Wii U's surprising E3 heroes
James
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As just about every major disaster comes and goes, a single question tends to percolate to the brim of public consciousness: how soon is too soon? That is to say, how far in time must we be distanced from an event until we can analyze it with some sense of objectivity and without the immediate sense of horror or disappointment?
Speaking of disasters, Nintendo's tragic "loss" of E3 2012 may not have warranted space on the front pages of the world's major broadsheets, but within the fishbowl world of Nintendo and its eager dependants, this single event might almost be considered Nintendo's very own Dunkirk. Maybe it's finally time to re-visit E3 2012 for just a moment, now that the collective grief has eased.
Sure, we didn't quite get the impressive showcase that Nintendo pulled out of their proverbial hat at E3 2006 for the Wii, where we caught glimpses of everything from Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to Wii Sports and Wario Ware: Smooth Moves (Nintendo really seemed intend to satisfy the full spectrum of gamers at that show). Despite such comparisons, there were still numerous genuinely impressive and unique titles on display for Wii U at E3 2012.
And when I think about my most-anticipated games of the next year or so (across all platforms), I can safely say that several of these find their home on Wii U. I won't bore you with all the ins-and-outs of these games—no doubt you have already seen some great hands-on impressions and previews elsewhere—but I think it is worth stepping away from the "OMG no Zelda?!" stuff for a just a moment, in order to give these games a little breathing room of their own.
There were a couple of Wii U titles on display at E3 that immediately made me sit up and take notice. For me, Platinum Games' seductively ridiculous (ridiculously seductive?) Project P-100 is right at the top of my "must have" list. Although this Viewtiful Joe meets Pikmin experiment looks to contain some mildly unwieldy elements (such as drawing on the GamePad screen to guide your group of heroes into a given formation), I can't help but be excited about the game's potential. I think it looks gorgeous, for one thing, both in terms of the actual art style and also the animation. Go and check out the videos that show the city crumbling around the heroes; the dozens of buildings on screen helplessly writhe against each other as the highway shatters and disintegrates beneath the protagonists' feet. Simply beautiful.
This is also one of those games that is clearly not simply being ported over to the Wii U, in the sense that it actually makes use of the GamePad in ways that don't seem to be token additions. Moving your heroes into a building, for example, pushes the game action onto the GamePad screen where you get an over-the-shoulder view of the action (while the city itself is still displayed on your TV). Synchronizing your actions on the GamePad with actions on the TV (for example, turning a crank inside a warehouse, and being able to watch the results unfold on the TV) is hopefully one of many ways in which the GamePad will genuinely enhance Project P-100's game play.
Probably the most widely-covered Wii U title, at least as far as third-party efforts go, would have to be Ubisoft's ZombiU. Setting aside the terrible name for just a moment, I think that this game goes a long way in terms of actually validating Nintendo's concept with Wii U. It's fine to show off "asymmetrical game play," of the sort to which titles like Nintendo Land adhere, but I think that ZombiU effortlessly demonstrates one way in which the Wii U can provide a genuinely compelling experience for the so-called "hardcore" crowd. My favorite aspect of this title is the way the GamePad is used: the above screenshot beautifully illustrates the way that the player can perform an action on the GamePad's screen, while the surrounding action is still "live" on the TV. You can imagine how, in a real-life situation, you would not be able to pause the world around you just so you could open a safe or rifle through someone's pockets to search for a valuable item. In ZombiU—as in a real world situation—you have to pay attention to the task at hand while also remaining vigilant as to your surroundings. I can imagine this idea working incredibly well and providing plenty of scares, and it's an idea that could find application across multiple genres in the future. If ZombiU lives up to its potential, it could easily become Wii U's very own Left 4 Dead-style hit. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
At this juncture I should probably say that I am actually quite interested in Nintendo's own offerings: Pikmin 3 not only looks gorgeous, but more Pikmin is always a good thing as far as I'm concerned. And then there's, you know, "the other stuff": Nintendo Land, Wii Fit U, and Game & Wario. As dismissive as I might first appear, I am actually greatly looking forward to all three of these titles (albeit due to their value as entertaining curiosities rather than real meat 'n' potatoes stuff). The reason I throw these titles in as an afterthought is both because they were heavily promoted by Nintendo at E3 and also because Nintendo's own content tends to be a sure bet anyway.
I could go on, of course: Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rayman Legends, and Tank! Tank! Tank! all deserve attention in my view. Colonial Marines has captured my attention in particular, in part because it is a direct continuation of the Aliens narrative, and in part because the GamePad doubles as the incredibly famous sonar device from the films (I'm perfectly happy to admit that I may be able to overlook just a few of the game's potential shortcomings as a result of this one awesome feature).
Now that the dust has settled, can we still say that this year's E3 was a disaster for Nintendo? Well, I am not willing to be too revisionist on this point, but I genuinely wonder if the painful collision of inflated fan expectation and cold, hard realism has allowed some truly interesting concepts to slip off the proverbial radar. On reflection, I am actually pretty excited about some of Wii U's E3 2012 offerings. Fortunately, we don't have to wait very long to see if these games live up to their promise.
Speaking of disasters, Nintendo's tragic "loss" of E3 2012 may not have warranted space on the front pages of the world's major broadsheets, but within the fishbowl world of Nintendo and its eager dependants, this single event might almost be considered Nintendo's very own Dunkirk. Maybe it's finally time to re-visit E3 2012 for just a moment, now that the collective grief has eased.
Sure, we didn't quite get the impressive showcase that Nintendo pulled out of their proverbial hat at E3 2006 for the Wii, where we caught glimpses of everything from Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to Wii Sports and Wario Ware: Smooth Moves (Nintendo really seemed intend to satisfy the full spectrum of gamers at that show). Despite such comparisons, there were still numerous genuinely impressive and unique titles on display for Wii U at E3 2012.
And when I think about my most-anticipated games of the next year or so (across all platforms), I can safely say that several of these find their home on Wii U. I won't bore you with all the ins-and-outs of these games—no doubt you have already seen some great hands-on impressions and previews elsewhere—but I think it is worth stepping away from the "OMG no Zelda?!" stuff for a just a moment, in order to give these games a little breathing room of their own.
There were a couple of Wii U titles on display at E3 that immediately made me sit up and take notice. For me, Platinum Games' seductively ridiculous (ridiculously seductive?) Project P-100 is right at the top of my "must have" list. Although this Viewtiful Joe meets Pikmin experiment looks to contain some mildly unwieldy elements (such as drawing on the GamePad screen to guide your group of heroes into a given formation), I can't help but be excited about the game's potential. I think it looks gorgeous, for one thing, both in terms of the actual art style and also the animation. Go and check out the videos that show the city crumbling around the heroes; the dozens of buildings on screen helplessly writhe against each other as the highway shatters and disintegrates beneath the protagonists' feet. Simply beautiful.
This is also one of those games that is clearly not simply being ported over to the Wii U, in the sense that it actually makes use of the GamePad in ways that don't seem to be token additions. Moving your heroes into a building, for example, pushes the game action onto the GamePad screen where you get an over-the-shoulder view of the action (while the city itself is still displayed on your TV). Synchronizing your actions on the GamePad with actions on the TV (for example, turning a crank inside a warehouse, and being able to watch the results unfold on the TV) is hopefully one of many ways in which the GamePad will genuinely enhance Project P-100's game play.
Probably the most widely-covered Wii U title, at least as far as third-party efforts go, would have to be Ubisoft's ZombiU. Setting aside the terrible name for just a moment, I think that this game goes a long way in terms of actually validating Nintendo's concept with Wii U. It's fine to show off "asymmetrical game play," of the sort to which titles like Nintendo Land adhere, but I think that ZombiU effortlessly demonstrates one way in which the Wii U can provide a genuinely compelling experience for the so-called "hardcore" crowd. My favorite aspect of this title is the way the GamePad is used: the above screenshot beautifully illustrates the way that the player can perform an action on the GamePad's screen, while the surrounding action is still "live" on the TV. You can imagine how, in a real-life situation, you would not be able to pause the world around you just so you could open a safe or rifle through someone's pockets to search for a valuable item. In ZombiU—as in a real world situation—you have to pay attention to the task at hand while also remaining vigilant as to your surroundings. I can imagine this idea working incredibly well and providing plenty of scares, and it's an idea that could find application across multiple genres in the future. If ZombiU lives up to its potential, it could easily become Wii U's very own Left 4 Dead-style hit. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
At this juncture I should probably say that I am actually quite interested in Nintendo's own offerings: Pikmin 3 not only looks gorgeous, but more Pikmin is always a good thing as far as I'm concerned. And then there's, you know, "the other stuff": Nintendo Land, Wii Fit U, and Game & Wario. As dismissive as I might first appear, I am actually greatly looking forward to all three of these titles (albeit due to their value as entertaining curiosities rather than real meat 'n' potatoes stuff). The reason I throw these titles in as an afterthought is both because they were heavily promoted by Nintendo at E3 and also because Nintendo's own content tends to be a sure bet anyway.
I could go on, of course: Aliens: Colonial Marines, Rayman Legends, and Tank! Tank! Tank! all deserve attention in my view. Colonial Marines has captured my attention in particular, in part because it is a direct continuation of the Aliens narrative, and in part because the GamePad doubles as the incredibly famous sonar device from the films (I'm perfectly happy to admit that I may be able to overlook just a few of the game's potential shortcomings as a result of this one awesome feature).
Now that the dust has settled, can we still say that this year's E3 was a disaster for Nintendo? Well, I am not willing to be too revisionist on this point, but I genuinely wonder if the painful collision of inflated fan expectation and cold, hard realism has allowed some truly interesting concepts to slip off the proverbial radar. On reflection, I am actually pretty excited about some of Wii U's E3 2012 offerings. Fortunately, we don't have to wait very long to see if these games live up to their promise.
Discussion (oldest first)
+ Leave a commentmarijuanamerle said |
"Now that the dust has settled, can we still say that this year's E3 was a disaster for Nintendo?"
Why don't you ask Nintendo that question. I asked a good number of Nintendo reps on the showroom floor what they thought about attendees reactions to their console. I got the same reflective bs responses and when I asked for specs, price and real release date they divulged even less. What really worried me was the fact that Nintendo intends to release the U this year. Months away from launch and Nintendo is tight lipped? Maybe the reaction at E3 resonated a little more than people think.
Now that some time has passed and the company's profits showing in the red are public, will Nintendo finally give it to us straight. Will this effect pricing or release date? One thing was apparent at E3, the incredible games which will be available for the 360 and PS3. When games like watchdogs, the last of us and halo 4(just to name a few) look more impressive than what a brand new "next gen" system has to offer, it's no wonder Nintendo is facing an uphill battle for our interest in its new console. I, like the majority of attendees at the expo were not very excited with the U. That's just the plain truth and in my opinion the reason Nintendo is so coy on releasing any definitive information regarding their new console
. If they're waiting for us to forget E3 before releasing more info, we may have a long wait ahead of us. Hopefully, we'll know more in September after the shareholders meeting.
Kevin K. said to marijuanamerle |
James
author said to marijuanamerle |
My point was that sometimes, as fans, we become so absurdly hostile and we engage in so much hand-wringing that the genuinely good stuff slips through the cracks. Sure, nobody would argue that Wii U couldn't have had a better E3 showing. But does that mean there was nothing of value at the show for Wii U? Absolutely not.
Sometimes it is useful and instructive to step back - often well after the event - and carefully consider what real value was actually present. I was somewhat disappointed that games like Project P-100, while certainly covered by many outlets, ultimately did not receive the kind of front-page attention it deserved.
Nintendo's competitors did not fare much better at E3, even though there were a couple of diamonds in the rough. And as for info - well, clearly, we will see price and release date information before the end of the year. So I am not too worried about those details, personally.
My biggest disappointment, in general, is when clever ideas and interesting games are ignored or not adequately recognized/investigated due to the frantic politics surrounding such an event.
stinkystinky said |
I wasn't there, but I watched it online. Was it the greatest thing I've ever seen? No, not really. I feel like people who slammed Nintendo over it are just gonna dull, unimaginative people. I mean after all, isn't an expo presentation kinda nothing more than a 60 minute powerpoint presentation? I got to see the hardware, I got to see clips of the games. What the hell else did you want? The equivalent of a "Triumph of the Will" spectacle?? 3D laser light show? Popcorn and soda?? A back massage?? I feel like a lot of it has to do with a serious lack of imagination in this slavering, slobbering gamer nerd fans. Give me a break.
Nintendo came in and showed off some shit. Queue 6 months of complaining. Guess what? When it drops in November, all the people who were complaining are gonna go out and buy it, and then will proceed to SHUT THE F%*$& UP when they see how cool it is.
Good day!
OGgamer said to stinkystinky |
Why do you feel compelled to knock someone's opinion who has actual hands on experience with a console you've never tried out yourself. Don't be so ignorant and stop telling people who don't agree with you to keep quiet. I'm sure the majority of unbiased gamers would wish fanboys of any console would keep uninspired ignorant comments to themselves, but I would never insist you, how did you put it "SHUT THE F%*$& UP". Post what you will, just don't expect anyone to respect what you have to say.
stinkystinky said to OGgamer |
"And why cuss?" - It's fun.
"Do you not have anything intelligent to say?" - see original post you hiney-ticklin', spit-shinin' mongoose turd.
"Why do you feel compelled to knock someone's opinion who has actual hands on experience with a console you've never tried out yourself." - As I said this meme of the "infamous Nintendo E3 failure" is total hot air.
Good day!
Reality said to stinkystinky |
I hope you figure out how to open that closet door and find happiness...and lube.
Good day, sir.
uTitta said |
Tathanen
staff said to uTitta |
JoesatMarios said to uTitta |
Funkynugget said |
tekkentag2:D said |
Tathanen
staff said to tekkentag2:D |
marijuanamerle said to tekkentag2:D |
The problem with people like yourself who buy things based on the fact that they're new is the reason companies don't try harder to give us the most for our money. They think there's enough people like yourself who will buy a console at launch just because. Then there are the people who only own a wii or Nintendo products who are just upgrading (in Nintendo's case from the wii)
Nintendo, for the first time ever is releasing a next gen system first and what they are offering (especially at launch) i'm sorry to say is nothing better than what the competion is currently offering. I expected much more and you should too. I'm sorry this may hurt your felling, but for you to be content with what Nintendo is offering and for people like joesatmarios to think a little better than what 6 and 7 year old consoles is what were going to get is absolutely insane. Are you really interested in buying a new system regardless of who manufactures it if it is only a little better than what is currently on the market?
I personally want the next leveI in photorealistic graphics and AI. I want a better level if online gaming. And most of all, I expect Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony to compete ferociously for my business. This will not only bring out the best in them, but will provide us with the true next level in console gaming.
marijuanamerle said to marijuanamerle |
Firearrow said |
Doubledash said to Firearrow |
Sorry, I'm still pissed they didn't think to launch with Mario Galaxy 3.
Lobdale
staff said to Firearrow |
Even without third parties, Nintendo will always make Nintendo games. Say what you will about being a gamer, about playing games from other developers, about enjoying games in general. But people who like Nintendo for Nintendo games have plenty to be confident when it comes to the Wii U and what it offers Nintendo to make Nintendo games. Anyone who can recognize a well-crafted game can recognize the craft and the quality in their titles.
What reason as a PS3/360 gamer would I have to buy another system? Easy question--you can only play Nintendo games on Nintendo systems. And I don't think you have to be a kid or a fanboy to enjoy playing a Nintendo game.
Pete said |
1.) Nintendo's games are just Wii + -- NSMB U, Pikmin 3, Nintendo Land, Wii Fit U, etc. may be fun, but they certainly did not look like something from a new generation, they looked like Wii games running 720p with a few extra effects thrown in. Nothing surprising aesthetically or gameplay wise here at all. It almost felt "paint by the numbers".
2.) Third party support would be a bunch of PS3/360 left overs -- Hard to argue this when most third parties seemed MIA during the Nintendo conference and Nintendo for whatever reason decides to spend 10+ minutes talking about a port of Batman Arkham City. No really exciting new third party announcements whatsoever (Zombi U was already shown as Killer Freaks last year).
3.) The Wii U tablet a revolution or not? -- They showed a few mildly interesting uses of the Wii U tablet, but nothing to really suggest it radically alters the game play experience that much. It's no Wiimote.
4.) The Wii U Is Just A 360/PS3 Hardware Wise -- Again nothing to dispel this notion either, in fact the game's Nintendo showed looked considerably behind what Sony and MS were showing on their 7+ year old machines (ie: Last of Us, Halo 4, etc.).
I think all that left a sour taste in people's mouths on top of the obvious things (no Retro project, no EAD Tokyo, inexplicably not having P-100 during the conference itself).
The console will be fun and I'll be buy one anyway because I'm sure Nintendo will make fun games for it. And really these days that's about as much time as I have to play video games. The third party portion of it was a bit disheartening though I have to admit.
Getreal said to Pete |
Pete said to Getreal |
I don't need an E3 showing to sell me on a console.
Nintendo is still my favourite game publisher by a country mile even if I don't like all or even many of their hardware decisions. Probably of my 10 favourite franchises, 7 or 8 are Nintendo IP.
donkeypunch said to Pete |
I own all 3 current consoles, so I think I'll wait to buy a new one, at least until there's a game and or options available that make it worth buying. Especially if the price is too high and that goes for any system.
Pete said to donkeypunch |
For me waiting 8-18 months for a $50 price drop isn't really a big deal (again though this is just my personal situation).
I know the other Nintendo IP will be there so it's not like a big surprise any more when Nintendo announces a new Zelda, Mario, whatever. I've owned every Nintendo console on from the original NES, so this ain't my first rodeo.
gmangraves said to Pete |
Before the wii, no Mario game has used the same graphics style since the original SMB2(lost levels) for a sequel. Mario galaxy 2 is very similar to galaxy 1. And now NSMBU Is doing the same, not in 720p.(and both of those originated on the DS) This is not intended as a knock on their quality, just an observation. I will say, I did get that feeling of "I've played this already" when trying out NSMBU.
I feel Nintendo is rushing the system out to the market to make up for this year's losses. Between the stagnant sales of the wii over the last year and production costs for the 3DS, Nintendo seems desperate to make make up for it with the U. This would explain why the majority of titles anounced are multiplatform ports.
People I know who are going to wait on the U are not doing so for a price drop. They are waiting for games, or at least one that will make the purchase worth while.
gmangraves said to gmangraves |
Should say but instead of not for
And now NSMBU Is doing the same, not in 720p.
Sorry