Top Nintendo Franchises Perfect for Warriors-Style Games
▼ Summary
– The article discusses the success of the “Warriors” game genre, particularly through Omega Force’s collaborations with Nintendo, such as Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors.
– It proposes Xenoblade Chronicles as a strong candidate for a Warriors-style game due to its large roster of characters, despite acknowledging its lower popularity compared to Zelda or Fire Emblem.
– The article also suggests Kirby as a fun, though unlikely, candidate for a Warriors game, noting the series’ expressive characters and move-set potential.
– It lists other Nintendo franchises as less likely candidates, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Pikmin, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and Metroid, citing various thematic or gameplay mismatches.
– Pokémon and a “Super Smash Warriors” game are mentioned as other possibilities, but the article notes significant practical challenges or fan preferences that make them improbable.
The Warriors-style game genre, known for its large-scale hack-and-slash combat against hundreds of foes, has carved out a dedicated niche. Titles like Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors have proven that Nintendo’s iconic franchises can thrive within this energetic format. While the Zelda series has seen multiple successful entries, several other beloved Nintendo universes possess the perfect ingredients for their own explosive Warriors spin-off, offering fresh worlds for fans to conquer.
Xenoblade Chronicles stands out as a prime candidate. This epic JRPG series boasts a massive and diverse roster of memorable characters, from Shulk and his Monado to the Drivers and Blades of later entries. The gameplay practically writes itself: imagine unleashing Reyn’s brute strength or executing Mythra’s dazzling sword arts against waves of Mechon or other iconic enemies. While weaving a coherent narrative across all three main games would be a challenge, the series’ own “Land of Challenge” provides a plausible framework for a crossover event. The potential for spectacular, screen-filling special attacks based on Arts and Chain Attacks is enormous. Despite perhaps not having the mainstream pull of Zelda, the depth of its world and combat mechanics make it a perfect fit for the Warriors treatment.
On a completely different note, imagine the chaotic fun of a Kirby Warriors game. The pink puffball and his friends are no strangers to combat, and the concept holds surprising potential. Kirby’s Copy Abilities could offer a dynamic and constantly shifting moveset, allowing players to swap between sword, beam, whip, and countless other fighting styles on the fly. Characters like Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Bandana Waddle Dee have established arsenals that would translate wonderfully to clearing hordes of Waddle Dees or other familiar foes. The series’ trademark charm and occasional surprisingly dark lore could even support a suitably dramatic, if still whimsical, storyline. It’s an absurd idea that just might work brilliantly.
Beyond these two frontrunners, other franchises offer intriguing possibilities. A Mario-themed Warriors game could feature the extended cast of heroes and villains in a new light, though Nintendo has historically been more protective of its mascot. Pokémon presents a fascinating challenge with its vast number of creatures, though designing satisfying movesets for hundreds of potential fighters would be a monumental task. Series like Splatoon and Metroid are fantastic but might lack the breadth of unique character rosters needed, while the peaceful vibes of Animal Crossing or Pikmin feel inherently at odds with the Warriors formula.
Ultimately, the success of past collaborations shows there’s an appetite for these hybrid experiences. While we may continue to see new chapters in Hyrule’s never-ending battle, the rich worlds of Xenoblade and the unexpected combat potential of Kirby demonstrate that the well of inspiration is far from dry. Which Nintendo universe would you most want to see embrace the chaotic, crowd-clearing action of a Warriors game?
(Source: Nintendo Everything)
