We joined the cluster around the Santa Monica civic auditorium this morning slightly groggy from the adventures of the previous evening, hoping for more to write home about than Miyamoto’s famous Wife-O-Meter speech of GDC fame. There’s something about the energy of a Nintendo conference, though: The energy of the atmosphere is infectious, no matter how much you may grumble in the aftermath.
Reggie Fils-Aime took the stage after an intro video intro basically restating what we already know: Nintendo is king right now. While I do have many an opinion about what Nintendo could be doing better, it’s still exciting to see their victories, especially with portable consoles. Of course since portables are technically the modern version of NES era gaming, I tend to be a little biased.
Hit the jump for more.
While the 80/20 percentage split between male and female game consumers was sadly highlighted as a fact of the industry that would “never change,” Nintendo itself showed a 33% percent female consumer. I know we will never be 50% of the industry, but it’s heartening to know that our percentage is growing, even if the DS is the portal system responsible.
In the second video Destructoid’s logo flew across the screen, along with one of Nick Brutal’s articles about the Wii. Did that just happen? We were all shaking so hard that when the Wii zapper was introduced a few moments later, we all had to focus to pay attention. Medal of Honor and Resident Evil 5 looked yummy with the new peripheral. I noticed a definite focus on more mature titles, rather than the usual party titles that have been the Wii standard. Super Smash Brothers Brawl was announced for December 3rd, a game I have never really been attracted to before but totally wanted to play seeing it on screen today.
We got to see some live gameplay from Phantom Hourglass (featuring my favorite Link incarnation!). The control looks really tactile with the DS stylus. To me it felt like watching the Zelda of my childhood, which is a good button to have pushed. This deserves a DO WANT macro. Metroid Prime also looked really good to me, which puzzles me since I am not an FPS fan. Have I been suckered by Nintendo’s master plan? Have I mentioned in Mario Galaxy you get a bee costume?
WiiWare was announced for next year, along with a new channel for Wii called Check Me Out where players can rate their Miis and compete in contests. Frankly I couldn't give two shits about that, but I’m sure it will appeal to some people. Reggie whipped out the Wii wheel a few minutes later, planned to accompany next year’s MarioKart title in a single package. Damn, two periperals? They really aren’t screwing around with new product this time. There’s really no room for people to bitch about lack of titles, or for that matter, variety.
When Wii Fit was announced it took me a second to close my gaping mouth and stop attracting flies. Miyamoto came out and chatted about it a bit, looking charming as usual in a blazer and acid-trip t-shirt. They are taking the healthy aspect of Wii’s motion controls and totally amplifying its possibilities, drawing in further the older demographic they have drawn in with titles like Wii Sports. I think younger people could dig this too though, especially yoga fans. Wii Fit could totally score even more unexpected players. Some gamers will think this is lame, but I thought it was clever as all hell.
I came out of this one feeling good. I have confidence in Nintendo and always have. They hold that essential spot in my heart that the NES carved, and I have always hoped to see them back on top, so it’s cool to see it happening. I definitely felt this presentation took many cues from the past one at GDC, addressing everything from “serious” gaming to online titles. I haven’t purchased a Wii yet, as my rule is to wait until a console’s library and future look promising enough to me to do so. After today, I think I’m ready. Now all I have to do is find someplace they aren’t sold out.
Contest:
8:43 PM on 07.11.2007
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I'm hoping that using a bare-naked remote will work just fine for these new games.
but..that aside. I'm stoked for Mario Kart Wii and Phantom Hourglass and that sexy bee costume Mario was wearing got me a little excited for Galaxy..lol. of all things, a costume.
Super Mario Sunshine made me want to choke newborn kittens though so I hope they do something about that.
I too thought the Wii Fit is a clever idea... it's an innovative way to reach even more casual gamers and re-instate more loyalty to the current gamers Nintendo does have. I hate to admit this... but I am getting one (The Fit) when it comes out... I just can't say no to the Wii Fit.
Extra peripherals should be cool. I want the Wheel with Mario Kart, I couldn't care less about the Zapper. I'm a good enough shot with the Wiimote as is.
That being said, I still might pick one up, just because they look pretty cool. XD
Also, again no one mentions how online for Brawl was never talked about.
I'll buy it, but for no more than $60, and that's including the balance board.
I wouldn't be suprised if it's only $50, as Wii Play was.
As for the show as a whole, it could have been better. Mario Kart Wii could have been playable. They could have shown Pikmin 3 and Luigi's Mansion 2. They could have shown New Super Mario Bros 2 (which I'm hoping will be avaialble for WiiWare).
But it was still awesome, for the release dates alone.
Did you mean to say Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles? Because if I missed some kind of miracle on Earth and RE5 is actually coming to the Wii, please let me know.
THAT was impressive.
I noticed that, and it surprised me, as it was BEFORE their "serious about online" bit, which was devoid of Brawl by the way. Is no one else afraid of a Brawl WITHOUT online?
Certainly online multiplayer is a plus in nearly any title that supports multiplayer, but I guess im a relic in that I prefer face to face gaming to online.
Oh how I miss the lan party.
I agree that face to face multiplayer on a game that isn't split screen is best. On a split-screen game, not so much. But I can't always have 3 friends over to have muliplayer goodness. Thats why online is there, for multiplay, whenever.
So awesome.
Hmmm... All 1st party no new IPs... All we need is a new Donkey Kong, Star Fox, Kirby and F Zero and we got the most impressive character milking since Disney and Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.