Screen Rant

Stephen Howard-Author

Stephen Howard

Author

September, 2024
The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo, Super Mario
  • 151
    articles
  • 139
    Features
  • 9
    Lists
  • 3
    Other

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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

Mario races in a kart, as Sonic, Shadow, Knuckles, Tails and Dr. Eggman from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds tail him from behind.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Could Beat Mario Kart 9 To Become The Best Racing Game Of 2025

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds looks to shake up the kart racing genre, proving the need for Mario Kart 9 to offer something new to the table.

1
Super Mario entering a phone with Nintendo Switch 2 behind and Mario thinking.
Nintendo Is Still Making Mobile Games, But The Switch 2 Just Highlights Why That's Pointless

Nintendo mobile games are becoming more of a pointless endeavor than ever before, especially with the Switch 2 set to launch later this year.

1
Link from A Link Between Worlds with majora's Maks and coins
10 Hardest Legend Of Zelda Games To Find (& How Much They Cost Now)

Some Zelda games are harder to find than others, often due to their low sales during release. They've since become the most expensive in the series.

Link and Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, surround a younger version of Link from The Oracle Of Ages/Seasons, holding an instrument and sword in each hand.
Zelda’s Most Popular Time Period Is Holding It Back

While one period of the Zelda timeline is home to many beloved entries, it might be limiting the series' sense of variety and creativity.

1
A switch console sits at the center, as older Nintendo consoles such as the 3DS and NES surround it.
Switch 2 Could Finally Change One Of The Most Common Misconceptions About Nintendo Consoles

The common misconception that Nintendo consoles are for kids has hurt the overall appeal of these systems, and that needs to change with the Switch 2.

2
Purah from Tears of the Kingdom stands at the center as Riju and Tulin are in the background equipped with their signature weapons.
BOTW & Tears Of The Kingdom Wasted Some Of Their Best Characters - Could A Third Game Fix This?

The Champions and Sages were ultimately wasted in BOTW and TOTK, proving the need for a potential third game to improve with its own characters.

Image of a Switch 2 console with a worried looking Luigi beside it.
I'm Worried About This One Inevitable Switch 2 Game

Super Smash Bros. is one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises, but it's hard to see the next entry suring what Ultimate accomplished.

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Link from Link's Awakening with a shocked expression on his face.
The Worst Part Of Link's Awakening Actually Has Me Excited For Zelda's Future

The dungeon maker in Link's Awakening is frustrating, yet it could be the starting point for an exciting new direction for the Zelda series.

Peter Parker from Spider-Man 2 stands next to a PlayStation logo. Miles fights against Sandman in the background.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Proves Sony Must Change Its Approach To PC Ports

The disastrous state of many PlayStation games on PC shows that Sony needs to take a different approach to their ports to ensure their success.

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A collage including Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima, Eve from Stellar Blade, and Logan from Marvel's Wolverine
Sony's Rumored State Of Play Presentation Must Prioritise One Game Above All Else

With another State of Play presentation rumoured to be broadcast in February, the time has come for Marvel's Wolverine to make another appearance.

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Switch 2 console with Donkey Kong, Chibi-Robo and Kid Icarus
10 Nintendo Series That Deserve A Comeback On Switch 2

Some Nintendo series have been without a new entry for many years, but the release of the Switch 2 gives them a chance to make a comeback.

2
The Switch 2 console sits under a bright spotlight.
Nintendo Switch 2 Should Have Its Own Launch Title That Improves On Its Predecessor

The Switch 2 could improve on the original Switch by delivering a launch title that better demonstrates the console's many capabilities.

Zelda from Echoes of Wisdom surrounded by heart pieces.
Echoes Of Wisdom Proves One Series Staple Should Appear In Every Zelda Game

Echoes of Wisdom sees the return of a beloved series staple, proving the need for this feature to remain in Zelda games moving forward.

Character from Atomfall with the xbox logo
Is Atomfall On Xbox Game Day-One?

With Atomfall only a few weeks from release, many Game will be hoping for the game to be added to the service on day-one.

Mario from Mario Kart 8 posing in front of the Rainbow Road course
Mario Kart 9 Needs To Break This Franchise Tradition

Mario Kart 9 should move away from including older tracks, focussing instead on being something entirely original compared to previous entries.

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plants vs zombies character with the xbox logo
Microsoft's Latest Approach To Hardware Is The Worst Choice For Xbox

Xbox continues to struggle due to Microsoft's diversion from game exclusivity in favor of hardware capabilities, which is the wrong move.

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Link from Zelda Four Swords looking shocked
This 22-Year Old Zelda Spin-Off Proves Nintendo's Series Is Missing Out On One Crucial Market

Zelda multiplayer games have huge potential to succeed within the series, and Four Swords shows what they can offer over single-player titles.

Nintendo Direct logo with the Nintendo Switch and Mario thinking.
The Rumored Nintendo Direct In February Would Be Pointless

With a Switch 2 presentation set for April, a Nintendo Direct in February won't create the same excitement with a singular focus on Switch games.

Hollow Knight Silksong character
Hollow Knight: Silksong's Newest Update Is The Opposite Of Reassuring

Hollow Knight: Silksong's lack of updates have become agonizing, and the most recent update fails to reassure fans over the game's status.

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Shocked Super Mario with mario kart imagery
There's One Addition That Should Be Avoided For The New Mario Kart

The new Mario Kart game for the Switch 2 should avoid incorporating other Nintendo franchises, remaining as a celebration of all things Super Mario.