Sega and Nintendo have had one of the most historically heated gaming rivalries in the industry. The most heated point of this conflict has to be the console war that occurred between the Sega Genesis and the Nintendo SNES.
While this specific period of competition between the two gaming giants seems to get the most attention, the videogame franchises these two developed to outshine each other seem to get overlooked. Both have created some of the most recognizable staples of gaming, but who takes the cake as the company with the best franchises?
10 Action: (Nintendo's Metroid)
While Sega is no stranger to producing some incredible action games, it is truly hard to hold a torch to the Metroid franchise. Not only was this series way ahead of the times by introducing gaming to one of it's first strong female leads, it has always been known for incorporating cutting edge graphics and game mechanics. The gameplay introduced in this series has also been genre defining and has had an impact that can still be felt in other titles to this day.
9 Simulation: (Sega's Shenmue)
When playing the classic Shenmue titles, it's easy to think, they don't make games like they used to. Shenmue followed a complex and driven story, that had action elements, yet these were not the game's most important elements. The game's main character genuinely had to live a day to day life, working jobs and interacting with those around him. This was more than just a classic tale of vengeance, but a full life simulation.
8 Strategy: (Nintendo's Fire Emblem)
Very few games provide such in-depth and complex experiences as the Fire Emblem titles do. A riveting story, compelling characters, complex strategy gameplay, classic RPG elements, and even some good old romance.
There is genuinely something for everyone to love in these games. Following an iconic anime style, the Fire Emblem series will surely continue to shine and be one of Nintendo's flagship series.
7 Sports: (Sega's Virtua Tennis)
While Nintendo has received great success for it's varied Sports franchise, the emoji graphics disqualify it from being considered part of the sports genre. Virtua Tennis has for generations provided players with realistic yet fun Tennis simulated gameplay, primarily popular as an arcade franchise, this series is still popular on home consoles.
6 Fighting: (Nintendo's Super Smash Bros)
There are games that define genres, there are games that define gaming, and there are games that define pop culture. The Smash Bros franchise is one of those rare gems that comes along and represents gaming as a whole. This series is well known even outside of gaming circles, and for good reason, fleshed out mechanics, incredible graphics, and most importantly, it's wide range of characters from multiple other franchises. A celebration and symbol of gaming as a whole.
5 Beat 'Em Up: (Sega's Streets Of Rage)
While Nintendo may slightly edge out Sega in the fighting genre, Sega easily takes the cake in this genre with Streets of Rage. While the games received most of their acclaim as arcade hits in the early and mid 90's, the series has made a successful comeback in 2020. Showing hope that other old school arcade classics can be reimagined for the modern home-console centric era.
4 RPG: (Nintendo's Legend Of Zelda)
By no means does Sega lack amazing RPG franchises, but even the likes of Yakuza couldn't beat the legendary franchise giant that is the Legend of Zelda series. This franchise has for transported generations of gamers to wonderous fantasy worlds to help win the fight of good against evil.
Player freedom, exploration, unique storytelling, a franchise with a personality of it's own, and not to mention an intricate timeline, words truly can't further describe the quality and impact this series has brought to gaming.
3 Hack And Slash: (Sega's Shinobi)
The Shinobi series may not be alive and kicking anymore, but it's impact cannot be ignored. This series popularized the hack and slash genre as early as the late 80's, making it a staple of gaming. Simply due to the legacy this game created, which would eventually allow for games like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta to gain popularity, it deserves a victory.
2 Platformer: (Nintendo's Mario)
Many games that transcend the world of gaming have been mentioned. Well Mario, goes even further, maybe even transcending popular culture and becoming a symbol for entertainment as a whole. Mario as a character may seem like a run of the mill mustachioed plumber, and the stories in this franchise manage to stay away from the complex, yet this simplicity allows for the gameplay to shine. The Mario series, and general media franchise, are what pure, refined, unadulterated fun looks like.
1 Winner (Nintendo)
While Sega does put up a good fight, and absolutely deserves it's place in gaming history. Nintendo really is the uncontested, and seemingly unbeatable champ. While the companies targeted demographics have always been on the younger side, they have managed to create franchises beloved by all ages.
The legacies and impacts these games have also had is not something to be ignored. Franchises such as Metroid, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda, to only name a few, will have an eternal impact on the industry, and pop culture as a whole.