when work meets video games…good things happen

The humble web hosting company that I work for was in need of some serious entertainment for it’s employees. One can only waste so much time on the internet and message boards before eyes are stabbed out from boredom. I’m proud to say that we now have a TV to play 64, Wii, and Gamecube with to our hearts content. Dreaming of slaughtering my co-workers at Mario Kart instead of being slaughtered at Day of Defeat inspired me to create this post.

I present to you, the 10 best Nintendo multiplayer games of all time.

#10-Mario Kart Double Dash
The third game in the Mario Kart series was viewed as a disappointment by some fans but it is one of the finest games available for Gamecube, multiplayer or not. The new twist was of course the addition of a second player on to your cart. Not only did this add countless combinations to picking your team but there is nothing more satisfying then running somebody off the track in a giant death wagon that only King Bowser would drive.

It may not be the deepest game ever but it is vintage Nintendo fun. With the addition of backwards compatibility to the Wii there is no reason not to own this game.

#9-Wii Sports
No franchise modes, stats, or created players. It’s not in depth, strategic, or available as a stand alone game but Wii Sport is one of the most entertaining games to ever grace a console. Designed by Nintendo more as a technical demo and selling point for the Wii then an actual game Wii Sports is bundled with the console for the first time sense the Super Nintendo days.

Anyone can pick up and play this game. Grandmas, Moms, Sister, Brother, it doesn’t matter. That’s why it deserves the #9 spot on our list.

#8-Mario Party
Before party games were cool, there was Mario Party. When people were screaming for a mature blood bath for the 64 Nintendo released what would be one of there most interesting titles to date. The formula has worked for what is soon to be the 8th game in the Mario Party Franchise. Throw together a bunch of Nintendo characters, a lot of mini games, a colorful board to move around on, and as many people as you can.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Mario Party 8 for the Wii should be a blast.

#7-Mario Kart 64
64 bits of pure cart racing goodness. Expanding on the previous blockbuster hit in every way Mario Kart 64 had more tracks, characters, and battle modes then it’s Super Nintendo cousin. Endlessly competitive is the best phrase I can think of to describe this game. If its on and you walk into the room you can’t help but pick it up and play.

#6-Tetris Attack
A puzzle game?? has Brett lost his mind? This is without a doubt the most addicting game ever made. I can’t tell begin to tell you the number of days and hours that I have wasted playing Tetris Attack. When other people were studying in High School I was playing this game with a friend between trips to downtown Seattle.

Puzzle games are a lost art but if you want a timeless challenge pick up Tetris Attack.

#5-WWF Wrestlemania 2000/No Mercy
I stand corrected, I have wasted more time on these 2 games then I have Tetris Attack. My best friend and I would play these two for about 5-6 hours a night, every friday, for an entire year. The best create a player mode in a wrestling game, a control scheme that was to die for, and the joy of beating the shit out of your buddies were the highlights of this game.

Before the WWF became the WWE and characters and story lines were comparable to day time soap operas Wrestlemania was ruling Nintendo 64’s around the country.

#4-Goldeneye
I know what you are thinking, #4?!?! Are you crazy? Taking away the Goldengun would raise this game at least 2 spots, simple as that. Before there was console FPS however, there was Goldeneye. This game more then any other defined the Nintendo 64. Way ahead of its time and every conceivable way it also turned Rare into a super power which unfortunately they have yet to live up to on the current generation.
#3-Super Street Fighter Turbo
I’ll keep this short and sweet. Without Street Fighter there would be no fighting games. One of the best games ever made.

#2-Super Mario Kart
Nobody had heard of combat cart racing but Nintendo was happy to introduce us all to it. I can’t even think of a way to describe why this game is so good. Driving around a track as Mario, hurling heat seeking shells at your friend sitting next to you is just to enjoyable to turn down. Nintendo just has a way of making ridiculously fun games and this was the beginning of that feel to their games.
#1-Super Smash Brothers
An idea that every Nintendo fan boy dreamed about. Let’s take every Nintendo character we can think of and have them beat the living piss out of each other. We’ll make it easy enough for newcomers but deep enough for even the hardcore fans. Beginners think they are incredible at this game yet the seasoned pros are happy to school them.

I suck large amounts of ass at this game but I am still drawn to it. Every character is different enough to warrant mastering and the different strategies and techniques for victory make this game like no other.

There has never been a game quite like Smash Brothers. Not really a fighting game, not really an action game. Just proof once again that Nintendo does it better.