Time of the final big presser of the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the ones who always bring forth the biggest cheers, as well as biggest groans. What did Nintendo bring to the dance this year? Read on…
Once again, here’s what I had basically said on Twitter as it was happening, but with some edits and clarifications whenever applicable. Mostly because yesterday’s of the MS press event was such a big hit! As evidenced by the zero comments (thus far):
1. All right, a Zelda montage to kick things off, with a live orchestra playing assorted cuts from throughout the various games in the series. Good way to set the tone!
2. Unfortunately, being reminded of all your favorite moments does only one of two thing: get you all amped up for something even better or truly retarded. I fear for the latter.
3. Okay, flying around in the sky in Skyward Sword looks hella fun. Am officially sold.
4. Now the creator of Zelda, Shigeru Miyamoto, is on-stage, plus the orchestra’s playing assorted Zelda sound effects. It’s amazing how those old sounds are just as good the 18th billion time as they were the first. Further proof: Koji Kondo (who created the music) = modern day Mozart.
5. To celebrate Zelda’s 25th, Zelda on every system! Best part is the free DSiWare version of Four Swords later this year. Though what we all REALLY want to hear is…
6. Hey, Zelda symphony concerts across the globe! Watch Tommy Tallarico take credit for this one as well.
7. ZAK & SARA!!! DEEPER & WIDER!!!!
8. Time to see what’s coming up for the 3DS, and… Oh shi- Luigi’s Mansion in 3D!
9. Am once again reminded of how, despite my love for Mario and racing games, can’t get into Mario Kart. Maybe 3D is the key? Also, gliders…
10. Sorry, would much rather have a 3D version of the original Star Fox than Star Fox 64.
11. Yes, Raccoon Mario is back!!!
12. Wasn’t a fan of Kid Icarus back in the day, but this new one looks mighty tempting.
13. Some third party software is shown, and nothing new. Bummer.
14. Now they’re going on about the 3DS Pokedex. It’s fun seeing responses on Twitter of those who could give two sh*ts about Pokemon sandwiched between those who clearly do.
15. Okay, time for the big reveal, and… the Wii U? Seriously? Ugh. I liked it better when the rumor of the new Nintendo system was going to be called “Nintendo”.
16. And it’s basically the Nintendo iPadTV? Great. So much for Nintendo wooing back the hardcore gamers this year, huh guys?
17. OMG ZELDA IN HD! And $20 sez we never anything else of that Zelda game demoed again. [actually, turns out, it's a tech demo, not an actual game]
18. So all our piles of plastic from the original Wii is compatible? Well that’s good… because I can’t imagine how late I’m going to be with rent on account of getting another one of those fancy, touchscreen enabled controllers. Gonna be Dreamcast all over again, I can feel it.
29. New Lego games was touted as a major release. Have never cared much for any of the games in the franchise, but I know about 60 million people feel differently, so there you go.
20. New Smash Bros for the Wii U and 3DS! But nothing shown just quickly mentioned, WHAT A TEASE!
21. The big boss of EA just hit the stage. Need For Speed: Hyrule Highway Heaven anyone?
22. Time for the obligatory roll call of various devs saying how awesome the news Nintendo hardware is (and whom half will never make a game for it). No Hideo Kojima, aka creator of Metal Gear Solid. Double bummer. Also, seeing the big boss of Ubi Soft say the system is neat is hilarious; “… But it is still not powerful enough for Beyond Good and Evil 2, sorry!”
23. Most of what’s shown above demonstrates that this new system (despite the awesome tech demo earlier) is still not up to snuff with the Xbox 360 and PS3. That and how most of these ports will be late past the point even needing to exist. Not a good call Nintendo.
24. Seriously, Tekken looks like ass. I don’t care if its work in progress, that should not have been shown, Jesus.
25. And… that’s it? No real solid info on price or specs [which have since been revealed], just how its due next year. Basically, no formal Zelda HD announcement to have everyone go home happy, as expected. Oh wells.
… Like everyone else, I have no idea if I’m pleased or annoyed by what they showed. A mixture of both, with a heavy dose of confusion. But say what you will about Nintendo; they sure do know how to get people talking!