaf
Fire Emblem Fates

Top 5 Wii U

Super Smash Bros. For Wii U
Mario Kart 8
Splatoon
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Pikmin 3

 

[Torokil]

Only real surprises are Smash Wii U being that high, and Skyward Sword being in the top 50 all time Nintendo games. Zelda cycle is real.

 

[TheDinoman]

Top 10 is literally all Mario, Metroid and Zelda, wow.

Nice to see Kid Icarus Uprising break the top 30. In fact, not counting Smash and the Zelda/Xenoblade ports, it's the highest ranking 3DS game.

 

[MrSaturn99]

Sooooo happy Pikmin 3 made the cut <3333

Booooo at the lack of Kirby

 

[Chopper]

Amazed that 3D World is so low.

 

[zenosparadox]

The picture for Zelda II is of A Link Between Worlds, btw.

Nice list!

 

[Hugstable]

Not a single Kirby game in the top 50?!

((

 

[Dark Cloud]

Amazed that 3D World is so low.

Yeah me too. 3D World is definitely top 20 game. It's so amazing!

 

[Htown]

Amazed that 3D World is so low.

There are a lot of good Mario games.

 

[Creamium]

Tropical Freeze still needs to climb higher. Deserves to be in or near the top 10 one day.

 

[Barry Burton]

Top 10 is excellent.

I could nitpick here and there, but only a few things stood out as being way off to me. I think Wind Waker is way too high, and continues to be Nintendo's most overrated game. And then there's this:

79. Donkey Kong Country Returns (Wii) 15 points, 2 HM

Spoiler

It's better than Tropical Freeze (which is also awesome!)

 

[ViewtifulJC]

It's better than Tropical Freeze

 

[TheDinoman]

Considering how popular they are, I'm surprised neither Fire Emblem Awakening or Fire Emblem Fates made the Top 50 cut. Meanwhile Path of Radiance did....

 

[Chopper]

There are a lot of good Mario games.

Oh, for sure. Just, 3D World is one of the best.

 

[Greatest Ever]

Easy bitching I could do aside (number one is barely a mediocre game), that's a solid list with a lot of classics.

Amazed that 3D World is so low.

NeoGAF has good taste

 

[Sadist]

It's been fun reviewing the list for the past week. I'm still amazed so many Wii U games made the cut.

Another few funny things;

2012 List: Super Mario Galaxy 2 >>> Super Mario Galaxy
2016 List: Super Mario Galaxy >>> Super Mario Galaxy 2

Wonder what happened in four years.

Lots of votes for the Fire Emblem series as well. Awakening really did help in making the series popular in the west.

Considering how popular they are, I'm surprised neither Fire Emblem Awakening or Fire Emblem Fates made the Top 50 cut. Meanwhile Path of Radiance did....

Awakening ranked 52nd in the end, that's good, The reason why Path of Radiance made it is (my guess) it's the first FE many people got to play, together with FE 7 on Gameboy Advance.

 

[Dystify]

Well I played and loved all of the top 50 so I'd say it's a good list even when I would switch some games around.

 

[Anarky]

Top 10 is excellent.

I could nitpick here and there, but only a few things stood out as being way off to me. I think Wind Waker is way too high, and continues to be Nintendo's most overrated game. And then there's this:

Spoiler

It's better than Tropical Freeze [(which is also awesome!)

You know nothing TheBig.

 

[Regiruler]

This list is predictable as fuck

 

[Shikamaru Ninja]

I'm really confused by this list. Maybe it's because i'm an 80s Nintendo gamer and a purist, but where is Donkey Kong '94? Wave Race 64? Tetris Attack? Advance Wars? Those are real Nintendo classics. Wonderful 101 and Bayonetta 2 in the top 50? Whatever. Mother 3? Based on a few people who played the translated rom?

 

[Ultimadrago]

Easy bitching I could do aside (number one is barely a mediocre game), that's a solid list with a lot of classics.

Majora's Mask that high is what has me twitching. Regardless, I didn't vote in this and find it to be a serviceable list (if not a little predictable). Were I someone looking into Nintendo games for the first time, this would have a lot of good directions to take me.

There are some glaring omissions, but what can ya do. Nintendo has brought out a great amount of worthwhile titles in the past. You can't fit them all in Top 50!

 

[StrangeRoboMemory]

Great work here, thanks for compiling all of this. Sad that I'm only one to put Teleroboxer in the top 10! I was hoping for that to rate higher.

 

[Greatest Ever]

Majora's Mask that high is what has me twitching. Regardless, I didn't vote in this and find it to be a serviceable list (if not a little predictable). Were I someone looking into Nintendo games for the first time, this would have a lot of good directions to take me.

I'm someone who doesn't like 3D Zelda games due to a lot of poor design decisions (and thinks Aonuma is an amazingly overrated director), but even I have mad respect for MM. Unique as fuck game that delivers on plenty of its potential.

The best 3D Zelda is still Arkham City though.

 

[stalker]

The OP already mentioned the fact that only 2 GBA and DS games made it. This is very interesting and imo one of the reasons why the single library future is going to be good, especially for those who like me prefer handhelds.

 

[Anarky]

I'm someone who doesn't like 3D Zelda games due to a lot of poor design decisions (and thinks Aonuma is an amazingly overrated director), but even I have mad respect for MM. Unique as fuck game that delivers on plenty of its potential.

The best 3D Zelda is still Arkham City though.

u wot m8

 

[kunonabi]

The list looks like I expected although a little Zelda heavy for my tastes. I am pleased to see Wii get the most mentions and for the Wii U to have a respectable turnout on the Top 50.

 

[Otakumegane]

I agree with the sentiment that WW may be too high. I've replayed it many times and it's a poorly made set of dungeons and quests for a Zelda.

Xenoblade should be higher. It pains me that many people haven't had the experience of playing it. The setting and world design is just phenomenal.

Also hell yeah that Gold/Silver edged out Red/Blue. Games should aspire to be the sequel on the level of Gold/Silver.

 

[Greatest Ever]

u wot m8

People don't realize it, but Arkham City was essentially a 3D Zelda. The overworld consists of more menial tasks and open up small nooks and crannies with the dungeons you go into. The places you go in City are all essentially dungeons, relying on Batman gaining a new item and clearing it out room by room. There are more similarities align the two very similarly.

Also it's better than any 3D Zelda I've played, and I'm only missing TP and SS on that front.

 

[Zalman]

The top 10 is predictable. What's more interesting to me is seeing how many modern (Wii U/3DS) games are on the list and which ones will be remembered as classics. Also cool to see the top 5 for both of those platforms.

Top 5 3DS

Kid Icarus Uprising
The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds
Fire Emblem Awakening
Animal Crossing New Leaf
Fire Emblem Fates

Top 5 Wii U

Super Smash Bros. For Wii U
Mario Kart 8
Splatoon
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Pikmin 3

 

[castaction]

Amazed that 3D World is so low.

Yep should be higher , great game

 

[Linkstrikesback]

The OP already mentioned the fact that only 2 GBA and DS games made it. This is very interesting and imo one of the reasons why the single library future is going to be good, especially for those who like me prefer handhelds.

That's not a surprise though really. Nintendos DS output was potentially the weakest it has been on any console for traditional first party content. The third parties are what pushed that console up high.

 

[MoonFrog]

Considering how popular they are, I'm surprised neither Fire Emblem Awakening or Fire Emblem Fates made the Top 50 cut. Meanwhile Path of Radiance did....

Thank god. Fates is good, great even if you only consider Conquest, with a horrendous style inherited from Awakening (art/story/character/support/world direction). Awakening is not good.

This is a bit of justice that is rare on NeoGAF. Still, FE7 and Awakening being the next ranking FEs is sad. Those are definitely among the weakest entries in the series.

...

Pretty good list, but Nintendo has so many great games. My list would be different but that isn't to take anything from the games in this list.

 

[shintoki]

157. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (GC) 3 points, 2 HM

WTF Gaf?!!! I'm the only person who voted for this? You let me down!

 

[Eolz]

That's a pretty good list, some surprises for some ranks (in terms of order rather than being here).

 

[jblank83]

Pretty good list.

Not sure how Twilight Princess got on there though. Must be a typo.

 

[Jonneh3003]

I've played the vast majority of games listed, certainly every game in the top 50. Pretty good list GAF!

 

[Munter]

I still say A Link To The Past is the best Zelda game, but overall a good list.

 

[TheDinoman]

218. Metroid Other M (Wii) point 1 point, 1 HM

Huh, didn't know Yoshio Sakamoto had a NeoGAF account.

Spoiler

/s

 

[BGBW]

Surprised the original Animal Crossing is well above New Leaf, considering the latter improves on it in almost all cases (unless you're really stuck on needing NES games). Guess it helps it was the first experience for many.

And just a heads up OP, the image tag for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS needs fixing.

But good work compiling all this.

 

[Anth0ny]

solid top 10. Majora's Mask is still the GOAT but can't complain about the 7 games about it.

also happy to see all of the N64 and GC games in the top 50. quality over quantity, kids.

look how few DS games there are, too. I'm not surprised at all... I never understood the love that console always seems to get. 3DS' library shits on it with ease.

Skyward Sword dropped from 24 to 50. dat new game bias.

 

[balgajo]

Another fun fact. 3d mainline Zelda games are ordered chronologically.

 

[TheDinoman]

Skyward Sword dropped from 24 to 50. dat new game bias.

Funny enough Twilight Princess is basically in the same exact position it was previously at in the 2012 list (24-25 range). Hardly moved a budge.

 

[Notorious_Roy]

As a Nintendo fan who isn't really into Zelda or Metroid this list feels weird.

 

[Wagram]

I will never understand the love for Ocarina of Time. So many classic Nintendo titles that are superior in so many ways. I do respect it though,

 

[phanphare]

this is how my top 10 fared

1.

21. [Wii U] Splatoon (105 points, 12 HM)

2.

06. [SNES] Super Mario World (302 points, 8 HM)

3.

04. [Wii] Super Mario Galaxy (336 points, 16 HM)

4.

22. [GB] The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening (94 points, 13 HM)

5.

72. Tetris (GB) 19 points, 1 HM

6.

12. [GC][Wii U] The Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker (167 points, 15 HM)

7.

23. [Wii U] Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze (93 points, 12 HM)

8.

11. [GC] Super Smash Bros. Melee (173 points, 14 HM)

9.

19. [GB] Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow (113 points, 6 HM)

10.

20. [Wii U] Mario Kart 8 (106 points, 16 HM)

not bad GAF, though that top 3 is weak as shit

nice work OP

 

[Fuzzy]

25. [SNES] Donkey Kong Country 2 Diddy Kong’s Quest (76 points, 12 HM)

Fix the title.

 

[facetheslayer92]

Happy to see Mario Galaxy at #4 and Metroid Prime at #5

 

[AntMurda]

Definitely some agendas exposed in this popularity list. How the hell is Mother 3 in the top 30? That doesn't even make sense.