Why is Nintendo ignoring so many of their major franchises this gen?

I feel like on the Wii (DS isn't much better), Nintendo's only focus has been Zelda, Metroid, Mario, and Wii ______. Yeah, I love those franchises outside of the Wii _____ series, but still, where's the other games, Nintendo?

Donkey Kong? Kirby? Star Fox? F-Zero? Pikmin? I know they can develop these games at the same time. They managed to pull it off in every other generation except this one basically (with the exception of Metroid during the N64 period). Hell, Kirby isn't even made by Nintendo, it's HAL.

If Nintendo only focuses on Galaxy 2, Other M, and Zelda Wii this E3, while briefly mentioning Pikmin 3 or something, I am going to be disappointed. I understand Mario and Zelda are two of their biggest franchises, but the lack of Kirby and Donkey Kong this gen, while having two Metroid games makes no sense to me. It's great for Metroid fans, but Donkey Kong and Kirby make more money than Metroid, and have a much wider appeal, which seems what Nintendo's been going for this generation.

I'm happy I'm getting three Marios, Two Zeldas, and Two Metroids within a span of four years, but at the same time, I don't want them at the expense of some of my favorite series. Donkey Kong and Star Fox are two of my favorite franchises (I loved Jungle Beat and Adventures), and I definitely like them more than Metroid and Mario, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Not in the thought of like, DK and Star Fox > Mario and Metroid, but in the throught that the franchises Nintendo's ignored lately, are better than the ones they've been obsessing over.

Anyone else feel like Nintendo needs to stop putting so much focus on four or five franchises (Pokemon's getting a lot of attention too), and focus on their other franchises that we haven't seen since 2006 or earlier? I don't count remakes like New Play Control or Super Star Ultra by the way. I'm counting completely new experiences.

Originally Posted by Adders91

I feel like on the Wii (DS isn't much better), Nintendo's only focus has been Zelda, Metroid, Mario, and Wii ______. Yeah, I love those franchises outside of the Wii _____ series, but still, where's the other games, Nintendo?

The short answer is that those are all Nintendo needs to make money.

Originally Posted by Andross

The short answer is that those are all Nintendo needs to make money.

But at the same time, Nintendo could make more money by ignoring the Metroid franchise (not saying I want them too. Metroid fans suffered enough during the N64 era), and start putting out Donkey Kong and Kirby games.

Donkey Kong is the 18th best selling franchise ever, and Kirby's the 34th. Metroid on the other hand, is the 70s. No where near the top 50 best selling franchises. If Nintendo cared about money, why would they ignore two of their best selling franchises, to focus on one that doesn't make nearly as much money?

Don't forget Fire Emblem...

We haven't had anything new on it in ages. And it isn't even made by Nintendo either. It's Intelligent Systems.

Originally Posted by Ranstone

Don't forget Fire Emblem...

We haven't had anything new on it in ages. And it isn't even made by Nintendo either. It's Intelligent Systems.

FE isn't exactly a system seller.

Originally Posted by Ranstone

Don't forget Fire Emblem...

We haven't had anything new on it in ages. And it isn't even made by Nintendo either. It's Intelligent Systems.

Fire Emblem had Radiant Dawn in 2007 and Shadow Dragon in 2008 (2009 for North America). I agree, Nintendo doesn't show FE much love either, but at least it's getting more love this gen than some of the other franchises.

Last non remake Kirby game released was in 2006 for the DS. The last console Kirby game was 2003, and even that was a racing spin off. The last real console Kirby was in 2000.

Donkey Kong is doing better, but it's been since 2007 since we've seen an original game, and that was for the DS. The 2007 Wii DK game was a spin off, not a real DK platformer. DK's last platforming experience on a console was in 2004.

Star Fox's last game was in 2006, for the DS. For consoles, it was 2005.

Last time we've ever seen F-Zero has been since 2004. F-Zero hasn't even gotten a spin off released for the DS or Wii yet.

Pikmin's in the same situation. Last we saw of Pikmin was 2004 (besides the New Play Control).

I'd say Pikmin and F-Zero are in need of new games the most, and we already have Pikmin 3's confirmation, but who knows when that will come out. F-Zero I doubt will get much attention, since it's not exactly a popular series.

Kirby is in desperate need for a new console platformer. 10 years without a platforming Kirby on a console, and four years since an original platformer. We have the Kirby Wii confirmation, but we've had that since 2005, so I'm not holding my breath.

It's just bothering me that two of my favorite franchises are getting ignored basically. =(

Originally Posted by Adders91

But at the same time, Nintendo could make more money by ignoring the Metroid franchise (not saying I want them too. Metroid fans suffered enough during the N64 era), and start putting out Donkey Kong and Kirby games.

Donkey Kong is the 18th best selling franchise ever, and Kirby's the 34th. Metroid on the other hand, is the 70s. No where near the top 50 best selling franchises. If Nintendo cared about money, why would they ignore two of their best selling franchises, to focus on one that doesn't make nearly as much money?

That's only because Donkey Kong and Kirby sold so well back in the day. They don't have as strong a following now as they did then, and honestly, in today's videogame market, what do you think has a better chance of selling: games that can be described as banana-gathering gorillas fighting overweight crocodile overlords and pink blobs of goo devouring everything in sight or bounty hunters shooting up aliens in space?

I'm not suggesting that this is a good thing. Just explaining why it's happening.

Donkey Kong? Kirby? Star Fox? F-Zero? Pikmin?

Soccer moms don't play those games.

Originally Posted by Andross

That's only because Donkey Kong and Kirby sold so well back in the day. They don't have as strong a following now as they did then, and honestly, in today's videogame market, what do you think has a better chance of selling: games that can be described as banana-gathering gorillas fighting overweight crocodile overlords and pink blobs of goo devouring everything in sight or bounty hunters shooting up aliens in space?

I'm not suggesting that this is a good thing. Just explaining why it's happening.

Squeak Squad in 2006 sold more than Corruption. Kirby still sells better than Metroid.

Originally Posted by Ranstone

Don't forget Fire Emblem...

We haven't had anything new on it in ages. And it isn't even made by Nintendo either. It's Intelligent Systems.

How can I tell you in simple little words.

No. Body. Gives. A. ****. About. God. Damn Fire. Mother. ****in'. Emblem.

Fire Emblem doesn't sell. RPGs have a history of not selling well in America unless it is producded by Sqaure Enix and even then, nobody gives a ****.

Obvious reason why Nintendo is ignoring the major players is because you, the gamer, let them. Not only that the casual cowrds is a sucker's market. Tell them some bull**** and they'll eat it up. Nintendo needs money.

^nintendo's rolling in money, they make money on every platform sold unlike Sony or Microsoft.

Also, Starfox 64 for was cool, but face it star-fox adventures was an aweful fetch quest of a game.

As for kirby, it can't really go anywhere from being a handheld title, that's were it was made, belongs and really should stay.

And quiet frankly, donkey Kong has been dead since that aweful game DK 64, essentially, it can't be transfered to 3D.

And quiet frankly, donkey Kong has been dead since that aweful game DK 64, essentially, it can't be transfered to 3D.

except for the fact that DK 64 wasn't awful and proved that the series could work in 3D

If only Rare was still affiliated to Nintendo, there may have been no such a problem.

Originally Posted by Twilit Mask of Time

^nintendo's rolling in money, they make money on every platform sold unlike Sony or Microsoft.

Also, Starfox 64 for was cool, but face it star-fox adventures was an aweful fetch quest of a game.

As for kirby, it can't really go anywhere from being a handheld title, that's were it was made, belongs and really should stay.

And quiet frankly, donkey Kong has been dead since that aweful game DK 64, essentially, it can't be transfered to 3D.

I thought Adventures and Assault were good. Some people may not have liked them, but I did. While Adventures did deviate from the flight aspect of Star Fox, it was still a really good game.

And Kirby did start out on the Gameboy, but quickly moved to consoles. Before the GBA, Kirby only had two handheld games, while it had four console games. Besides, we've only had one 3D platforming Kirby, and that was 10 years ago. I don't think we can say that it should stay on handhelds, when it's only been given one chance in 3D as a platformer.

Donkey Kong has been dead because Nintendo seems to have enjoyed turning it into a musical series instead of a platforming series like it started out as. And Donkey Kong 64 is one of the best selling N64 games, and one of the highest rated. It is in no way a bad game.

To be honest, I purchased the Wii for one ****ing pure reason: Zelda.

Whatever else came out for that system that appealed to me, cool. Otherwise, I haven't been complaining too much. Of all the years I could have complained, this year is the worst of the worst time to do so. I just came thinking of all the triple A titles coming out this year.

And Kirby did start out on the Gameboy, but quickly moved to consoles. Before the GBA, Kirby only had two handheld games, while it had four console games.

well keep in mind, the 4 counsel games, aside from the 3d, played like handheld kirby would today. Face it, with rare exception, 2D main counsel games aren't really made anymore. (unless you wanna count NSMBwii, but that's essentially a remake for nostalgia's sake). I mean Bring on the Kirby, but it would be much more successful as a handheld title.

Besides, we've only had one 3D platforming Kirby, and that was 10 years ago. I don't think we can say that it should stay on handhelds, when it's only been given one chance in 3D as a platformer.

Fair enough I suppose, but i don't really see 3d adding to the kirby gameplay, only making it more complicated. Seriously 2D works perfectly for kirby. It if aint broke. . .

I thought Adventures and Assault were good. Some people may not have liked them, but I did. While Adventures did deviate from the flight aspect of Star Fox, it was still a really good game.

Actually i though Assault was ok, not comparable to 64, but not bad, adventures just bugged mem, it was tedious, and was just a bad mix. It felt like a bad mix or metroid prime and zelda for me. IK that sounds weird because metroid prime was released afterwards, but I played metroid first. It was just so tedious that was my main complaint.

I have to say though i would generally no be opposed to a new starfox game, just don't make it a repeat of adventures.

Donkey Kong has been dead because Nintendo seems to have enjoyed turning it into a musical series instead of a platforming series like it started out as. And Donkey Kong 64 is one of the best selling N64 games, and one of the highest rated. It is in no way a bad game.

That's because they realized donkey Kong has nothing to add to the platforming genera, seriously, why does diddy kong have a gun the shots peanuts wtf? All it does it take away from Mario really, which is a bigger cash cow than donkey Kong face it. So I understand why they wanted to create it into it's own genera.

Also I support Pikman 3, 1 & 2 were epic.

Originally Posted by Bravo

I thought Donkey Kong was in limbo because although Nintendo owns the rights to DK, Rare own the rights to certain elements of the DKC series? Like maybe they own Cranky and K. Rool or something.

I know there's issues between Nintendo and Rare about Donkey Kong 64, but that's because of the arcade game that you need to play in order to beat it. King K. Rool has appeared in King of Swing, its DS sequel, and the Wii racing spin off. The DKC games are all on the VC, so I don't think there's any issues with characters.

Originally Posted by Twilit Mask of Time

well keep in mind, the 4 counsel games, aside from the 3d, played like handheld kirby would today. Face it, with rare exception, 2D main counsel games aren't really made anymore. (unless you wanna count NSMBwii, but that's essentially a remake for nostalgia's sake). I mean Bring on the Kirby, but it would be much more successful as a handheld title.

Muramasa, A Boy and His Blob, Wario Land, half of Sonic Unleashed, LittleBigPlanet, Odin Sphere, Super Paper Mario, Klonoa, parts of Other M (from what we've seen at least. That could last two seconds for all we know, but still), etc. And if we're counting downloadable games, Megamans 9 and 10, Sonic 4, Lost Winds 1 and 2, etc.

2D games aren't as plentiful as they once were on consoles, but they're still around, and they still sell. It's not that big of a rarity to see them.

Fair enough I suppose, but i don't really see 3d adding to the kirby gameplay, only making it more complicated. Seriously 2D works perfectly for kirby. It if aint broke. . .

Maybe not just moving it into 3D, but a Wii Kirby game could offer a lot more power ups, worlds, levels, enemies on screen etc. than a DS Kirby could ever dream of giving us. It's not all graphics, it's gameplay too.

And there are tons of gamess that don't gain anything from being in 3D. Take for instance, Brawl. Brawl doesn't gain anything from being in 3D or on the Wii. DS is perfectly capable of online, and Brawl being on the DS would have played the exact same way. So why put it on the Wii if it works perfectly fine on the DS?

Because the Wii offers more room. Brawl being the Wii can hold more playable characters, more stages, allowed for a side story, more collectibles, etc. Kirby on the Wii would benefit in the exact same way.

Actually i though Assault was ok, not comparable to 64, but not bad, adventures just bugged mem, it was tedious, and was just a bad mix. It felt like a bad mix or metroid prime and zelda for me. IK that sounds weird because metroid prime was released afterwards, but I played metroid first. It was just so tedious that was my main complaint.

I have to say though i would generally no be opposed to a new starfox game, just don't make it a repeat of adventures.

To each their own. I thoroughly enjoyed Adventures, but I know a lot of people didn't. I'd also prefer a game closer to Assault and 64 than Adventures, but I still thought it was good.

That's because they realized donkey Kong has nothing to add to the platforming genera, seriously, why does diddy kong have a gun the shots peanuts wtf? All it does it take away from Mario really, which is a bigger cash cow than donkey Kong face it. So I understand why they wanted to create it into it's own genera.

What? I don't understand this. One of the best selling games on the N64 tells them it doesn't have anything to add to the genre? And Donkey Kong didn't suddenly become its own genre, its spinoffs became a music game on the consoles. It's still a platformer on the handhelds with the King of Swing and Jungle Climber games, just on the consoles (which are spin offs by the way), Nintendo's decided to implement music into it. Plus, Jungle Beat was a platformer too.

So since Rare has left Nintendo, three Donkey Kong games have been platformers, three have been music games, and one has been a racing game. Nintendo didn't suddenly stop making Donkey Kong a platformer because it didn't have anything new to add to the genre, it still is a platformer, just its spin offs are in the musical genre. In fact, the most recent new Donkey Kong game, was a platformer.

I want a Wii Star Fox. Even though I should definitely play Lylat Wars before that, if it ever came out.

It's probably a combination of low from gamers amd Nintendo feeling that they simply can't do much more with a lot of those series. The latter very much seems to be the case with Star Fox

I think it's great, in a sense that they're at least doing something different. I'd honestly rather have Wii Sports and Wii Fit than Kirby 9 and Pikmin 3. Go play the old games if you like them, Nintendo should be encouraged when they make new games instead of releasing the same game over and over again.