Screen Rant

Stephen Howard-Author

Stephen Howard

Author

September, 2024
The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, Super Mario
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About Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard is a Gaming Writer based in Oxford, United Kingdom. While studying at Solent University, he grew a love for critical writing, publishing his first work in an academic film journal, The Quint, in 2022.

His first video game was New Super Mario Bros. on the DS, and has been a fan of games since. Outside of gaming, he likes to spend time writing, volunteering, and watching movies.

Industry Focus

Stephen's focus mostly lies with Nintendo franchises. He has a particualr expertise for Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. Outside of Nintendo, he has a partiucalr interest in platformers, including Crash Bandicoot and Banjo-Kazooie.

Favorite Media

Video Games: Super Mario Galaxy 2, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Undertale, Sonic Mania, Hollow Knight

Film: Get Out, City Of God, The Dark Knight, Logan

TV: Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Bear, Doctor Who, Cowboy Bebop

Comics: Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Ultimate Spider-Man, Invincible

Latest

Key art for Blue Prince, depicting a person opening a door at the end of a long corridor, with the PlayStation Plus logo next to said corridor.
Is Blue Prince Free For PlayStation Plus Subscribers?

Blue Prince looks to be one of the best games of 2025, but many PlayStation players will be wondering if the game will be available on PS Plus.

Mario from Super Mario Odyssey throws Cappy across the screen, while Donkey Kong from Donkey Kong Bananza can be seen to the right as he slams into the ground.
I Hope Donkey Kong Bananza Doesn't Repeat One Of My Biggest Issues With Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey's abundance of Power Moons causes the main collectible to lose its charm, something I hope to see change in Donkey Kong Bananza.

1
The Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 box art with dollar signs around it and two Switch 2s.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Games Don't Do Enough To Justify Paying For The Upgrade

The high price for Switch 2 edition games fail to justify paying for, even with the multitude of benefits they offer to older Switch titles.

1
Hornet from Hollow Knight with the xbox logo
After Hollow Knight: Silksong's 2025 Confirmation, I'm Way More Excited For Xbox Games Showcase

Hollow Knight: Silksong needs another showcase to ramp up anticipation for its release, and Xbox Games Showcase would be the best place to do this.

Characters from Mario Kart World
Mario Kart World Has Already Fulfilled One Of My Biggest Hopes For The Series

Mario Kart World's new Free Roam mode lets me live out my childhood dream of exploring the world around the courses, and I couldn't be more excited.

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Switch 2 With Luigi and Toad
Nintendo Switch 2 Has Me Worried For The Future Of Physical Games

With Switch 2 games becoming more expensive in multiple regions, one concerning change paints a bleak future for physical releases in general.

Shocked Zelda form Ocarina Of Time with shrines from TOTK
I'm Surprised To Learn BOTW Shrines Could Have Shown Up In An Even Earlier Zelda Game

A version of Breath of the Wild's Shrines could have appeared in an earlier Zelda game, and I can't help but feel it would have been a perfect fit.

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Two versions of Samus from the Metroid Prime series. On the left, Samus is suspended in the air as she receives her psychic abilities, while the Samus to the right poses with her cannon in hand.
One New Addition To Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Has Me More Excited For The Game Than Before

The introduction of psychic abilities in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond have some huge potential implications, making me more excited for the game.

Virtual Game Cards Switch With Mario and Donkey Kong
Switch 2's Lending System Restrictions Are Unnecessary

While Nintendo's Virtual Game Card service allows for greater accessibility, the restrictions made to lending games on Switch feels unnecessary.

Two versions of Link from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time occupy the image. The Link on the left calmly plays the ocarina, while the other link poses with a sword and shield in hand
I Just Learned Ocarina Of Time Could've Been Much Different If It Wasn't For Another Zelda Game, But It Makes Complete Sense

Ocarina of Time takes huge inspiration from another Zelda game for its narrative, and it had a huge influence on the rest of the series going forward.

Naoe from Assasin's Creed Shadows with a shocked expression as she stands in front of the ubisoft logo.
Assassin's Creed Shadows' Reported Sales Success Is Not Enough To Save Ubisoft

While Assassin's Creed Shadows is proving to be a necessary win for Ubisoft, it may not be enough to save the company from its bevy of issues.

14
Nintendo switch with the nintendo direct on it and princess peach and luigi looking curious
How Likely Is A Nintendo Direct For March 2025? Latest Rumors Explained

Rumors have begun to spread of a Nintendo Direct set to happen later this week before the Switch 2 presentation, but how likely is it going to happen?

The protagonists of Grand Theft Auto 6 rest against a silver car. A trophy from The Game Awards is seen standing behind them.
After Seeing This Minor Steam Update, I'm Convinced GTA 6 Just Lost GOTY 2025

With a hugely-anticipated indie game possibly getting a 2025 release, GTA 6 might have received some serious competition for the GOTY title.

Link from various games
The Original Legend Of Zelda Got A Remake Most Fans Probably Don't Even Know About

The original Legend of Zelda game received a remake on the SNES, and it remains as one of the series' rarest titles due to its limited availability.

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Zelda from BOTW looking shocked
After Learning About BOTW's Original Story, I'm Relieved We Never Got That Zelda Game

Breath of the Wild's early development included a wild concept for the game's story, and I'm glad Nintendo decided to take a different direction.

15
Sad Mario standing beside a Nintendo Switch 2.
I Can't Get Excited For The Switch 2 Until Nintendo Addresses One Of My Biggest Issues With Its Predecessor

The prevalent issue of Joy-Con drift with the original Switch has me worried for the Switch 2, and it's something Nintendo needs to address.

4
Nintendo switch 2 with mario and metroid 4
10 Biggest Predictions For The Switch 2 Nintendo Direct In April

There are many announcements that are likely going to be included in Nintendo's Switch 2-focused Direct, from pricing to game announcements.

3
An array of question marks and ears surround a silhouette of Samus Aran from Metroid, as a Switch 2 console can be seen to her right.
This Rumored Switch 2 Game Has Me More Excited Than Any Other Potential Launch Title

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is rumored to release on Nintendo Switch 2, and I couldn't think of a more ideal launch title for the new console

Link wielding the Master Sword in his knight's armour in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
I'm Still Annoyed BOTW & TOTK Downplayed One Of My Favorite Zelda Series Staples

While many changes that BOTW & TOTK made were refreshing, there's one series staple that's severely downplayed, making its inclusion disappointing.

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Zelda curious
Zelda Fans Should Keep Their Eye On This Indie Game

Mina The Hollower is an title from critically-acclaimed studio Yacht Club Games, and takes huge inspiration from classic Zelda games.