Top 8 Most Disappointing Nintendo Game Cancellations You Should Know

The cancellation of a highly anticipated video game can be a crushing disappointment. Such events often reflect underlying quality issues, but that doesn’t lessen the emotional impact for fans eagerly awaiting new content.

When it comes to Nintendo, the sting of canceled games seems even sharper. Renowned for its ability to deliver remarkable and memorable gaming experiences, Nintendo consistently raises expectations. Consequently, the knowledge that certain games will never come to fruition leaves fans feeling particularly let down.

8 Donkey Kong Racing

Slipped On A Banana Peel

Donkey Kong Racing had been briefly showcased on the back of Nintendo GameCube game boxes. The concept seemed straightforward: capitalize on the success of Diddy Kong Racing by producing another beloved arcade racer akin to Mario Kart. A promising tech demo surfaced in 2001, setting expectations high.

However, internal changes at Rare led to the studio’s acquisition by Microsoft in 2002, after Nintendo chose not to buy them. Consequently, all Nintendo IP titles in development were canceled or significantly altered, including Donkey Kong Racing. For now, fans continue to rely on Diddy Kong Racing as Nintendo’s alternative to the Mario Kart legacy.

7 Icarus

Flew Too Close To The Sun

The character Pit, who originated from 1986’s Kid Icarus on the NES, represents a long-awaited revival. In an effort to capitalize on nostalgia, Nintendo aimed to launch a new Kid Icarus game for the Wii, collaborating with the talented Factor 5, the studio known for the excellent Star Wars Rogue Squadron series.

Unfortunately, Factor 5 faced significant challenges after their lackluster release of Lair in 2007. Eventually, Icarus was shelved, not due to quality issues, but because it was deemed too mature for Nintendo’s family-friendly image. Ironically, this may have been a missed opportunity to introduce a more mature narrative within the Nintendo ecosystem.

6 Untitled Legend of Zelda Game

One Of Many Planned Zelda Titles From Retro

Retro Studios truly excelled with Metroid Prime, resulting in their other exciting projects being sidelined. Among these was an untitled Legend of Zelda project that aimed for a darker storyline, featuring Sheik as the lead character instead of Link.

Despite the mature tones present in titles like Twilight Princess, Nintendo was cautious, opting to cancel this intriguing concept due to its perceived dark themes. Retrospective insights from former artists within the studio reveal that the game could have explored new and complex narratives that fans might have cherished.

5 Raven Blade

Canceled For Metroid Prime

Retro Studios originally had four games in development prior to Metroid Prime, but prioritized their resources on the promising title, resulting in the cancellation of Raven Blade. This original action RPG was to be a notable addition to the Nintendo GameCube library.

While the GameCube did eventually manage to introduce quality JRPGs, many players mourn the loss of Raven Blade, which could have brought new life to the western RPG genre. The cancellation was based on Retro’s inevitable focus on Metroid Prime, a decision that ultimately proved successful.

4 Heroes of Hyrule

You Got Zelda In My Tactics!

Imagine if the exploration and puzzle-solving elements of the Legend of Zelda merged with the strategic turn-based battles reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics. This intriguing concept birthed Heroes of Hyrule, a strategy game envisioned by Retro Studios for the Nintendo DS.

This idea remained largely obscured for over twenty years, only recently gaining traction thanks to a Did You Know Gaming video. The concept behind it seems tailor-made for Nintendo’s hybrid console strategy, making it a mystery why it remains unrealized.

3 Harmony

Did Donkey Kong Bananza Borrow Elements From This?

As I delve into the narrative of Harmony, what strikes me most is the infinite possibilities that could have emerged from this concept. Initially pitched as a “singing RPG, ” players would have guided Fon, a Spirit Charmer, utilizing her voice as a unique gameplay mechanic.

Despite the excitement around this concept, the only significant titles Retro produced for the Wii U were Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime Remastered. The cancellation of Harmony raises questions about missed opportunities for innovation in Nintendo’s offerings.

2 Star Fox Armada

Still Waiting For A New Star Fox Game…

In addition to Icarus and the untitled Zelda games, Retro Studios had envisioned another potential title: Star Fox Armada. The goal was to revitalize the beloved Star Fox series, reimagining the storyline post-Star Fox 64.

As a devoted Star Fox enthusiast, I share in the collective lamentation for this title. Though its fate remains uncertain, the longing for a new Star Fox narrative has never diminished, reflecting the franchise’s resilient fan base.

1 Earthbound 64

Oh, What Could Have Been

It is perplexing that the Mother series culminated in the release of only Earthbound for Western audiences. Despite the popularity of its characters in Super Smash Bros, the rest of the series has been relegated to near-mythical status, particularly the highly sought-after Mother 3.

In an alternate timeline, Earthbound 64 was set to emerge, introducing players to a 3D open world reminiscent of Super Mario 64. Unfortunately, due to hardware limitations with the Nintendo 64 and a strategic pivot towards the GameCube, the game was ultimately scrapped. While Mother 3 eventually saw a limited release in Japan, the potential for a broader audience remains unrealized.

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