Topic: Nintendo should make more 3D games like 64 and Sunshine.

I know that Nintendo has freedom big enough to the point that they can make whatever games they want and release it whenever they want. They also have the freedom to make them in whatever view they want such as first, second, and third person. But seeing as how things are going as of this very moment, I think that they have ultimately pushed aside true 3D Mario games in favor of New Super Mario Bros. and 3D Land-like games, really, any platforming Mario game after the GameCube era is either 2D or 2.5D. I know that the Galaxy series and 3D Land technically count as "3D", but somehow I feel that they truly, truly don't have the same kind of freedom of exploration or adventure as Mario 64 or Sunshine. I feel that, although Galaxy and 3D Land use 3D engines, it's layed out using "paths" set before you, limiting the "where do you have to go?" and/or "what do you have to do in this level?" feel. What's the point of exploring or having an adventure if a clear path is set before you and you know where to go?

I also notice that recent Mario games have been labeling themselves as "recreating the older games", but that seems to only apply to making them look like the older games rather than play like the older games. I know that it isn't whether or not games are in first, second, or third person that depend on the quality of the game, but even I want my occasional orange if I always have apples.

In the end, New Super Mario Bros., Galaxy, and 3D Land are good/great games that definitely show Nintendo's effort in polish and quality. I just wanted to point out what Nintendo should have at least some focus on since today's Nintendo Direct made me think "is this what is generally really wanted?".

Unfortunately, I have a feeling a lot of developers feel that games either need to be completely linear or a gigantic open world GTA styled game. There used to be a middle ground that was allowed to exist that has disappeared from mainstream gaming because I don't know. Because it would be fun?

There is no evidence that Nintendo has abandoned their traditional 3d mario games, such as 64, sunshine, and galaxy.

The lackluster reveal of Super Mario 3d World strongly suggests it isn't seen as a replacement for the big show stoppers. There was a lot of effort put into the reveals for Galaxy and Galaxy 2. They featured impressive camera angles and thrilling orchestral scores. Super Mario 3d World just showed gameplay with a classic mario track played. This is not a replacement, but a new series. Don't panic.

So kick back, wait a year, and see if the big one comes next year.

Agreed. Maybe in 3 years we'll see one, that'd take a long time to make.

I'm not saying for absolute certainty that they've abandoned it, it's just that with today's Nintendo Direct, i'm starting to feel like they are since i've previously told myself multiple times not to lose hope and didn't think much about this since New Super Mario Bros. Wii until now.