The Best Rockstar Games Available on Nintendo Consoles

As someone who grew up playing Rockstar games on various Nintendo consoles, I can wholeheartedly say that the experiences have been a rollercoaster of emotions – from the sheer joy of solving puzzles in Space Station Silicon Valley to the frustration of losing at table tennis in Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis.

Rockstar Games is primarily recognized for its popular Grand Theft Auto franchise, but it has an impressive collection of other top-tier games as well, though many haven’t appeared on Nintendo consoles because some newer models lack the necessary power. However, there are a few notable exceptions to this rule.

On the Nintendo Switch, some of the top Rockstar Games are often revamped versions of older hits that first came out many years ago. But there’s also a selection of less complex Rockstar titles designed for earlier Nintendo systems like the Wii, DS, and even the Nintendo 64.

7 Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars

An Exceptionally Rare Example of a Handheld Spin-Off Done Right

Generally speaking, “Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars” is widely regarded as the top handheld “GTA” game ever created, particularly among titles specifically designed for portable devices. Released on the Nintendo DS in early 2009, it puts players in charge of Huang Lee – a Triad member on a mission to retrieve his father’s stolen sword. The gameplay is strong and the narrative is engaging, even though the graphics may not measure up to those found in some other exceptional Rockstar games that graced Nintendo consoles.

6 Space Station Silicon Valley

An Out-of-the-Box Oddity with Unique Game Mechanics

Technically, Space Station Silicon Valley was initially created by DMA Design, well-known for developing the initial Grand Theft Auto (GTA) title. However, as DMA Design merged into Rockstar (which emerged after Take-Two Interactive acquired GTA’s original publisher, BMG Interactive), it can be accurately referred to as a Rockstar production. Released in 1998 for the N64, this futuristic platformer features players controlling a sentient microchip and commandeering a sequence of robotic animals to solve puzzles and prevent the space station from crashing into Earth. Despite being relatively overlooked, it remains a unique Rockstar game that’s worth exploring today.

5 L.A. Noire

A Groundbreaking Detective Game with Cutting-Edge Visuals

In its day, the motion capture technology employed during the creation of L.A. Noire was pioneering, resulting in exceptionally lifelike video game facial expressions. However, when it eventually arrived on the Nintendo Switch over five years later, the graphics appeared somewhat outdated, and the gameplay didn’t improve much either. Fortunately, the narrative and writing remain engaging, as do the numerous cases and investigations that players must tackle to solve them.

4 Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis

A Surprisingly Good Sports Sim with Impecible Ball Physics

Initially, there was some surprise when it came out that Rockstar San Diego was making a table tennis game. Yet, what looked like an ordinary game on paper turned out to be one of the top sports simulation games in its time. The game’s advanced physics and swift gameplay resonated with many players. Notably, several Rockstar games are known for their outstanding soundtracks, and this one is no exception – it creates a great atmosphere for extended rallies against tough opponents.

3 Bully

A Controversial Classic that Still Stands the Test of Time

Bully, originally developed by Rockstar Vancouver (previously Barking Dog, acquired by Take-Two Interactive in 2002), marked their debut release. The game was constructed using the same engine as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, offering players a chance to create mayhem within an expansive open-world setting. However, beyond this shared foundation, it differs significantly from Rockstar’s signature series. In this game, you play as Jimmy Hopkins, a troubled high school student trying to fit in at the elite Bullworth Academy. The storyline is engaging, and while some of the mini-games could use improvement, it offers some unique concepts overall.

2 Red Dead Redemption

A Bittersweet Taste of the Old West

Some gamers felt slightly let down by the effort put into the PS4 version of Red Dead Redemption by Rockstar. Yet, for dedicated Nintendo enthusiasts who didn’t experience the initial launch, the Switch adaptation wasn’t terrible, despite its steep cost and low frame rate. The game continues to be one of the finest open-world experiences ever created, transporting players back to 1911 during the waning days of the American frontier. Considering its age, it holds up remarkably well and remains enjoyable today. However, those transitioning directly from the game’s 2018 prequel might require a bit of an adjustment period due to the significant difference in quality between the two titles.

1 Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition

Three Influential Works of Art for the Bargain Price of One

Since Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition combines three classic games into one package, it already holds an edge over other Rockstar games available on Nintendo consoles. Adding to this advantage is the fact that these games are among the most impactful open-world titles ever created. While opinions may differ on whether these versions are indeed the “definitive” editions of the 3D trilogy, there’s little doubt that these beloved games continue to provide a lot of entertainment value even today.

2024-08-18 02:33