HeroOfTime32

@PleaseUnderstan Far from it.... DLC sounds perfectly suited to a Nintendo Direct

LOL... It's kinda funny.

Why is everyone so upset about this?? Looks fine to me.

@cbkummer whoops!! Thanks gonna check it out!

Off topic, but....

Have we gotten any Dragon Quest stuff (DQ7 / DQ8) mentioned today??

I've been at work and missed today's event.

@Gerbwmu hahaa, wow that's an awesome thought.

Although...I don't know how well of a retriever a wolf makes lol.

Also, I haven't been able to follow today's event due to work....

HAVE WE GOTTEN ANY DRAGON QUEST INFO TODAY!?!?!? (DQ7 or DQ8 for 3ds)

@Zach777 yeah, Nintendo sometimes doesn't think with their heads straight when it comes to timing. I know they have a thought process, and everything is very deliberate, but sometimes they miss the mark when it comes to Western audiences and their expectations.

That said, this was a nice "surprise" and I don't think anyone was let down by it. I'm looking forward to buying it and giving it a go. I do hope there is an "animal crossing / harvest moon" aspect to the oasis building on top of the previously mentioned Final Fantasy Explorers aspect (exploration and battle mechanics).

(In response to you talking about closing out with Codename: Steam 2 yrs ago, when something larger was to be expected in this slot)

@Maxz yeah, I understand that to a large degree. I was just under the impression that ALL data was available, because it's well, online and available.

Can't you just search hashtags and see FULL statistics, or no? I'm not familiar, as I don't use Twitter at all.

But yes in the scheme of things, and in comparison to other surveys it's acceptable. I just thought this could potentially be different given that you're not actually surveying or pooling, but rather just observing what's currently available online.

Hahahaaa, what a great vid!!! Alex, you're the man. Very entertaining stuff.

"This rock looks a bit dodgy" --- I was dying.

Hell yeah!!!!

Stoked that Koichi Ishii is working on this! Also stoked to know that Grezzo is as well. They did a phenomenal job on the Zelda remake/remasters. Nice to know this is what they've been working on.

I'm really getting a Final Fantasy XII/Secret of Mana crossover vibe from this, regarding the real-time battle mechanics and environment. Maybe even a splash of Animal Crossing with the "Oasis development". Interested to see more.

Great surprise Nintendo, great surprise.

Yes! I'm glad DQ VII is being shown.

But what about DQ VIII??!?!

Really hope both titles make it here this year or early next year!

@G0dlike hahaa

"a social media monitoring tool that extrapolates results from 10% of data and posts" - that doesn't sound like a very accurate model to me.

Because 10% is an accurate sample size...yeah, no.

@abbyhitter Hahaa, I remember the response/reaction to that.

Frankly, nobody cared.

Admittedly, either did I (gameplay-wise). I did care however, that it was a new IP, and bought it to support it. But alas, I didn't like it either, and made it about 1/3 thru before losing interest and quitting.

@Ryu_Niiyama random question. All of your avatars....where are they from?? Weird, but used to really like the one w/ the 3 gals dancing with their hands up.

@Gamer83 DOH!! That's what I had meant.. Gamespot's GOTY

@AshFoxX "suggesting that they'll be equal in terms of visuals as well as gameplay"

I'm hoping there's some room for interpretation there...

Like for instance Twilight Princess was "basically" the same...but at the same time there was a small kicker to buy the Wii version if you thought motion controls were cool. Aside from mirroring, it was effectively the same too.

Gotta be something to make you wanna grab the NX version, aside from obviously, a new console.

But you may be spot on too, in that they don't wanna burn the Wii U owners who were promised this title, and have waited an entire console cycle for it to arrive.

Ahhh....so you're definitely more drawn to the more "classic-like" Zeldas. I on the other hand enjoyed the ones that mixed the formula up more. I.e. - Majora's Mask, Link's Awakening, Wind Waker, etc.

But agreed about A Link Between Worlds. That game had it all. Perfect homage to Link to the Past, with TONS of humor and charm too. That's what I'd like to see in Zeldas again. That's why I like most of the portable titles, bc they can add some levity to the games that the console counterparts just don't (but I like 'em all). It was also my 2013 Game of the Year. If I'm not mistaken, it was also IGN's too, to the dismay of the entire internet LOL.

I wonder where today's Zelda falls in this conversation...too early to tell, but I think it will def be more on the "serious side".

@AshFoxX it was definitely mentioned today that it is identical to the Wii U version???? I must have missed that...

@WaveBoy7 see my comment just above. I do think they've come to certain terms with themselves about the state of the gaming marketplace. I think they understand they need to adapt, or at least make a "fusion" between modern, popular gaming tropes, and their classic, innovative and creative Japanese efforts.

I think this is just the beginning, and a taste of what NX will be like I'm thinking.

Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.... So long as they never lose their charm. That's what makes Nintendo, well, Nintendo.

@Hotfusion agreed. That is one thing I will definitely agree with you on....that it will be interesting to see unfold hahaa. Nothing short of it.

You're right though, and it's important to remember that Nintendo is definitely a Japanese company in every sense of the word. I do think it's a Japanese thing, and a personal pride thing.

Nintendo do is just now stepping out of their comfort zone and embracing more "western" ideas and tactics, and that's partially because the market and competition has dictated them to do so to stay afloat and relevant. Especially in an age where less and less youngins flock to Nintendo, it's important to capture the kids again.

It's a reactionary effort.

@Gamer83 100% agree about the good "1st impression".

Kinda hard to make a bad impression with Zelda.

Hopefully Nintendo is remembering what made the Wii so successful (the good parts) and applying those lessons to the NX.

Glad you were an example of someone that the "Zelda trap" sucked them into a console purchase ha. It's true though that a console needs a killer opener. Whether it's Zelda, 3D Mario, or Mario Kart, etc.

I also feel that Super Smash Bros will re-release on NX as a "complete edition" with all DLC included. Cheap and easy to do. A combination of that and Zelda (although neither would be "new" or "exclusive" at that point) would definitely help entice new customers. Because let's be honest, they are both 100% quality titles that are fun and very well done.

@rjejr I do like the balloon idea. Question for ya...was there any hints or images that I may have missed that inspired this thought? Or is it just personal speculation?

I mean, we do have the sail cloth for plateau traversing, and Epona/wild horses for ground traversing.

I'm trying to look for any subtleties at this point for hints. And all I've got is the repetition from Aunoma-San about the world and with that why the demo was focused just on the world.

Either way, def excited for this game! Lemme ask you, lack of "hook" aside, did you like everything you saw (that was allowed to be shown today)??

@Gamer83 well said. Agreed about the reverence of the Zelda franchise. I'm actually really glad their pulling a "twilight princess" with the dual release. I really think that helped the Wii out too, (aside from a completely new control and gaming concept) having Zelda present at launch. That will always bring gamers out of the woodwork, and will help get the NX snowball momentum rolling.

Unlike the Wii U release with a very low demand 2.5-D Mario game at launch. It just didn't cut it for enticing new, on the fence buyers. The Wii U snowball never got "Kickstarted".

Gotta come out swinging and never pump the brakes to get gamers interested today. And it's especially important in today's ecosystem with Sony & Microsoft competing.

@Hotfusion it's not the right time for NX yet. Believe and trust in Nintendo on that one. The market isn't ready for it until next year. It's just an awkward phase where the inevibilty of winding down the Wii U is occurring, and a void is left until that time.

I think they also want a free window (without competing console news) to launch and hype their console. I truly think it wouldn't have gotten the proper limelight if done this week at E3. If done in a typical drought time of the year, and on its own accord, it will be able to stand out, shine, and generate unrivaled hype.

Plus, it just may not simply be ready yet.

@Project_Dolphin great point. Great game mechanics and whether a game is "fun" or not will always trump other features...every time.

That's one thing I'll give Ninty credit for--they understand this. They always plan a game around the mechanics first, implementation second, and any icing on the cake third.

@rjejr I hear ya. But I think I've figured out the "hook". Aunoma hinted at Hyrule being a "living, breathing thing". I think that's the hook. Think about the title too. "Breath of the Wild". It's telling us that Hyrule is speaking to us. Maybe Zelda is "trapped" in the land, or the spirits of a once-prosperous people is trapped in the earth and it is a living breathing world that responds to link and his actions and progress through the game. It has emotions. Maybe in an event where baddies do something bad, I think Hyrule would "mourn" through some kind of in-game action. I also think any "dungeon-esque" items you get, i.e. The important ones, will be given via Hyrule.

Purely speculation of course.

I know that's not a "hook" per-se, but I'm really thinking it's something in the vein of this of some kind where it's a living world.

But wait, on the topic of amiibo...you have to own and have played TPHD too?? Or just own the wolf link amiibo (which I know you obtain via TPHD purchase)?

I did think the other amiibo that were announced were very highl quality though. Really like the new Link one.

EDIT: okay I just saw the amiibo video. Didn't see the cave of ordeals portion. I'm wondering if this is REQUIRED, or if just the amiibo itself will do.

I went absolutely crazy when I saw the reveal trailer. SOO EPIC!

I will say though, my only gripe was for Nintendo to show some NPC/towns/etc. I know they specifically said they didn't want to show any plot-lines, but it could have snuck in quick flashes into the main trailer... just to keep the naysayers happy. Definitely not expecting that stuff in the demo though.

But overall, I absolutely loved the trailer. Hope there is more depth to the game than the demo alluded (I know they wanted to keep it simple and focus on the game world). I'm sure there will be though, it is Zelda after all.

Also, lastly. I'm curious to know what the mechanic is in this game. That's maybe not the right word, but what I mean is there's a 3-day cycle in MM, 7-year cycle in OoT, time travel in Oracle of Ages, etc.

My personal thoughts are that since Link is supposed to "wake up", that he was in stasis, and from a different era. I think there is DEFINITELY A TIME TRAVEL MECHANIC to this game, or something of that sort.

But hey everyone, WE GOT ZELDA TODAY

Wow, the detail on Amiibo gets better every time they release them. These are no exception. Fantastic quality!!

Also pretty cool that wolf link gets a cameo of sorts.

I have a feeling that this is going to be SUCH A DIFFERENT Zelda, but at the same time, pays homage to the previous games, and will make many subtle references.

I wouldn't be surprised if this celebrated every title in the series in some small fashion or another, just because of the scope of the world and the ability to subtly insert these references.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE @Grumblevolcano Okay, didn't know that. Thanks for the clarification.

So now she can delete her account AGAIN if she's wrong

I don't know where all of this Mother 3 hype has been coming from lately. Did I miss a leak or rumor??

I just don't want the fans to get let down when it doesn't happen, as there were never any promises or hints for that matter (that I'm aware of).

I guess the only "hint" is the recent releases over the past 2 years. Starting with Earthbound Beginnings, then Earthbound. I guess it might make sense to localize the 3rd.

But seriously, it seems to be the focal point for Nintendo E3 rumors right now. Just don't get disappointed guys...

@InklingOrange I agree. Seems like almost too much going on at once.

As far as the conferences are concerned, I've always had a mutual respect for Sony, and they gave a solid performance that was focused on games.

Both Nintendo and Sony are healthy for the gaming world. Although opposite sometimes in nature, they both work towards creativity and innovation, and rarely "sell out"

Microsoft on the other hand.... What a joke of a conference. You can tell that they are definitely more "corporatized" than the other console manufacturers. It felt more like an Apple event than a game conference event. Shame. They are definitely more of the "sellout" in the industry as opposed to Nintendo & Sony.

Here's to Nintendo adding a little, much needed "magic" to the week's events today @ 1:00 pm E.T.

At least we have Zelda.... at least we have Zelda...

WOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Only a couple days!!!

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Oh yeah!!

Hype Mode.... ENGAGED!!

@wiggleronacid Yeah, I know what you mean about "expecting" certain games, and not being quite as excited because of that. That's why those other titles like Splatoon, Capt Toad, etc tend to have a bigger impact on me.

And as much of a great game as it is... I remember being SOO ANGRY about the Tropical Freeze reveal!!! (Only because it divulged that another Retro Metroid was now out of the question). But it was definitely a short-term reaction, and I've come to understand the reasons now.

Favorite E3 for me, was the 2001 Planet Gamecube reveal with the "realistic Zelda demo". I was SOOOO HYPED for Gamecube!!! All I could think about was getting my hands on Luigi's Mansion, SSB, & Wave Race!!

Also...the comment section here is awesome.

So cool to hear/FEEL everyone's attachment to the console and their respective stories. Great stories.

@Ignus3 Wow. That is so cool. Seriously, your dad is the freakin' man!!

Neat piece of history there about the pre-release production.

@Whopper744 That's the one!!

But yes, agreed. And unfortunately, I just don't get excited for AAA titles quite like I used to. Maybe it's an age thing.

But.... I'm hoping Zelda U/NX will change that! My internal hype meter is redlining for that title.

@Whopper744 So funny you have similar memories with your dad.

My final star was 100 coins on (????) Can't think of the name right now, but the level with the cruise ship in the sky. By far the hardest level in the game... But Tick Tock Clock is right up there with it

Ahh the memories...

I was 8 years old, and sold my pet ball python snake, "Rex" to have enough money to buy an N64 from Toys 'R Us. I know... I'm a total sellout

It came bundled with Super Mario 64, and it was absolutely MAGICAL at the time. Even my dad (who does NOT play video games) was mezmerized and would watch me play, and try and help me figure out where to go/what to do next.

He did eventually play Goldeneye with me on very few occasions later on. I broke my thumb playing baseball and couldn't play Goldeneye while I was in a cast, so I asked him to play "for me". Hahaa, I remember rooting him on through the missions, and the intense moments of AHHH!!! SHOOT HIM!!! DO THIS!!!! DO THAT!!!! Hahahaaa, what great memories!! Miss those days.

Then came Christmas the following year. I could tell it was Star Fox 64, before I even opened it based on the package size (Rumble Pak packaging). The feeling of experiencing the rumble as the first boss just EXPLODED in my hands was fantastic.

Nintendo really did capture an essence of pure MAGIC in the N64's early years.

Will always feel nostalgic about the console.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE hahaa, my feelings exactly.

@NintendoFan990 hahaa, best comment on here.

Well good on them if this turns out to be accurate!

I for one, had a great time with Darksiders 2!! One of the few games I downloaded to my Wii U. Think I scooped it up for next to nothing in one of the sales a long time ago.

Pretty fun "Zelda-like" adventure with fun action & exploration, and as well good combat and fighting mechanics/combos.

It ran fine, and didn't seem like a lazy port either. If I recall correctly, the only Wii U "exclusive" feature was the Off-TV play, which I used pretty frequently.

@RainbowGazelle What are you talking about?? In my experience the game ran fine, with little to no hiccups.

@AlexSora89 Niceee. I never even thought of Mario Maker on 3DS.

As far as GBA Virtual Console... man oh man, did that ship already sail.

It would almost just piss me off at this point if they announced it this late to the console gen party.

@Mega_Yarn_Poochy If those are example posts, then I'm definitely glad I've stayed away. Prolonged exposure to those kinds of posts will kill brain cells

I think the Mario Kart 8 DLC "teaser" may be on to something. My thoughts: They showed Kalamari Desert.

Kalamari = Callie Marie = Splatoon DLC

@joey302 Damn... I knew there was a difference. Didn't realize it had TWICE as many VC games as Wii U!!

@jimi cough Wave Race cough

Hahaa, I'm just messing. But seriously... give me WAVE RACE!!!

But yeah, something tells me they're gonna get it right this time, and that they have 3rd parties on board. Hell, even if they offered a ridiculous cut on profits to 3rd parties, it would be a good idea. Even something wild like 50% would at least get the game count # up on the system, and would help entice "on-the-fence" buyers into the system.

I for one would be attracted to a system that potentially could house ALL of the games that I've ever owned/have a fondness for.

We shall see...

@jimi Sure Nintendo has done some additional game releases we didn't see on Wii VC....but there are still A BUNCH missing!! (Looking at you N64!)

But agreed about 3rd parties. It's a shame. I'm really hoping the NX is a breeze/pleasure to port to and that it's almost as simple as pushing a button to have hardware classics emulated on it. We NEED this.

Sort of an off-topic question...

Is there any reason the Wii U virtual console is basically abysmal compared to the original Wii?? I mean, are there more technical challenges or licensing issues??

Basically, I just remember there being SOOO many games available on the original Wii VC...and it seems like they're hardly trying on this gen's go-around. (Unless I'm remembering incorrectly)

Two words: friend codes

Wow, that's a lot of IP's bundled together.

It seems that even after Disney Infinity dissolved, these franchises still need a home in the gaming world. Sure Lego is great, but it would totally make sense for Nintendo to be able to "provide" that home, be it a in-game universe or something new and unconventional. Also because younger kids tend to either be attracted to Nintendo products too, or there parents feel it's the more appropriate console for their children.

I hope Nintendo has a plan for NX for these "mashup" titles and is willing to accommodate them in their future plans...because I don't see them going anywhere for at least a couple years.

Hahaaa..... oh no, not this again!

I'm not a huge Ubi fan, but I'll at least give them some credit that they actually did get their feet wet with Wii U unlike some other developers I know.

But yeah, the Wii U version of the first one never really ran that well...even with it's delay and whatnot. Ubi definitely gave up on Nintendo there at the end.