Since Nintendo decided to release the Wii U last year instead of this year, they managed to avoid the dogfight of sorts that Sony and Microsoft have gotten themselves into for console supremacy. This means that Nintendo can play it safe this year at E3 and release more Mario, Zelda and Pokemon related titles for the Wii U and 3DS. Which is more or less the opposite of what I would like them to do.
Personally, I think this is the perfect time for Nintendo to take some risks, specially since they have some more adult titles on the Wii U such as Batman: Arkham City, ZombiU and Mass Effect 3, as well as new titles like Batman: Arkham Origins and Assassin’s Creed IV. I would love for Nintendo to release some more Wii U exclusive adult-orientated titles, utilising the motion controls and Wii U gamepad capabilities more. Something new that can rival the likes of ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Watch Dogs’ and make people need to buy the Wii U to get a unique gaming experience. Hell, Nintendo, you had Mistwalker Studios, featuring Hironobu Sakaguchi and Nubuo Uematsu, release their only home console title of the last four years on the Wii two years ago with ‘The Last Story’. With the Final Fantasy franchise falling a touch out of favour, now would be perfect to capitalize with some generation-defining J-RPG action. Final Fantasy started on Nintendo consoles, and though I adore me some Playstation Final Fantasy, now I would love for Nintendo to take it home.
In terms of the old guard, Nintendo, all due respect, PUT SAMUS BACK IN A DARK ADVENTURE GAME. The Metroid Prime series was beautiful, and incredibly well received. Metroid: Other M was forgettable at best. Even if it’s not Metroid Prime, Samus deserves another darker, tougher title. Obviously, Mario Kart, Part and Bros. will be seeing outings. No complaints here. But I WOULD love to see a new, fully 3D Donkey Kong title, ala Donkey Kong 64. Donkey Kong got one platform outing on the Wii, and that was ported to the 3DS. A fully 3D platformer would be awesome, and a nice change from the Mario-in-some-other-slightly-out-of-character format. There is one traditional Nintendo title I am excited for as well, and it’s guaranteed with a new Nintendo home console. Smash. Friggin’. Brothers. Consistently spent hours of my life with good friends kicking the bejaysus out of each other’s favourite/least favourite characters with the home-run bat, Mr. Saturn et al. on each of the titles thus far, and hopefully this console is no different. With some new characters no less, come onnnnnn Frog from Chrono Trigger!
As far as the 3DS goes, honestly there’s very little I could ask from them. Nintendo have always been thorough with the hand-held products, and as long as they don’t announce some sort of bogus upgrade, I’m pretty happy. I mean, Pokemon X and Y look awesome, and we’ve already had a Kingdom Hearts 3D and a Kid Icarus title, so I’ve got very little qualms with whatever Nintendo decide to do here. I’ve no doubt some new Virtual Console titles and improvements will be on show, as there have been complaints in that regard.
Really, I just want Nintendo to give us some god dam good games. Technology only goes so far, give us some games using it well to make us need your console. Wii U is already going in the right direction with a wider range of games across a wider audience, maintain that. Give us games that set standards, instead of adhering to them. Nintendo have always done their own thing and it has served them well, but now I just hope they make some real traction with the opportunity they have.
And above all else, please, please, PLEASE do not put Call of Duty on your console. I’m asking nicely now.
