Nintendo always put gameplay first and sacrifice storyline and such?

[Galaki]

The most recent example would be Zelda Spirit Tracks.

They killed Zelda for the sake of gameplay, stuffing her inside armoured knight to help link's adventure.

 

If I remember correctly, 1 of the interview, said that the storyline was crafted/tweaked to make such gameplay possible.

 

(Would they kill Mario for the sake of gameplay?)