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@Tendogamerxxx I think that's pretty extreme of a statement. It's not like the Mario & Sonic series has ever been "great". Nintendo themselves haven't published a decent Mario Party in years, but I don't see anyone accusing the entire company for poor quality. If anything I'd just be upset with Sega Sports R&D. That's the subsidiary at Sega that makes these subpar Olympic titles.

This was the first Mario & Sonic title I was legitimately excited to pick up since the Winter Olympic Games. It's a shame that it was such a lacking experirnce, and it's downright frustrating that the new characters are restricted to only certain events.

I still think there's potential with Mario and Sonic... maybe at platformers they're too different to integrate together, but maybe an RPG? (More Mario & Luigi, much less Sonic Chronicles.)

I personally was looking forward to Mighty No. 9, but I guess I will have to give it a pass. Regardless of the controversies surrounding it, I would have expected more from Keji Inafune and the company who made Azure Striker Gunvolt.

@Broosh it would seem Nintendo Life agrees with the general consensus that Mighty No. 9 is pretty underwhelming... :/

I found my first experiences with Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario to be oddly comparable. Among other titles, my first Sonic games were Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (through the Wii's Virtual Console) and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. My first Mario games were Super Mario World (on the Game Boy Advance port) and Super Mario 64 DS. I consider myself very lucky to have had these titles among my first video games because they gave me a sense of what these franchises were about and what they were capable of. To this day I'm happily a Mario and Sonic fan, and I recognize Super Mario 64 and the Mega Drive's Sonic the Hedgehog as essential platformers for any gamer. If not, they both at least hold a special place in my heart.

@GreatPlayer to each their own, I guess. I've noticed quite a few prominent reviewers taking shots at Sonic Adventure and its sequel as if it came out today, which is honestly unfair. Personally, I find it just as approachable today as Super Mario 64. As for Sonic Lost World... well... I don't think it's a bad game, but I had some problems with its execution.

@ChuckYeah yah know, I think Sonic does pretty well in 3D. I think Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Generations are clear evidence of it. I don't even think Sonic Lost World's core gameplay was flawed, there were just issues involving level design later in the game.

Sonic only suffers in 3D when it's poorly executed... fishing with Big the Cat. The slipperiness of Sonic Heroes. The return of that nonsense in Shadow the Hedgehog as well as firearms. The pain that was Sonic 06'. That whole game-stopping business with the Werehog.

I believe Sonic Team can learn from past mistakes and can make a really solid 3D experience if they just put the effort into it and don't derail the experience with the awkward gameplay of other characters. Sure, give us more playable characters, but don't make us waste time looking for emerald shards.

Chief Brand Officer Ivo Gerscovich?! That's like Nintendo of America's Vice President of sales being Doug Bowser.

While I do love the Nintendo 64, I came here solely to compliment the Beatles reference. It made me smile. Nice work, @Damo.

@Grumblevolcano maybe, though if I recall Mario usually sells much better than Crash Bandicoot or Rayman as is.

And while Breath of the Wild does take pages from other open-world games like Skyrim, it's still very much The Legend of Zelda. I even get classic NES vibes from what I've seen, like how you're dropped into this world with barely any context.

"The illness of being human."

Oh, no... it's spreading!

@Bolt_Strike in Hong Long, Pikachu has been known by a specific Cantonese pronunciation for a long time. With Pokémon Sun and Moon, that will no longer be the case. Pikachu's name will be localized in Hong Kong the same way it's name has been localized in other Chinese regions. Hong Kong has a complicated history with greater China, with most residences seeking complete independence from the country. Being seen as a mere extension of China by Game Freak and Nintendo has caused alarm for this reason. They're afraid of losing their identity, and are suspicious that Nintendo has somehow been manipulated by the greater Chinese government. It's a deeper issue beyond Pikachu simply being known by a different name.

@Yorumi fair enough, and I certainly understand your concerns. Given the amount of time Sonic Team has potentially been developing this title, I'd like to think I'm cautiously optimistic.

@Yorumi I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. Did you not enjoy Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, or Sonic Generations? I personally thought they were great games.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE I'm not personally attacking you, but you bring up a pretty general consensus that I don't think is entirely fair. I think Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Generations were all wonderful titles and unlike Sonic Heroes, Sonic '06, and Sonic Lost World, they had the development time they needed to truly polish such games. With Sonic Boom having been developed by external companies, I'm inclined to believe that the next true Sonic game has been in development for a long time and will be good as a result.

@sillygostly now, now. I believe Pokémon is as deserving of an inclusion as the next guy, but I feel the franchises that have already been inducted are just as deserving.

Consistency of the quality of new installments is not a factor in determining who gets inducted, for starters. It comes down to that particular game's iconic status, longevity, geographical reach, and influence on the game industry. It doesn't matter if Sonic Heroes and Sonic Lost World are not up to par with other entries for the original Sonic the Hedgehog to be inducted. It met the criteria and deserves inclusion.

The same is true for The Sims, The Oregon Trail, Pong, and all of the other titles inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Now for Pokémon Red & Pokémon Green, I also believes it meets the criteria and this is the second year in a row it's been proposed for inclusion. It could've simply come down to having already decided on including Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda and not wanting to include more than on of their IPs in one year.

I'm not upset. Pokémon Red & Green will definitely be included eventually, most likely in 2017. It's already been proposed twice. What does it matter that these other titles got in first?

@ikki5 I agree that the utilization of amiibo aren't perfect, but I still think there is something wholesome to materialize from the concept. amiibo is still a fairly new thing to come out of Nintendo, who historically tend to be somewhat awkward when they try to utilize a new concept for the first time.

I personally like how Intelligent Systems has been utilizing the amiibo functionality in Fire Emblem Fates. You can encounter Marth, Ike, Lucina, or Robin in your own town and potentially recruit them if you are tough enough. At the same time - and I'm not 100% as I haven't been looking too closely at these details in awhile - you can still purchase Marth, Ike, Robin, and Lucina seperately as DLC. Is it add-on DLC? Sure, which isn't entirely fair, but at least those who cannot obtain the amiibo still have the content available to them.

Personally, instead of producing the likes of Mario Party 10 and Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival, I would've preferred if Nd Cube produced a Fortune Street-like title that utilized most (if not all) of the existing amiibo already, with the title itself being free-to-download. I don't really like it when they feel oblidged to make an amiibo just to sell a game.

For the record, and I cannot speak for everyone or all territories, buying amiibo hasn't been difficult for where I live, so I wouldn't say I "fought the power", and feel like the effort was for nothing. The frustration comes from being a particular fan of one particular character. Here's a hypothetical: I bought the Ganondorf amiibo because he's my favorite Nintendo character, and similar to Disney Infinity and Skylanders, I have the intention of utilizing him in the games I have. Much to my dismay, he does basically nothing. His most engaging interaction outside of Super Smash Bros. is Super Mario Maker as a charming sprite swap, but nothing more. I personally don't really have to many qualms with this. The amiibo figures serve as lovely statues of the characters I've grown up with, and I appreciate having them. But for the people who want to fully interact with what they were sold - a figure of an iconic character that supposedly is to work across many titles, and not just one like Skylanders - they would feel just as cheated as paying over $10 for an alternate skin already programmed on the game disc.

@ikki5 I understand your concerns, and I agree to an extent. I do not think that on-disc DLC is a fair, and I wish higher-up companies would stop doing that. It's a cheap attempt to garner more money out of the consumer. However, at the same time, I feel as though amiibo are unter utilizied. To have a minor perk or cosmetic change in the compatible games is very underwhelming. I want to feel rewarded for owning the figure beyond collector's value. I want to see the character involved with the game through some sort of means by scanning it in. I don't want to see a randomly generated item, or a subtle color change. I don't even want to necessarily see Mii's wear a suit in the figure's likeness. The Ganondorf's functionality in particular is minor, in my opinion. It seems like something they decided to do simply so that all of The Legend of Zelda amiibo would have some sort of functionality with the Twilight Princess HD, and it seemed strange to have Ganondorf do something beneficial for Link.

I think there needs to be some sort of balance between feeling no obligation to purchase the figure, but feeling rewarded for if you already do.

@ikki5 Hero Mode is available from the start and is not locked behind the Ganondorf amiibo.
The amiibo's functionality is unrelated to the mode.
I'm actually curious if you can make Hero Mode even harder through use of the Ganondorf amiibo.
And I think it's pessimistic how you perceive it's functionality. I personally want to feel benefited by having investing in a figure, and want to see it used creatively outside of Smash Bros. It's not required to play the game, nor adds anything ground-braking. It is simply a neat perk, one true to Ganondorf's character, which I appreciate.

@amiiboacid Twilight Princess HD already was leaked to have a harder Hero Mode, and one accessible at the start at that.
Ganondorf is not Hero Mode. It simply makes the enemies deal more damage.

I have a few contrary thoughts:
1.) I think Pikmin 4 will be a Wii U title. If the team has been working on it since Pikmin 3, they would've needed the necessary dev-kits for the NX to have made it for the console, which didn't exist at the time. It may seem like a poor move on Nintendo's part, but keep in mind Pikmin 2 was also released on a poorly selling console. With both Star Fox Zero and The Legend of Zelda originally being planned for last year, I think Pikmin 4 was going to be the console's last major title from Nintendo.

2.) @LiamR (Liam Robertson) has reason to believe that Retro Studios is working on an original IP, so not Metroid or Donkey Kong. The IP was supposedly green lit by Nintendo during Tropical Freeze's development, I think. While this isn't a 100% confirmation, I trust that Robertson's sources are legitimate. Again, I think this will be a Wii U title due to the company's familiarity with the console's engine, and they they would have started development before the NX was available to them.

3.) Not many realize this, but Federation Force did not start off as a game concept with "Metroid Prime" slapped on the title. It was always to be a Metroid Prime title, and even originally featured Samus, but the game's producer specifically envisioned making the game a co-operative team experience and it would have been "odd to have four Samuses on the screen". I'm actually looking forward to the title, and I think it will be fun. More than that, I think it will ultimately deserve to have the name "Metroid" in its title, as I hear compelling things about the game's plot. But I know that I'm not in the majority...

amiibo just aren't going to please everyone. From who I know, people will feel that the amiibo are under utilized and give no real incentive to own (other than as a neat figure) or they are bitterly acknowledged as add on content, like the developers kept material out of the game to sell the amiibo.

Personally, I want to have a reason to scan in an amiibo beyond minor in-game benefits. I want to feel rewarded and surprised to own an amiibo that works with my games, rather than feel obliged to own them (like AC: amiibo Festival). I don't mind Wolf Link's functionality, and I'm really curious about how this will play in Zelda Wii U. I also think it's fair that they will initially launch the amiibo with Twilight Princess HD, so people don't feel they have to spend that additional $13 for it. But that's just my two cents on it - cheers!

@HyperTurtle Lemmy was indeed named after Lemmy Kilmister, who passed away a few days ago. This interview arose specifically in correlation with his passing.

@Mister_Wu are you sure it's the same guy? It could just be someone who has a username named after him.

@KTT This game... where has it been all my life?

I like how they expanded the roster significantly for both series, even if it's within an admittedly lack-luster olympics experience. Although I did enjoy the hell out of M&S at the Winter Olympics on DS. I just might pick it up! 👍🏻

I dream of a new, compelling dinosaur-themed video game that doesn't involve Yoshi.

Will I never be satisfied?

@Yorumi Well, not many resources seem to have been put into the Virtual Console anyways, and it benefits from having been developed by Nintendo's internal Japanese divisions, rather an a more "minor" US division. You can't punish the people of the core company, because you then don't have the company. As for Wii U, it didn't exist at the time so that's not really a fair comparision. I honesly feel the Wii U is doing much better than people realize. Is it a success? Hell no. But it hasn't done so much worse than the GameCube performed.

@JesWood13 I deeply sympathize for NST, but Project H.A.M.M.E.R. was no small oversight in developement. It cost Nintendo millions of dollars. For what it's worth, NST chose to work on the Mario vs. Donkey Kong franchise, so it's not like they are completely helpless in the company. But as it were, the core staff of NST should not be at fault for the misguidance of the division's manager at the time of H.A.M.M.E.R.'s developement. The staff members are actually quite talented. I would rather see Nintendo's fans come to NST's defense, as the higher executives are likely to at least awknowledge the complaint. It could lead to something more.

@VanillaLake You can't kill what's already dead.

@bro2dragons Arino is one of the most recognizable celebrities within Japan. In the Japanese edition of Nintendo's 2014 E3 Digital Event, and Mii Fighters were first unveiled, they used a Mii in Arino's likeness rather than Ice-T.

I'm fairly positive the news will have nothing to do with Smash Bros.

@Tsuchinoko Jigglypuff already cameos as a background character in Pokkén, and while I wouldn't be surprised if a character was both playable and shown off in the background, they haven't done so thus far.

I'm honestly apathetic towards chosing gender in The Legend of Zelda, but I'd certainly understand the inclusion. Link is merely the connection between the player and Hyrule, and if the connection is easier to associate with if you could change your gender, skin tone, etc. then I'm all for it.

The only challenge with it is more personal for me; Link has always been Link in my eyes, as a defined character in his own right. Now I admit that because Link is intentionally suppose to easily be associated with, he is somewhat of a blank slate. But this is also true of Mario, who has always been male. I don't really think it helps diversify your franchise to simply "rebrand" your already established characters as different races or genders, and while this is less of an issue with Link it's something I've noticed get done more and more, particularly in comic books.

Do you know what I'd rather see? I'd want to see a Legend of Zelda title with two alternative campaigns that play differently. One path has you play as Link, the Hero of Courage. Another has you play as Zelda, who although is born with the Triforce of Wisdom she is not of the royal family this time around. I think there's a lot of potential with the already established women of The Legend of Zelda in such ways.

@Action51 I totally agree with you. I think this Nintendo Direct - as a Direct - was quite good, which is great because my anticipations of it were rather low, if not conservative.

So many things caught my interest. I liked what I saw of Twilight Princess HD, having a more solid release date for Zelda Wii U, seeing the subtle improvements to Star Fox Zero, Pokémon Red & Blue on the Virtual Console, more details on Fire Emblem Fates, details on Mega Man Legacy Collection, Shadow Mewtwo in Pokkén, localization of Dragon Quest VII / VIII, Final Fantasy Explorers, Xenoblade Chronicles X, the coming waves of amiibo (Lucas!), and Cloud Strife in Smash Bros. with the promise of a December broadcast. All good stuff.

Although I do agree that I feel like they're putting too many of their eggs in a basket with that Fire Emblem Fates collector's edition, which I know I'm going to buy because I'm an idiot... Having two versions of the game like Pokémon kind of annoys me in general, but in seeing how absolutely amazing Fates is I'm willing to look past that.

@GoldenGamer88 I understand your desire. I even feel like there is too great a focus on Pixar properties. But I will say that Marvel was always going to be part of Disney Infinity, even before Disney Infinity 1.0. As revealed in concept art, the first wave of figures was going to be Jack Sparrrow, Sulley, Mr. Incredible, Captain America, Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), and Simba. Ultimately only the first three were part of the launch wave, but Captain America was certainly there.
I feel like Aurora was replaced in favor of Rapunzel because Tangled was more relevant at the time. Simba unfortunately had complications being programmed because he used all four of his limbs. If they fix that issue, I can see a greater focus on individual Disney-made properties. I can not only see Simba get a figure, but also Dumbo, Bambi, Bolt, etc.
Personal I want to see more from the Disney Reinassance. Where's Ariel, Belle, and Beast?

@GreninJovan yeah, sorry. I misspoke. :/ To be honest The Legend of Zelda and Metroid have been on my mind lately, and 2016 is their 30th anniversaries. I forgot that Sonic's is 25.

@GoldenGamer88 with what I said above (^) we'll be getting Peter Pan. Is that classic enough for you?

@dadajo it was revealed at D23 that the winner was Peter Pan. A figure of his likeness will be released early next year along with power discs based on Neverland.

What people don't realize is that Sega is secretly extremely wealthy because they own and manufactor most of the arcade cabinets in Japan.
They have also made announcements earlier this pertaining to the branding of their IPs and reinforcing Sonic in particular. An orchestrated concert of Sega's musical scores toured Japan earlier this year. Sonic Boom proved to be a successful cartoon series in the west. A new Sonic title has been in development for Sonic's 30th anniversary next year. Sega is already in possession of NX development kits. Even then, a Sonic the Hedgehog MOVIE is in development by Sony Pictures. I do believe that the future for Sonic - and Sega - is promising.

@VanillaLake Outside of Nintendo Life, most people don't seem to like it. I particularly have a friend who can't help but express his distain for it.

@PrincePeach92 To be fair, it seems Camelot really did try with developing Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash. I feel part of the pressure was because Star Fox Zero was delayed, even though Ultra Smash needed one as well. In contrast I feel Mario Party 10 was made to sell Super Mario amiibo, similar to Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival was concieved to sell Animal Crossing amiibo (although, to be honest, I feel the latter is even far more inspired than MP10).

@VanillaLake New Super Mario Bros. 2 is an underrated title. It is my least favorite of the Mario platformers, but I don't think it was too ridiculous and I had decent fun with it; far more than I ever had with Yoshi's New Island at least. It did what it had to be; be a 2D Mario platformer for the Nintendo 3DS. Nothing more, nothing less.

I really want to like this game! I adored Mario Tennis Open, and hearing that the game has mechanical improvements other it sounds great, but it's just so severely lacking in content. I want creative courts based on the Mushroom Kingdom! I want mini-games! I sincerely hope this game will benefit over time from updates ala Splatoon, but if no one takes initial interest in it.... them I don't think Ultra Smash will become the great Mario Tennis it's trying to be.

My interest in the title comes from my understanding that Atlus is a superb video game developer, and I trust their decisions. However, as a big Fire Emblem fan... I do feel somewhat left down. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it.

@Souldin Star Fox may not be a big franchise, but I genuinely feel that it can appeal a greater audience than Xenoblade Chronicles or Fatal Frame. While those franchises are well respected, including by me personally, I feel they have more of a niche appeal than the Star Fox games.

Also, Waluigi confirmed before Wario? Looks like he's moving up in life.

It's cool to see some returning characters, especially Boo, but this title is seriously missing in substinance. I hope the game's only new feature is not the Mega Mushroom. It seems really gimmicky and forced to me, but I do believe the idea has potential. I would be all for more power-ups and such though. That can really change up the court: for example, the Ice Flower causes the ball to release a trail of snow that creates ice on the court once fallen, making it slippery for your opponents.

I think what would be best for Kojima is for him to become and independent freelance developer. It would give him some freedom with what he wanted to do but still work with big-name companies like Nintendo or Capcom. Masahiro Sakurai took the same route when he left HAL, and that has worked well for him. I certainly hope Kojima goes on to develope more games, especially if it's a new concept. To be honest I think there is too many of those Kickstarter "spiritual successor" games like Uka-Laylee and Mighty No. 9. I think it'd be underwhelming to see someone as talented as Kojima go on to just make a successor to Metal Gear Solid.

@edgedino probably Canada. I have a friend who lives there that complains about Splatoon's $70 price tag.