In my own subjective opinion,
Captain N was a case of an interesting concept that was poorly executed: To explore and integrate the characters and worlds from the various classic
NES games from the perspective of fellow Mary Sue gamer is a great concept, but was absolutely butchered in execution by misrepresenting the characters in various needlessly gratingly obnoxious and inept ways.
It's really a shame that
Captain N's producers didn't go a better job of representing these classic
NES characters and worlds within the series. If they did so, the series might have been better received both then and now, and perhaps could have an inspired a
NES game of its own! Just imagine, a
Captain N game where you visit
Castlevania for a few levels before taking on Dracula, Dr. Wiley's castle for a few more levels before taking on Dr. Wiley, Planet Zebes for yet few more levels before taking on Mother Brain, and so on! In a fashion were you choose you own path through Videoland
à la Mega Man or
Bucky O' Hare, perhaps even backtraking if need be à la
Metroid and
Blaster Master! It's just such a wasted opportunity!