Gaming Forums => Nintendo Gaming => Topic started by: Khushrenada on June 10, 2014, 01:48:43 PM
Title: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on June 10, 2014, 01:48:43 PM
Well, first off, I loved the humour in this year's E3 presentation. This year, they fully took advantage of the idea behind having a filmed digital event by putting in interviews and entertainment and really putting their own stamp on the message. With the way it began with the Robot Chicken E3 and then the Reggie/Iwata battle, it seemed Nintendo had gone full on crazy and was ready to become an instant meme generator. Just the way they seemed to be responding to complaints like the man in the crowd complaining that they were going to show another Mario game was awesome. It seemed like Nintendo knew what people were saying about them and were getting ready to fire back.
I laughed when the NFC, I mean, amiiba, was shown being used in Smash. Everyone's fears had come true. All in all, nothing really mindblowing came off it. There do seem to be a lot of different game modes shown in the 3DS clip and it is looking like a pretty deep experience.
I was wondering if the Toad Treasure Hunter was going to be an E-Shop release but maybe it designed to be in the same vein Luigi U.
Yarn Yoshi was definitely a highlight although it looks to be very close to a Yoshi Island game just in yarn. I could see flowers being discovered and wonder if it will follow the same path of collecting stars, red coins and flowers to 100% levels. The levels look pretty traditional of Yoshi design. Hopefully, there is still a lot more imaginitive stuff like in Kirby's Epic Yarn. I enjoyed just watching the videos play of it, it looks so nice.
Kirby! This was also a surprise. I made a comment in chat how it's funny that Canvas Curse was one of the first big DS games that was considered a must own for the system and really helped show the creative new ways games could be designed with it. And now they are using it to try and sell the Wii U. Still, I like the claymation look they've taken it and I look forward to playing it. It's not the 3D Kirby game I'd like to see most right now for the series but I look forward to seeing what comes from revisting the Canvas Curse world and what Rainbow Curse can do.
Pokemon was Pokemon. Nothing to report there.
Zelda is clearly still in a lot of development considering how little they showed. The look of it was pretty nice up until Link's reveal. Then is just seemed a bit too, I don't know, bright, flared, toonish? But it's early so I'm not going to get up in arms with it. Hyrule Warriors didn't show anything to really impress me more about the game after the recent news about it a month ago got my interest level in it piqued a bit. It was nice to see Zelda and Midna revealed as playable characters. Hopefully there are more reveals to come.
Nothing really new on the Bayonetta front although I did like the fact that the first game was also getting bundled with the sequel. For once, a Wii U game is getting the complete package unlike say releasing Mass Effect 3 only when no other Mass Effect games have appeared on a Nintendo system and the releasing the complete trilogy on other systems. The addition of Nintendo costumes is the same old ploy of hoping Nintendo fans will jump into purchasing the game. Does that work?
Xenoblade actually failed to impress me for once. I know, sacrilege. But at first, the blue computer screen made me think of Metroid Prime. Then I realized it was X but it was just about cutscense and random character dialogue that gave me no further idea as to what the game will be like or what the story is all about. I'd have prefered more ingame action. Plus, it didn't seem as visually impressive to me as other games being shown or by the impression it gave last year when it debuted.
Mario Maker I sort of missed out since I wasn't interested in it and used that time to type some chat responses.
Splatoon was interesting. At first, it seemed as if Nintendo might actually be doing a Mario Paintball game after all but then it was revealed to be a new IP. It's interesting and it's taking me some time to wrap my head around it. It definitely seems like I something I need to try to fully understand it but I applaud the originality.
All in all, I enjoyed how Nintendo handled the digital event this year and the evergrowing focus of showing the developers behind the games. I do think they still held back. For instance, with the last Robot Chicken sketch, the one guy in the crowd asks about Star Fox and they kill him but then they never do show Star Fox even though the game is in development. Kind of odd. Oh well, I think Nintendo wants to keep making announcements throughout E3 to keep them at the forefront of the E3 news cycle.
What did you think?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: broodwars on June 10, 2014, 02:28:11 PM
That was an unexpectedly great conference, especially after last year's. Smash continues to look good, even if I'm not fond of the Amiibo stuff. Palutena is a much-needed new female addition to the roster. I'm not sure yet if I care for Yoshi's Wooly Woods (I've never been able to get into the Yoshi's Island games), butbit looks good. Likewise, Kirby's Rainbow and Toad's Treasure Hunt don't do anything for me (the Toad stages in 3D World were by far my least favorite parts of that game), but they could be interesting expansions on previous experimental ideas.
Zelda looks fantastic and Nintendo's saying the right things, but that game's REALLY early. It has 2016 stamped all over it. As for Xenoblade Chronicles X, well...I told you so. :p I told you guys that it wouldn't be out this year in NA, and it wont be. Still, I'm very hyped for that game. It's more Xenoblade, but with more giant robots and space opera. That's so totally my thing. Pity the character models are pretty lackluster, with low poly models and washed out textures that really don't hold up to close scrutiny. At least the 2015 release date will give me a chance to go back and finish the original game.
Bayonetta 2 coming with a Wii RemUstered version of Bayonetta 1 is a great deal. I might actually play that game now. Been meaning to get into the 1st Bayonetta for a while now.
Splatoon looks like a lot of fun, and I like how they've approached the MP shooter issue of long treks to get to the action. I don't know why they even bothered showimg Star Fox if a blurry off-monitor teaser was all they were going to show, but it's good to know we're finally getting a new one. I really hope it has traditional controls, though.
Overall, by far the best conference of the show. It was well-paced, funny, and showed a lot of games (though very few 2014 ones). Nintendo needed to bring the Thunder, and they did. I could have used a lot more New IP and Nintendo still hasn't shown the Wii U as a great "primary" console, but they showed it's a great complimentary console to the PS4. Well done.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on June 10, 2014, 02:37:22 PM
and showed a lot of games (though very few 2014 ones).
Yeah, that is the most disappointing thing and still the biggest blackmark against Nintendo's handling of the Wii U. We are halfway through year 2 and they still do not have a lot of games ready for market. With the other systems all suffering from game delays, the market was theirs to storm and grab with many multiple game releases but a lot of their interesting stuff is also coming out in 2015 (or later).
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Adrock on June 10, 2014, 03:03:00 PM
I have to watch the entire direct. I've only seen pieces of it since I'm still at work.
As a Wii U owner, I'm pretty content with what was shown. Looms like Super Smash Bros. is being targeted for this year. The 3DS version is really going to hurt it as an October release (I was expecting August). Old habits die hard I guess. Still, the Wii U version is the one I care far more about. I wonder if I'll even bother with the 3DS version once the Wii U version comes out. The wait for the Wii U version becomes that much easier if it's only two months.
Zelda looks amazing. I still don't like early teasers though revealing that it's an open world game is a big enough deal to sort of justify it.
Bayonetta included in Bayonetta 2 is a big deal to me. That significantly increases its value to me as I only played the rough PS3 port. I'm looking forward to this game though I need to revisit and complete The Wonderful 101.
Hyrule Warriors looks surprisingly fun though I may be biased due to playable Midna. Giant Great Fairy bewbs in Link's face is excessive.
Amiibo is an odd name. I'm more interested in what the name means than anything. Otherwise, it is thus far everything I hoped it would be: something that compliments games, but I don't have to bother with.
More impressions once I watch the rest.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: broodwars on June 10, 2014, 03:11:07 PM
Anyone else surprised that the version of Midna in Hyrule Warriors, a game Team Ninja's helping with, is NOT the one with giant breasts? O_o. Could say the same of Impa, too.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: MagicCow64 on June 10, 2014, 03:11:17 PM
Quite good conference video. Lots of .gif grist.
I was expecting another Smash character reveal, and am a little surprised about how the Miis have ended up. Are they going to have three slots? That would be lame. Also, is Dark Pit a joke from the 3DS game or something? There's no reason to assume he's anything other than a costume, right?
The figurine dealie with Smash is actually somewhat interesting. It's like having little Smash Bros. pets!
Zelda looked incredible from the glimpse, and I believe it will be even more impressive on release. Psyched up for that.
Splatoon is a bizarre left field reveal, which I doubt I'll ever play, but nonetheless looks like an interesting foray into the competitive online shooter space, for people into that.
The double Bayonetta pack and new trailer has pretty much sold me on the game.
Wooly Yoshi looks great aesthetically, but yeah, that there is a Yoshi's Island game, so probably a pass.
New Kirby looks pretty good, I've been waiting for Nintendo to pull the stop-motion card for years.
Captain Toad's game looks sick, will definitely be picking that up.
If they can trickle out a few more announcements over the next couple of days Nintendo will be looking pretty damn good. I'm assuming we'll at least get another Smash newcomer and some veteran confirmations.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 10, 2014, 03:26:41 PM
So from an unbiased perspective, who won the E3 presentation war?
MS, Sony or Nintendo?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Adrock on June 10, 2014, 03:35:44 PM
In terms of presentation, Nintendo. I think the Nintendo Directs are more effective than the big press conferences.
In terms of content, I can't rightly say Nintendo even though personally, I was content with what was shown. Despite scoring an exclusive in Devil's Third, Wii U third party support is so bad it went past good and back to bad again. Even though it's not my kind of game, Sunset Overdrive really wowed me so good for Microsoft for getting exclusivity. Still, Sony was more balanced so I'd probably give it to them.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: broodwars on June 10, 2014, 04:28:31 PM
So from an unbiased perspective, who won the E3 presentation war?
MS, Sony or Nintendo?
I felt like Nintendo won the "war" as a "press conference" in terms of pacing, humor, and variety of games. However, in terms of software I have to hand it to Sony on this one. They had 1st party games; they had 3rd party games; and they had Indie games, all of which looked pretty good. The irritating thing is that if Nintendo had actually bundled up all the stuff they showed off after the Direct and put it into the Direct itself, they could have a strong argument for winning the software lineup battle as well. For the life of me, I don't understand why they left so many things out of their conference, and then showed them immediately afterwards.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Ymeegod on June 10, 2014, 04:42:49 PM
Overall Nintendo had the best showing but I still think they failed to address the third party issues. Just two games from third parties, just dance and skylanders??
Starfox was somewhat a shocker to me, the series is never a big seller so I figured Nintendo would have gone with something like Metroid. Speaking of which Retro was a no show? Wonder what they are working on?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Ian Sane on June 10, 2014, 04:46:21 PM
Prior to E3 someone here mentioned that they wanted to see Nintendo not hold back on announcements. They didn't and that was good. It's especially good when you look at what's due for 2014. The only surprise was effectively Toad's take on Super Luigi U. I wasn't impressed with 2014 before E3 and I'm still not. It seems like Nintendo's getting caught off guard by the complications of HD development that they warned everyone else of is still impacting the Wii U's development.
But 2015 (assuming everything doesn't get delayed) seems much more promising. And it's much more interesting. Nintendo announced some new IPs. I expected Nintendo to make a response here and they effectively did. It didn't knock my socks off or anything but it isn't just the status quo. We didn't just get a mountain of the same old bullshit that hasn't sold Wii U's. I don't think Nintendo has shown anything that can turn the Wii U around but it looks like Nintendo is at least trying. They're not at the point where I think they know exactly WHAT to do, but they know they need to do something different.
Right now I can think of three Wii U games that have my interest: Pikmin 3, Xenoblade X and the new Zelda. One game has been released, one doesn't come out until next year and one is still far enough off that it may end up on the Wii U's successor. So I'm still not excited about the Wii U and with the third party support being as rough as it is I wonder how it will do for the rest of 2014. To turn it around Nintendo needed a big surprise for this year and they didn't have it and won't.
Still I'm glad Nintendo is hip enough to the situation to know that they needed to show damn near everything they could in development. If they did the type of E3 they've done for the last several years what would this have been? Just that Toad thing? They saved their presentation by loading it with future projects.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: broodwars on June 10, 2014, 04:52:09 PM
I do love that they opened on a "we don't have any Mario games today" joke...and then proceeded to show off 2 new Mario games: Mario Maker and Toad's Treasure Hunt. -_-'
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on June 10, 2014, 04:58:55 PM
According to Reggie, Nintendo doesn't feel having a 2 hour conference is the way to go so they are breaking thing into parts and spreading them around throughout e3. That's why they are waiting to show more stuff not only tonight after the smash tourney but later in the week. So far, all of the big three press events have been most solid. MS moved at a great pace and showed just games. Sony had a great start but stalled in the middle plus no The Last Guardian. Nintendo probably had the best presentation, just lacked 3rd party support. Not bad at all!
DAT Zelda!
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Adrock on June 10, 2014, 05:01:42 PM
I do love that they opened on a "we don't have any Mario games today" joke...and then proceeded to show off 2 new Mario games: Mario Maker and Toad's Treasure Hunt. -_-'
Ehh, neither are traditional Mario games (particularly Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker) and unlike the past two years, Mario wasn't headlining Nintendo's E3. Zelda seems to be getting the most buzz and they should like 40 seconds of it unless you count the minute Link and Epona were just standing in that field.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on June 10, 2014, 05:19:02 PM
What I found great the second time watching Link and Epona in the field was how the land darkened as clouds passed in fron of the sun in the sky. I love that it had touches like that already.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Mop it up on June 10, 2014, 05:29:17 PM
Expected/10
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Adrock on June 10, 2014, 06:41:45 PM
I just finished watching the Play Nintendo - Nintendo E3 Digital Event. It's very good albeit heavy on nostalgia. Nintendo went all in with their own fans, not that they really had a choice. Since I'm a Nintendo fan and Wii U owner, I would pick this as my favorite of the three presentations because they hit so many high notes and more importantly, games I'm far more interested in. Still, viewing them with an unbiased eye, I'd give the edge to Sony again for a more balanced presentation (though all three are continuing that terrible habit of "Look at all these new games you can play........... next year"). If you aren't a fan of Nintendo's games, there's nothing here for you, except maybe Splatoon since it's new.
Speaking of, Splatoon looks pretty cool. This is Nintendo's take on shooters. When people were talking about Mario Paintball, I was opposed to the idea and this is why. Mario doesn't belong in a game like this. Mario games should be Mario games. Nintendo gets to do so much with this concept by making an original IP. I think someone started a Splatoon thread so I'll post more about it there. In terms of E3 Impressions, I'm surprised and impressed that Splatoon is the last game Nintendo discussed on the Digital Event (the Palutena debut trailer was more like the after-credits scene). It shows Nintendo has confidence in the game and they want people to notice it because they could have easily ended with Zelda.
Nintendo did a much better job going with a digital presentation this year. If you're going to go the pre-recorded route, take advantage of it. That's exactly what they did. The Robot Chicken-esque segments were surprisingly pretty good, the Dragon Ball Z Iwata-Reggie fight was good, and they even threw in a Luigi Death Stare. It's strange that this is the same company that spent an obnoxious amount of time on Nintendo Land and as the end of their press conference. This is one of those rare occasions where it feels like Nintendo "gets it" and I hope this isn't a fluke.
As for the other games... I have no interest in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. I'll be surprised if Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker gets a retail release. Looks fun though, Captain Toad's levels were a fun distraction in Super Mario 3D World. I would never spend $60 on it. Same goes for Yoshi's Wooly World though it looks way more interesting that Kriby's Epic Yarn. Xenoblade Chronicles is about what I expected. Unless it gets a limited release, I probably won't buy it on release day. I'm not sure what to think of Mario Maker. Do you edit in Super Mario Bros. style then play in New Super Mario Bros. style? If so, ew. I'm not creative enough to make my own levels (or at least make good levels), but I would probably buy the game to play other people's creations.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Shaymin on June 10, 2014, 11:03:07 PM
So looking at what we know exists... they could go one WiiU game a month from now until after next E3. They won't (August and January look to be the gaps, Zelda's definitely holiday), but we know the following: - Wii Sports Club 7/25 - Hyrule Warriors September - Bayonetta 1/2 October - Smash and Captain Toad in November/December Then 2015 has Devil's Third, Mario Maker, Game of the Year Xenoblade Chronicles X, Kirby, Yoshi, Splatoon, Star Fox and Zelda. 8 out of 12 months covered off the hop. That's not counting what they could announce as eShop exclusives, future Directs, or even next year's E3. (And that also gives you things like Pushmo World next week.)
Nintendo was told repeatedly to wind down the WiiU in 2015, and they're doubling down instead. I like this move.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on June 10, 2014, 11:17:08 PM
This is the Nintendo we been waiting for the company that plays to their strengths. GAMES, the thing people remember about Nintendo is their damn games, make the games good and people will forget how much they hate the hardware. i LOVED the video you can tell those two guys love their jobs. Who wouldn't want to be the top dog at hands down the best video game developer in the world?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: azeke on June 10, 2014, 11:30:39 PM
I had to stay up all night watching Treehouse stream after Digital Event. It was awesome. Thankfully Gamepad (i watched all E3 conferences on Wii U on twitch and youtube) has headphone jack so i simply muted my TV and watched it all with headphones so that i won't wake up anyone. Yoshi looks FUN and very nice. I noticed collectathon nature on Yoshi's Island is reduced and you're collecting flowers and Epic Yarn style crystals. No yellow stars and red coins BS.
Smash Bros tournament was great!
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on June 11, 2014, 01:10:47 AM
By the way, I see Zelda Williams appearance was for the Smash Bros. tourney and she entered with a Majora's Mask which further continues the trend people have commenting on about the tease of that game all the time. Still no word on a remake though. However, has it been announced yet what the mystery 3DS game presentation is yet? Perhaps this reveal may yet come tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: ShyGuy on June 11, 2014, 01:27:19 AM
I for one, applaud Broodwars for his Nintendo positivity. Maybe he is more balanced and reasonable than I took him for...
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: broodwars on June 11, 2014, 01:32:14 AM
I for one, applaud Broodwars for his Nintendo positivity. Maybe he is more balanced and reasonable than I took him for...
Eh...I've mellowed over the years. Old age and being partially responsible for a podcast has made me soft. :P: :
In all seriousness, I'm a cynical bastard to be sure, but I'm still a Nintendo fan. This E3 certainly drove that home, that's for sure. I was pretty damn depressed by most of Monday's Press Events, and Nintendo's stuff on Tuesday made me happy. It wasn't entirely what I wanted and I still have more than my share of issues with Nintendo, but after Monday I was glad to see something different.
And Nintendo, to their credit, is slowly but surely changing into more of the company I've wanted them to be. This E3 showed them more self-aware and just more open to having fun with their North American fanbase.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Kytim89 on June 11, 2014, 01:38:06 AM
Overall, Nintendo won this year's E3 because it was the best they have had in nearly a decade. As soon as I saw the Zelda trailer Nintendo won the show in my heart. As for X and Bayonetta, those two games alone would be enough for me to buy a Wii U. Sadly no mention of a new Metroid or F-Zero game was a let down.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Adrock on June 11, 2014, 01:46:10 AM
Well, there's still the 3DS event tonight.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Kytim89 on June 11, 2014, 01:53:53 AM
An F-Zero for 3DS would make more sense since Mario Kart 7 came out almost two years ago. As for Metroid on 3DS, that Donkey Kong Country port was possibly a tech demo for a 2D Metroid for 3DS and Nintendo sold the game at retail to payback the research and development costs of porting the engine to the 3DS.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on June 11, 2014, 01:57:10 AM
Today has been Nintendo's...no the best single day by any company at E3 in, well maybe ever. TreeHouse live was outstanding. What Reggie said about normal press conferences not being good for Nintendo because half of their developers don't speak english and it doesn't "translate" well on stage at first IO thought was straight bullshit but lo and behold the man was spot on. Give me this every year. Not some "suit" using his hands as if he's talking to stockholders and not gamers. And then the Smash tourney to end it all. GREAT JOB!!!
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: UncleBob on June 11, 2014, 02:35:22 AM
After watching the full "Digital Event" without interruption and tons of other footage...
There's a bunch of little things I could complain about (like spending an eternity on a CGI-fake-fight-scene to introduce a game we already knew about)...
There's a bunch of things to be excited about (Captain Toad! Wright v. Layton US release!)...
After all this, I can honestly and truly say I feel exactly the same about Nintendo after watching all this as I did before.
"It's a great time to be a Nintendo fan."
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Luigi Dude on June 11, 2014, 03:03:13 AM
There's a bunch of little things I could complain about (like spending an eternity on a CGI-fake-fight-scene to introduce a game we already knew about)...
I didn't think Nintendo spent too much time on the DBZ fight. They were catering to their own fanbase by pitting Reggie against Iwata. A little showmanship and self-awareness are things Nintendo has been sorely missing. It was a fun way to introduce Miis into Super Smash Bros. It plays to the strengths of a pre-recorded message. And it isn't like Nintendo couldn't have had a live press conference this year. They had the Nokia Theatre to themselves. Instead of filling it with industry people, they filled it with fans and had the Super Smash Bros. Invitational. Maybe I'm giving them too much credit. They've had some total ass E3 showings in the past, but I thought they did pretty we this year despite the dearth of third party titles.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: UncleBob on June 11, 2014, 09:09:40 AM
I don't want to spend a lot of time harping on it, because, like I said, it's a "little thing"... it just irked me that it went on for sooooo long. Microsoft and Sony have gotten so much crap for showing CGI-rendered footage - yet Nintendo spent 10 minutes on a CGI fight scene that had virtually *nothing* to do with a game and nothing to do with showing us a *new* game... and it was the first thing they showed us right out the gate. It's a minor annoyance, but it sticks out to me because it's the very first thing they showed.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Soren on June 11, 2014, 09:52:27 AM
It wasn't 10 minutes though. At the 2:30 mark on the direct we're already seeing the Mii's fighting and at the 3 minute mark the Amiibo figures are revealed. A minute later Sakurai is talking about Smash Bros.
The Digital Event exceeded my expectations. They weren't high to begin with but it's still a positive. Almost every game they showed had me hyped up. Yoshi, Kirby, Zelda, Splatoon, Captain Toad are all day 1 buys for me right now. I was a little lukewarm about Bayonetta 2 but now I think I'm more hyped for it than I've ever been. And while Xenoblade's character models underwhelmed me, seeing it in action at the Treehouse redeemed the game for now.
Also, can we talk about the Treehouse event? This is probably the best thing to happen to E3 in years. The idea of suffering through awkward game presentations on a stage or brief, hurried demos on GameTrailers or IGN is over. Devs had plenty of time to go through the games in depth, the banter wasn't scripted and the hosts were generally well versed and charming. This has to be standard from now on, right?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: UncleBob on June 11, 2014, 10:40:21 AM
Obviously, the "10 minutes" was not to be taken as the literal exact amount of time spent on the fight. And to clear up any other confusion, the "spending an eternity" was also not to be taken as a literal observation either.
*I* didn't like it. It's great that y'all did and it's great (?) that the internet will now have even more manufactured memes half-generated by Nintendo. I didn't like it and that's just how I feel about it. If it had been later in the direct (or, even better, held until the Smash Bros. Event), then I'd probably be okay with it. Just the fact that Nintendo chose to lead off with it - and for the purpose of introducing a title we already knew about... It was just the low point of the event for *me*.
Think of it this way - If the entire event had been similar things over and over - (2:30 long segments of Nintendo Execs having nothing to do with the game they're about to introduce, then introducing a game we already knew about) - this event would have been considered pretty bland.
On the other hand, imagine if the entire event had been like the awesome Splatoon!! segment. Enter with a short teaser that actually ties right into this brand spankin' new game we've never heard of before or seen anything like. Tons of great gameplay footage to get you hyped. Developers talking about what the game is and what it does - introducing us to the brand new world they've created. Now, imagine if the event had been that 10 more times. It would have been amazingly awesome.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Adrock on June 11, 2014, 11:06:34 AM
The fight wasn't so much introducing a game we knew about as it was introducing things about said game that we didn't know about: Mii Fighters (three different types of customizable characters is a pretty big deal for Super Smash Bros.) and to a lesser extent, Amiibo.
You don't have to like it and I'm certainly not trying to convince you otherwise. I liked the build-up because Nintendo generally sucks at hype, being the same company that thought keeping Cranky Kong a secret mattered to anyone. The segment worked for me because they only did it once and it worked for what they were announcing. Miis are pretty much getting overshadowed by Pac-Man's announcement, but the way Miis are being implemented is pretty ingenious, even if they aren't available in all online modes.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: shingi_70 on June 11, 2014, 12:23:08 PM
Nintendo won E3 hands down for me this year. I was hoping that Nintendo wouldn't fall into the current trend of everything is 2015 but it can't be helped it seems. My favorite game so far is probably Xenoblade chronicles X and the paint shooter.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: nickmitch on June 11, 2014, 12:26:34 PM
I think the winner of E3 is the company that announced a better 2014 to 2015 ratio.
Need to check the stats sheet for that.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on June 11, 2014, 12:39:32 PM
What Unclebob mentioned would be pretty good but I enjoy some humour with this celebration of new games to come. However, what are the chances that something like that could be pulled off? The Zelda and Star Fox games are clearly a ways off in development to be showing anything like Splatoon did. Without those, were there even 10 other new games shown? Probably half the segment was on games we already know existed. The chances of a digital event like that happening now or in the future are going to be slim and maybe best possible around the time of a new hardware launch.
Personally, I liked it. It's like the format of a late-night talk show. You open with some comedy bits and then get into the guest interviews with a little brief comedy segment here or there inbetween them. As I was talking with a couple others in chat, I kept hoping for more Robot Chicken stuff. It was just as fun as getting to be surprised by a new game. All in all, I really liked the mood of the whole event.
I saw a couple segments from the Treehouse live. It was alright but nothing I stuck around for. It reminded me a little of in the past when G4 would do their E3 shows and have the host sit in an area and talk with different developers on the games they were showing on the floor so that didn't strike me as anything special but maybe I missed something there. When it first started, they seemed to keep having trouble with getting trailers to load and it illustrated the difference between a live show and the digital event. With the digital event, you can edit and polish it so that it is a smooth viewing experience. Contrast that to the days where a live show could bomb or have technical difficulties (like Skyward Sword not working for Miyamoto when he went to demonstrate it) and, especially this time around, it just seems like the better choice.
The Smash Tourney and involving the crowd was also a great touch. Was really hoping that Kirby would come out on top as the grand winner as that is my first character of choice even if he isn't always the best choice for fighting.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Soren on June 11, 2014, 12:57:18 PM
Looks like the Treehouse are highlighting Indie games today. Guacamelee on right now and later Swords and Soldiers.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 11, 2014, 10:05:00 PM
I do love that they opened on a "we don't have any Mario games today" joke...and then proceeded to show off 2 new Mario games: Mario Maker and Toad's Treasure Hunt. -_-'
If Toad's Treasure Hunt counts as Mario game, so does Yoshi's Wooly World.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: UncleBob on June 11, 2014, 10:10:44 PM
I count both of them as Mario games. If they're not Mario games, then how about not using established Mario characters in them?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 11, 2014, 10:19:10 PM
Well if you want to go that far, then all the games you'd consider Mario games are actually Donkey Kong games.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on June 11, 2014, 10:30:55 PM
Looks like someone doesn't know their Nintendo history/franchises.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on June 11, 2014, 10:39:01 PM
In this thread, Smash Bros. is a Mario game confirmed.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 11, 2014, 10:40:45 PM
And technically they'd all be "Jumpman" or "Mr. Video" games...
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: UncleBob on June 11, 2014, 10:55:02 PM
Well if you want to go that far, then all the games you'd consider Mario games are actually Donkey Kong games.
Actually, I'd be more inclined to say Donkey Kong games are Mario games. ;)
But the "Oh, look! Not another Mario Game because it doesn't feature Mario!" is missing the point. It's not that these fans don't want another game where the main character is Mario - its that they want new and exciting ways to play. Splatoon does that. Captain Toad is more of what we got in 3D World. Yarn Yoshi is more Yoshi's Island (which, it seems, everyone's been disappointed with every previous attempt to revive that concept). That's not to say these games look bad. Hell, Captain Toad is probably going to be a Day-One purchase for me.
"Mario" stands for a lot of things - and in this case, when fans say they're tired of Mario games, they mean they're tired of more of the same. This doesn't mean "the same" is bad - it just means they're tired of eating pizza and Chinese take out and want to try the new BBQ place down the block.
Now, I don't mind more Mario games. I like them. I want them. But I understand folks what folks who say they're tired of Mario games really mean - but it's apparent from this that Nintendo doesn't.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 11, 2014, 11:01:11 PM
UncleBob = Mario-hating fascist confirmed.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: UncleBob on June 11, 2014, 11:01:50 PM
Yup, that's me. ;)
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: MagicCow64 on June 12, 2014, 02:08:33 AM
Well if you want to go that far, then all the games you'd consider Mario games are actually Donkey Kong games.
Actually, I'd be more inclined to say Donkey Kong games are Mario games. ;)
But the "Oh, look! Not another Mario Game because it doesn't feature Mario!" is missing the point. It's not that these fans don't want another game where the main character is Mario - its that they want new and exciting ways to play. Splatoon does that. Captain Toad is more of what we got in 3D World. Yarn Yoshi is more Yoshi's Island (which, it seems, everyone's been disappointed with every previous attempt to revive that concept). That's not to say these games look bad. Hell, Captain Toad is probably going to be a Day-One purchase for me.
"Mario" stands for a lot of things - and in this case, when fans say they're tired of Mario games, they mean they're tired of more of the same. This doesn't mean "the same" is bad - it just means they're tired of eating pizza and Chinese take out and want to try the new BBQ place down the block.
Now, I don't mind more Mario games. I like them. I want them. But I understand folks what folks who say they're tired of Mario games really mean - but it's apparent from this that Nintendo doesn't.
Ehhh, I dunno. I totally agree with your assessment of Yoshi. As someone who doesn't care for Yoshi's Island, though, but really liked Yoshi's Story, and loved Kirby's Epic Yarn, I've gotten sold on Wooly World, almost against my will.
I think overall with this E3 Nintendo has sort of clarified what their ethos is all about, and of course there's going to be a lot of Mario in there. As far as Nintendo not understanding how to handle that, though, I had a different impression. Captain Toad is just a completely new kind of thing. It's Mario in a broad sense, but the Toad levels stood out in 3D World for a reason. Of anything coming out anytime soon, I'm weirdly most excited for Treasure Tracker. Those levels in 3D World felt like they were cooking up a new recipe in much the same way that Mario Galaxy paved the way for Galaxy 2, one of the best things ever made. And the a cappella challenges in Sunshine feel the same way in relation to Galaxy and 3D World. Obviously Cap'n Toad isn't going to be on the same scale, but it's fresh and interesting to me.
Mario Maker even seems to be like an extension of their art-creation angle which occupied the DS for a time. Again, Mario branded, but the actual product is pretty unique in Nintendo's catalogue, but also an extension of previous ideas.
What would've been worrying is if Nintendo had spent 20 minutes on New Peach U and/or Luigi 3D World DLC packs. It seems like we're done with mainline 2D or 3D Mario games for the rest of the current console and handheld generation. And instead of coughing into their fist, Nintendo is sticking to their guns. This probably won't have a huge effect on the WiiU's success, but I'm pleased to see the commitment to an overall aesthetically driven enterprise.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: lolmonade on June 13, 2014, 04:25:05 PM
Nintendo made some serious effort to not only have good game reveals this year, but have a level of polish in their presentation. That's the biggest benefit of doing a "digital event" or "Nintendo Direct" at E3: being able to control the message and have a higher level of quality presentation, because everything is pre-recorded and there isn't room for error. Glad to see they learned their lesson from last year. I didn't even think their game announcements were bad last year, but the way they presented the message was miserable.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on June 13, 2014, 09:58:55 PM
I gotta admit pre-E3 I was in the Nintendo is dying camp, or at least Wii U was as good as dead. I think they did a good job energizing the core base, even many of us who were losing interest so I would say that alone makes this a good E3 for them. Captain Toad, Spaltoon, Kirby, Mario vs DK, and Zelda U all have me excited to get one of these game machines. Everything else is just bonus which is what they needed. Up till now they had what five games I would consider buying, now assuming these all get released as promised, there are too many for me to keep track of which is what they needed something for everyone. Yes there are people sick of Mario and Mario-type games but there are also those who aren't sick of them but want something fresh and I see lots of fresh in this line up.
As far as 3rd party support, they might as well write off the US entirely but if they can get some Japanese partners to step it up then they might be able to get some good games out there eventually.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Diet Cake on June 18, 2014, 10:14:29 PM
I have to say, I was very impressed with this E3. With the last E3 being nothing too special, I think this E3 is a big step up. Unlike Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo managed to show great exclusives for Wii U. The Amiibo figures are an interesting idea, though I don't find its use in Smash Bros. too intriguing. The new Zelda looks amazing, though not the art style I expected. Splatoon seems like a fun game that takes a new spin on shooters. Smash Bros. is obviously amazing, and the invitational was fun to watch. The one think I hate was that the news was spread out among the Digital Event and the live Treehouse stream. In conclusion, I think they won E3 because they came prepared. Also, 2015 seems like a HUGE year for Wii U.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: RarityGamer on July 08, 2014, 06:48:08 PM
I don't think Nintendo did amazing, but I do think they made a giant step in the right direction. If more of these titles were coming out this year, they would of stole the show in my opinion. What they did do though was show some great games for the Wii u that I have no doubt will help sales either soon or next year.
The games they showed convinced me to get a Wii u despite not liking the gamepad for example, and even though I know it's probably going to have a short life, I'm quite happy with the amount of games coming to it. I'll basically get my money's worth.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Caterkiller on July 10, 2014, 07:31:22 PM
Can I just say that Nintendo's take on E3 this year was 10 times better than any other company's ever? The pre made digital show allowed jokes to flow smoothly with no BS awkward moments on stage. No freeze ups on early demos and no potential lack luster audience to make things seem less cool. Though I was with an enormous amount of Nintendo fans(over a thousand) during the live showing and the crowds were roaring in downtown LA! It was all pretty exciting.
The treehouse constantly going with people who know the games left and right playing them how they should be played was so much better than some dummy making everything look boring and putting their own spin on everything. There was so much constant and NEW information every day it was amazing! That is how E3 should always be done! I don't see how anyone could say other wise! So many of you once again looked down on the fact that "Nintendo wasn't doing E3 again" but look now! At first people questioned why Nintendo would abandon a live conference, now people question why no one thought of doing it like that sooner!
As for the games I am the unquestionable master and ruler of Smash. Played it there, saw Sakurai at the tournament, and loved that fight scene between the presidents. It was all just so magical! I bought the U for Nintendo in general but I really bought it for Smash Bros!
Zelda blew me away, lets just see if it can keep surprising me. I have loved all Zelda's for the most part but there has always been something since WW that really irked me with each title.
Splatoon looks super fun, can't wait.
And everything else I will probably buy. Smash Bros.
Ridley.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Oblivion on July 10, 2014, 10:32:19 PM
Yeah, the Digital Event was pretty good. I was far more impressed by Nintendo Treehouse. Almost constant stream of gameplay on new games was fucking glorious.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: RarityGamer on July 15, 2014, 05:22:19 AM
Just to add, the treehouse was great, but those 2 project games Miyamoto showed were just embarrassingly bad. They really shouldn't of shown that and I can't believe the NWR crew defended it on their podcast.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: ShyGuy on July 15, 2014, 10:31:03 AM
I thought the base defense game looked cool, but the controls and physics of the giant robot game looked awkward. What didn't you like about them?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: RarityGamer on July 15, 2014, 12:05:42 PM
For Project Giant Robot, the slow clunky and horrible control scheme, the "combat" is dull and tedious and lacks any sort of enjoyment. The idea itself is nothing creative. It's basically a really poorly made Giant robot fight.
As for the defence game. It's the most basic of all tower defence sort of games as they come that lacked any sort of creativity or originality.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 15, 2014, 03:01:10 PM
I'm sure that by the time we see either of those games again, it will look and probably play nothing like what we saw at E3.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on July 15, 2014, 04:20:31 PM
It's been stressed a lot those games are in early development as well so it is not like they are about to get released in a month or two. Clearly, the focus is still on controls and utilizing the gamepad. While the gamepla might be basic, I think the idea is just to make sure the whatever control scheme they are using can work with something basic before it gets expanded with more and more ideas.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: ShyGuy on July 15, 2014, 07:39:16 PM
I bet Miyamoto incorporates both of them into his Starfox game. You're a Starfox fan, right Rarity? ;)
But seriously, these a pre alpha prototypes that show how Nintendo fleshes out its ideas. I appreciate the behind the scenes look at the process.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: rlse9 on July 15, 2014, 10:49:23 PM
The problem I have with them showing those early projects was that half the idea was to show off unique ideas for the Gamepad and if they're as early as they looked, it wouldn't surprise me if games based on them don't see the light of day until Nintendo's next system.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on July 15, 2014, 11:10:22 PM
The problem I have with them showing those early projects was that half the idea was to show off unique ideas for the Gamepad and if they're as early as they looked, it wouldn't surprise me if games based on them don't see the light of day until Nintendo's next system.
Wii U 2 confirmed. Buoyed by the success of how well their E3 Digital Event was received the 2nd time around after the first one fell flat, Nintendo has decided to release the Wii U again as the Wii U 2 to much expected fanfare and positive reception.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Soren on July 15, 2014, 11:21:15 PM
Wii Them confirmed.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on July 15, 2014, 11:25:15 PM
Wii US
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 15, 2014, 11:28:17 PM
Wii Mii
c'mon guys, that one was obvious.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: ShyGuy on July 15, 2014, 11:35:56 PM
When people didn't buy the Gamecube, Nintendo re-released it again with a motion controller and called it the Wii. YOU WILL LIKE IT
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 16, 2014, 01:04:28 AM
They could call it the Wii Do, and release a bunch of Wii Makes, and attempt to Wii Gain our trust and Wii Spect to keep us as Wii Peat customers.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Spak-Spang on July 16, 2014, 02:12:41 AM
You know seriously, if Nintendo was to make a Wii 2 in say 3-4 years. That uses the Wii U controller and allows for 4 player simultaneous play, it would be a huge hit...and you all know it. I would be interesting in that product, and because the control would not need to have huge R&D costs then maybe they can lower the price to normal-ish controller costs.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: RarityGamer on July 16, 2014, 04:13:50 AM
I seriously doubt it would be a hit. I own a Wii u, and I'm still not interested in the pad. I bought the console for the games and that's exactly what people want. Not Nintendo's strange use of the word "innovation" as a selling point.
I really hope their next console just uses a standard game pad.
Oh, and if Miyamoto does use those things in Starfox. I'll be the first to introduce him to my middle finger.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 16, 2014, 05:07:43 AM
If you think one poorly-executed tech demo is enough to write off a whole concept you're crazy. We finally got Nintendo to show stuff more than six months away from release and being that critical of things that were obviously just tech demos is only going to make them revert to their old habits.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: RarityGamer on July 16, 2014, 06:21:20 AM
I didn't say that. They shouldn't of showed it. It's not just beyond 6 months away, it's not even 2 years away at that stage.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 16, 2014, 06:28:06 AM
I disagree, I enjoy seeing the little weird concept stuff they've got going on in the background.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Khushrenada on July 16, 2014, 10:25:37 AM
You know seriously, if Nintendo was to make a Wii 2 in say 3-4 years. That uses the Wii U controller and allows for 4 player simultaneous play, it would be a huge hit...and you all know it. I would be interesting in that product, and because the control would not need to have huge R&D costs then maybe they can lower the price to normal-ish controller costs.
Is this like a full-on new console or pretty much a glorified four player Wii U? Frankly I don't think Nintendo will ever find any meaningful success with an outdated console again. But assuming they made something with up-to-date hardware and it had all the consumer expected bulletpoints checked off I still don't think four player Gamepad support is going to attract much interest. Surely if the concept was so awesome the Wii U would have sold better and if Nintendo actually had great ideas for the thing, they would have used them already.
Another thing to note is that the younger generation doesn't really give a **** about local multiplayer which is where the whole appeal of four gamepads would be. Kids today have never lived without the internet. They didn't have the N64 years of playing four players in the same room. They don't have that personal connection so I don't think it matters to them. Being limited to the internet for multiplayer is fine for them - case in point the backlash against numerous online-only multiplayer games is tiny and perpetrated by old ass gamers in their 30s like me.
The Gamepad concept is very similar to Cube games like Crystal Chronicles and Four Swords and the "benefits" seemed kind of silly even then. "You get your own screen!" "Well I also get that with online play." "Ah but here you can interact with the other players!" "...and I can't do that with a headset?" The whole concept was like Nintendo's weird ass alternative to online play, like something you would expect from some isolated hermit who didn't know the internet existed. It was kind of silly in 2003 and it's ridiculous now. It solves a problem that virtually no one has. The person that wants an online-like experience in the physical presence of other players is a very niche market.
If offering four player gamepad support doesn't compromise anything important like the specs or the price or the ability to have a worthwhile controller then, sure, they can offer it. But I don't think it will attract any real interest at all. What is the million dollar videogame idea that it offers that can't already be done with online play?
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Eiksirf on July 17, 2014, 03:20:33 PM
That sounds about right to me. The controller hook just didn't click with people like the motion sensitive controller did. Remember how shocking it was that it was one-handed? It demanded your attention.
Now, Nintendo is seeing some more success for Wii U and it's coming on the heels of this good E3 showing. It's the first-party software that's creating interest, not the controller. The Wii was a huge hit, but it was an anomaly because it caught on in the mainstream. With Wii U and consoles in the foreseeable future, Nintendo is going to have to carve out its marketshare the old fashioned way, with compelling software.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Spak-Spang on July 17, 2014, 07:58:21 PM
Well Ian: If you had 4 players at a time...you would have to have an updated system wouldn't you. I figure a system that could stream to 4 different controller screens would have to be pretty powerful, if it is using the same technique to stream the game. However, I am sure when it is playing games like this in 4 player it would be like split screen in the old days.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 17, 2014, 08:01:46 PM
It's not just a matter of the power to render the visuals, they also need the wireless bandwidth to stream to four separate screens. That might not be that easy.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Spak-Spang on July 17, 2014, 09:38:03 PM
True. If I was Nintendo though, I would keep the resolution of the gamepad the same, then I would just work on being able to send a single larger video feed. Then the controllers can only display part of the image...according to what player they are.
It would literally work exactly like split screen gaming did back in the day. So I think it could be possible but it might be difficult.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Evan_B on July 17, 2014, 11:15:29 PM
Sorry, but I just don't see that idea being feasible or beneficial to video gaming in any way.
Ian, you're quick to state that modern video gamers have never lived without the internet, but you underestimate how much of the youthful audience has never had a meaningful connection with that platform. I talk to kids every day that aren't allowed on the internet or even given the ability to use Streetpass because of parental controls. Local multiplayer is a thing, but Nintendo focused too much on complex uses for it rather than simplified ideas. They thought that the Wii userbase would have "grown up" by now and adopted a more complex state of mind, but it turns out, the audience that grew up on the Wii, and every subsequent generation prior, don't care about that stuff. That's where the bad sales come from, not kids.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 18, 2014, 02:10:56 AM
True. If I was Nintendo though, I would keep the resolution of the gamepad the same, then I would just work on being able to send a single larger video feed. Then the controllers can only display part of the image...according to what player they are.
It would literally work exactly like split screen gaming did back in the day. So I think it could be possible but it might be difficult.
That is the exact idea I had 3 years ago when we first started discussing how to make multiple gamepads work.
Title: Re: 2014 E3 Impressions
Post by: Nile Boogie Returns on July 18, 2014, 02:39:09 AM
@IAN
As a father of 5 kids all under 13, I can tell you that local multiplayer is still a very big deal. Mario Kart 8, NBA2k14, Madden, SM3DW. The only game they play on line is POPTROPICA and CALL of Duty. When the cousins or the neighborhood kids come over, it all local.
