Now that E3 is officially done and over with Microsoft, Nintendo, & Sony all revealed their cards.  I already discussed how Sony stole the show from Microsoft this year.  But they weren't the only 2 big companies present the big gaming conference.  Nintendo was there as well.  While I wished to put time aside to write this earlier (like last week earlier), events + other past due reviews took precedent over this.  So I am writing my joys to the return of Nintendo now.  

The revealed some big news that could result into the betterment of their company.  While they didn't unveil a new console as many enthusiasts + hopefuls would have liked them to.  I among many of them was one of them where I crossed off the Wii U as a failed project and needed to strike back w/ a more powerful console to better compete.  I'll be the 1st to admit it.  I was dead wrong.  They did unveil new products to bring the interest back to the house of Mario. 

starfox-miyamoto

Nintendo did something they should've done at or shortly after the Wii U launch.    

 
They've gone an unveiled a new way for gamers to interact w/ their games alongside the return of many popular franchises arriving on the Wii U.  Let's dig into some of the announcements, shall we?
  • Starting w/ the amiibo in-game avatars.  Think of it as a more interactive Skylander or Disney Infinity toy. The toy has a chip inside that shares game data to your Wii U and vice-versa.  The amiibo can store your own unique fighting stats + fighting style for Super Smash Bros. It will be the 1st game to support amiibos as more game support will come like Mario Kart 8 later this year.
  • Now onto Super Smash Bros. Your Mii can be used as a fighter. Miis have 3 different fighting styles to choose from: Brawlers, Swordfighters, & Gunners. Brawlers is a hand-to-hand combat. Swordfighters use weapons. Gunners uses Mega Man- like arm cannons to fight. Each fighter has 4 special moves to choose from 12 options while Mii fighters have a total of 36 to choose from.  Now on to the 3DS, Super Smash Bros is coming to the portable gaming console later this year on October 3rd.
  • The new Legend of Zelda looks like just what the they needed.  A brand-new Legend Of Zelda game coming in 2015 for the Wii U.  Offering an open world experience unlike any previous Zelda game. You can explore any area, go any direction, and truly create you’re own experience rather than following the assigned path of older games.
  • And lastly, Star Fox.  Nintendo made sure to tease the return of another.  Fox McCloud is back or returning anyways. While there isn’t any gameplay or even more details other than the image above.  But know that it will take advantage of the Wii U’s GamePad motion controller while flying about.

 

Nintendo needs to cater to the adult players as well as the younger ones.

Wii live stock
I'll admit I own a Nintendo Wii and it has been collecting dust as my wife refused to let me sell it when I could've gotten some $$$ for it.  After going by a friend's house and playing it, I was sold.  I bought the console, the Wii Fit game + balance board, additional controllers, and gun accessories.  I had a handful of games ranging from Ghost Squad after playing it Dave & Buster's to New Super Mario bros Wii (the last game I purchased for the console).  Now I'm kind of stuck w/ it as I guess at this point it may go on eBay or save it as part of my personal gaming memorabilia.  
 

This could all make for the revival of the House of Mario or too little too late.  I voting for the revival, myself.  

 
I think Nintendo did a great job bringing out updated titles of games the fans actually wanted from them rather than slightly watered-down popular titles that can be found on other consoles.  Perhaps they can push the envelope to bring forth games to truly show the processing power of the Wii U.  Whatever the case, whether win, lose, or draw.  I'm rooting for Nintendo.  Just don't go down the BlackBerry route where you get too stubborn to adapt if these new strategies don't work out in the company's benefit.  

Lead photo: Yohei Yamashita

Categories: Features