The day that Nintendo won everyone back

I'm almost certain that I spoke in defense of Nintendo for their performance at E3 this year. But, in case I didn't, know that while I was certainly disapointed, in no way did I jump aboard the "Wii sucks" train and ride it straight into the local trade shop.

Hell, I think Wii Music is going to turn out pretty swank.

But, if you or anyone you know was a passenger on that train, it was hopefully derailed today as Nintendo rocked the proverbial house. I also hope you bailed out before it became a fiery mess of muscle and sinew.

Since there was so much announced, I'm gonna talk about the stuff that interested me most. I'm sure I'll probably skip a game or two that some may feel is the "GOTY!!!", but I didn't care for it or it slipped my mind.

So, the rumours of the remodeled DS came true, and took the form of the DSi.

And to prove what an idiot I am, let me say as an owner of both the original DS and the DS Lite, this will gladly join the family.

My initial disapointment in its appearance quickly subceeded when I read of its features. While I wouldn't go so far as to call it the next DS (even though even Nintendo may, christening it the "third pillar", much like the DS originally was before it killed the GBA), I would say that it's an obvious step towards that goal. Actually, the more I think about it, the more confused I get. In essence, I'm not thinking of the DSi as a new system (in the traditional sense), because it doesn't improve upon the DS's architecture. It's still has the same guts you could say. But, it does add a lot of great features that really set it apart from the DS. I'm confused because I considered the Wii a new system, one that succeeded the Gamecube. But, in a way, it's almost in the same league as the DSi.

The picture taking abilities are something I could see being used by some developers, with my mind instantly jumping to Kojima Productions. I can't imagine all the crazy things developers could do with it, but I think my worry that they will at all is even stronger. I've seen a lot of potential in the Wii and DS, and a handful of games deliver on that.

I think the idea of missing out on DSi exclusive "DS Ware" games is what drives my want the most. I think Wii Ware has really become what it should be, and with the cost of developing a handheld game at the point where it is, I could see a lot more risks taken in terms of truly imaginative games.

It's 2009 release is a bit of a drag though. I understand why, the DS needs (well, it's more of a want, it's not entirely necessary) another sales boost as the PSP is encountering a bit of a resurgance. Over here though, the DS is still rocking and rolling, and releasing the DSi will be a bit uncessary. Release it now at that possible $200 price tag, and people who intended to buy the regular ol' DS may instead wait around for a DSi price drop. Or their minds will implode from all these systems that look the same from ne another, but couldn't be anymore different. Plus they may take the route Sega took with the Dreamcast, and release the DSi here with a nice collection of "launch" games. If anything, I hope this system revision reinvigorates Nintendo's handheld development, I found it to have been lacking of late. Although, I can't debate how good it feels to know Mario and Luigi 3 is on the way. While the first one is still my favourite GBA game, it's DS sequel pushed the concept too far with the introduction of the babies. Since this one lakcs those damned infants, I only hope it duplicates the fun of the first game.

 

As for the Wii, I think it's fair (albeit preemptive) to say that 2009 is its year to shine. Problem is, if you would have asked me in 2007, I would have said the same for this year. I believed that due to the Wii's success in 2007, all the games that can be made for it would have come. But it seems that a lot of publishers needed further convincing of the Wii's potential, and so here we are, with a slate of 2008 releases that truly make you take notice.

I'm not going to skip out on Mad World, but I've already said a lot concerning it, so I'll let it rest.

What really excites me is Sin and Punishment 2. I remember when it was announced for the Nintendo 64, it seemed to have a legitimate chance of arriving here. I was so excited for the game that I got a friend of mine to print out some of the game's beautiful art. For, you know, pinning to the wall or something. When it was released on the Virtual Console, I couldn't have bought it faster if I even tried. And if you spend a few moments with the game, you see how perfect a home it would have on the Wii. And now it does. It looks just as it should, good visuals, but one's that ensure the ability to have a lot going on without crippling the frame rate. One change comes from the full "3D" movement, which is to say you can move on the X and Y XXXXXXX. S&P1 only allowed left to right movement, so it'll be interesting to see how well Treasure pulls it off.

 

Of course, Punch-Out is something I couldn't be happier for. There was a lot of worry going around when Artoon was thought to be the developer, but even then I was content. But when I saw on IGN that Next Level Games was in charge, I knew it would turn out to be something special. As we've seen with Mario Strikers Charged, they value playability over unnecessary controls. They used motion when they felt it would be best, and I imagine they'll pull it off again. And the art style gets one of those "muah" things you make with your mouth and hand when you try to emphasize the deliciousness of a dish.

I can't help but mention Yuji Naka's and Prope's upcoming Let's Tap, a game that is probably the most interesting use of the Wii remote to date. I think it's an interesting entry into the clouted landscape of mini-game collections, as its controls in a totally unique way. You really need to watch this video to get an idea of what I'm talking about. And if that doesn't grab you, know this, I still have the box my Wii came in, so I'll be enjoying this just perfectly.

   

Another Code / Trace Memory looks awesome, as I really enjoyed the DS incarnation, as well as Cing's follow up, Hotel Dusk. I'm pumped to see what they do with the point and click genre on the Wii. Hopefully I'll be doing more than turning keys and pouring liquids. Cing has crafted some really interesting puzzles on the DS (I think they were the first to do the 'open and close the DS' puzzle found in game's like Phantom Hourglass), so I'm imagining they'll pull off some real stumpers on the Wii.

Aside from this stuff, there's the real odd balls that I couldn't explain to you at all. I have no idea what to expect, so lets play the waiting game for some more information. Not to say that I won't show off some pretty pictures.

Dynamic Slash: A hack and slasher from the developers of Earth Defence Force? With Nintendo throwing some money behind them, it'll be interesting to see what they can pull off. Seeing what they did with a budget title, I'm sure we're al be pleasantly surprised.

Line Attack Heroes: While it looks like Pikmin, it's probably nothing close to it.

No idea what this was called, but if you watch Nintendo's Japan conference round-up video, you'll see it's some weird Wario Paint, where you create your own Wario Ware micro-games. Or something.

The funny thing is, not much of what was shown in Japan is actually developed by Nintendo. They're publishing scads of titles, but I'm wondering where all their own games are hiding. 2009 should have some more surprises in store.

Comments

[free roms]

Nice post !

Can't wait for the dsi !!!!!