ShareThis
2013 has certainly been an eventful year for all gamers, but in particular Nintendo fans. Whether it be the wealth of fantastic releases for 3DS, the lingering concerns over Wii U’s future (especially in the face of competition from Microsoft and Sony’s newest home consoles), or the tantalizing taste of what’s in store for us in 2014, the past year has been marked with excitement, disappointment, surprises, frustration, and plenty of laughter, making 2013 one of the most memorable years in Nintendo’s history.
We’ve certainly had a roller coaster of a year behind the scenes at Nintendojo as well, and we’d like to take this time to reflect on some of our achievements over the last 12 months. That’s why, barring any breaking news stories, the next two weeks will be devoted primarily to our best content from 2013, from our favorite features to wonderful editorials by our newest staff members. If you’re an old reader who’s been with us since the beginning, or if you’ve just stumbled onto the site in the past few months, you’ll certainly want to check back frequently during this special two-week-long issue, as we have a lot of great content that you might’ve missed the first time around.
We hope you enjoy looking back with us on our favorite stories from the past year, and don’t worry– we’ll be back in full force on January 6 with our Best Games of 2013 awards. You can be sure we’ll be spending our holiday break arguing discussing the nominees for each category thoroughly. And hey, you might even be able to ring in the New Year with us in Animal Crossing: New Leaf— keep an eye on our Game with Us page for more details on that later. Until then, we’d like to wish everyone a safe and warm holiday!
Until next year,
Kevin
Issue 185: The Best of Nintendojo 2013
Monday
- Best of ND 2013: Why There’ll Never Be Another Super Mario Bros. 2 by Marc Deschamps
And why the Internet is responsible. - Best of ND 2013: Wii-vival by Joshua Johnston
Thanks to a five-year-old, it’s like 2006 all over again in the Johnston household. - Best of ND 2013: Red Faction: Gaming on the Left by Robin Wilde
Robin explores the representation of the Left in video games. - Best of ND 2013: Around the World with Wii Street U by Kevin Knezevic
Kevin learns firsthand just how strangely poignant the streetviewing app can be.
Tuesday
- Best of ND 2013: Top Ten: Nintendo Blunders by Kyle England
Nintendo is king here at the Dojo, but it’s not all chuckola cola and mushroom pops at the house of N. - Best of ND 2013: Top Ten: Alternative Final Fantasy Songs by Katharine Byrne
Katharine lists her favorite Final Fantasy tunes from the Nintendo era that don’t feature the words “Theme of Love” or “Dancing Mad.” - Best of ND 2013: Top Ten: GameCube Games That Need HD Remakes by Robert Marrujo
Robert lists the top ten GameCube games deserving an upgrade to HD. - Best of ND 2013: Top Ten: Forgotten Nintendo Franchises That Need Sequels by Robert Marrujo
You don’t need an ocarina for this trip to the past! - Best of ND 2013: Top Ten: Most Anticipated Indie Games by Anthony Vigna
There are plenty of indie games coming out soon, but which ones stand out above the rest?
Wednesday
- Best of ND 2013: Xenoblade VS. Skyrim by Joshua Johnston
The past, present, and future of role-playing through the eyes of two sprawling epics. - Best of ND 2013: The Legend Returns: My Night at the Zelda Symphony Second Quest by Kyle England
Kyle tells a tale of music, games, and nostalgia in his recounting of the opening concert to The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses second season. - Best of ND 2013: Nintendo’s Fateful Hour by Joshua Johnston
How 2014 could change the fortunes of our beloved Japanese company. - Best of ND 2013: Video: 2013 Pokémon US National Championship Montage by Dustin Grissom
Behold, the US National Championship in glorious video form! - Best of ND 2013: The Nintendojo Interview: Brian Gaar by Marc Deschamps
The stand-up comedian reveals why Street Fighter IV isn’t realistic and what video games inspire him.
Thursday
- Best of ND 2013: Versus! SNES or N64? by Nintendojo Staff
Kyle and Andy debate about two of the most treasured consoles of all time. - Best of ND 2013: Banjo-Kazooie: A 15th Anniversary Retrospective by Kyle England
A look back at Rare’s imaginative platformer that first hit the scene exactly 15 years ago. - Best of ND 2013: The History of Mother 3’s Fan Translation by Sam Stewart
Sam chats with Clyde Mandelin, the lead translator on the Mother 3 Fan Translation, about the project’s origins and challenges. - Best of ND 2013: Ranking Nintendo’s Systems by Joshua Johnston
An undefinitive evaluation of the company’s consoles and handhelds. - Best of ND 2013: Instructions Not Included by Marc Deschamps
Marc takes a look at the disappearance of a video game staple… that included staples.
Friday
- Best of ND 2013: What Happened to AR Games? by Anthony Vigna
Is there still potential to be found in augmented reality on 3DS? - Best of ND 2013: X Marks the Spot by Anthony Vigna
What should we expect from Monolith Soft’s upcoming game? - Best of ND 2013: The History of Pokémon Red and Blue Versions by Robert Marrujo
You gotta read it all! - Best of ND 2013: Mega Man: A 25th Anniversary Retrospective by Anthony Vigna
We take a look at the past, present, and future of the Blue Bomber. - Best of ND 2013: Running Left to Right by Robert Marrujo
A look at the evolution of Mario’s precision controls!
Saturday
- Best of ND 2013: Round Table: Why We Love Luigi by Nintendojo Staff
The staff celebrate the release of Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon with a tribute to everyone’s favorite green plumber. - Best of ND 2013: Round Table: The Wind Waker, or A Link Between Worlds?
The staff weigh in on the legendary debate! - Best of ND 2013: Round Table: Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie?
Which Pokémon will the staff be starting out with in Pokémon X and Y?
Plus much more!
Coming Up Next Issue…
Issue 186: The Best Games of 2013
2013 was a stellar year for gaming, but which titles were the best of the best?
