Nintendo, historically revered for its consistently polished releases, has slipped outside the top 20 in Metacritic’s 15th Annual Game Publisher Rankings. The news has come as a shock to long-time followers who have come to expect high scores for the company’s titles, many of which have roots stretching back to the 1980s and beyond. Metacritic’s annual ranking analyses critical reception and overall performance, making Nintendo’s lower placement a notable departure from its usual standing near the top.
Credit: Metacritic
The 2025 ranking suggests that the publisher’s newer releases, while not necessarily lacking in quality, have not reached the stellar acclaim of previous generations. Still, this could be influenced by the competitive nature of the modern gaming landscape, where publishers vie for attention across multiple platforms.
Though the rankings are surprising, many believe Nintendo’s legacy of imaginative gameplay and focus on hardware innovation will endure. After all, the gaming giant has weathered various market cycles since its early ventures, including its transition from playing card production to pioneering family-friendly consoles. Whether it’s the ongoing popularity of Super Smash Bros. tournaments or enduring fan communities sharing tips, gaming history shows that a single ranking rarely defines a publisher’s overall standing in the long run.
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When it comes to finding the best games to play, Metacritic is a trusted resource. It aggregates reviews from critics and gamers alike, giving players an overall rating based on diverse opinions. This means you get a well-rounded view of what games truly shine. The Game Boy Advance (GBA), one of Nintendo’s beloved handhelds, boasts an incredible library, and Metacritic has ranked its top 10 games. Let’s dive into the list and explore what made these titles unforgettable.
10. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (2003) – 91 Metascore
Set in 2035, this action-packed Castlevania entry introduces Soma Cruz and his unique ability to absorb enemy souls. With tight gameplay, an intriguing story, and gothic visuals, this title is a standout.
Interesting Fact: Aria of Sorrow was one of the first Castlevania games to break from the series’ Dracula-centric storylines, introducing Soma Cruz as a potential reincarnation of Dracula himself.
9. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (2002) – 91 Metascore
This whimsical platformer sees Yoshi carrying Baby Mario through a beautiful, hand-drawn world. Creative levels and fun mechanics make it unforgettable.
Interesting Fact: Yoshi’s Island introduced the “crying Baby Mario” mechanic, where Mario’s wails get louder if Yoshi doesn’t rescue him quickly, adding a unique level of tension to the gameplay.
8. Final Fantasy VI Advance (2007) – 92 Metascore
A stellar port of one of the most beloved RPGs. Its emotional story, deep characters, and timeless gameplay shine on the GBA.
Interesting Fact: The GBA version includes additional dungeons and updated translations, giving even veteran fans new challenges to conquer.
7. Metroid Fusion (2002) – 92 Metascore
Samus faces her most personal battle yet in this intense sci-fi adventure. With a gripping story and excellent exploration, it’s Metroid at its peak.
Interesting Fact: Fusion introduces the SA-X, a terrifying doppelgänger of Samus, creating some of the most nerve-wracking moments in the series’ history.
6. Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (2002) – 92 Metascore
Mario’s SNES classic gets new life on the GBA. Dinosaur Land is packed with secrets, power-ups, and fun platforming.
Interesting Fact: This version includes the ability to play as Luigi with unique physics, a first for Super Mario World.
5. Advance Wars (2001) – 92 Metascore
Tactical brilliance at your fingertips. Plan your moves carefully and command your troops in this addictive, easy-to-learn strategy game.
Interesting Fact: Advance Wars was initially delayed in North America due to the 9/11 attacks, as its military themes were considered sensitive at the time.
4. Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001) – 93 Metascore
Speed through colourful tracks, drop banana peels, and throw shells at your rivals. This portable Mario Kart is pure multiplayer chaos.
Interesting Fact: Super Circuit includes all 20 tracks from the original Super Mario Kart on the SNES, giving it the largest roster of tracks in the series at the time.
3. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (2003) – 94 Metascore
The definitive version of Mario’s NES masterpiece. Challenging, rewarding, and packed with charm, this platformer is a joy to play.
Interesting Fact: Using the e-Reader accessory, players could unlock exclusive levels not found in the original NES version, adding new gameplay elements.
2. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2001) – 95 Metascore
Skateboarding perfection comes to the GBA with tight controls, iconic music, and the freedom to perform outrageous tricks on the go.
Interesting Fact: Despite being on a handheld, the game retains its console counterpart’s signature levels and gameplay, an impressive feat for the GBA’s hardware.
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords (2002) – 95 Metascore
The ultimate blend of single-player and multiplayer adventure. A Link to the Past remains a timeless classic, and Four Swords introduces cooperative chaos.
Interesting Fact: Four Swords was the first multiplayer Zelda game, requiring players to link up using GBA cables to solve puzzles and explore together.
So there you have it! What are your thoughts? Any glaring omissions that should be on the list?
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Are you an N64 enthusiast looking for the best games to display in your premium-quality RetroShell game cases? Look no further! Here’s a list of the top 20 Nintendo 64 games ranked by their Metacritic scores. Perfect for collectors who appreciate the finer details of retro gaming.
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Now, onto the list:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Metascore: 99): Revered for its groundbreaking open world and deep storytelling.
Perfect Dark (Metascore: 97): Known for its advanced graphics and engaging spy-themed gameplay.
GoldenEye 007 (Metascore: 96): Pioneered the first-person shooter genre on consoles.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Metascore: 95): Lauded for its unique time mechanics and dark, immersive story.
Super Mario 64 (Metascore: 94): A revolutionary 3D platformer that set new standards for the genre.
Paper Mario (Metascore: 93): Admired for its charming paper-style visuals and engaging RPG elements.
Banjo-Kazooie (Metascore: 92): A beloved platformer known for its humorous characters and rich world.
Wave Race 64 (Metascore: 92): Praised for its realistic water physics and exhilarating races.
Conker’s Bad Fur Day (Metascore: 92): Known for its adult humor and unconventional story.
Mario Tennis (Metascore: 91): Popular for its accessible yet deep tennis gameplay and beloved Nintendo characters.
Mario Golf (Metascore: 91): Enjoyed for its fun and accessible golf gameplay, combined with a cast of familiar Mario characters.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape (Metascore: 90): Celebrated for its vibrant 3D worlds and engaging platforming mechanics.
Donkey Kong 64 (Metascore: 90): Known for its expansive worlds and the unique abilities of its multiple playable characters.
Blast Corps (Metascore: 90): Praised for its innovative destruction-based gameplay and variety of vehicles.
Banjo-Tooie (Metascore: 90): Appreciated for its larger and more intricate levels compared to its predecessor.
Beetle Adventure Racing (Metascore: 89): Loved for its unique theme and adventurous tracks.
F-Zero X (Metascore: 89): Known for its high-speed racing and gravity-defying tracks.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil (Metascore: 89): Noted for its impressive graphics and intense first-person shooter action.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (Metascore: 88): Admired for its exciting space combat and faithful recreation of the Star Wars universe.
Resident Evil 2 (Metascore: 89): Esteemed for its compelling horror storytelling and survival gameplay mechanics.
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