E3 2011 Impressions: Nintendo

Tuesday morning was quite a treat for audiences everywhere, as Nintendo's 2011 E3 conference kicked off with an orchestrated montage celebrating The Legend of Zelda and its 25th anniversary. With a bold and cheerful smile, Shigeru Miyamoto set foot on the stage, expressing how wonderful it was to share over 25 years of these memories with the entire world. With the assistance of his translator, he then discussed the significance and impact of music in the Zelda franchise, followed by claims that Skyward Sword -- Link's latest appearance on the Wii -- would be available during the holidays.

This was an exceptionally strong way for Nintendo to lead off, but how solid was their overall conference? Did the big N offer us everything we expected them to this year, or did they unfortunately fall short?

3DS: It only does more than it did last week

Let's face it -- as I said on the last Games Club, Nintendo's mediocre 3DS launch without prior online support made the thing seem like a paperweight as time passed. We had a limited selection of titles, with an even smaller number that truly demonstrated the visual potential of the 3DS. To make matters worse, Nintendo's first party selections were either lacking in depth, or completely regurgitated remakes from yesteryear. After patiently awaiting a crucial activation update, 3DS owners finally had access to the shop, where they would also find a free copy of 3D Classics: Excitebike (which is actually pretty damn sharp) and 3D Pokédex. Nintendo had started to turn gears for the 3DS, but what else was in store for the revolutionary portable?

Shortly after Nintendo President Satoru Iwata set foot on stage at the E3 conference, we began to see video footage of multiple 3DS games. We were introduced to scenes involving hot topics in the works, like Kid Icarus: Uprising and Star Fox 3D. Now is it just me, or has this Kid Icarus game been in the works for ages? I was seriously hoping this thing would've been ready this summer, but even now we're still waiting on an exact release date. We really haven't heard much else about it, so I guess the minor amount of footage we saw was still more than we've received so far; Iwata had also stated that Kid Icarus would include 3-on-3 multiplayer, and additional AR features.

This handheld presentation wasn't entirely familiar, however, as clips from a new 3D Mario Kart and the highly anticipated Super Mario 3D began to pour in. Mario Kart was definitely getting an exceptional makeover, as the preview featured customizable cars and courses with beautiful atmosphere, all to be enriched by the 3D technology. Super Mario 3D had also offered what it promised, with an aspect that looks as if New Super Mario Bros. was merged with Super Mario Galaxy and Mario 64, in order to create a 3D Mario experience like no other. Additional announcements highlighted the creation of a 3D Luigi's Mansion 2, along with footage from other 3DS third party titles already under construction or completed. Hungrier fans wanting a more personal experience can even find the same E3 preview videos in the newly operational console store, which I would highly recommend checking out. And yes, they're all presented in 3D.

Nintendo's showcase for the 3DS was pretty good, but still far from excellent. Many of the games and concepts showcased involved what we already knew about the 3DS, and what's already expected to arrive. The biggest surprise, in my opinion, was probably the announcement of Luigi's Mansion 2. Numerous Nintendo fans wanted a sequel to this GameCube launch title, and to hear it was arriving on a handheld was even more of an interesting twist. Though the concept of a motion controller ghost vacuum would have been quite entertaining (but also washed up), the thought of a Luigi's Mansion game in 3D is an even better treat. And unlike the first game in the Series, Luigi's Mansion 2 will take place in multiple mansions. 

Project Cafe: Not only "Wii," but now "U" too

To say the name "Wii U" left much to be desired would be an understatement; it almost felt like they weren't even trying on this one. Obviously Nintendo would want the Wii product line to live on, as this new console was also said to be aimed towards hardcore and casual gamers alike. And if we want some of these folks from the formerly experimental market to return, they'll probably want to see the Wii name back in action. I mean really, who among their newer consumer base is going to remember a name like "Nintendo Ultra-Mega-Super-Phoenix," let alone summon the courage to ask for one at the counter? Their own boss could walk by in the same store, grinning because their seemingly tame associate is buying a system that obviously supports games with titles like "Tour of Honor," or "Super Blood Sex Attack XXII." 

So let's start with the basics. We know it's going to be compatible with Wii remotes (which will be great since we paid at least $160 total for all of them), and that the revealed touchscreen controller appears to be a result from the Wii remote getting cozy with a touch tablet in a sleazy hotel room. Satoru Iwata also stated how players could use the new remote to constantly engage in their gaming activities, even if their television set was adjusted for the sake of other viewers. Though this doesn't make the Wii U a portable console in any way (as Iwata also elaborated on), it's a fairly innovative concept that will hopefully break up many fights for the TV. Just think about it -- whether it's a couple arguing how one's favorite show interrupts another one's FPS time, or a child pitching a fit over mommy and daddy needing their quality prime time with Judge Judy, we can all agree that world peace may finally be obtainable.

As for Nintendo meeting both casual and hardcore markets straight down the middle, we'll simply have to wait and see. Iwata claimed it was their intention to have the Wii U hold up against their rivals, but we have, however, heard similar statements before. I have to admit though, even the brief presentation of footage and mention of third party titles -- like Batman: Arkham City -- was a breath of fresh air; it's been ages since we've really seen anything "scary" looking marketed on a Nintendo console. I mean sure, we had our share of halfway decent FPS titles and bloody dumpster spike moments (thank you Sega) on the Wii, but when compared to an authentic hardcore experience on a current generation HD console, there's absolutely no contest. Perhaps the Wii U will prompt the rebirth of similar titles on a Nintendo console, while also informing those who had lost hope that Nintendo -- following a lengthy absence of casual obsession -- is back in the game.

Comments

[8bit_mike]

very excited for all this stuff!! especially super mario 3DS!