JaxxDuffer

Nintendo had a pretty lame E3...overall...but by far, far, the best game on offer. That's not to say there weren't great games elsewhere. I'm hyped for Last Guardian and Horizon Zero Dawn, which were equally shown last year but Zelda BLEW me away. It's everything I ever wanted in a Zelda game... or any video game. Period.

Zelda is arguably one of the greatest franchises in gaming, which has lasted for the last 30 years, and this latest entry has the potential for true greatness.

On a side note - having watched all conferences, Nintendo must've had a feeling that their lame effort could benefit them. Apart from Sony, and perhaps a little from Microsoft, every other publisher was total rubbish. As much as I despise ea, even they cannot come close to the awfulness of Ubisoft. That presenter, Aisha? is the most dreadful person in gaming...ever.

THIS is the Zelda I've been waiting for. Open, beautiful world to explore, no hand holding, that hopeful retains the magnificent puzzle solving gameplay of past games. Simply can not wait.

If it does release as expected next year then March & April are going to be very busy alongside Horizon Zero Dawn. Good times.

They were well done and hit the right tone but I didn't like the mum's voice, I could barely understand her and was quite irritating. Perhaps if I was an American I could.

My issue is...what sort of message does this send out with the NX nine months away! Why finally go on the offensive with new branding and slogans and to push old hardware, which Nintendo will suddenly drop in favour of it's shiny new system early next year? The sort of demographic group these adverts are aimed at are easily confused with such things so I really don't see the point of these adverts at this time.

Nintendo has always been about creating games for everyone to enjoy. That's why Mario is so popular, anyone from three to ninety three can play Mario. So if a three year old can play Mario why would they want to play with rubbish like Teddy Together! There are so many lame rubbish titles like this on Nintendo platforms, that really should belong on mobile but I digress.

Nintendo is right to target a large audience range but I completely disagree with this article, titles like this are a step too far. Games like Splatoon, Mario, Zelda, Kirby, that appeal to all age ranges are the way forward.

If the discounts were for Indie or VC titles then it could be interesting, but discounts for retail games that are still more expensive than your local independent game store is just pathetic.

I like all types of parties as long as they are fun and enjoyable. So whichever one is Marie's is the one for me.

I completely 100% agree with Alex here, Splatoon is a 10/10 game. I also don't play or love it as much as I used to, too many other games to play, but it's still chuffing brilliant.

So how WILL Nintendo celebrate Zelda's 30th? If it's just a remaster and a playable demo then that sucks big time. Perhaps there will be another 3DS title coming later this year waiting to be announced at E3; Tri Force Heros 2 anyone!

@Yorumi - There is a difference between disagreeing with something and voicing one's opinions and the "oh my gosh the world is about to end because Nintendo isn't doing what "I" want" type of comments. And sometimes things can go too far.

I wasn't referring to you or anyone in particular on this thread or even this site. Perhaps Syrek24 did go a little too far but the main point is valid. Whatever side of the argument you sit on sometimes things can get toxic. And no, it's not alright to make insults, you are right on that.

BTW - I actually agree with "this is a low graphic, poor frame rate rehash of starfox 64". This much is true but I disagree with the control scheme argument.

@Syrek24 - the funny thing is, if you go to NLs sister site, PushSquare, it's no where near as toxic. Sure you get the disagreements but they don't seem half as bad.

So it makes me wonder is this toxic nature a Nintendo only thing! I have noticed over the years there are a number of fans that unless Nintendo do exactly what they want they cry foul, declaring Nintendo blar blar this, blar blar that. One can only imagine what's going to happen when NX is revealed.

Why on earth didn't they remake Star Fox 2!! A game already developed that no one has played but wanted.

"on-par with the excellent N64 entry from which it draws so much inspiration - and that should be music to the ears of seasoned Lylat veterans."

Err.....not really. What we want(ed) is a brand new "on rails" Star Fox shooter game with no awkward walking sections, and not a glorified remake that is obviously been done in a rush to justify the gamepad.

That being said, Star Fox seems perfectly suited to the Gamepad, though Pilotwings would've been better. And if they built a new game from the ground up it could've been spectacular.

I will know doubt enjoy it when I get home tonight, but I feel the NX now can't come soon enough with Nintendo's streamlined teams delivering games "so reported" in a quicker timeframe.

Got an email from the Nintendo UK store saying my first edition copy is on its way. Wonder if I'll be playing it before the first review.

Very much looking forward to it.

The battery life is pathetic, the range before it loses connection is ridiculously short (would so love to play VC games in bed) and the screen resolution is rubbish. But...somehow I enjoy using it and I think it's great concept. It's odd that it feels comfortable in my hands yet I found the Xbox controllers always too big, clunky and uncomfortable and it's great to be able to play old SNES games while my wife watches her terrible programs. When it's been properly utilised with games like SMM, XCX and Star Fox it's really enhanced the gameplay and feels totally natural. And I love the motion controls in Splatoon.

And why wasn't Splatoon on the list?

Although I applaud Ninty for evolving and trying to implement new ideas and concepts, sometimes I wish they could just find their segment of the gaming landscape, then stick with it, expand it and be successful. Constantly changing can confuse their target audience. Sony on the other hand has found a winning formula, (which they kind've stole from Nintendo) exploited it and are amazingly successful, even without being that innovative.

If Nintendo can only find that happy medium, then we would all be rather happy.

Much like many games from the SNES era, the N64 sequels/remakes were better in every single measurable way (though this will be highly debatable). But that shouldn't prevent anyone enjoying this fantastic little game. It may not have the 'white knuckle' ride of fzero, the multiplayer chaos of Mario Kart, platforming perfection of SMW or scale of adventure that Zelda ALTTP brought. It is fun, relaxing, immensely enjoyable and also challenging later on for those that wish to stick with it.

As was mentioned earlier, it may not be for everyone, but that shouldn't mean it's devalued like an earlier stupid, utterly ridiculous comment.

I really, really dislike SpongBob. But I missed the last two Splatfests so I may have to put my prejudices aside, but since I find the main character detestable I may have to side with the pink blob thing.

Why can't we have a Europe Vs NA Splatfest? That would shake things up a bit.

Splatoon and especially SMM make absolute sense to bring to the NX, and I hope the rumour to be true.

Re-mastering Smash Smash doesn't make sense. Along with Mario Kart, Smash is a once per generation game and they are released fairly soon in the consoles life span. Unless they are intending not to bring Smash 5 to NX I can't see the benefit in this.

The biggest issue I have with this game is that they're forcing a co-op multi-player experience into a single player game, which they tried with Tri-Force Heros and that wasn't exactly a resounding success. And then criminally forgot about the single player mode.

Spin-offs, different control methods is all fine and dandy. But games like Zelda & Metroid are single player experiences and should be kept as such. It's like Nintendo are trying to get in on the multi-player bandwagon using their stronger IPs and it's simple not working. They should look at what they did with Splatoon and realise they can create new IPs and be successful.

Retail only for me so I've got the first print edition on order, as I really don't want SF Guard on digital. Not too worried about reviews because it's basically a glorified remake of SF64 and that game turned out well.

"Nintendo wants us to download more and move on from discs will it work?"

In a word, no. As the recent poll has suggested, the split of physical vs digital is learns slightly towards the physical. So if you go full on digital or learn heavily in that direction they'll just alienate more than half of their fans, which they cannot afford to do. Nintendo need to do more to win new fans, reclaim old ones and keep the ones they've got.

Consumers like options and everyone is different, and Nintendo needs to appeal to as many people as possible.

Finally - some news about Zelda Wii U, even if it is very minor. I suspect we may get a few little bits like this over the next few months and then boom...massive E3 reveal and Nintendo steals the show.

Whether or not these games could have run on the old 3DS models is something we will probably never know. But I don't see a problem that they can only run on the newer models. 3DS sales are declining and Nintendo are a business.

However, if they are going to have this approach then they should at least make the cost of the SNES VC games the same as the Wii U. There is no justification and is a bit of a slap from Nintendo.

Splatoon is Nintendo at their very best and deserves all the accolades and awards. Fun, addictive, competitive gameplay that's playable by anyone. Hopefully Nintendo will give us S2 on the NX and more new exciting IPs.

Personally I only play the Splatfests now because it's so addictive nothing else was getting a look-in, and XCX was banging at my door.

Nintendo got it so right with Splatoon, and a sequel is got to be enevitable. Personally it's my favourite game this generation and that includes PS4 titles.

It would be good to have a solid improved single player mode, and a workable local/coop mode, but it's not essential.

I would gladly pay tribute for this iconic title if it was available on the Wii U eShop. Japan has it so there's no reason why us Europeans and the American's can't have it, right...?

@Peach64 - well said.

As a UK gamer myself it pains me to see how badly Nintendo is doing here, but there are a lot of considerations to take into account. Not least of which is that the biggest footballing nation in the world can't play the biggest football game on the world on Nintendo systems. As much as despise EA and it's games.

What's also irritating is the amount of anti UK comments you get on NL, and yet this is a British site. The irony. Plus the fact that the American and UK gaming trends are very similar. The biggest games in the UK, COD, FIFA & GTA5...guess which games were America's top 10 of 2015???? Yep two CODs, FIFA plus two other EA sports titles and GTA5.

It would've been FE Fates, but since I'm in Europe my vote went for Bravely Second.

I just can't get excited about TW HD; it's my least favourite 3D Zelda title, even with Skyward Sword and it's faults. It's still a great game and it will be interesting to play it with standard controllers, hopefully.

One a year from Ninty is ok, on each system. Any more and it's too much and exaggerates the issue that they're not producing enough games. Plus I want to be experiencing new ideas like Splatoon, which has been massively successful - so Nintendo can do it.

That being said, given a choice for a HD remake I would favour F-Zero GX (which would look stunning), sunshine or Paper Mario TTYD.

Fire Emblem all the way for me, but also HW, Bravely Second and the "forgotten to be included" Dragon Quest titles.

I'm also interested in Metroid FF, but if they try to shoe-horn a MP element into a single player only game then I can see it failing hard, much like Tri-Force heroes.

The 3DS has a good year ahead.

2015 saw Nintendo at their very best, and their very worst.

Splatoon is not only my GOTY but game of the generation, it may be the best game I've played for ten years. There was also SMM, XCX, Yoshi & even Project Zero.

However, the 3DS was treated badly, only a Zelda remake, a new version of the 3DS and a new IP, which although is very good didn't impress sales wise. And then there was the diabolical AC Amiibo nonsense and half a game in Mario Tennis, while delaying SFZero and Zelda.

Ultimately the positives out way the negatives but boy, those negatives were bad.

Fusion is a great game. I personally didn't mind the change of direction to be more linear with a stronger story; it stands apart from Super Metroid and is a title in it's own right. If it didn't, then there could've been criticism for being too similar too Super Metroid. But is it better than Super Metroid? Absolutely no chance.

I was hoping this would be ready for Christmas. Oh well, something to look forward to in the bleak winter months.

@Xenocity
So you're saying that XCX isn't a "hardcore" game because an organisation, that is based solely on the American market thus ignoring the different sales & trends in Europe, Japan and the rest of the world, doesn't consider Nintendo consoles part of the "hardcore gamers" group? That is an incredible statement to make.

So what happens if XCX was suddenly available on the PS4, would it then become "hardcore"?

Oh, some of your quotes make no sense. You say NPD doesn't include Nintendo part of the "hardcore" gaming group, but yet you say some "hardcore" gamers exist on mobile devices, albeit a minority, but yet mobile isn't on the "hardcore" list. How can a mobile be considered to have hardcore gamers but not Nintendo consoles"?

Yes yes yes- Super Mario RPG finally hits the VC. A very pleasing early Christmas present from Nintendo.

Easiest decision I've ever made...SPLATOOOOON.

@Mogster - completely agree. I did read the same information that @MitchVogel said but that's such a backward way of thinking. Basically, what I believe they are saying is that they don't believe the cost of advertising will be balanced out with sales. The thing is, the XC series is here to stay and the more you build up the fanbase in the beginning the more fans you will get in further iterations and the more successful it will become.

Fallout 4 is an RPG much like XCX and it's advertised all over the place here in the UK and has been selling like hotcakes. Yes it's a western RPG and different to a JRPG, but FF also does well in the west.

Nintendo's logic baffles most of the gaming industry.

I've never been interested in Minecraft and I never will. My gaming time is limited and I'd rather spend it battling Bowser, rescuing Zelda, exploring Mira or Fallout's wasteland or stepping into the shoes of Snake.

Personally, I've never understood the fascination with this sort of game but I am glad it is now available on the Wii U and am happy for those interested in it. The cynical part of me just thinks this is to build some bridges for the post Wii era with the NX. This may be a great move by Microsoft, and one which other publishers may regret not making.

Well done Splatoon - an amazing game that deserves everything it gets.

And for Nintendo to enter the bulging and saturated shooter genre and come up with something fresh and original and win awards, is outstanding. Also balances out their poor releases and mistakes this year.

@FX102A - I'm the same. Loved F-Zero but Wipeout didn't quite grab me.

Will still pick this up some time in December though; £10.99 is the deal of the year.

The Wii U black Friday deals were woeful, as was last years. Digital discounts were still not as cheap as some retail resellers, and recent releases are average games. The fact that the UK is a strong gaming market just baffles me why Nintendo don't TRY to sell more consoles!!

I got a PS4 as a secondary console, to go along with my Wii U, from shopto via ebay, and they were selling hundreds every hour. Although they've screwed up my order, but that's another matter.

@rjejr - I'm the same. I gave myself a goal of reaching the A ranks, which I've done and it's now just the Splatfests and ranked battles once a fortnight. Too much stress is not good.

Still GOTY for me though.

@roboshort - that's a very valid point. EA games have a low attach rate on Nintendo consoles so they need more owners than the competition to justify their efforts.

I'm curious to know the minimum they would need to sell to make the development justified.

Since EA games have a low attach rate on Nintendo consoles, ultimately it's no big deal for most of us; I feel for the ones who do like their games. If the NX proves to be a hit then publishers like EA who dropped the Wii U may find it difficult to win support back, especially when their games are mostly mediocre.

Not only is Splatoon my GOTY but the No.1 game for the Wii U. Not only does it have the usual Nintendo quality and charm, it's so much fun and original as well.

I love my Wii U; it's a brilliant console with brilliant games, my favourite being Splatoon. Even though the Gamepad has poor battery life, poor signal strength and should have better screen resolution I still think it's great, and only just showing it's true potential with the likes of SMM, Project Zero & Splatoon.

The thing is, the last three years the Wii U has been constantly bashed, beaten and bruised from so many corners of the gaming world. It's such a shame that the machine cannot be appreciated for what it is, and not what it isn't.

A small part of me just wants the NX to be released as quickly as possible to stop the ridicule and send the Wii U to console heaven and to be fondly remembered in years to come. Here's hoping that the Wii U's failures will be a massive learning curve for Nintendo so they don't repeat the Wii U's mistakes.

@rjejr - there are some interesting points, but it's a little unfair to compare/judge Yoshi against Halo, a full on Mario platformer on the other hand would be a lot fairer.

I'd be interested to see how Halo 5 performs against SMM after a few months when the dust has settled a bit.

Although disappointing, the delay is not too much of an issue with Xenoblade to keep us busy.

It does look so much better. I just hope there's enough new content to make it feel not a rehash of SF64 and they include some proper multi player missions and dogfights. SFZero still has a chance of being great.

@Chaotic_Eevee - Isn't it being released on the XBone as well? So what's wrong with Nintendo fans hoping for a Wii U version.

Finally - but let's hope they reveal some good stuff and hopefully a few surprises. I reckon FE Fates will get some love and I'm hoping for some new maps & modes for Splatoon.

Please lay off Xenoblade though! There's been so much already.

MGSV is one of the reasons I'm considering getting a PS4, which will take second place next to my Wii U, but if Konami can port it to the NX then that would be fab...and bye bye PS4.

If you scroll down to the bottom of the SFZero website it says "Broadband internet access required for online features".

This could be fantastic news if this means we get to have online dogfights and other online MP modes.