Nintendo E3 Event Round-Up

15 Jun 2010 at 22:53:36 by Peter Parrish

In contrast to the other two major hardware manufacturers, Nintendo's E3 event swore off peripherals and, with one notable exception, concentrated on new games. This was reiterated by one of the opening remarks, which noted that "Technology is only a tool ... the end product is experience."

On a stage bathed in a somewhat soothing blue hue, Nintendo announced and demoed The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Exclusively for the Wii, Skyward Sword unsurprisingly aims to integrate the Wiimote controller by allowing players to wield it like Link's sword and shield. Archery and bomb-bowling was also demonstrated, despite a few technical hiccups and interruptions.

Mario was revealed to be returning to the sports field in Mario Sports Mix, which will feature the red-hatted fellow and the rest of the gang taking one another on at volleyball, ice hockey, dodgeball and basketball. Sports Mix is scheduled for a 2011 release.

Wii Party and Just Dance 2 were announced for "this holiday," as Nintendo seek to continue their "social interaction" drive. The former will have over seventy different minigames, while Just Dance 2 promises over forty tracks and "dance crew face-offs" for up to 8 players.

A top-down RPG in the Zelda style named Golden Sun: Dark Dawn was shown for the DS, but there was a suspicion this placement was in order to provide a lead-in to another title announcement with golden in the name. Yes, the news leaked earlier this week, but a Goldeneye remake for the Wii is now confirmed to be coming later this year.

Epic Mickey followed, and was talked up by developer Warren Spector. The game's optimistic claim is that it will combine the best of platform, adventure and RPG titles - no small feat. Some of Mickey's abilities were detailed, such as the drawing and erasing feature, which will allow players to dynamically change the game world. A Steamboat Mickey-themed sideways scrolling platform section was then demonstrated, in all it's black and white glory.

Mario and Zelda weren't the only returning Nintendo heroes, as new Kirby and Donkey Kong games were announced and Metroid Other M gained a concrete release date of 31 August.

All of which just left enough time to reveal the 3DS, a nifty handheld device that removes the need for 3D glasses in gaming and movie-watching. Whether this is all done with smoke and mirrors remains to be seen, but as 3D is basically an illusion in any case it's kind of a moot point.

As well as unveiling the 3DS itself, Nintendo confirmed a vast number of games that are coming to the platform, including Nintendogs and Cats, Kingdom Hearts 3D, a Resident Evil title, Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle, DJ Hero 3D, a Metal Gear Solid title, a Final Fantasy game of some sort, Pilot Wings, Star Fox, Paper Mario and a new Kid Icarus.

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