In case it isn't just obvious from mypreviousblogs, I'll go ahead and say it: I'm a big Nintendo fan. While the big N isn't holding a traditional press conference this year, that doesn't mean they aren't planning big announcements for next week. As a new Wii U owner, I'm getting especially excited for their online announcement stream. Here are 5 things I hope they announce during the event next week.
1. A Traditional 3D Mario Platformer
Now I know, a lot of readers are probably groaning at this request. Super Mario 3D World was only released last winter, after all, and a lot of people are getting sick of the frequent Mario installments. However, recent 3D Mario platformers have been quite different from the classic installments. Whereas Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine featured large, expansive hub worlds and the Galaxy games featured huge planets, 3D Land and 3D World have been much more linear, feeling quite similar to the Mario sidescrollers, but with a third dimension to them. While those games were still a lot of fun, I've got a big hankering for something that reminds me of the classics. Imagine running around a giant and open HD environment as Mario - that is something I'd love to see.
2. A Fresh Take on Zelda
I know Nintendo is going to be tempted to make a traditional Zelda game that hits all the same buttons as Ocarina of Time. After all, that's more or less what they did back in 2006 when they released Twilight Princess - a title which, while fun, lacked a significant spirit or innovation of its own. I'd much rather have Nintendo take the series someplace completely new for its Wii U installment. The unique qualities they could choose to add are limitless - change Link's identity by making him older or female; change the setting from the familiar Hyrule to someplace new; make the dungeon and item systems different. The possibilities are endless, and I hope that when Nintendo inevitably announces the newest installment of this beloved series on Tuesday, it has something special.
3. More Metroid for Everybody
Ignoring the oft degraded Other M, Metroid fans haven't had a game to play since the third Prime title back in 2007. That's seven years ago, and its about time that changes. Neither the 3DS nor the Wii U have had a Metroid installment yet, so I think Nintendo could do with putting one on each system, much like they did back in the days of the first Prime and Metroid Fusion. A classic, sidescrolling Metroid would work well on Nintendo's handheld system, and the Wii U could handle another 3D installment. While another game in the style of the Prime series would certainly be welcome, I also have visions of a third-person shooter, action adventure hybrid that might play like Arkham City, but with an Arm Cannon and Varia Suit. Regardless, I look forward to being able to play as my favorite bounty hunter again soon, so I certainly hope at least one new Metroid game gets announced at E3.
4. Star Fox Returns to Form
There have only really been two traditional Star Fox games - the original, and its sequel on the N64. Every other title in the series has tried to switch things up - from the land focused, Zelda-esque title Adventures, to the land-space hybrid Assault, to the overly complicated Command. Since then, Star Fox fans have had no new games to play - not a single title on the Wii, 3DS, or Wii U.
This bullet point is ridiculously easy for Nintendo to check off - all they have to do is make a traditional Star Fox game with their usual level of polish. It doesn't have to be unique or ambitious; it's about time for this series to return to its roots. A new installment on Wii U would likely boost sales; let's hope it happens.
5. A Surprise
Back in the summer of 2010, I was remarkably excited as E3 2010 came around the corner. I had never watched an E3 press conference before, as this was the first year I knew about the event in advance. And oh boy, was I given a show.
Nintendo ended up announcing a ton of games that day, from Skyward Sword, to Donkey Kong Country Returns, to Kirby's Epic Yarn. They also showed off the 3DS for the very first time. For me, none of this was expected, so the whole thing was really overwhelming. Suddenly there were so many great games to look forward to, and a new handheld console to boot!
I'd really like Nintendo to capture that magic again this year. The 3 years of E3 since 2010 have all been pretty mundane for them, and even when new games were announced it wasn't really shocking. I'd love for Nintendo to really blow my socks off this year, and get me enthusiastic with something new and totally unexpected.
All in all, I think it will be a really big year for Nintendo at E3 this year. I'm confident that they'll put their best foot forward and announce some new games to look forward to. Hopefully, I'm not disappointed.