Best Open-World Nintendo Exclusive Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Nintendo has diverse exclusive open-world games like
  Go Vacation
  &
  The Wind Waker
  for different console generations.
• StarTropics
  is a cult classic that introduced advanced features in 1990 that have become the norm in the modern age.
• Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition
  for Wii U features new gameplay mechanics, a refreshing option for Batman fans.

Over the years, Nintendo has developed a diverse range of games across various genres, from classic side-scrollers to first-person shooters. While they are fortunate to have many third-party games set in open worlds, they also have a selection of well-crafted first-party exclusives in open-world settings.

Open-world games feature expansive maps that often stretch for miles, offering players a mix of thrilling adventures in fantastical settings and opportunities for relaxation in exotic locales. It’s important to note that these games are exclusive to Nintendo consoles, which means titles like The Witcher 3 and Final Fantasy 6 do not meet the criteria.

9 Go Vacation

Even Video Game Vacations Can Get The Job Done

For a more relaxing gaming experience, there’s a delightful game for the Nintendo Wii called Go Vacation. Similar to titles like Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, the game allows players to wander around and engage in various activities. While some might find this approach dull, Go Vacation offers a tranquil atmosphere on a fully explorable island, enhancing the enjoyment of time spent playing.

Players can experience a digital vacation on Kawawii Island, which features four different resorts. They can enjoy a variety of activities, including skiing, tennis, snowman building, and much more. Additionally, there is a Nintendo Switch version of Go Vacation that offers exclusive content due to the absence of motion controls on the Switch. This makes owning both versions worthwhile.

8 StarTropics

What Was Niche In 1990 Is Now The Norm

StarTropics has received varied reception over the years. Initially, it was criticized for being too confusing due to its large open world filled with quests, dungeons, and the necessity to interact with NPCs. Today, such features are commonplace in games, but in 1990, this was quite advanced, especially for a title on the NES. As a result, StarTropics has developed a cult following.

There was a sequel to StarTropics, but it also faded into obscurity. More than thirty years later, StarTropics has come to be regarded as a game that had the potential to become a Nintendo franchise. Other games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, adopted a similar open-world style but expanded on it significantly.

7 Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition

Nintendo’s Exclusive Batman Game Led To The Creation Of Arkham Origins

Batman: Arkham City is available on various consoles, but Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition was exclusive to the Nintendo Wii U. This version was more than just a simple port. It introduced new gameplay mechanics, including advanced armored suits for Batman and Catwoman, as well as the B.A.T. gauntlets, which are the shock gauntlets that later appeared in Batman: Arkham Origins.

The Wii U gamepad is also used for multiple mechanics, including gadget selection, crime scene investigations, and hacking with the Cryptographic Sequencer. Batman: Arkham City is frequently considered the best entry in the Batman: Arkham series, and the Wii U version offers a refreshing change from the original, incorporating all the DLC into the game.

6 Endless Ocean: Blue World

Exploring The Ocean With Double The Content Than Before

• Developer: ARIKA
• Release Date: September 17, 2009
• Genre: Adventure
• System: Nintendo Wii

Endless Ocean: Blue World is a sequel that builds upon the foundation of the first game, expanding the experience in multiple ways. The visuals have significantly improved, making the vast oceans feel alive as players explore them. Additionally, the gameplay has been enhanced to include more side quests, real threats to encounter, and what many consider to be a better storyline.

The primary focus of the Endless Ocean games is to explore the underwater world and discover various species of marine life and plant life. Endless Ocean: Blue World introduces an even greater number of animals to find, study, and potentially befriend, totaling nearly 400 species. It is regarded as the best game in the trilogy and a standout title for the Nintendo Wii.

5 Bowser’s Fury

Nintendo Finally Gave Mario An Open World

While Mario games have featured open-ended levels in other 3D Mario games, Bowser’s Fury is the first true open-world game in the franchise. Mario and Bowser Jr. embark on an adventure to save Bowser, who has been corrupted and transformed into an inky state. Players can explore the world of Lake Lapcat without any loading screens, allowing for complete freedom to roam.

The game earns the title Bowser’s Fury due to its unique NPC mechanic, which features Bowser appearing every few minutes in a genuinely intimidating, kaiju-like form to attack Mario. These encounters are not only intense, but they also provide the only way to access certain collectibles. By combining this feature with the freedom to explore, Bowser’s Fury sets a potential new standard for future Mario games.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Sailing The Open Seas To Save Hyrule

The Legend of Zelda franchise offers players the opportunity to explore different versions of Hyrule. However, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is unique because it features a vast ocean filled with numerous islands. Each island presents players with new adventures and puzzles for Link to discover.

Whether it’s the original Nintendo GameCube version or the remastered version on the Nintendo Wii U, The Wind Waker is a fun game for the whole family. It captures the sense of adventure often felt while watching movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, blending swashbuckling action with fantasy elements. This combination creates one of the most memorable entries in the beloved franchise.

3 Xenoblade Chronicles X

An Action RPG That Feels Like A Mech Anime

Xenoblade Chronicles X combines classic action RPG gameplay with survival mechanics, creating an ambitious experience that immerses players on an alien planet. Players can engage in battles as fully customizable humans. They also have access to mech suits that evoke the style and feel of anime, both in design and in their movement during combat.

The planet of Mira is vast, which makes the game quite impressive for a Wii U title. This is why it was remastered for the Nintendo Switch with a definitive edition. The landscape is not only visually stunning, but also features a diverse variety of enemies, ranging from alien monsters to giant bosses, which keeps exploration engaging. Additionally, the effective RPG combat enhances the overall experience.

2 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Nintendo Changed The Zelda Formula For The Better

Altering the formula in a long-established franchise could have harmed Nintendo; however, they executed this decision effectively with The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. Instead of a basic open world, Link has the chance to explore one of the largest maps in video game history, with hundreds of side quests and instances to find throughout the post-apocalyptic version of Hyrule.

Players must deal with rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, utilizing different outfits and foods to keep Link alive. Breath Of The Wild features destructible items, numerous smaller dungeons known as shrines, unique powers for Link, and a voice-acted story. While these new elements may have alienated some fans, the game has ultimately become one of Nintendo’s biggest hits.

1 The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Link Is On A Bigger Journey With An Improved Storyline

In a direct sequel to Breath Of The Wild, Nintendo expanded upon the established elements of that game, creating an even larger Hyrule that includes floating islands to explore, reminiscent of Skyward Sword. The result is The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom, which serves as an example of how, sometimes, bigger truly is better.

The developers could have just expanded Breath of the Wild to create a larger game, but Tears Of The Kingdom demonstrates how Nintendo has gone above and beyond. Link has new abilities, there are more authentic dungeons, and crafting has been significantly enhanced. Even issues from the previous game have been resolved, and the game weaves what many consider to be the best story in The Legend of Zelda franchise.