The gamecube was the darkest era for Nintendo gaming. So many franchises once signiture of Nintendo stagnated in its wake.
Starfox: With Rare's last dissapointing contribution to the series (Starfox Adventures) Nintendo tried desperately to recapture the glory of the series' SNES and N64 glory but a lack of direction and focus seemed to plague both Starfox Assault and Starfox DS.
Donkey Kong: Without Rare's innovative understanding of the franchise, Nintendo chose to relegate the series to legacy of mini-games and gimmick titles resulting in the latest DK dissapointment, DK Barrel Blast for the Wii.
F-Zero: A great racing franchise that seemed doomed to obscurity on the GC, again, what seemed to be lack of direction and focus that made the GC release a boring edition to a once great series.
Mario: Mario Sunshine, a game that left many Nintendo faithfuls asking why?! The earliest victim of Gamecube syndrome dooming Nintendo's most notable franchise to mediocrity. However with Mario Galaxy, hopes are the tides can be turned for the plumber once more.
Geist: Nintendo's failed attempt to launch a new mature franchise, this game seemed mired in politics and other factors which were not atypical of the Gamecube era.
Mario Kart: While Mario Kart Double Dash was a great game many consider it nothing compared to the N64 title and saw little to justify the title as being a different game other than drifting. The DS title has shown promise of moving forward and many believe the Wii Mario Kart will set the series on track in full stride.
Paper Mario: Many still consider the N64 Paper Mario the best and many have often wondered why it sequels didn't live up to N64's glory. Will future Paper Mario games (is there will be any) satisfy nitpicky fans?
Legend of Zelda: While Wind Waker was a great game, it left many confused as to what had happened to the franchise and till this day remains one of the most controversial LOZ titles. Twilight Princess was another great game, but Miyamoto himself admited to a lack of focus plaguing the title. These were far and above the grade of their fellow Nintendo franchises of the Gamecube era but neither were Ocarina of Times. Will the future Wii Zelda surpass even these?
Metroid: Metroid thrived during the GC era thanks to Retro, but being far from the seller the SNES game was many are left to question how successful the Prime series was.
There's no arguing the stagnating effect of the Gamecube era, the real question is, without companies like Rare to bolster titles such as Donky Kong and Starfox, can Nintendo recapture what made these games great now that they have a winner console? Bringing Rare back obviously isn't an option as when they were still during Nintendo during the early Gamecube they were suffering creativity and since then have lost much talent. Companies like Silicon Knights are also not a factor as they're mired in prior agreements with other companies and stuck waist deep in financial problems. That aside will we see older franchises reborn such as Kid Icarus?
