I will not directly link the conference. If you wish to see it, please look it up yourself (which shouldn't be too hard).
Nintendo and Sony has dominated my video gaming for my entire life. The first console I ever got was a Gameboy and the first non-handheld one was a Nintendo 64. I consider the Super Nintendo the best console released so far and the PS2 a close second. Fortunately, my brother had a Megadrive (Genesis) and some of my friends had Xboxes (if that's even correct english), so I had the chance to experience other companies game systems. While I mean no disrespect to fans of this and that, Nintendo and Sony will most likely go strong in my game library for years to come, although I don't mind trying different platforms or even getting some of them in the future once I get the budget to do so. I must confess, though, that Nintendo have always been a personal favorite of mine, despite their flaws. They have been the only company whose conferences at E3 I have followed online, live or in video form published later, although I have seen summaries of other companies' conferences.
This year, I have decided to show the world my thoughts on this year's conference by Nintendo. I admit that I will most likely not bring anything new to the table especially regarding my lack of professionalism, but like I always say: the only thing I can always give that hasn't been given or said already is my own personal thoughts.
As a whole, the theme of this year's conference seems to be asymmetry. The Wii U has two different screens, one on the gamepad and the TV itself, allowing you to play the games in two different ways at the same time, etc. To answer the most common critism of the Wii U: I don't care too much about the name, we all laughed at the name Wii a few years ago and 95 million units sold later, the only ones left laughing is Nintendo. What I mean is don't judge the book by its cover, wait for it to be released first.
Ever since the Wii, Nintendo has felt like Apple of the gaming world; whatever new groundbreaking way of playing games they invent, everybody laughs at first, buys it and realize it's pretty good, and try to copy it. Compare to the iPad which initially nobody believed would be a hit. It's amazing how influential Nintendo is and they find new ways to keep video games interesting. They don't just target gamers, but consumers. Some might say they're just trying being "gimmicky" and are only looking for new ways to print money for themselves, which is true to an extent. However, they have great financial ideas, target consumers, giving you a wider audience, and good ways to execute this with new ways of playing games that has never been tried before or taking older ideas and making them new and fresh. Sometimes this works, the DS, sometimes it doesn't, Virtual boy. If the Wii U becomes a hit in the likes of its predecessor, it won't be too long before more controllers have screens on them, much to the dismay of the nay-sayers.
Yes, I am completely aware that the Dreamcast did this before the Wii U, this is what I meant with taking new ideas and making them fresh. Some call it "ripping off", but taking a concept that works and try to reinvent it is what makes business business. Like it or not. If that wasn't true, Sony wouldn't have made Move and Microsoft wouldn't try to make more family friendly games or make Kinect. I am aware that companies "rip off" each other, but I do not blame them for doing so.
Admittingly, one aspects of the Wii U, specifically, being able to play in the gamepad while the TV is on a different channel or something, I do kind of like. This is great for families with only one TV (20 years too late for me, though) and kids probably have fun playing Wii U while mom is watching [insert any TV-show here]. Gimmicky? Sure, but I have to give Nintendo some credit for once again trying something different.
As for the games themselves, I will go through most of the conference and give my quick thoughts on the games. Before that, though, I feel I should say something about the conference as a whole. Honestly, it was decent. They did a good job on most parts, they were fairly interesting to listen to, and not many glaring mistakes were found on my part. I won't call them out, at least not all of them, I will leave that to the people who have a greater sense of humor than I do to properly make fun of them. I was disappointed that some text was also used in the actual trailers, speciffically Arkham city. You'd assume they write seperate texts to promote the game slightly differently. I've always liked how Nintendo doesn't always resort to celebrities to promote their games or random people to come in and play their games just to show how familyfriendly it is in the middle of their conferences. As such, I didn't like the part with the dancers, though it didn't last that long. The "conversations" the presenters had with each other felt kind of forced and rehearsed at best, but, once again, it didn't last long enough to bother me too much. I also find it interesting that they've barely shown the actual Wii U, they focus mostly on the controller, not the actual console, as in the part where you put the game in. Then again, I don't remember Nintendo dragging an actual Wii around on-stage as opposed to just the Wii remote. Once again, nothing too big, but just something I've noticed.
Finally, I will NOT talk about the games people were hoping they would show but didn't. E3 isn't over yet, after all (although I don't have my hopes up). Some were hoping for news on the new Smash bros. game or Pokemon black 2 and white 2. I didn't expect them to talk about these two, and I'm not suprised they didn't. There's something specifically related to 3DS tomorrow (I think), it's possible they'll talk more about DS titles then, too. I can give my comments on that later if my readers want (which, as of now, are nonexistant). However, I'm slightly disappointed they didn't talk too much about Assassin's creed 3, since it's one of the most hyped and talked about games this E3. I suppose the Ubisoft conference took care of that, but it wouldn't have hurt if they BRIEFLY talked about it, at least, such as the Wii U specific controls, like they did for Arkham city. I was also disappointed that they very briefly showed Mass effect 3 and Tekken tag 2, since both those games are pretty hyped, although Mass effect 3 has already been released, and the fans still haven't seem to recovered. Come to think of it, it might have been for the best if the didn't talk about Mass effect 3. Also, I do hope 3DS lite or something are in the works, because I'd love to see that. Maybe next E3.
That said, let's talk about the games they showed (apologies if I miss any)!
Pikmin 3: The first game they showed. They even had a few Pikmins visit Miyamoto in the begining. Nice way to get things started, I guess, especially since Pikmin 3 has been pretty requested lately, perhaps mostly because Olimar was featured in Brawl. I haven't played that much of Pikmin. It was years ago, but from the little I played, I liked it. It's possible I'll get Pikmin 1 and 2 if Pikmin 3 get good enough reviews for me to bother with it (if I get a Wii U).
Since I'm not a Pikmin fan, or at least not yet, I don't think I can do this game justice. I do admit that it looked good from what little we saw (like most games do on E3), especially the graphics. It's good that Nintendo seems to catch on in the graphics department, although Microsoft's and Sony's next consoles will probably have even better graphics, I guess Nintendo might be doomed to have graphics one generation behind if this keeps up. That said, the game looked pretty good, although the use of the Wii U felt kind of tacked-on, it could might as well have been a Wii game. Then again, don't speak too soon. This is Nintendo we're talking about, they're damn good at making games and usually suprise even me. I can only hope this game will be the game Pikmin fans have been waiting for and deserve, and will hopefully introduce new fans to the series.
Just to get it off my chest: Reggie and Miyamoto are both awesome. There, I said it.
Wii U: I know this isn't a game, and I've already talked about it, but I figure I'd give it another look.
I have to be honest, the controller looks pretty good. While the graphics on the gamepad and the games themselves are most likely exaggerated and won't look half as good in the final product, it looks pretty impressive as of now. Wii U is basically a DS where the upper screen is your TV. The gamepad has two control sticks, one gamepad, four buttons (A, B, X, Y), four shoulder buttons (very similarly to a PS-controller), start and select buttons, a microphone, a camera and a touch screen. I left some details out, but it basically sound like a single screened DS with a few more buttons. It supposedly have built-in sensors as well, alowing you to tilt your controlpad and affect the game, like in Wario ware: twisted (speaking of, I can't wait for the next Wario ware for this console, it will be even sillier than ever before). I hate to admit it, but I'm impressed and this looks rather promising. The only REAL problem is that it might come with an extremely high pricetag, maybe more than 599 USD. Since the controller is fairly high tech (for a controller), it's possible the actual Wii U won't be as impressive, similar to the Wii. Mind you, I own a Wii and I still use it, but even I know it's rather lacking in some part, like graphics or online play. Naturally, graphics aren't the only thing that matters, it's called video GAMES after all, i.e. you're meant to PLAY them, not look at them. that would be movies. It's too bad that sometimes hardware have to be sacrificed for innovation sometimes. I've looked up some technical specifications for the Wii U, most of which were gibberish to me, but it looked somewhat lackluster in its hardware, although not flat-out terrible (couldn't find any mentions if it will finally have a DVD-player, though, something that might not go unappreciated).
They also talked about the social aspects if of the Wii U, most of which was browser based. I honestly don't care about that sort of thing, but you are free to check it out if you wish.
All in all, it looks promising. It has all the potential to be the next Wii or the next Virtual boy. Tread carefully, Nintendo.
New Super Mario bros. U: Honestly, how long can you call this "new" Super mario bros.? It's not thaTt new anymore.
That aside, it looks pretty fun. They've added some new features, such as chatting or watching replays, Yoshi and its abilities, or a player using the gamepad placing blocks on the screen. Other than that, it seems like your basic Mario game: innovative and fun. If I get a Wii U, this will be one of the first I'll get. Seems like a perfect launch day game, like how Super Mario 64 was for Nintendo 64. I only wish they did the same with Super Mario 3D land, then I would have been one 3DS richer today.
However, it might not go down in Mario history as one of the best in the series. I can only hope for me and my friends' entertainment that I'm wrong.
Batman: Arkahm city: armored edition: Too bad Harley Quinn didn't lead the entire presentation, though that small cameo on the screen was pretty fun. Also, the picture above uses the british way of spelling armored.
I've been thinking of reviewing Arkham city for a while now. I think it's way better than Arkham city and might be the best superhero game yet, or at the very least the best Batman game yet (which used to be the Batman on the NES in my opinion, seriously). Honestly, the Wii U version of it (armored edition, seriously?) seems pretty good. They've mostly just changed the controls a bit, such as searching for clues on the gamepad's screen, or using the gamepad's screen (expect to see the "using the gamepad's screen" a lot in this article) to change weapon or steering remote controlled batarangs. Some of the old weapons seems to be tweaked a bit, for example, you now hack using the touch screen on the gamepad and try to avoid sensors while looking for the password. It's hard to explain, but it looks pretty decent. The only really new thing they've added is BAT-mode. During fights, a new meter will be filled. Once it's full, you can activate BAT-mode via the gamepad's screen to make Batman momentarily stronger. To any and all self-proclaimed pros of Arkham city believing this system to be nothing but a way to help newbies become better at a game that is generally believed to be pretty hard at times: I believe you don't actually HAVE to activate it. You can probably still carry on the fight without giving a crap about the BAT-gague.
This game is perfect for launch day. People are already familiar with this game, it has recieved critical acclaim and sold pretty well. We know what to expect from this game. Arkham city is regarded as one of the best games of 2011, and it could work again, although maybe not out-do itself. The Wii U gamepad is PERFECT for a game like this. Batman is the world's greatest detective (in the DC universe at least) and he have always used a wide array of helpful gadgets and items to carry on his investigations. The gamepad feels like one of Batman's toys, it's certainly high tech and gimmicky enough, just look at his cryptographic sequencer. Best of all, there's really not much risk involved, since gamers know that Arkham city is a damn good game and a gamepad will most likely not change that. That, and this has was announced for the Wii U almost as soon as the Wii U itself was announced. It won't suprise me if this game comes bundled with Wii Us on release date. I'd buy it, at least.
Seriously, check this game out, either version is fine! Please check out a trailer for the Armored edition (or armoured) while you're at it!
Scribblenauts unlimited: There's mot much I can say about this game. This is especially too bad after all the stuff I wrote about Arkham city. However, I've never played any Scribblenauts game. I've heard the first game was pretty good and the second game was slightly better recieved. I know that it's about the playing being able to draw anything and stuff, but it never interested me. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just not all that interested in it.
However, the trailer did its job, it showcased the game pretty well and gave me a good idea of its features and what it's about. It didn't convince me to buy the game, though. I do recommend Scribblenauts fans to check it out themselves if they haven't already. It's also for 3DS.
Wii fit U: Once again, I'm indifferent. I know the Wii fit introduced people who aren't into video games to the Wii, and it sold pretty well. The trailer shows some decent features for a game of its kind, such as additional pedometer support and whatnot. If I was into Wii fit, I would probably be excited for this, it looks like Wii fit but bigger (no pun of any form intended).
Sing (working title): This seems like a Kinect game, honestly. It advertises as a sing game the people who aren't singing can join in, via dancing or singling along. How can the game know they're dancing in the background exactly? Does the gamepad's camera take care of this? Seems like something you'd need a camera on the TV for, or a Kinect. Then again, this is probably intended to be a game you can just bust out at any party in the world and people might have fun, so I guess the game might do its job in the end. Plus for the imaginative title, I think they forgot the "star" at the end, though.
New Super Mario bros. 2: This one's for 3DS. It looks pretty promising, actually. My overall thoughts are mostly the same as NSMBU, but this one seems to focus on transforming everything on the screen into coins via various means. Guess Nintendo really can't hide their love for money anymore. Jokes aside, this might be a pretty solid platformer for a handheld, probably up there with Super Mario 3D land.
Paper Mario sticker star: 3DS game. Another series I'm indifferent to. I know a LOT of people like the Paper Mario series, I've only tried the first game and Thousand-year door. They were pretty good games if memory serves right, but nothing that hooked me. It wasn't the graphic style or anything, which might be a common complaint about the series or not, I just simply never got into them. I will say that I might play them again and it's possible that I'll like them better than the first time, some games needs the right mindset to get into.
For those interested, you collect stickers in this game, which also works as your attacks. For example. you can find a shoe sticker and you can then stomp enemies. Sounds fun enough, can lead to some interesting game elements. I'm sure Paper Mario fans will be thrilled, I know a few. I'll wait until I've played other Paper Mario games, though.
Luigi's mansion: dark moon: Once again, 3DS game. Never thought they'd make a Luigi's mansion game, honestly. Yet, here we are. It was one of the first gamecube games I bought, third to be exact, and I remember that I enjoyed them back them. I've played it quite recently, and it holds up ok but today's standars. It's by no means a horror classic or anything, or "Mario" classic, even. It's a pretty original "Mario" game for its time and deserves a second look.
In the new game, there's more than one mansion that needs investigating. Sounds interesting enough. New ghosts were promised, some which might require unique capturing types. Seems like a basic sequel. If I ever get a 3DS (or 3DS lite as I hope), I'll be sure to check it out, and you should too. Although I don't expect the new Super Mario galaxy or the likes.
Lego city undercover: More stuff I'm indifferent to. I loved to play with Lego as a child, but even then I though that Lego didn't really need video games. Legos are too blocky to fit in smooth 3D. Good thing I wasn't born five years ago, there seems to be Lego versions of EVERYTHING today, even Lego rockband. I know people like the Lego games, but I'd rather stick to actual Lego instead. This game looks ok, though, something I'd probably play if I was a child. Probably. If you're interested in the Lego video game universe, check it out. It's got to be better than the old Lego island games, at least. It also has an 3DS version in the works, too.
Just dance 4: Nothing I care about the slightest, but I know the Just dance games sells pretty well and is probably fun if you're a 15 year old girl or something. This also has that dance number I talked about. In the end, this is nothing I will be playing anytime soon, even at parties.
ZombiU: A somewhat pleasant suprise, actually. If unlucky, this game might be the Wii U's Red steel; a pretty cool idea with a lot of potential with mediocre-at-best results. What I mean is that this game looks pretty neat, but it might be just another attempt to use a gimmick without trying to make an actual game or gaming experience. However, the game seems to use the gamepad pretty well, maybe even better than a future Resident evil game might. It also awoke my curiosity in a Fatal frame game for the Wii U, as it could turn out pretty good. I'm afraid there's not too much to say about this one, it's just your basic zombie game with a twists, the gamepad, that is. Could be great, could be lame, only time will tell. It also seems to use a "zombify yourself" function with the gamepad's camera. Zombie Reggie was suprisingly entertaining, something you could look up if you wish. It also opens up new posibilities for horror games for the Wii U, something that might work. For a while, at least. Check this game out!
Nintendo land: Also a suprise, didn't see it coming, nor did I read about it beforehand or anything. Unfortunately, I'm not the least interested in this game. Granted, it's the first themepark based game with Nintendo characters I've seen, but it would've probably been a better idea if they opened an ACTUAL themepark. If Angry birds can, Nintendo can. There might be one somewhere, but I'm too tired to check that at the moment. As for the game itself, it's just a few Nintendo-themed video games that's meant to be fun for the whole family and such. If I had kids, it could have been a decent choise if they kept it to themselves. Pass. I do admit that the Luigi's mansion game seems pretty fun.
There was also two quick trailer collages of games, only two of which I wish they could have talked about more. The Wii U games shown were Darksiders II, Mass effect 3, Tank! Tank! Tank!, Tekken tag tournament 2, Trine II: Director's cut, Ninja gaiden 3: razor's edge, Aliens colonial marines, and the 3DS games were Castlevania: lords of shadow - mirror of fate, Disney's Epic Mickey: power of illusion, Sribblenauts unlimited, Kingdom hearts 3D: dream drop distance. Additionally, Ubisoft had their own collection of mini-trailers; those shown were Assassin's creed 3. Rabbids land, Your shape fitness evolved 2013, Rayman legends, Sports connection, Avengers battle for earth. The only one that caught my attention was Assassin's creed 3, but I bet Ubisoft's own conference took care of that one.
There's an additonal 20 minutes of extended trailers for some games at the end of the conference, but it was prerecorded, and most of it was for Wii fit U, Nintendo land and ZombiU, so I don't count it as a part of the actual conference. You can check that out too, if you wish, though.
Summary: In my opinion: this conference was decent. There's stuff to make fun of, such as occational slip up, the stiffness of the interactions between the presenters (if that's what it's called) or the dance game sequence. Fortunately, they showed some seemingly good games, although many were simply glanced through. The Wii U looks promising enough, and could become the next Wii or the next Virtual boy. If you have time to spare, check out the conference yourself, or a summary at least.
All images found via google and are copyrighted by their respective owners.
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