Nintendofying Third-Party IPs

Nintendo has the most iconic game franchises of all time, thanks to Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, and many more.

and many more. However, there is some third-party franchises that I think would work wonders as part of Nintendo\’s legacy. Here is a list of games and game series that I think Nintendo could do astounding things with. Some are plausible while others are downright bonkers.

Sonic the Hedgehog

In recent years, Nintendo and Sega have had a pretty close relationship. They set off a new series back in 2007 with Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games ; since then, there have been many exclusive Sonic games to hit Nintendo platforms. They also went as far to add Zelda- themed levels in the latest Sonic Lost World . I think it would make perfect sense if Nintendo were to acquire the rights to Sonic the Hedgehog . Though the franchise’s fan-base has dwindled away over the years, the series still has a huge following, many of whom would surely take the plunge to buy a Wii U to get their hands on every new Sonic game, if they hadn\’t already. Sonic the Hedgehog is a classic series, once being a huge competitor of Nintendo’s and now being a trusty asset. There is no bounds to what the blue blur is capable of — now it’s up to Nintendo to take this idea and ‘run’ with it.

Minecraft

Sometimes, when I look at Minecraft , I\’m astounded that this game isn\’t on Nintendo\’s platforms — everything about it reminds me of a Nintendo game. The friendly corkiness of its gameplay, the repelling, but lovable art direction, the heartstrings it tugs to bring out your nostalgic side — it\’s uncanny! The Minecraft phenomenon sadly hasn\’t made its way to Nintendo\’s Wii U yet and most likely never will, due to Microsoft’s recent purchase of developer Mojang, the creators behind Minecraft . But ‘if’ Nintendo were to own the IP, things could only get better. The big N can undeniably cater to casual and core gamers, just as Minecraft does. It almost goes without saying that the Wii U\’s GamePad would be the perfect companion with a game that uses so much customization and menu screens.

Bayonetta

Nintendo currently has the rights to Bayonetta 2 , given that they are the publisher of the title, but why stop there? This is already a franchise that many gamers hold near and dear to their hearts. It\’s also a Triple A series that, if marketed correctly, can turn a lot of heads! Bayonetta is also more on the mature frontthat we don\’t see as much from Nintendo-published games. The Bayonetta series is fast, unrelenting, and completely chaotic, and Nintendo is a company with the willingness and manpower to propel the series forward.

LitteBigPlanet

I know what you\’re thinking: a PlayStation exclusive on a Nintendo platform? Yes! Well, sort of. The LittleBigPlanet series has a huge assortment of themes and pop culture customization. From Marvel and DC to Metal Gear Solid and Pirates of the Caribbean , the sheer amount of content is neverending. However, there is no theme that would be as crazy and mind-numbingly fun as a Nintendo one! Imagine creating your own worlds full of The Legend of Zelda enemies and Tom Nook impersonators or recreating the first level in the original Donkey Kong . The ideas could surely go on and on, and though this will never happen, it\’s good to think outside of the realm of possibilities sometimes.

Mega Man

It\’s no secret that Nintendo is doing Mega Man great justice in Super Smash Bros.for Wii U & 3DS . More justice than the developer Capcom has recently attempted, anyway. Everyone knows Nintendo can make a solid platformer — hell, they have made some of the best of all time! Capcom and Nintendo have a long history with one another. They have even worked together developing not one, but four, Legend of Zelda games! ( Oracle of Seasons, Oracles of Ages, Four Swords, Minish Cap ). Nintendo consoles were the original home for the blue bomber and I think it\’s time he comes back. Mega Man has brought pure enjoyment to gamers throughout its long history and, if Nintendo and Capcom were to bring back this classic gem with full force, there\’s no telling the heights that Mega Man could reach once again.

Do you agree with my choices? What franchises do you think Nintendo could steer in the right direction?

Written by Brett Medlock

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