A common argument in favor of Nintendo being kiddy is that it's nothing but preschool colors and dancing mushrooms. Yet, lets look at some of their franchises
Zelda - Take Wind Waker out of the equation, look at the overall graphics, tone, and lore of the series. It's not really "Mature" so to speak, but it's not really kiddy either.
Star Fox - Sure it has some silly commentary, but it also has a pretty action packed and cool setting with weapons and giant robots. It's stuff that kids love, but it also doesn't feel like its overly sweet, or bouncy which also makes it appealing to adults. And if you can't get past the talking animals, then you probably shouldn't be playing Ratchet & Clank.
Fire Emblem - This is kind of a reverse exapmle. Fire Emblem deals with mature themes such as death, slavery, political corruption, and on rare occasions, racism and genocide. But it also has a lot of silly, light hearted moments as well with it's quirky characters and witty dialogue, as well as a colorful anime style.
Kid Icarus - This is kind of like Fire Emblem in the sense of its quirky characters and dialogue, but it's not as mature in its lore or themes. Anyway, Kid Icarus never struck me as kiddy, it just has that upbeat, Saturday Morning Cartoon/Shonén Manga vibe to its tone. It never takes itself too seriously, but it doesn't exclude the older audiences either.
F Zero - It has a flashy, colorful, comic book look to it. But again, its not sweet, or storybook like. It's all stuff that appeals to teenage boys.
So you see, Several of Nintendo's beloved franchises are neither "kiddy" or "mature". They're usually in between. Sure you have your Marios, and Kirbys, and Pokémons. But there is also Metroids, Sin and Punishments, and Pandoras Towers. Then there's Wii Fit, Brain Age, and Piccross which are more lifestyle games for adults. Nintendo is a Family Freindly all ages company, not one specifically for kids.
Zelda - Take Wind Waker out of the equation, look at the overall graphics, tone, and lore of the series. It's not really "Mature" so to speak, but it's not really kiddy either.
Star Fox - Sure it has some silly commentary, but it also has a pretty action packed and cool setting with weapons and giant robots. It's stuff that kids love, but it also doesn't feel like its overly sweet, or bouncy which also makes it appealing to adults. And if you can't get past the talking animals, then you probably shouldn't be playing Ratchet & Clank.
Fire Emblem - This is kind of a reverse exapmle. Fire Emblem deals with mature themes such as death, slavery, political corruption, and on rare occasions, racism and genocide. But it also has a lot of silly, light hearted moments as well with it's quirky characters and witty dialogue, as well as a colorful anime style.
Kid Icarus - This is kind of like Fire Emblem in the sense of its quirky characters and dialogue, but it's not as mature in its lore or themes. Anyway, Kid Icarus never struck me as kiddy, it just has that upbeat, Saturday Morning Cartoon/Shonén Manga vibe to its tone. It never takes itself too seriously, but it doesn't exclude the older audiences either.
F Zero - It has a flashy, colorful, comic book look to it. But again, its not sweet, or storybook like. It's all stuff that appeals to teenage boys.
So you see, Several of Nintendo's beloved franchises are neither "kiddy" or "mature". They're usually in between. Sure you have your Marios, and Kirbys, and Pokémons. But there is also Metroids, Sin and Punishments, and Pandoras Towers. Then there's Wii Fit, Brain Age, and Piccross which are more lifestyle games for adults. Nintendo is a Family Freindly all ages company, not one specifically for kids.
