E3 2009 Nintendo Predictions

As E3 2009 rolls around, the biggest story is probably going to be the promised return to glory. Two consecutive disappointing ventures have put E3 in a tough spot; it's essentially do or die.

If we're judging by my predictions, it's a definite "do".

Obviously, I want to see good things from Nintendo; if I didn't, I wouldn't be a fan! However, I also want to stay grounded; you're not going to find Mario Galaxy 2, Wii HD coming as a free download or a spiritual successor to Ocarina of Time in these predictions. So, without further ado, I'd like to go into the future, and see what has been released at E3 2009........

After a kind of lackluster showing last year, Nintendo had to announce SOME sort of new entry in an established franchise. Even though it wasn't mentioned in their keynote, Nintendo still had Shigeru Miyamoto announce that the Pikmin team was working on a new installment in the underrated franchise. 

Recalling back to the earlier days of the Wii, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Super Mario Galaxy were referred to by many a fanboy as the "Big Three." Nintendo's 2009 keynote features it's own "Big Three"; Pikmin 3, Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and Pokemon: Heart Gold and Silver Soul. These titles can all carry a 'harcore' label and are highly-anticipated entries in established franchises. 

But not only that, these three games have all been previously announced but with very little to no gameplay footage to go with them, Spirit Tracks probably having the most. Nintendo then takes the room's breath away with a montage of these three.

Nintendo shows off excellent amounts of gameplay footage, and goes more in depth into Pikmin 3 and how the series gameplay adapts to Wii controls. After that, the lights dim and on their IMAX esque screen, Nintendo let's a clip roll of a shadow flying across the screen, almost looking like it's circling the room. The dark 'blob' stops in the middle screen, and you hear a *SHINK!* of blades.

As the shadow is exposed to light, it is revealed to be Pit, the main character in Factor 5's upcoming Kid Icarus sequel. After being long rumored and practically confirmed by IGN's staff, a recent untitled Wii project from Factor 5 was announced. This is revealed to be the long-awaited Kid Icarus Wii, although very little footage is shown.

Along with these main reveals, Nintendo also shows off footage of upcoming WiiWare and DSiWare titles, and calls it a day. Although it's not much, the core Nintendo gamer is pleased, because at least there was no Carrot Top Goes Skiing taking center-stage.

A Return

After about two months, I have returned. I really wanna make this blog work, so I've decided I'm gonna lay down a schedule. I'm gonna try and update daily.

As far as what you can expect, I'm gonna kinda drift away from doing news so much and add in more of kinda editorials. I think it's a lot easier to maintain a easy schedule doing so.

DSi Colors

To be honest, I was just talking to my local GameStop clerk about the crappy colors we get in America and how I wanted a blue more in the style of the DS Phat's blue, more midnight blue than sky blue/turquoise. And BAM! I see this video with it in there. Oh well, maybe we'll get them eventually.

Oh, and am I the only one who thinks the middle one changes from green to yellow and back numerous times throughout the video?!

Professor Layton and the Devil's Box to be Localized!

According to GoNintendo.com, the entire Professor Layton series is set to be localized. I dunno about any of you guys, but personally I loved the game. I jumped onto the boat a little late, but the challenging puzzles, engrossing story [the ending of which I was probably the only person NOT to see coming] and fitting music combined into one of the best and most underrated DS experiences of last year. Heck, one of the best games on the entire DS! If you haven't played it, go out and buy a copy. If you have, sit back and eagerly await Professor Layton and the Devil's Box!

Iwata's GDC Keynote in Review

Like every other Nintendo presentation, their Game Developer's Conference keynote, hosted by Satoru Iwata himself, was filled with gloating and relishing in the millions of dollars the company swims in every night. Am I the only one who pictures Scrooge McDuck swimming in money whenever Nintendo talks about the millions of dollars they make every year?

Of course, strip away the boasting, and Nintendo surprised us all with numerous announcements; most of which we couldn't see coming from a mile away!

To be honest, there were really five main facets buried within this keynote. First, and probably the least important if you ask me, was Rock and Roll Climber, a WiiWare game that uses the Wiimote, Nunchuck and Balance Board in unison. We had heard of this before through a ESRB leak, but this was the first actual footage we've seen from the game.

Obviously, a game about rock-climbing isn't too exciting at it's core, so upon reaching the top of this mountain, the climber pulls out a Flying V guitar and plays a little tune in celebration.

After seeing Rock and Roll Climber was something many Wii fans have been waiting months for; a storage solution. No, it wasn't a hard drive, but SD card capability is a fine solution. 

You can save and load directly from the card, which is a massive improvement in efficiency over the current system of having transfer back and forth. Better yet, Nintendo pulls and Apple move and releases it the minute they announce it. I'm surprised Apple hasn't copyrighted this technique and tried to sue Nintendo for utilizing this so much. The Big N surely has money to spare [and sure don't try to hide it].

Next came a move that personally surprised me. The notoriously stingy Square Enix has agreed to release both Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy IV on the Virtual Console with potential for more to come later. Also, My Life as a Darklord: Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and Final Fantasy IV: The After Years are coming to WiiWare. 

The thing I find most interesting is that Squenix, despite releasing countless amounts of remakes, still has confidence that their storied franchise will continue to sell. This could very easily turn out bad, but I think the Final Fantasy junkies of the world will give up the 7 bucks or so to play the originals untouched.

After showcasing two pieces DSi software in WarioWare: Snapped! [a title I'm thrilled to try soon] and Moving Memo, Nintendo dropped a bombshell that I don't think anyone saw coming. The Virtual Console Arcade, which supposedly launches today [I haven't been able to check, but as soon as I do I'll get back to you guys] with the games Starforce, Tower of Druaga, Mappy and Gaplus available for 500-600 Wii points. Personally, I'm hoping to see the classic TMNT and Simpsons arcade games on here, but it not I'd settle for some good ole' Pac-Man and Donkey Kong!

And finally, saving the best for last..... Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks! This sequel to Phantom Hourglass takes the boat mechanics of the previous game and chucks it out the window for... trains? Just a trailer for now, but what we've seen looks similar to Phantom Hourglass. And that's not a bad thing!

Well, all in all, an exciting GDC keynote! I don't know about you guys, but I thought it felt more like E3 with all these great announcements!

Welcome!

Welcome to Geekcycle, my blog. I'm Preston, an aspiring video game journalist. Here in this blog will be loads of Nintendo related news/reviews/thoughts. I hope you all enjoy.