Nintendo is a company that is typically known for its family-friendly games and iconic characters like Mario and Link. However, over the years, they have also published a handful of M-rated games that cater to a more mature audience. While these games may not be as prevalent as their E-rated titles, they still offer plenty of memorable experiences for players looking for something a bit darker and edgier.
One such game is Bayonetta 2, a hack-and-slash action game developed by PlatinumGames. Originally released for the Wii U in 2014, Bayonetta 2 received critical acclaim for its fast-paced combat, stylish visuals, and over-the-top set pieces. Players take on the role of the titular witch, Bayonetta, as she battles angels and demons in a quest to save her friend Jeanne’s soul. The game quickly became a fan-favorite among action game enthusiasts, and even received a port to the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Another standout M-rated title published by Nintendo is the survival horror game, Resident Evil 4. Originally released for the GameCube in 2005, Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time. Players control Leon S. Kennedy, a government agent who is sent to a remote village in Europe to rescue the President’s daughter. As Leon navigates through the village filled with infected villagers and grotesque monsters, he uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by a mysterious cult. The game’s tense atmosphere, strategic combat, and gripping storytelling set a new standard for the survival horror genre and solidified its place in gaming history.
Another standout M-rated title published by Nintendo is the survival horror game, Resident Evil 4. Originally released for the GameCube in 2005, Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the greatest games of all time. Players control Leon S. Kennedy, a government agent who is sent to a remote village in Europe to rescue the President’s daughter. As Leon navigates through the village filled with infected villagers and grotesque monsters, he uncovers a sinister plot orchestrated by a mysterious cult. The game’s tense atmosphere, strategic combat, and gripping storytelling set a new standard for the survival horror genre and solidified its place in gaming history.
Similarly, the dark fantasy RPG, Souls game Dark Souls: Remastered, also found its way to the Nintendo Switch in 2018. Originally released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC in 2011, Dark Souls gained a reputation for its challenging difficulty, rich world-building, and deep lore. Players take on the role of the Undead, a cursed being tasked with ringing the Bells of Awakening and fulfilling a prophecy to link the fire and stave off the impending Dark Age. The game’s punishing gameplay and cryptic narrative have garnered a cult following over the years, and its arrival on the Switch opened up the world of Lordran to a new audience of players.
Another notable M-rated game published by Nintendo is the action-adventure game, Devil’s Third. Developed by Valhalla Game Studios and directed by legendary game designer Tomonobu Itagaki, Devil’s Third follows the story of Ivan, a former Russian mercenary who becomes embroiled in a global conflict between rival factions. The game combines third-person shooting with melee combat and features a unique multiplayer mode that blends shooter and beat ’em up mechanics. While Devil’s Third received mixed reviews upon its release for the Wii U in 2015, it has since gained a loyal following among fans of action games looking for something different.
While these M-rated games may not be as mainstream as Nintendo’s E-rated titles, they offer a diverse range of experiences for players looking for something more mature and challenging. From intense action games like Bayonetta 2 to gripping survival horror titles like Resident Evil 4, Nintendo has proven that they can cater to a wider audience without sacrificing the quality and polish that they are known for. With the ongoing success of the Nintendo Switch and the company’s commitment to expanding their gaming library, it will be interesting to see what other M-rated gems they will bring to the table in the future.
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