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.
