2) F-Zero
Last Title: F-Zero GP Legend (Game Boy Advance, 2004)
F-Zero GX usually comes to people’s minds as the most recent F-Zero game, which is technically true if only console releases are counted. This fun (though easy) GBA game is sadly actually the last time North Americans have had the pleasure of seeing Captain Falcon and company in action. F-Zero is a futuristic racing series known for blistering speed and pushing graphical boundaries. As opposed to cars, F-Zero is all about racing anti-gravity crafts around hazard-laden courses. Giant jumps, colorful characters, great music, and intense speed make F-Zero one of the most loved racing games on a Nintendo system or anywhere else.
Along with Balloon Fight, F-Zero‘s SNES debut also came to the Wii U via the 30 cent sale and had an attraction in Nintendo Land, meaning it’s in the forefront of players’ minds and primed for a rebirth. With F-Zero GX as the framework, creating a Wii U sequel in HD, featuring online multiplayer, a course editor, and perhaps even a more robust, ambitious story mode could propel this series to the top. F-Zero would be a great entry point for so-called core and new gamers looking for a Nintendo title with an edgier tone. For everyone else, F-Zero’s absence has left a considerable void that has gone far too long unfilled. Super Mario and Zelda are great, but Nintendo has to produce more games like F-Zero to keep its offerings diverse.