Striving for perfection under tight deadlines is a common challenge for game developers. Nintendo, known for its exceptional quality, has defied industry norms by creating top-rated games in significantly shorter timeframes. While most developers take three to five years to complete a game, Nintendo has excelled in delivering fantastic titles in record time.
8 Super Mario 3D World
Development Cycle: 24 months
Some Nintendo games with short development cycles have a small team working around the clock. Other games, like Super Mario 3D World, have an army to get the game into production.
A staff of 100 people between Nintendo and 1-Up Studio worked on this platform game.
They didn’t want just another Mario title. The team worked hard on adding unique power-ups, like the ability to turn into a cat, into the game. With a Metascore of 93, it's regarded as one of the best games for the Wii U.
7 Diddy Kong Racing
Development Cycle: 18 months
Mario Kart 64 came out in 1996, and by the end of the following year, close to 10 million copies of the game sold. Nintendo wanted to maintain the momentum with another racing game.
Developers quickly got to work on bringing Diddy Kong Racing to life.
It started as a simple racing game, but when Nintendo caught wind of the success of the Tamagotchi in Japan, they decided to add a component where nurturing animals was an important part of the gameplay. The timing was perfect since the Tamagotchi and Diddy Kong Racing both came out in the U.S. in 1997.
6 Super Mario 64
Development Cycle: 18 months
For a game that's the bob-omb, players won't find a better title than Super Mario 64. This game, released in 1996, remains one of the best Mario titles across all consoles.
Only about twenty people worked on the game, focusing on the characters and unique camera system.
At first, the team wanted the game to be like Super Mario RPG. However, they eventually changed to a 3D design where Mario could freely explore each level. Super Mario 64 is also notable for being one of the first Nintendo games to feature in-house illustrations.
5 F-Zero GX
Development Cycle: 14 months
Nintendo teamed up with Sega to create an F-Zero game for the GameCube. Toshihiro Nagoshi, the president of Sega at the time, almost didn't take on the project because he was overwhelmed by the legacy of the franchise and also wanted to make a good impression on Nintendo.
Thankfully, he got over his insecurities because F-Zero GX is amazing and also happens to be one of the hardest racing games published by Nintendo. To get the game into production, the developers borrowed mechanics used in Super Monkey Ball. However, there are unique elements as well such as custom-built vehicles and a high-octane soundtrack.
4 Super Mario Strikers
Development Cycle: 13 months
Nintendo had their eyes on a new "goal" for the Mario franchise. They wanted to put their famous characters onto the soccer field. Super Mario Strikers only took 13 months to create. The team behind the production claimed the title was originally meant to be more realistic.
However, after speaking with Nintendo, they decided to incorporate far-fetched soccer moves that could only be achieved in a video game. Soccer fans have played the best FIFA games, but they shouldn't overlook the fun and whimsy found in Strikers.
3 Super Smash Bros. Melee
Development Cycle: 13 months
There are many awesome fighting games published by Nintendo, but none is more coveted than Melee. Even today, there are tournaments dedicated to this highly-regarded Nintendo game.
This greatness was achieved in remarkably only 13 months.
Masahiro Sakurai, the head of production at HAL Laboratory, referred to making the game as "destructive" since he got little sleep and had to work holidays and weekends. The effort paid off in the long run. Super Smash Bros. Melee remains one of the best games on the GameCube.
2 The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Development Cycle: 12 months
Nintendo had the unenviable task of following up Ocarina of Time with another fantastic Legend of Zelda game. To capitalize on the success, the company pushed to get Majora's Mask made and released in only one year.
Despite the quick turnaround time, there were no corners cut in the gameplay. Majora's Mask has beautiful graphics, intriguing level design, and unique elements that set the game apart. For instance, Link can transform into creatures and solve puzzles by wearing different masks. A small team worked on the game, and their hard work shows.
1 Kirby Star Allies
Development Cycle: 11 months
HAL Laboratory has worked on many fantastic games for Nintendo. Kirby Star Allies is one that's often overlooked by players. The game started development on the 25th anniversary of the Kirby franchise, and in 11 short months, came out on the Switch in 2018.
At that point, there had already been many fun Kirby games on handheld consoles like the Nintendo DS. However, HAL wanted to bring this beloved character to a new generation and take advantage of the sharp imagery offered by the Switch. The game was praised for its soundtrack and was even nominated for a "most family-friendly award".