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.
12 Star Fox Zero
Shigeru Miyamoto is credited as one of three directors on this project. Star Fox Zero was meant to showcase 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 a traditional Star Fox game without the second-screen features.
11 Donkey Kong 3
While the first two Donkey Kong games 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.
10 Devil 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.
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 like Pac-Man. It was also Miyamoto’s first console-exclusive, never being released in arcades.
9 Mario Bros.
Not to be confused with Super Mario Bros., this arcade game introduced 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. In Donkey Kong he was a carpenter.
8 Donkey 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 of Popeye, 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.
7 Donkey 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.
6 Excitebike
Funnily enough, Excitebike probably 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 editor also 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.
5 Super Mario Bros. 2/The Lost Levels
Only released in the west when Super Mario All-Stars came out, the official Super Mario Bros. 2 is 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 to Super Mario Bros.. While it plays well, it can only be recommended for those who want a grueling retro gaming challenge.
4 Super Mario Bros.
Not only is Super Mario Bros. an excellent platformer, but it also helped save gaming as a whole. Before the NES, many saw gaming as a dying fad.
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.
3 Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 set 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 released Super Mario 3D All-Stars definitely highlights its wear and tear. All the same, it is an excellent 3D platformer and revolutionized the industry.
2 The Legend Of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda sparked gamers’ imaginations in ways few other games did. The non-linear design presented a unique challenge for the NES. Players are dropped into the middle of the map as Link and given few instructions on where to go. Only through exploring and experimentation do players learn how to progress. The ingenious design behind The Legend of Zelda influences numerous developers to this day.
1 Super Mario Bros 3.
While Super Mario 64 ushered in a new era, Super Mario Bros. 3 represents the apex of 2D platformers. It is one of the most ambitious games on the NES, and it is a miracle such a large game runs on the console. Unlike Legend of Zelda, it is also a little kinder to newcomers, with a steady learning curve to please both novices and experts. The use of a world map and worlds with distinct artistic themes further helps make Super Mario Bros. 3 one of the most celebrated video games ever made.
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