In the world of television adaptations, Nintendo's video game franchises have had a rollercoaster journey. From bizarre misfires to genuinely great shows, the company's IP has spanned the spectrum. Here's a deep dive into some of the best and worst Nintendo-inspired TV series, ranked from worst to best.
- The Super Mario Bros. Super Show
- Why it's great: This animated series, premiering in 1989, pioneered the future of the 'Mario' brand. It's a genuinely enjoyable cartoon for all ages, with a mix of animated and live-action segments. The show's iconic theme song, the 'Mario Brothers Rap,' and the ending theme, 'Do the Mario,' have left a lasting impact.
- Commentary: The show's ability to blend animated and live-action elements, along with its pioneering role in the 'Mario' franchise, makes it a classic that still resonates today.
- Pokémon: The Series
- Why it's great: Premiering in Japan in 1997 and later in the West in 1999, 'Pokémon: The Series' has maintained consistency for almost 30 years. It follows Ash Ketchum's journey to become the best Pokémon trainer, featuring epic battles and memorable characters. The show's ability to adapt the RPG franchise to TV has been a major success.
- Commentary: The show's longevity and its impact on the 'Pokémon' franchise are remarkable. It has maintained a consistent quality that has kept fans engaged for generations.
- Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
- Why it's great: With the full support of Nintendo's higher-ups, including longtime president Satoru Iwata and Kirby's creator Masahiro Sakurai, this series feels most aligned with the games it's based on. The show accurately portrays Kirby's abilities and side characters, making it a favorite among 'Kirby' game fans.
- Commentary: The involvement of the creators and the show's alignment with the games make it a standout in Nintendo's television library.
- Kid Icarus: Uprising (shorts)
- Why it's great: These animated shorts, released alongside the 'Kid Icarus: Uprising' game, flesh out the world and characters. They explore themes like the reincarnation of Medusa and the comical antics of Palutena's cooking attempts.
- Commentary: The shorts showcase the franchise's potential for TV adaptation, leaving fans hoping for a proper 'Kid Icarus' series.
- F-Zero: GP Legend
- Why it's great: This anime adaptation captures the high-octane action of the 'F-Zero' video game series. It follows Rick Wheeler, a detective who becomes a racer, and his battles against the nefarious Black Shadow.
- Commentary: The show's ability to translate the fast-paced nature of 'F-Zero' to TV is impressive, making it a captivating series for fans of the franchise.
- Fire Emblem
- Why it's great: The 'Fire Emblem' OVA shorts are a mostly faithful adaptation of the early events of the 'Mystery of the Emblem' game. The show's exploration of the forces of good and evil and its focus on character relationships make it a strong entry.
- Commentary: The show's faithfulness to the source material and its exploration of complex themes make it a notable entry in Nintendo's library.
- Super Mario World
- Why it's great: 'Super Mario World' is more socially conscious, adhering to the Children's Television Act. It creatively uses the 'Mario' IP to cover topics like bullying and dieting, making it a unique entry in the franchise.
- Commentary: The show's ability to balance entertainment with educational content is commendable, making it a memorable entry in the 'Mario' franchise.
- Donkey Kong Country
- Why it's great: The series follows Donkey Kong and his friends in their adventures to protect the Crystal Coconut. It's a good effort from the creators, but the animation and voice acting could have been better.
- Commentary: The show's premise and characters are well-designed, but the execution could have been stronger, especially in terms of animation and voice acting.
- The Legend of Zelda
- Why it's great: The brief television adaptation of 'The Legend of Zelda' is a far cry from the video game series. It features a slacker Link and a nagging Princess Zelda, which is a stark contrast to the game's tone.
- Commentary: The show's stark contrast with the game series makes it a black sheep in Nintendo's library, despite its entertaining nature.
- Pokémon Concierge
- Why it's great: This stop-motion animated series is cozy and relatable, following Haru's adventures at the Pokémon Resort. It's an ideal series for those who love the relaxing vibe of the 'Pokémon' franchise.
- Commentary: While it may not appeal to fans who care more about the action and competitive aspects, 'Pokémon Concierge' is a charming and unique entry in the franchise.
