Nintendos Best Shooting Games Of All Time

Quick Links :

Nintendo has a rich history of creating iconic and beloved gaming franchises, and one genre that has consistently delivered exciting experiences is shooting games. From classic arcade-style shooters to more modern, story-driven epics, Nintendo has published and developed a wide range of shooting games that have captivated audiences for decades. Here, we'll take a closer look at some of Nintendo's best shooting games of all time, highlighting their innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and impact on the gaming industry.

Early Years: Classic Arcade Shooters

Nintendo's foray into shooting games began with classic arcade-style shooters, which were released in the 1980s and 1990s. Games like Xevious (1982), 1942 (1984), and Star Force (1984) were all influential titles that helped shape the genre. These games typically featured simple yet addictive gameplay, with players controlling a spaceship or aircraft as they battled against waves of enemy forces.

One notable example from this era is the 1990 release of Axelay, a side-scrolling shooter that stood out for its unique blend of action and strategy. Players controlled a spaceship as it navigated through treacherous terrain, avoiding obstacles and battling against enemy forces. Axelay's innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to switch between three different perspectives, helped set it apart from other shooters of the time.

Super Nintendo and the Rise of 16-Bit Shooters

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) played host to a number of iconic shooting games that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on 16-bit hardware. Games like Super R-Type (1991), Aero the Acro-Bat (1993), and Plok (1993) showcased the system's capabilities, with colorful graphics, smooth gameplay, and challenging level design.

One of the most beloved shooters of this era is the 1994 release of Donkey Kong Country's spiritual successor, Star Fox. This 3D shooter revolutionized the genre with its innovative use of Mode 7 graphics, creating a sense of depth and immersion that was unparalleled at the time. Players controlled a team of anthropomorphic animals as they battled against the evil Empire, with a variety of vehicles and power-ups at their disposal.

Nintendo 64 and the Advent of 3D Shooters

The Nintendo 64 (N64) marked a significant shift towards 3D gaming, and shooters were no exception. Games like Turok: Dinosaur Hunter (1997) and GoldenEye 007 (1997) set new standards for 3D shooting games, with immersive environments, varied multiplayer modes, and addictive gameplay.

One of the most iconic shooters of this era is the 1998 release of Banjo-Kazooie's spiritual successor, Banjo-Tooie's lesser-known cousin, Jet Force Gemini. This 3D shooter featured a unique blend of action, exploration, and platforming, with a charming cast of characters and a richly detailed world to discover.

GameCube and the Era of Online Shooters

The GameCube era saw the rise of online shooters, with games like TimeSplitters 2 (2002) and 007: Nightfire (2002) offering extensive multiplayer modes and addictive gameplay. One notable example from this era is the 2003 release of Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader, a 3D shooter that showcased the GameCube's capabilities with its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay.

Another iconic shooter from this era is the 2004 release of Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, a first-person shooter that built upon the success of the original Metroid Prime. Players controlled intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran as she battled against the Space Pirates and explored the mysterious planet Aether.

Wii and the Rise of Motion Controls

The Wii era saw the introduction of motion controls, which revolutionized the way players interacted with shooting games. Games like House of the Dead: Overkill (2009) and Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (2007) showcased the potential of motion controls, with immersive gameplay and intuitive controls.

One notable example from this era is the 2007 release of Super Mario Galaxy's lesser-known cousin, Sin & Punishment: Star Successor. This on-rails shooter featured a unique blend of action and strategy, with players controlling a spaceship as they battled against waves of enemy forces.

Wii U and the Advent of HD Shooters

The Wii U era marked a significant shift towards HD gaming, and shooters were no exception. Games like Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012) and Mass Effect 3: Special Edition (2012) showcased the system's capabilities, with stunning graphics and immersive gameplay.

One of the most beloved shooters of this era is the 2013 release of Resident Evil: Revelations, a survival horror shooter that built upon the success of the original Resident Evil: Revelations. Players controlled BSAA agents Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield as they battled against the sinister organization known as the T-Abyss.

Nintendo Switch and the Era of Hybrid Shooters

The Nintendo Switch era has seen a resurgence in shooter popularity, with games like Splatoon 2 (2017) and ARMS (2017) offering innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive multiplayer modes. One notable example from this era is the 2018 release of Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country, a role-playing shooter that built upon the success of the original Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Another iconic shooter from this era is the 2020 release of DOOM Eternal, a first-person shooter that showcased the Switch's capabilities with its fast-paced gameplay and stunning graphics.

We hope you've enjoyed this look back at Nintendo's best shooting games of all time. From classic arcade-style shooters to modern, story-driven epics, Nintendo has consistently delivered exciting and innovative experiences that have captivated audiences for decades. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, there's never been a better time to explore the world of Nintendo shooters.

Share your thoughts and favorite Nintendo shooters in the comments below!