E3 Nintendo - Thoughts, wishes and predictions

I try not to be biased, but when it comes to E3, it's always Nintendo that gets me the most excited. They always seem to have something that gets your jaw dropping and your heart pumping. This year there is one particular piece of software that is certainly a part of this. Guessed it yet? Why yes, it is Zelda. Make no mistake, I'm a big fan of The Legend of Zelda, and you can mainly thank the Nintendo 64 for that. Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask would both rank in a top ten video game list of mine - although perhaps I'd rank them at the same spot together, as the really build upon and reflect each other so perfectly. The last Zelda outing was at the Wii's launch with Twilight Princess, but that was originally developed as a Gamecube game. In contrast the new Zelda Wii (officially confirmed to be called Skyward Sword), has been built for the Wii from the ground up. For me this means better motion control implementation, most likely improved graphics, and hopefully, a left-handed Link (yes, I did get pretty annoyed that he was right-handed in Twilight Princess, particularly considering I myself am left-handed). This series has such a reputation and legacy, it would be difficult for anyone to not, at the very least take notice of it during this year's E3. For those of you who rate this series highly, it's almost the real chunk of E3 you're interested in, and rightfully so - after all, software makes the system, and this could be one of the best pieces for the Wii.

 This is all we had - prior E3

However Nintendo have some competition in the industry. With Microsoft and Sony both tearing down the wall separating them and Nintendo from motion control, the forerunner of motion technology needs something to impress the masses with. In lieu of Sony's decision to implement 3D gaming with the PS3, Nintendo has decided to do the same, but through the handheld market. Enter the 3DS. It's debatable how effective 3D will be on the tiny handheld screens, but if anyone is going to make an impact with such seemingly insignificant hardware, it's Nintendo. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing the software in action - it's been a while since we've seen a true upgrade to Nintendo's handheld range and I don't think we're going to be let down. Just what kind of software? Well, I'm pretty clueless there. It seems unlikely it will be Mario, or Zelda. Perhaps a new IP? Time will tell. On the note of hardware, wishes of a HD enabled Wii are floating around, but I find it an unlikely prospect. It simply isn't Nintendo's best time to do so, from a business standpoint - they'll wait for the Wii's successor to enter the HD market on an even standing next generation.

What does the 3DS offer for gamers?

However, there is more than just a stellar title and a new handheld to get excited about. For me one of the biggest rumours, is that Retro Studios (pedigree of the Metroid Prime Trilogy) has been working on an entry into the Donkey Kong franchise. The gaming world hasn't really seen a true successor to Donkey Kong 64, and that's why I'd be quite pleased if this were indeed the title that Retro have been working on since completing Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Outside of this, people are hoping for some news on Pikmin 3, as both the Gamecube games were highly successful, and both were brought to the Wii via the new-play control line, so it only seems logical that a sequel will follow. I for one, contrary to many, would like to see the time restriction brought back into the game, as it made the original much more challenging than its successor, commanding planning and time management. Speaking of Metroid, Team Ninja have their spin-off game, Other M, which tries to take elements of Metroid Prime and fuse them with high-action gameplay, akin to that of Ninja Gaiden. I'm quite excited for this as I love it when franchises are taken in new directions - that being said, the verdict is still out on this one, and we'll need to wait for some hands on impressions to be sure it's doing the Metroid name justice. Also of note are Conduit 2 and Epic Mickey, both of which seem to be some good quailty, third party developed titles. The original Conduit was a fun game, but lacked unique art direction and needed a stronger narative. The gameplay itself was actually very intuitive and probably the best of any shooter available on Wii. I dare say it would even rank amongst the top shooter controls across all platforms. Obviously developer High Voltage Software's biggest challenge is to add some scope and character to their established universe in the upcoming sequel. The team hopes to implement Wii Motion Plus, but no details have been released as to how they will go about this. However, it has been confirmed that the title will utilise split-screen multiplayer, something that has slowly begun to die out in recent years, amongst all platforms. Epic Mickey seems to be the kind of game that will either soar or flop, with a great art direction and rich background to source its game play elements from. Hopefully some light will be shed on in, because I personally find its dark nature and take on the Disney mascot to be appealing.

Epic Mickey has impressed, but so far only with artwork

However, the Wii isn't the only platform getting attention during Nintendo's E3. Let us not forget the DS, which is still reeling out some quality titles in the highly anticipated Golden Sun DS, Okamiden, Super Scribblenauts and Pokemon Black & White. Obviously the first of these has been a long time coming. I was huge fan of the two original games on GBA, and rate them as two of the best RPGs, on any system.Considering how short (and pointless) the E3 2009 demo was, hopefully this year Camelot will give us a taste of the true meat of the title, and a juicy release date. Okami was a successful title, so successful it made it to both PS2 and then later, the Wii. It seems Capcom have wised up to the fact it appeals to the Zelda audience, and decided to make the sequel for the DS. The paintrbush mechanics should translate well with the DS's interface, and I think it would be a great title for the DS to go out on. Super Scbribblenauts is the sequel to the highly successful and creative title, Scribblenauts. Hopefully this sequel equips the player will more levels of creativity for solving its challenges. It seems that increasing the noun list, and improving the control of hero Maxwell are among the developer's top priorities, so they've definitely listened to the complaints of the critics, which is a great sign from any developer. Obviously Pokemon will be a big thing, as it always is. However for it to be a stand out, we'd have to see some very dynamic changes to the gameplay, which is not something the series is famous for, and I doubt will happen. Some new Pokemon reveals would be nice, apart from that, everyone is just expecting the little gameplay enhances, the come welcomed in every new iteration of the series. See you after E3!

Golden Sun DS - It's finally time for some real answers