The Best HAL Laboratory Games: Classics Still Worth Playing!

In addition to the Kirby franchise, HAL Laboratory has created some of Nintendo’s most unique and beloved games. These titles stand out with their originality, fun mechanics, and lasting appeal. These are must-plays if you’re looking for classic Nintendo games that offer nostalgia and innovation!

EarthBound

EarthBound is a role-playing game released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game follows Ness, a young boy with psychic powers, who journeys after a meteorite crashes near his home. A talking bee warns him of an evil force that will destroy the world in the future. Ness travels across towns, cities, and strange lands, and along the way, he forms a team with three friends—Paula, Jeff, and Poo—each with different abilities.

Ness and his friends face wacky enemies, from living piles of vomit to possessed coffee cups. As they travel, they uncover dark secrets about the evil Giygas and the true nature of their mission, leading to one of the most intense final battles. Though it wasn’t successful at launch, its charm and storytelling helped it become a cult classic. Today, it is one of the most beloved RPGs, proving that a great story and gameplay can stand the test of time.

BoxBoy!

BoxBoy! is a puzzle-platform game released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2015. Players control Qbby, a small, box-shaped character who can create and throw boxes to solve puzzles. The goal is to navigate through levels filled with obstacles like spikes, lasers, and moving platforms using Qbby’s box-making abilities. Each stage introduces new challenges, requiring players to think creatively about using their limited supply of boxes.

The game received praise for its clever level design and unique mechanics, leading to several sequels, including BoxBoxBoy! and Bye-Bye BoxBoy! Its puzzles gradually increase in complexity, keeping players engaged without becoming frustrated. BoxBoy! also includes hidden collectibles that unlock new costumes and challenge levels, adding replay value. The game’s success helped establish Qbby as a recognizable Nintendo character, earning him a cameo in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Super Smash Bros. and Melee

Super Smash Bros. was developed for the Nintendo 64. Unlike traditional fighting games, it introduced a battle system where players try to knock opponents off the stage instead of reducing health bars. The game featured iconic characters, including Mario, Link, and Kirby, battling in stages based on their games. Super Smash Bros. became a surprise hit, selling over five million copies, and would become one of Nintendo’s most popular franchises.

Following its success, HAL Laboratory developed Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Nintendo GameCube. Melee expanded on the original game with a larger roster, smoother graphics, and faster gameplay. The game introduced new modes, including Adventure Mode and an improved Classic Mode. With 26 playable characters, Melee became the best-selling GameCube game, with over seven million copies sold.

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Pokémon Snap

Pokémon Snap is a first-person photography game released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, this game lets players take pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. Todd Snap is a photographer sent by Professor Oak to capture images of Pokémon across different environments. Using special items like apples and pester balls, players can interact with Pokémon to capture unique poses and behaviors.

The game received praise for its creative gameplay and was one of the first to show Pokémon in 3D. Pokémon Snap had a short campaign, but players could improve photo scores and uncover secrets. Fans loved discovering hidden interactions, such as making a Charmeleon evolve into a Charizard by knocking it into lava. Over time, it became a cult classic, and a sequel, New Pokémon Snap, was released for the Nintendo Switch in 2021.

Pokémon Ranger

Pokémon Ranger is an action-adventure game developed for the Nintendo DS. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, players take on the role of a Pokémon Ranger who protects nature and helps people. Instead of Poké Balls, Rangers use the Capture Styler, a special device that lets them befriend Pokémon by drawing circles around them. These Pokémon assist the player by using their abilities to solve puzzles or clear obstacles.

The game was praised for its unique gameplay, which fully used the DS’s touchscreen controls. Players enjoyed the fresh take on the Pokémon world, engaging story, and challenging missions. Pokémon Ranger spawned two sequels, Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs, each expanding on the original’s mechanics with new features and longer campaigns.

Why should I play these games from HAL Laboratory?

HAL Laboratory’s games are special because they push the boundaries of traditional game design. EarthBound offers an RPG experience with humor and deep storytelling, while BoxBoy! delivers a puzzle challenge that keeps players engaged with clever mechanics. Super Smash Bros. redefined fighting games with fast-paced battles and many characters. Pokémon Snap and Ranger provide a different way to experience the Pokémon world.

These games also have strong replay value, whether perfecting Super Smash Bros. strategies, discovering hidden Pokémon Snap interactions, or solving increasingly complex puzzles in BoxBoy!. They each offer a mix of challenge, fun, and creativity that makes them timeless. HAL Laboratory’s ability to blend mechanics with engaging stories ensures their games remain enjoyable for years. Have you ever played any of these games? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!