Hopes were indeed high for Nintendo’s keynote speech at E3. However, Nintendo fans and industry watchers waiting with bated breath for earth shattering news were instead forced to make do with a slew of recycled games and hardware.
Wii Motion Plus
Although the Wii Motion Plus supposedly offers gamers “more precise” control, the upgraded device is hardly a revolutionary concept. Moreover, Wii Motion Plus pales in comparison with Microsoft’s Natal project, which reportedly allows users to interact with and influence virtual characters.
Super Mario Bros Wii
How many times can Nintendo recycle the same title? The Wii demo appeared to be similar to traditional Mario Bros game, both in terms of gameplay and graphics. New features included multiplayer support for four along with a new propeller jet pack.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Yet another iteration of the world’s most infamous plumbers. However, this version of Mario appears rather promising, both in terms of graphics and gameplay.
Wii Fit Plus
Although Nintendo described the Fit Plus as a virtual personal trainer, the device is simply an upgraded version of its existing platform. Improvements and innovation? New fitness and Yoga options that allow health-conscious participants to exercise specific body areas in various combinatons. The Fit Plus is also reportedly capable of tracking burnt calories.
Wii Sports Resort
Wii Sports Resort offers users the opportunity to participate in a number of virtual athletic games, including skydiving, basketball and archery. The multiplayer game was apparently showcased in an effort to demonstrate the new Wii Motion Plus controller. Or, as Nintendo put it: “A new level of physical reality.”
DS & DSI
Nintendo unveiled a number of new and rehased titles for the DS/DSI, including:
- Kingdom Hearts – impressive looking RPG.
- Zelda: Spirit Tracks – audience applauded long and hard for this one.
- Mario and Luigi RPG: Bowser’s Inside Story – yet another plumber’s tale.
- Women’s Murder Club – murder-mystery game based on James Patterson novels.
- Cop – New York city police officer forced undercover to clear his partner’s sullied name and thwart a devious plot.
- Style Savvy – allows players to swap customized fashion creations.
- FlipNoteStudio – scratch pad movie-making app for the DSI.
- Facebook for DSI – upload and edit photos the popular social networking service.
The company also introduced a DIY tool that allows enthusiasts to design indigenous games and levels.
Third Party Titles
Unsuprisingly, the most exciting and audience rousing aspects of Nintendo’s keynote speech occured during the presentation of third party game trailers for the Wii, which included:
- The Conduit
- Resident Evil
- Deadspace Extraction
- Metroid: The Other M
- Final Fantasy
Yes, Microsoft’s E3 star-studded E3 kick off may have been a bit extreme. But Nintendo had little to offer that can compare with the likes of Project Natal and exciting new titles such as:
- Halo 3 ODST
- Halo: Reach
- Metal Gear Solid Rising
- Left for Dead 2
- Splinter cell CG
- Shadow Complex
