Nintendo‘s games have told many stories over the course of nearly four decades. The familiar “your Princess is in another castle” even became a bit of a joke when Mario saved Peach at the end of Super Mario Bros. 3. While all good things must come to an end, Nintendo knows how to deliver a proper ending.
However, amidst the dozens of franchise favorites throughout the decades, several particular titles stood out. Anything from a sweet surprise to a bittersweet ending might come to mind. Some of Nintendo’s ended up giving players more feels than we were ready for.
Please be mindful of the spoilers.
10 Super Mario 64
People who grew up playing Super Mario 64 hunted down dozens of stars before taking on Bowser. Seeing that 3D cinematic play when Peach floats down from her castle’s stained glass window created an unforgettable scene. Peach even spoke with full voice acting while thanking Mario and rewarding him with a kiss.
Super Mario 64 played a beautiful ending theme while showcasing the worlds throughout. Getting to relive those glory moments and that adventure really gave the player a satisfying reflection throughout their journey. In the end, Mario gets his cake and greets the player with a final farewell, “thank you so much for playing my game!”
9 Fire Emblem: Awakening – The Future Past
Fire Emblem titles historically showcase the ending of a long war. This is usually followed by individual character endings as well as Support bond endings. Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn featured bittersweet moments of Ike consoling Elincia and Yune, respectively, after his epic battles to unite and save Tellius.
Awakening, however, takes it a step further. While Awakening told its usual fanfare and ending, The Future Past DLC told of a post-apocalyptic war against Grima. The new battle theme, “Id ~ Hope,” the final CG, the aftermath of Lucina finally resolving her conflict, and the fate of the child soldiers told one of the most satisfying stories and endings in the series.
8 Pokemon X & Y
Starting with the original Game Boy Pokemon games, the player typically felt rewarded for their efforts in conquering the Pokemon League. When winning the Indigo League, the player’s rival, Blue, was coached by Professor Oak for lacking the true virtues of a master. Afterward, the Hall of Fame showcased the player’s efforts and wrapped it up.
Gen VI, however, featured a bittersweet surprise. Throughout the course of the game, you encounter a mysterious tall man. The backstory showcases how he caused genocide and that his best friend, a Floette, abandoned him. The ending shows the Pokemon reuniting with the man, named AZ, 3,000 years later in one of the most emotional displays in the series.
7 Wario Land 4
Wario Land endings always tend to be quite comical. They reward the player for the efforts in collecting loot and treasures. Wario Land 4 is not only the same in many ways, but different thanks to the reward.
The cat you follow is none other than Princess Shokora who you rescue after defeating the final boss. Depending on the effort you get, the form she takes will either be that of a small child, a girl with a Wario face, or a beautiful young woman. Either way, the best two endings feature her giving Wario a peck on the cheek for his efforts.
6 Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story
After Bowser defeats the Dark Bowser and saves the world, he learns that the Mario Bros. were within him the entire time also combating Dark Star and Dark Fawful. The shock surprises Bowser for a brief moment before taking on the brothers to kidnap Princess Peach. Not learning from his ways, Bowser finds himself defeated once more.
In past Mario RPG titles, the player was awarded to a parade such as in Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario. However, recalling Super Mario 64’s ending, players were promised a cake from Princess Peach. Even after his attempt to kidnap her once again, Peach thoughtfully sent the injured Bowser a freshly baked cake just for him as a thank-you for saving the world!
5 Metroid Fusion
The Metroid series usually ends on a note of destroying either a facility or a planet. When Samus escapes the B.S.L, she uncovers a major revelation. Not only was the A.I. guiding her actually her former C.O., Adam Malkovich, but the beings flying the ship were the Etecoons and Dachoras she rescued earlier in the game. This revelation ends perfectly with the wonderful narrative that played throughout the game.
Also, as per Metroid tradition, clearing the game in due time, along with a high enough percent, affects the ending and Samus’ wear. Once again, winning with 100% and a set clear time rewards the player with Samus donning her two-piece zero suit.
4 EarthBound
EarthBound ends with Paula’s prayer reaching everyone the party interacted with. They send their wishes to the party and defeat Giygas once and for all. Upon returning to their home timeline, the party reunites once more, albeit briefly.
After spending all the time with Ness and his party members, it feels all too bittersweet saying goodbye. The world is at peace and now everyone can return home. The song, “Smiles and Tears,” even returns in the Smash Bros. series.
3 Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey adventure breaks a number of conventions held steadfast by the series. While Bowser attempting to marry Peach is nothing new and has been done in Super Paper Mario, this one comes with a revelation. After defeating Bowser, he wakes up and tries to give Peach flowers. Mario surprisingly does the same.
As the two compete for the princess with their affections, they only end up angering Peach. She chooses to reject both of them and leave for home on the Odyssey ship. The two bitter rivals are left consoling each other, on the Moon, in one of the most hilarious endings.
2 The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Despite its charming and endearing appearance, The Wind Waker held its fair share of dark moments. Prior to Link and Zelda slaying Ganondorf, the King of Hyrule wished for his own kingdom to be drowned beneath the sea. With the once-proud home now permanently buried, the Great Sea began to wash away what was left of the once-prosperous kingdom.
The King of Hyrule admits his guilt, claiming he was the same as Ganondorf, for clinging to his kingdom. While the somber piano melody plays, his young daughter, Zelda, attempts to console him. As she asks the King to come with them to the world above the sea, he smiles. He’s resolved himself to his fate, sending Link and Zelda back to the surface, while staying behind with his home.
1 The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
On the flipside of The Wind Waker, this ending isn’t wrought with tragedy. Upon the defeat of Yuga-Ganon, Ravio reveals himself to be the Lorule counterpart of Link. Revealing that he ran away from Lorule to seek aid, he attempts to console Princess Hilda despite her betrayal and resolves to right their fallen kingdom.
Even after Princess Hilda masterminded the near-destruction of Hyrule, Link and Zelda returned home with their Triforce. Knowing of Hilda’s pain and empathizing with her, Zelda chose to wish for Lorule to return to its former state and return their Triforce. This selfless act was perhaps one of the most wholesome scenes in the Zelda series. Hilda’s weeping and Ravio’s beaming face perfectly set the tone for the ending as peace returned to Lorule once more.
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