It is impossible to overestimate Shigeru Miyamoto’s impact on gaming. He has had his hand in countless innovative titles. However, he is only credited as director on 12 titles spanning more than thirty years. The following list will rank them from worst to best.
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To be fair, there’s really only one game here anybody considers less than stellar. Considering the impressive scope of his career, it is difficult to judge quality when comparing a game from almost forty years ago versus something from the late 90s. All the same, we hope this list helps readers appreciate all Shigeru Miyamoto has done for video games.
12Star Fox Zero
Shigeru Miyamoto is credited as one of three directors on this project.Star Fox Zerowas meant toshowcase the Wii U’s unique qualities, but many lamented the awkward controls and mandatory use of motion sensing. People probably would have enjoyed it more if it controlled more like atraditionalStar Foxgamewithout the second-screen features.
11Donkey Kong 3
While the first twoDonkey Konggames were massively successful, the third game often gets forgotten since it came out when gaming hype died down in the west. It is also the weakest of the three. Gameplay is extremely repetitive and simple. Players simply spray Donkey Kong with bug spray until he is at the top of the screen.It also lacks Mario.
10Devil World
The designer’s contribution to the maze genre is filled with religious imagery, which automatically tells us it was not released in North America.
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Fortunately, it saw release in Europe, so at least English language versions exist. Some interesting variations on the maze formula help it stand out among its peers likePac-Man. It was also Miyamoto’s first console-exclusive, never being released in arcades.
9Mario Bros.
Not to be confused withSuper Mario Bros.,this arcade gameintroduced many elements common to the franchise, including warp pipes, Koopas (then known as turtles), and Luigi. However, the gameplay is combat-focused and not a platformer. This is also the first time Mario was a plumber. InDonkey Konghe was a carpenter.
8Donkey Kong
While its sequel may have more complex level designs, the debut arcade title is more fondly remembered by virtue of doing it first. Originally an adaptation ofPopeye, the characters were retooled into original designs when Nintendo could not secure the rights. The game is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021, which will definitely make some people feel old.
7Donkey Kong Jr.
Donkey Kong Jr.takes the platforming principles from the first game but expands upon them in several ways. Players control the antagonist’s son, and this time they are saving Donkey Kong from Mario, or Jump Man as he was known back then. Climbing on vines instead of ladders makes movement feel freer. Ultimately, all of these aforementioned platformers are a little too simple for most modern gamers.
6Excitebike
Funnily enough,Excitebikeprobably has the most realistic aesthetic of all the games on this list. The gameplay is simple and intuitive but also compelling. Just beat the races or the clock.A track editoralso adds significant value to the package and was incredibly unique for the time. It is still a fun game to pick up and play today.
5Super Mario Bros. 2/The Lost Levels
Only released in the west whenSuper Mario All-Starscame out, the officialSuper Mario Bros. 2is an incredibly difficult platformer. It was made to test the skills of even the most hardcore player. This is exactly why North America received a different game in place of a proper sequel toSuper Mario Bros.. While it plays well, it can only be recommended for those who want a grueling retro gaming challenge.
4Super Mario Bros.
Not only isSuper Mario Bros.an excellent platformer, but it also helped save gaming as a whole.Before the NES, many saw gaming as a dying fad.
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This NES launch title reignited the United States' passion for gaming and made Nintendo a household name in the territory. The gameplay is quaint by today’s standards, but the level design is still top-notch.
3Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64set the standard for 3D game design. It took other franchises years to catch up to this N64 launch title. While it has aged better than its contemporaries,the recently releasedSuper Mario 3D All-Starsdefinitely highlights its wear and tear. All the same, it is an excellent 3D platformer and revolutionized the industry.
